§ 404-l. Distinctive regional design plates. 1. On or after October
first, nineteen hundred ninety-two, any person residing in this state
shall, upon request, be issued a license plate with a distinctive
regional design approved by the commissioner. The commissioner may also
issue such distinctive plates with special numerals and/or letters
requested by the applicant. Application for said license plate shall be
filed with the commissioner in such form and detail as the commissioner
shall prescribe.

2. A distinctive plate issued pursuant to this section shall be issued
in the same manner as other number plates upon payment of the regular
registration fee prescribed by section four hundred one of this article
provided, however, that an additional annual service charge of
thirty-one dollars and twenty-five cents shall be charged for such
plates, and provided that a further additional annual service charge of
thirty-one dollars and twenty-five cents shall be charged for any such
plate containing specially requested numerals and/or letters. Provided,
however, in lieu of the annual fee specified herein, the commissioner
may establish specific categories of plates for which an annual fee of
not less than eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents nor more than
thirty-one dollars and twenty-five cents may be charged subject to the
approval of the director of the division of the budget. Notwithstanding
any inconsistent provision of this section, the difference collected
between the annual service charge or fee set forth in this subdivision
in effect on and after September first, two thousand nine and the annual
service charge or fee set forth in this subdivision in effect prior to
such date shall be deposited to the credit of the dedicated highway and
bridge trust fund.