Certain Characters On License Plates
SB128 amends New Mexico’s special registration plate statute to prohibit the Motor Vehicle Division from establishing or issuing special plates that display certain characters the division determines are derogatory, offensive, misleading, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, profane, or that promote drugs, alcohol, intoxicating substances, violence, or gang affiliation. The bill applies to special registration plates generally, including motorcycle special prestige plates, and leaves the existing application, fee, and annual renewal structure in place.
The measure also preserves the current rule that special plate fees are collected and deposited into the motor vehicle suspense fund for distribution under existing law. In practical terms, the bill gives the division explicit authority to screen proposed plate character combinations and deny plates that fall within the listed categories, while continuing to allow special plate issuance for eligible applicants and organizations.
SB128 would amend Section 66-3-15 NMSA 1978, expanding the New Mexico Motor Vehicle Division’s authority over special registration plate content. It would not change the basic special-plate fee structure or renewal process, but it would create a clear statutory basis for rejecting plate designs or character combinations deemed inappropriate under the bill’s standards. The affected parties are vehicle owners seeking special plates, the Motor Vehicle Division, and any special plate programs that rely on customized lettering or numbering.
The available voting history suggests the bill had generally favorable support in the Senate, passing final passage 24-13. With no committee transcripts provided, there is no recorded debate to indicate broad opposition or support themes beyond the vote itself. The final vote margin indicates the bill was supported by a majority but not unanimously, suggesting some concern among senators about the scope or application of the restrictions.
The main point of contention is likely the breadth of the Motor Vehicle Division’s discretion to determine what counts as derogatory, offensive, misleading, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, profane, or as promoting drugs, alcohol, violence, or gang affiliation. Supporters would view the bill as a content-control measure to prevent abusive or inappropriate plate messages, while opponents may worry about subjective enforcement, free-expression concerns, or inconsistent application. Because the bill targets character combinations on special plates rather than general plate issuance, disputes would likely center on borderline cases and the agency’s decision-making authority.