AAMVA Blog

Nation's first religious specialty plate poised for parade lap

Jason King — Wed, 07 May 2008 12:14:26 GMT

License plate controversy erupted a week ago over the proposed, and now DOA, "I BELIEVE" specialty license plate in Fla. And now, the South Carolina legislature is poised to direct the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to issue the nation's first specialty license plate decorated with the image of a cross.

Who could have ever imagined a little old piece of metal could prove to have so much mettle?

Now, I'm sure most have an opinion of whether or not this is a good thing or a bad thing. Personally, I would just like to know what organization stands to benefit financially from the revenues of the plate sales. Perhaps no organization will benefit save for the Palmetto state itself. Ok. State budgets can always use additional revenue streams, right?

Here's what I predict. The ACLU will most likely sue the State of South Carolina. And the state will wind up spending time and resources (taxpayer dollars) defending their decision (should the plate pass).

Stay tuned. The horse is at the barn door and he's almost out!

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel

Jason D. King
PR & Info. Serv
AAMVA

A Year to Remember

Jason King — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:09:00 GMT

Guest Blogger: Alan Cockman

Six years ago, while I was Chair of AAMVA, I was in New York City with other members of the Executive Committee to attend a meeting. I forget its purpose but I vividly remember why we chose the location. It was to show in a small way our support for the City, which just a few months earlier had endured the tragic events of September 11, 2001. On our first evening in town we went to the site of the World Trade Center towers, not as tourists, but to pay our respects to the victims. My recollection is we didn’t say much, but rather each of us was left to our own thoughts. It was a moving experience.

September 11 was the defining moment of my year as AAMVA’s Chair. It impacted all of our actions and activities, and also in several respects changed the focus and operation of the Association. Two weeks earlier I had presented “What’s Next?” as the theme for the year to highlight the strategic planning activities that would be accomplished by the time my year concluded at the AIC in Saskatoon. After September 11 the phrase “What’s Next?” took on a quite different meaning for many people and it was decided to expand it to “What’s Next –Identifying our Future”. This provided some clarification and, for the first time, emphasized the importance of identification security as a paramount issue.

Within a few days after September 11, we knew the issue of access to driver licenses and the associated issue of confirming identity were rapidly assuming a higher profile in government, the press and the general public. We also knew unless AAMVA reacted quickly we risked the distinct possibility that the Association would loose any ability to take a leadership role in a subject where we should be recognized as a significant source of expertise.

In October at a meeting in Ottawa, we developed the strategy for addressing the issues and by January 2002 we had identified and outlined the components needed to meet the requirements of a more secure driver license. We quickly followed this work by getting into the communication mode with an announcement at the National Press Club; visits to the Capital to brief senators and congressmen; and, a special membership meeting. As we developed our solution over the next few months, we held further meetings to obtain advice and input from industry and each of the four AAMVA Regions. By the time of the AIC in August, and with the approval of the membership, we were able to create a series of working groups tasked with developing various components of our solution, which eventually became the DL/ID Framework.

In retrospect, I always thought one of the successes learned from all the work carried out by numerous AAMVA members and staff, and our colleagues from industry was that we took the ‘high road’ and concentrated on developing a solution, rather than reacting to the negative environment created by some press and government representatives. In doing so, AAMVA became recognized as the place to go for information and comment relating to driver licensing and identification issues. Our profile and recognition increased significantly.

My involvement with AAMVA, and it was certainly true during my year as Chair, continually reminded me of the importance of teamwork, that a consensus approach can be the better way to reach a decision, and that you can usually gain more by giving a little.

Of course I gained a lot more from another attribute that AAMVA is famous for. Namely, that it is a great place to meet colleagues and that many of those colleagues become good friends. I am proud to be able to boast I have friends across the United States and Canada. We often refer to ourselves as being part of the AAMVA ‘family’. So I am looking forward to being a part of some of the family gatherings this year as we celebrate our Association’s seventy-fifth anniversary.

Congratulations, AAMVA –and all the best for the future!

Alan Cockman
(retired) Administrator, Saskatchewan Government Insurance

and

Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2001-2002)

Alan Cockman is presently involved in management consulting projects in the U.S. and Canada.

A Fair Shake

Jason King — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 11:27:24 GMT

From time to time I use this forum to celebrate the hard work of journalists, as well as to "set the record" straight where reporting has gone awry and ventured into sensationalism. The way I figure it, as PR folks, we spend enough time complaining when a reporter gets the story wrong we should spend just as much time applauding when they get it right!

With that said, I am happy for this to be an occasion where I celebrate a journalist with integrity. This time, it's Morris Jones, Washington, D.C. Bureau Chief, Sinclair Broadcasting, and host of "American Crossroads."

A few weeks ago, Morris called me and asked if someone from AAMVA could talk on camera about issues related to at-risk drivers, repeat DUI offenders and licenses for illegal aliens. I let him know that while AAMVA is engaged in those issues, there was only a certain depth we could go to in a discussion.

