Pics of my 1993 FHP

[28HopUp]

Originally Posted by ABN2060

321.03 Imitations prohibited; penalty.--It shall be unlawful for any person or persons in the state to color or cause to be colored any motor vehicle or motorcycle the same or similar color as the color or colors so prescribed for the Florida Highway Patrol. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section or s. 321.02 with respect to uniforms, emblems, motor vehicles and motorcycles shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall employ such clerical help and mechanics as may be necessary for the economical and efficient operation of such department.

I'm not a lawyer, but as I interpret the above wording, it says nothing about owning or operating a vehicle with the same or similar color as the color or colors so prescribed for the Florida Highway Patrol. It's only illegal to paint it (or have it painted) in those colors. So if you have a Floirda SSP with the original paint (as auctioned off by the state), then you've done nothing wrong. Right? If that's all the statute says, I think it could be challenged (and won) in court. Please discuss...

And thanks for the pics...

[ssp91ssp]

Wow ! that's a tough state !
So ... even without any markings ?? it can not be driven ?
I guess the best thing there is to just buy an out of state SSP ? or unmarked unit ??
Florida has such a nice color combo too!

ssp91ssp

[NoDrama43]

Originally Posted by ABN2060

Yes it is...in Florida. The way I read it is you will be fine as long as you don't drive it in Florida:

It is illegal to own or operate a car in the colors of the Florida Highway Patrol; if one is caught in the black and cream paint scheme, you can be charged with a misdemeanor (Florida State Statute 321.03).

321.03 Imitations prohibited; penalty.--It shall be unlawful for any person or persons in the state to color or cause to be colored any motor vehicle or motorcycle the same or similar color as the color or colors so prescribed for the Florida Highway Patrol. Any person violating any of the provisions of this section or s. 321.02 with respect to uniforms, emblems, motor vehicles and motorcycles shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shall employ such clerical help and mechanics as may be necessary for the economical and efficient operation of such department.

ANYONE can own and operate a black and tan colored car in the state of Florida. The statute cited ONLY prohibits you painting (coloring) the car black or tan, or having it painted black and tan. If you bought it that way the statute doesn't apply.

Naturally we all understand that if you are not a member of the FHP you cannot legally drive the car if it is marked.

[MOstang]

This topic for Florida comes up regularly in the SSP circles. I don't live there but it seems like if you plan to drive one in Florida with those colors you are likely to invite far too much unwanted attention and legal risk. If I lived there and wanted to ger an FHP SSP I would plan to also invest in a vehicle with tow package and a trailer.

[ABN2060]

Originally Posted by 28HopUp

I'm not a lawyer, but as I interpret the above wording, it says nothing about owning or operating a vehicle with the same or similar color as the color or colors so prescribed for the Florida Highway Patrol. It's only illegal to paint it (or have it painted) in those colors. So if you have a Floirda SSP with the original paint (as auctioned off by the state), then you've done nothing wrong. Right? If that's all the statute says, I think it could be challenged (and won) in court. Please discuss...

And thanks for the pics...

Originally Posted by NoDrama43

ANYONE can own and operate a black and tan colored car in the state of Florida. The statute cited ONLY prohibits you painting (coloring) the car black or tan, or having it painted black and tan. If you bought it that way the statute doesn't apply.

Naturally we all understand that if you are not a member of the FHP you cannot legally drive the car if it is marked.

You guys are right. If you do drive a black and tan FHP (unmarked) in Florida, I would carry this statute in your glove box. It will save you a big headache. I think all the troopers I have talked to misunderstood the statute or never read it.

[ImEvil1]

All good answers, and there's case law in FL to back up that it isn't enforceable (misd. violation occurring outside the officers' presence, not one of the listed exceptions). Now, there is another law pertaining to the use of any lettering, including TROOPER, that does apply. Then the blue light laws, etc etc etc. It won't stop you from being charged by someone, but it's not really worth the hassle, right?

I'm with MOstang. Tow it and you're all good.