New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A05806

Introduced
2/20/25  
Refer
2/20/25  

Caption

Prohibits the sale of covered license plate frames; defines a covered license plate frame to mean any glass or plastic material, artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures a license plate or that distorts a recorded or photographic image of such license plate.

Summary

Bill A05806 seeks to amend the general business law in New York by prohibiting the sale or promotional distribution of covered license plate frames. These frames are defined as any material that conceals or obscures a license plate or distorts its recorded image. The bill aims to enhance vehicle identification and public safety by ensuring that license plates remain visible and legible at all times.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will introduce a new section to the general business law that specifically targets the sale of covered license plate frames. Violators of this law will face civil penalties of up to five hundred dollars per violation, which can be enforced by designated municipal authorities. This change is expected to impact retailers and manufacturers of automotive accessories, as they will need to comply with the new regulations regarding license plate visibility.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A05806 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses public safety concerns related to vehicle identification. However, there may be some opposition from businesses that sell license plate frames, as they could be adversely affected by the prohibition and potential penalties.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from businesses that manufacture or sell license plate frames, who may argue that the bill could negatively impact their sales and livelihood. Additionally, there may be discussions about the effectiveness of such a law in improving public safety and whether existing laws are sufficient to address the issue of obscured license plates.

Companion Bills

NY S04977

Same As Prohibits the sale of covered license plate frames; defines a covered license plate frame to mean any glass or plastic material, artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures a license plate or that distorts a recorded or photographic image of such license plate.

Previously Filed As

NY S04977

Prohibits the sale of covered license plate frames; defines a covered license plate frame to mean any glass or plastic material, artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures a license plate or that distorts a recorded or photographic image of such license plate.

NY A05609

Increases the maximum penalty for concealing a license plate to a fine of one thousand dollars when a license plate is covered or coated with any material or substance that conceals or obscures such license plate or distorts an image of such license plate, when a license plate is covered with glass or plastic material, or when the view of a license plate is obstructed by a part of the vehicle or anything carried thereon.

NY S02447

Increases the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates including the suspension of a vehicle's registration if the vehicle owner does not remove the artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures the license plate or does not purchase new license plates.

NY HB846

Prohibits drivers from obscuring license plates with coverings or films

NY SB2109

License plates; prohibit equipping of device that hides or obscures.

NY AB1091

Vehicles: license plates: 8-letter license plates.

NY S08016

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a decorative or facsimile license plate of a size, shape, color and design which is substantially similar to a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles, such that such decorative or facsimile license plate appears to be a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles.

NY HB2114

AN ACT Relating to defective license plates issued by the department of licensing;

NY SB403

Providing for the pheasants forever, quail forever and delta waterfowl distinctive license plates, restricting the use of material or objects covering a license plate for motor vehicles and modifying the definition of conviction in the Kansas uniform commercial drivers' license act.

NY A5240

Prohibits purposeful obstruction of license plate and possession or transfer of merchandise that obstructs license plate.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.