We, the concerned citizens of New York State, urge the New York State Legislature to reconsider and remove the requirement for front license plates on vehicles. This unnecessary regulation can save the state money and enables vehicle owners their freedom of choice in personalizing their vehicles.

 

1. Vehicle Performance, Value, Aesthetics and Design:

The mounting bracket needed to hold the front license plate can interfere the vehicles aerodynamics which can reduce fuel economy.  The front license plate mount can decrease the value of the vehicle especially collector’s edition, limited edition and other highly valuable vehicles.  Requiring these owners to drill holes and modify the bumper of high end vehicles devalues the vehicle.

Front license plates disrupt the aesthetics and design integrity of vehicles, often detracting from their overall appearance. Many car enthusiasts invest significant time and resources into maintaining their vehicles' visual appeal through modifications or customization options; however, forcing them to display a front plate undermines these efforts.

 

2. Reduce New York State Costs:

By removing the requirement of the front license plate, New York State can reduce the amount spent in production, storage and shipping by only producing half the amount of license plates.  save money as only half the number of plates would be required for purchase.

 

3. Ineffective Law Enforcement Tool:

Contrary to popular belief, studies have shown that front license plates do not significantly contribute to law enforcement efforts or enhance public safety. According to a comprehensive study conducted by the University of California at Berkeley's Safe Transportation Research and Education Center (SafeTREC), there is no conclusive evidence supporting the notion that two license plates improve law enforcement outcomes.  Currently 22 states only require one plate with Ohio and Maine recently changing their motor vehicle laws to only require one plate.

 

4. Widespread Exemption Practices:

Many states across America have recognized the negligible benefits associated with front license plates and have abolished this requirement altogether or provided exemptions for certain types of vehicles such as motorcycles or vintage cars. By doing so, these states acknowledge that enforcing this regulation does not justify its associated costs.  Currently 22 states only require one plate with Ohio and Maine recently changing their motor vehicle laws to only require one plate.

 

5. Environmental Impact:

The production and disposal processes involved in manufacturing millions of extra license plates each year contribute unnecessarily to environmental degradation through resource consumption and waste generation.

 

By removing the requirement for front license plates in New York State:

 

- vehicle owners’ vehicles will not have reduced performance and value as well as preserving the aesthetics and design of the vehicle.

- Law enforcement resources can be redirected towards more effective methods of ensuring public safety.

- New York State can reduce the cost associated with production, storage and shipping which in turns saves the state money.

- Environmental impact will be reduced by eliminating the need for millions of additional license plates.

 

We respectfully request that the New York State Legislature reevaluates this requirement and aligns with the practices of other states that have recognized the lack of necessity in front license plates. Let us prioritize individual freedom, financial responsibility, and environmental sustainability by removing this outdated regulation from New York State law.

 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.