Having this upfront discussion is so vital in building successful relationships with the media. Because, as a public relations practitioner, my job is to not only put my company's story into words, but also to help the reporter write his or her story.

And I wanted AAMVA to be a part of the story. But I didn't want the reporter to have expectations and intentions we could not meet or deliver. That makes me, and AAMVA, look bad and gives the reporter unnecessary holes in his story to fill.

Morris listened patiently to what AAMVA could speak authoritatively about, and assured me his intent was not to place us in an uncomfortable situation or debate, but to report the facts as the experts (in this case, AAMVA) sees them.

You've heard that before right? Famous last words.

So, Morris and I ran through a mock interview of sorts on the phone. And collaboratively we agreed that there was truly a fit for AAMVA and its message.

The interview went well. Morris kept his promise. And the boss man, Neil Schuster, did a great job representing AAMVA, its membership and the issues.

Now the interview is "in the can" and on the air. Heck, it's probably on youtube. But to make it easier on you, here's the link to the piece that aired last weekend entitled, "Who's Behind the Wheel."

No reference to the title of this blog intended.

Let me know what you think!

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

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Sounds like everyone "gets" NMVTIS

Jason King — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 10:49:12 GMT

For the second time in a year, the New York Times' Chris Jensen has dug into motor vehicle fraud crimes and exclaimed, "Eurkea, NMVTIS."

Jensen has done his homework on this piece just as he did his previous articles.

During the course of his research for this story, he spoke with me numerous times. I can't even begin to tell you the number of emails we exchanged. And all of his communication with me, and other affected parties, was, for nothing more, but the pursuit of the truth.

In my opinion, he covered all the angles here and brought much-needed attention to a consumer protection system that motorists deserve. I am thrilled he continues looking to AAMVA for technical expertise in this arena.

As Jensen rightly pointed out, it was George H.W. Bush who signed the Anti-cat Theft Act into law. So let's hope the remaining states receive the support they need to fully-implement NMVTIS before someone gets the wise idea to introduce unnecessary legislation to create another motor vehicle title database like NMVTIS.

That would be tragic, when millions have already been spent to bring 60 percent of the U.S. vehicle population into the system.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
jking@aamva.org

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Finding Success in AAMVA

Jason King — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 15:16:40 GMT

As AAMVA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, it is good time to reflect on why AAMVA continues to be a successful organization.

For me, AAMVA's successes were achieved through a unique combination of willing volunteers and a staff that is willing and able to support the needs and efforts of its membership. In my judgment, AAMVA's greatest value is the opportunity it provides for members to interact with each other. And, without a doubt, I believe its greatest asset is the cadre of volunteers, that come from the jurisdictional DMVs and law enforcement agencies.

During my years as a DMV administrator in North Dakota, AAMVA, and its membership, were a great source of information and support for me. Through the network of friends and contacts that my participation in AAMVA provided, I was never more than a phone call away from sharing a concern with, or seeking an answer from, a colleague I had met at some AAMVA meeting or function. The concept of "no need to reinvent the wheel" aptly describes AAMVA's greatest value.

Volunteers are the heart and soul of AAMVA. They provide the knowledge, skills, interest and information that make AAMVA so valuable to its membership. I would strongly urge all chief administrators to be actively involved in AAMVA, and provide volunteer opportunities for their staff members as well. I had the opportunity to serve as an AAMVA volunteer for more than 25 years in a number of capacities, and found it to be some of the most professionally rewarding opportunities I ever had.

Now, as an AAMVA employee for the past two years, I have gained a renewed appreciation for the value the AAMVA leadership and staff bring to the organization. They have a genuine desire to help DMVs and law enforcement agencies find common solutions to identified problems, promote highway safety, strive for uniformity, enhance customer service, protect the motoring public and promote a positive image of all the jurisdictional employees who work each day to deliver the best service possible.

I hope you will take some time this year to reflect on the value that AAMVA has brought to you, your organization and your staff. Please remember that AAMVA is your organization and you have a vital role to play in its continued success.

Keith Kiser
(retired) Director, Motor Vehicle Division
Vice President Vehicle Services
AAMVA
kkiser@aamva.org

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2003-2004)

Got NMVTIS?

Jason King — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:44:40 GMT

It was just one month ago when I last blogged about full 100 percent state implementation of the nation's only online, real-time vehicle fraud reduction machine: NMVTIS. And if you missed the blog, you should definitely listen to my two part podcast with DOJ's Jim Burch to hear where things are headed.

Now, just this month, Reader's Digest freelancer Mandy Matson gets out the magnifying glass in her latest feature story and examines vehicle safety issues with airbag deployment, theft and the connection to NMVTIS.

It's a long one and a must read.

I applaud Mandy for digging so deeply into this critical highway safety issue and fleshing out the solution to the problem: NMVTIS.

