Prohibits the sale of covered license plate frames; defines a covered license plate frame to mean any glass or plastic material, artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures a license plate or that distorts a recorded or photographic image of such license plate.
Summary
Bill S04977 seeks to amend the general business law in New York by prohibiting the sale or promotional distribution of covered license plate frames. These frames are defined as any material that conceals or obscures a license plate or distorts its recorded image. The bill aims to enhance vehicle identification and public safety by ensuring that license plates remain visible and easily readable, thereby aiding law enforcement and other regulatory agencies in their duties.
Impact
If enacted, this bill will create a new section in the general business law that explicitly bans the sale of covered license plate frames. This change will affect retailers and manufacturers of automotive accessories, who will need to comply with the new regulations or face civil penalties of up to five hundred dollars per violation. Municipalities will have the authority to enforce this law, potentially leading to increased oversight of automotive accessory sales.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding Bill S04977 appears to be generally supportive among lawmakers who prioritize public safety and vehicle identification. However, there may be concerns from businesses that sell automotive accessories regarding the economic impact of such a prohibition, although no formal opposition has been recorded in the voting history or committee discussions.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise from businesses that rely on the sale of decorative or promotional license plate frames, as they could be adversely affected by this legislation. Additionally, there may be discussions about the balance between consumer choice and public safety, with some stakeholders advocating for the right to personalize vehicles while others emphasize the importance of visibility for law enforcement purposes.
Same As
Prohibits the sale of covered license plate frames; defines a covered license plate frame to mean any glass or plastic material, artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures a license plate or that distorts a recorded or photographic image of such license plate.
Prohibits the sale of covered license plate frames; defines a covered license plate frame to mean any glass or plastic material, artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures a license plate or that distorts a recorded or photographic image of such license plate.
Increases the maximum penalty for concealing a license plate to a fine of one thousand dollars when a license plate is covered or coated with any material or substance that conceals or obscures such license plate or distorts an image of such license plate, when a license plate is covered with glass or plastic material, or when the view of a license plate is obstructed by a part of the vehicle or anything carried thereon.
Increases the penalties for purposefully obstructed license plates including the suspension of a vehicle's registration if the vehicle owner does not remove the artificial or synthetic material or substance that conceals or obscures the license plate or does not purchase new license plates.
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.
Providing for the pheasants forever, quail forever and delta waterfowl distinctive license plates, restricting the use of material or objects covering a license plate for motor vehicles and modifying the definition of conviction in the Kansas uniform commercial drivers' license act.