Senate Bill S8016

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S8016

SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to prohibiting
the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a decorative or facsimile
license plate that is substantially similar to a license plate issued by
the department of motor vehicles

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation will amend the vehicle and traffic law in relation to
prohibiting the manufacture, sale or offer for sale of a decorative or
facsimile license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section 1 amends section 402-a of the vehicle and traffic law to prohib-
it the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a decorative or facsimile
license plate being substantially similar to the size, shape, color, and
design of a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles
              

such that the decorative or facsimile license plate visually appears to
be a license plate issued by the department.

Section 2 sets the effective date.

 
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ORIGINAL AND AMENDED VERSION (IF APPLICABLE):

N/A

 
JUSTIFICATION:

License plates issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles serve as
crucial identifiers on vehicles, aiding law enforcement and ensuring
accountability on our roads. The proliferation of decorative or facsim-
ile license plates that closely resemble official plates poses a risk to
public safety. These imitation plates may obstruct the proper identifi-
cation of vehicles, leading to confusion and potential misuse in various
circumstances, including traffic violations and investigations.

License plates are government-issued documents that carry specific legal
implications. Allowing the manufacture, sale or offer for sale of deco-
rative plates that mimic official plates can undermine the integrity of
these government-issued plates. This bill aims to uphold the signif-
icance and unique role of official license plates by preventing their
unauthorized replication.

The widespread availability of decorative or facsimile license plates
also creates opportunities for misrepresentation and deception. These
imitation plates can be used to. avoid tolls, traffic citations, or
other legal obligations. By prohibiting such plates, we seekto,eliminate
the potential for misuse and fraudulent activities on our roadways.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2023-24: A8298 - Referred to Transportation

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.