Last Saturday the New York Times published an op-ed, written by Stefan Lonce that illustrates the challenges motor vehicle administrators face in managing both vanity and specialty license plate programs.

Lonce successfully distinguishes between the two types of plates.  And he even recommends a solution to the vanity plate conundrum:  a national database of offensive terms and alpha numeric combinations.  He suggests this would serve as a national clearinghouse for motor vehicle agency employees to vet potentially offensive terms and perhaps prevent state agencies from being sued for denying a potential plate's message.

The verdict is still out on whether or not his suggestion could be implemented, or even funded.  But, while it may have its own set of problems, it's actually the ONLY potential solution on the table.  (Personally getting rid of both vanity and specialty plates altogether just isn't tenable.)  You can rest assured he'll bring this topic to the AAMVA Motor Vehicle Traffic Law Institute in a few weeks.

What do you think about a national database of offensive terms?

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations & Info. Services
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org