This report addresses concerns about permanent license plates registered to entities not identified as eligible by statute and the many different types of non-state entities eligible for silver license plates. The Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) also identified obstacles that inhibit its ability to ensure entities applying for permanent license plates qualify under state law. The General Assembly should consider limiting eligibility for permanent license plates to governmental entities and reviewing the basis for issuing plates to non-governmental entities; direct DMV to cancel all permanent plates and reissue them to qualifying entities; amend state law to require registration of all permanent license plates in the name of the eligible entity following a standard naming convention; and authorize DMV to revoke permanent license plates registered to entities that fail to obtain an annual vehicle inspection.
Relevant Legislation:
- S.L. 2012-159: Limited eligibility for permanent registration plates to governmental entities, and reformed the process by which eligible entities apply for and are issued permanent registration plates.