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New plates with new color, new priceTRI-COUNTY AREA—Have you noticed cars with differently colored New York state license plates?The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles calls them “Empire Gold.” When asked by an Observer reporter, seven out of 10 randomly interviewed people thought the plates looked yellow, while three thought it looked orange. The majority of those people also called the plates ugly, retro, or saying they did not care for them. According to the DMV, these new plates were distributed starting April 1, 2010. Julie Betts, Yates County clerk, explained when drivers now get new plates from the DMV, they will be these new “gold” ones. She added that when a DMV runs out of the white plates in stock, only the new plates will be available, and no more white plates will be produced. “It’ll probably take a while to get all ‘gold’ plates in the office,” said Betts. She added that some series of plates, like for mopeds, are not commonly applied for so the DMV would not go through all those remaining white plates right away. The DMV Web site states drivers will get the “gold” plates when they: • Apply to replace plates that are lost or stolen. • Apply for a new/original registration and do not transfer the plates or registration from another vehicle. • Order new personalized plates. Betts explained that one of people’s most asked questions is if there is an extra cost attached to the new plates. She explained there isn’t. However, the cost of getting new plates went up in general with the release of the “gold” plates. According to the DMV the cost for two new plates is $25, up from $15. The only additional cost is if a driver wants to keep their current plate number when switching to “gold.” The DMV said that fee for that is $20. Schuyler County Clerk Linda Compton said when the new plates were originally created, the plan was for there to be an extra fee and people would have to switch to the new plates within two years. That plan was dropped, but not the plate design. Both Betts and Compton said many people are opposed to the look of the plate. Both also said it seems because of how the color of the plate and the car don’t always match. “Some match, work well,” said Compton, but added some people call the plates “ugly.” “Some like the ‘gold,’ and are requesting the exchange,” said Betts. In a press release from April 1, DMV Commissioner David Swarts said new license plates are offered approximately every 10 years, and the last design change was in 2001. |
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New plates with new color, new price
Jul 07, 2010 at 02:39 pm by Observer-Review
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