New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Assembly Bill A04129

Introduced
1/31/25  
Refer
1/31/25  

Caption

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a decorative or facsimile license plate of a size, shape, color and design which is substantially similar to a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles, such that such decorative or facsimile license plate appears to be a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles.

Summary

Bill A04129 seeks to amend the vehicle and traffic law in New York by prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of decorative or facsimile license plates that are substantially similar in size, shape, color, and design to official license plates issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The intent of the bill is to prevent confusion between official and decorative plates, thereby ensuring that only authorized plates are used on vehicles in the state.

Impact

If enacted, this bill would strengthen the existing vehicle and traffic laws by adding specific prohibitions against decorative or facsimile license plates that closely resemble official DMV plates. This change could lead to increased enforcement against unauthorized plates, potentially impacting manufacturers and sellers of decorative plates who may need to alter their products to comply with the law. It may also enhance clarity for law enforcement and the public regarding legitimate vehicle registration.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Bill A04129 appears to be generally supportive, as it addresses concerns about public safety and clarity in vehicle identification. However, there may be some opposition from businesses that manufacture or sell decorative plates, who could argue that the bill restricts consumer choice and freedom of expression.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from manufacturers and retailers of decorative plates, who may view the bill as an overreach that limits their business opportunities. Supporters of the bill, including some lawmakers and public safety advocates, argue that it is necessary to prevent confusion and ensure that only official plates are used on vehicles. The balance between consumer rights and public safety is likely to be a central theme in discussions about this legislation.

Companion Bills

NY S08016

Same As Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a decorative or facsimile license plate of a size, shape, color and design which is substantially similar to a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles, such that such decorative or facsimile license plate appears to be a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles.

Previously Filed As

NY S08016

Prohibits the manufacture, sale, or offer for sale of a decorative or facsimile license plate of a size, shape, color and design which is substantially similar to a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles, such that such decorative or facsimile license plate appears to be a license plate issued by the department of motor vehicles.

NY HB2114

AN ACT Relating to defective license plates issued by the department of licensing;

NY H5287

"I Bike SC" license plates

NY HB3982

Motor vehicles; transferability of license plates; temporary license plates; effective date.

NY AB1091

Vehicles: license plates: 8-letter license plates.

NY SB198

License plates; creates plates for collector motor vehicles, penalty.

NY HB101

Motor vehicles, distinctive license plates, issuance of "Invisible Disability" plates, authorized

NY SB186

Motor vehicles, distinctive license plates, issuance of "Invisible Disability" plates, authorized

NY HB583

Motor vehicles; increase number of free license plates issued to certain veterans

NY HB1995

Provides that the Department of Revenue shall issue only one license plate to most registered motor vehicles, as opposed to the current requirement to issue two plates

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.