AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 39-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to blackout number plates.
Summary
SB 2133 creates a new section of North Dakota law authorizing the Department of Transportation director to issue “blackout” number plates. These plates must have a solid black background with white letters and numbers, and they may be issued for passenger vehicles, trucks with a registered gross weight of 20,000 pounds or less, and motorcycles.
To obtain the plates, an applicant must pay all existing vehicle registration fees plus an additional $25 per registration period. The bill does not change the underlying vehicle registration framework; it adds a specialty plate option within chapter 39-04 of the North Dakota Century Code.
Impact
The bill amends state motor vehicle registration law by adding a new specialty license plate category and setting the design, eligibility, and fee structure for blackout plates. It affects vehicle owners who want the plate option, as well as the Department of Transportation, which must administer issuance under the new section. The measure also creates a new revenue stream through the added $25 fee, in addition to standard registration charges.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been generally well received and passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers, though not unanimously. Senate and House votes showed substantial majorities in favor, indicating broad acceptance of the specialty plate concept. The recorded opposition was limited, suggesting the bill was not highly controversial overall.
Contention
The main point of contention appears to have been limited and likely centered on whether the state should create another specialty plate and charge an additional fee for it. A small minority in both chambers voted no, which may reflect concerns about expanding plate options, the added cost to motorists, or the administrative burden of a new plate type. No committee testimony or detailed debate is provided, so the specific objections are not documented in the available record.
AN ACT to create and enact a new section to chapter 39-04 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to military sacrifice number plates; and to amend and reenact section 39-04-10.3 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to personalized plates.
A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new subdivision to subsection 2 of section 39-06.1-06 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to the amount of statutory fees; to amend and reenact sections 39-04-08 and 39-04-11 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to number plates; and to provide a penalty.