SERINO TO DMV: HALT PLAN TO HIT NEW YORKERS WITH NEW FEE

HYDE PARK, NY—Senator Sue Serino today released the following statement in response to the news that New York will be replacing its current license plate design and charging New Yorkers upwards of $45 to get new plates.

Senator Sue Serino said, “This is a money grab plain and simple. Here in the Hudson Valley we pay enough in erroneous fees to the DMV—like the $50.00 registration fee we have been forced to pay for years to the MTA—and our residents are tired of it. The poll that was released to let New Yorkers pick the new design is a sad attempt to distract from the fact that this is just one more way for New York State to cash in on the backs of hard-working New Yorkers. Following a legislative session where one party control brought with it the passage of new taxes and fees on everything from internet purchases to paper bags, this proposal only adds insult to injury.

I urge the DMV to rethink this misguided plan and revoke any requirement that forces New Yorkers to pay for new plates they simply do not need.”

Under the proposed License Replacement Program, in April 2020, New Yorkers who renew their vehicle registrations, will have to pay an additional $25 license plate replacement fee if their plates are ten years old or older—regardless of whether they are peeling or not. Those who want to keep their same plate number will be required to pay an additional $20 to do so.