Iconic blue license plates get another chance at comeback
By: Amanda Wallace
NorthJersey.com
USA Today Network - New Jersey
..... New Jersey's classic blue license plates have reentered the conversation among state lawmakers and may eventually become available once again to Garden State drivers.
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State Senator Kristin Corrado and Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak have introduced bills to authorize the Motor Vehicle Commission to sell the throwback plates which were used by the state between 1979 and 1991.
..... Corrado has sponsored this bill in the past, first in 2020 and again in 2024.
..... Now, she has introduced Senate Bill S-3265, which is awaiting consideration in the Senate Transportation Committee.
..... "While the legislation process can take time, I remain optimistic given the continued strong interest from the public," Carrado said in an emailed statement. "this legislation provides New Jerseyans with the opportunity to celebrate a classic part of our state's history. the blue plates are iconic, and I have heard from many residents who would welcome their return."
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In addition to the nostalgia, the program would generate revenue for transportation through application and renewal fees, said Corrado, who added. "I look forward to continuing work with my colleagues to advance this bill and, hopefully, make these plates available to drivers once again."
..... The bill must first make its way through the legislative process. Then, the money to offset the initial cost of establishing the program and a minimum of 500 applications for the plates would need to be provided to the MVC before next steps such as design and production could begin.
..... Interest New Jersey drivers would need to pay an application fee of $50 and an annual renewal fee of $10 for the blue plates, according to the bill.
..... After deducting the start-up cost, additional fees will be deposited into the state's "Special Transpiration Fund," which finance New Jersey transpiration projects. According to the bill, public funds will not be used for the initial roll-out.