Attaching an unassigned tag in Fort Lauderdale might seem like a minor mistake — but under Florida law, it’s a criminal offense that can lead to jail time, probation, and a permanent record. Whether you borrowed someone’s tag, transferred a plate between vehicles, or bought a used car with the wrong sticker, this charge can seriously impact your future.
Let’s break down what it means, how it’s charged in Broward County, and what your legal options are.
⚖️ The Law on Unassigned Tags in Florida
Under Florida Statute § 320.261, it is illegal to attach a license plate or validation sticker to any vehicle unless it has been lawfully assigned to that vehicle by the DHSMV.
This means you can be arrested if you:
Move a tag from one car to another
Use someone else’s plate to drive
Attach a tag that hasn’t been properly transferred
Drive with a temporary plate that wasn’t issued to you
🚨 Criminal Penalties in Fort Lauderdale
In Fort Lauderdale and across Broward County, this charge is aggressively prosecuted. It’s classified as a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable by:
Up to 60 days in jail
Up to 6 months of probation
A $500 fine
A permanent criminal record
This is not a civil traffic ticket. If you’re convicted, the charge may be visible on background checks for employment, housing, or professional licensing — and cannot be sealed or expunged in most cases.
🔁 When This Charge Is Filed with Others
In many cases, attaching an unassigned tag is not the only charge. Fort Lauderdale police and FHP troopers often pair it with:
No proof of insurance
These combinations can quickly escalate what seems like a minor traffic stop into a full-blown criminal case.
🛡️ Legal Defenses to Attaching an Unassigned Tag
An experienced Fort Lauderdale traffic defense attorney may be able to:
Show you lacked knowledge or intent to commit the offense
Argue the tag was properly assigned, but the records were outdated
Get you into a pretrial diversion program
Negotiate a withhold of adjudication to avoid a permanent record
Challenge the legality of the traffic stop or search
Every case is different. Your best chance of protecting your record is getting legal help early.
📍 Why Hire a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Traffic Lawyer?
Even if you’ve never been arrested before, this charge can have lasting consequences. At Michael White, P.A., we represent clients in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida facing tag-related and criminal traffic charges.
We work to:
Avoid jail time and convictions
Keep your record clean
Prevent habitual traffic offender status
Resolve your case as quickly and quietly as possible
📞 Call (954) 270-0769 today to schedule a free consultation.
📍 Why Hire a Fort Lauderdale Criminal Traffic Lawyer?
1. Is attaching an unassigned tag a crime in Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. It’s a second-degree misdemeanor under Florida law, even for a first offense.
2. Can I go to jail for a tag that isn’t assigned to my car?
Yes, though many first-time offenders avoid jail with a good lawyer and a proactive defense.
3. What if I didn’t know the tag wasn’t assigned?
Intent is key. Your lawyer may argue you lacked knowledge, which can lead to dismissal or reduced charges.
4. Will this show up on my background check?
If convicted, yes — and it can’t be sealed or expunged unless adjudication is withheld.
5. Can I fight this charge in Broward County?
Absolutely. A skilled defense attorney can help you avoid a conviction and protect your record.