Ritchie: Put Brakes on New License Plate Plan

***CLICK HERE TO SIGN THE PETITION***

State Senator Patty Ritchie is encouraging motorists across New York State to sign her petition that calls for the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles to drop its plan requiring drivers to obtain new license plates.

Under the plan announced this week, beginning on April 1st of next year, three million drivers with plates that are 10 years or older will automatically get new plates when they renew their registration.

The new plates will come with a $25 fee—in addition to the registration renewal cost—and there will also be an additional $20 fee to keep the same plate number. It’s estimated that replacing every current plate on the road will cost motorists at least $75 million in higher vehicle registration fees next year alone.

According to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, replacing old plates will eliminate legibility issues for law enforcement, as well as automated toll systems.

“After raising taxes by $2 billion in this year’s budget, Albany is now looking for another way to burden hardworking taxpayers by making us buy new license plates for our cars, trucks and work vehicles—whether we need them or not,” said Senator Patty Ritchie.

“While I understand the need to replace peeling plates, as well as to ensure that plates can be read by automated tollbooths and law enforcement—I strongly disagree with asking New Yorkers to open their wallets and pay yet another unnecessary fee.”

Senator Ritchie launched a similar petition in 2009 when she was serving as St. Lawrence County Clerk. The petition amassed hundreds of thousands of signatures from people across the state who opposed a similar plan proposed by then-Governor David Paterson. The plan was ultimately rejected by state legislators.

“The last time this plan was proposed, hundreds of thousands of people signed my online petition to halt it, with many questioning how they could afford the new fee when they struggle to pay for essentials like groceries and medications,” she added.

“I am hopeful that people will again join with me and sign my petition to put the brakes on this plan to increase costs for drivers across our state.”

To sign Senator Ritchie’s petition, click here.