You know, this system is really starting to sound like, excuse the 2007 terminology, a "no-brainer." Let's hope others share those sentiments.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

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Nine Anniversary Wishes for AAMVA

Jason King — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:34:36 GMT

Write a “blog,” make it “pithy” and it can be as long or short as you want. Those were the instructions from Jason King when he asked me to “guest blog” as a past chair of the board to commemorate AAMVA’s 75th anniversary.

Well, I know a little bit about blogs. They encourage you to speak your mind, right? Pithy? Well, that sounded a little “terse,” “curt” and to the point. That would be a challenge for me. But, as long or short as I want, that I could deal with. So, here goes.

Happy Anniversary AAMVA. That should just about do it…a blog that is pithy and just long enough.

Ok, I just can’t help myself. I will add a little more. After all, I am “semi-retired” and have lots of time on my hands. That’s why it’s now more than three weeks since Jason asked and this is due in less than a week. The funny thing about time is that there still is never enough, even for those of us who are semi-retired.

A context in time is where I will begin here.

My first “association” with AAMVA was in the early 1990’s--a time before I was an administrator and a time when I only worked with the Penn. DMV from the outside looking it. I was director of customer relations for PennDOT and the AAMVA Region 1 Conference was in Pittsburgh, PA. A colleague of mine and I were asked to speak and to lead a session on “How to Become More Customer Focused.” So, we did the due diligence. We developed our presentation, converted it to overheads (no power point yet), made handouts, practiced our delivery and we were off across the PA Turnpike for the three hour trek from Harrisburg to Pittsburgh.

Customer service; an important topic and we were expecting about 50-75 people in our session. Not quite a “keynote,” but enough to prepare a little. Well, I bet you are thinking that the room was packed and we really drew a crowd. Not so much. Five people showed up for our presentation and I think three of them were PA people who felt they had to be there.

To say that my first impression of AAMVA was a little weak would be an understatement. To this day, I still don’t know where everyone was. I like to believe there was a more compelling session or maybe the Pittsburgh Pirates were playing at home (and they may have had a good year) or maybe there was a championship golf course near by (like Oakmont where the US Open was held that year). Or maybe I just wasn't that interesting. Now, that must have been the answer.

That day in Pittsburgh, I had no idea that I would some day lead a DMV, work at one for 12 years, be involved in many areas of AAMVA in the region and internationally or chair the board for AAMVA. But, as I learned more, and became engaged in AAMVA, I saw a very different association in subsequent years.

I saw an organization change and face many challenges. I saw a committed staff and volunteer base evolve. I saw an industry that innovates, engages and has lots to offer. And I witnessed many changes in the environment and customers who rely on the products and services of a DMV. It is a lesson that first impressions are not always right. And, it also is a lesson about roles and perspective…as roles change, perspective changes.

My role and perspective have changed over the years and especially this past year. Putting things in perspective, here are my anniversary “wishes” as AAMVA celebrates 75 years….

1. Grab the Opportunity. AAMVA provides great opportunity for individual growth, jurisdictional involvement, networking and learning on the jurisdictional and industry sides. Volunteer to be involved, volunteer to mentor others, show them the ropes, make friends, and develop friendships. I always got a lot more back then I was able to give and learned a lot from many people. Dick Flynn was my first mentor at AAMVA. He encouraged me to get involved, and he was right.

2. Utilize Industry’s Expertise. The industry and the people who make up the industry have a lot to offer and those offerings are much more than their financial contributions to defray costs for conferences. The skill, knowledge, expertise and experience of many in the private sector can be beneficial for the entire community. A strong industry/member partnership can make this happen.

3. Look at it from all sides. AAMVA’s Board needs to continue to be multi-disciplined, encompassing all aspects of motor vehicles, driver licensing and law enforcement. Getting volunteers involved at the regional level can make this happen. So many of the issues cross organizational lines and many different perspectives can lead to an even better association.

4. Stay financially viable. While it’s not all about the money, AAMVA needs to continue to be financially viable. It has come a long way from the dark days, but it continues to face challenges as costs rise and needs multiply. CDLIS revenues are a huge part of AAMVA’s budget. It is important for AAMVA and its jurisdictional leadership to ensure a funding stream that meets the needs of its members…but not on the backs of its members or associate members.

5. Embrace Security as the third “S.” Security, the third “S” (joining safety and service), is most likely here to stay as this community braces for the final REAL ID regulations and looks to ensure secure products and transactions on the vehicle side as well. A broad view of motor vehicle/driver licensing’s roles in security is critical for the future. The organization and its members have come a long way here as continuous improvements have been made to products and processes in all jurisdictions. The improvement continuum most likely will not stop as dedicated people on the public and private side press on. The security focus has helped transform AAMVA into a nationally recognized association making its 75th Birthday a proud one for sure.

6. Be a Strong Technical Leader. Over the past 75 years, AAMVA too has taken a strong role in establishing common technical standards and providing expertise and technical services to the jurisdictions, especially with the AAMVAnet network. A lot of what an association does is to foster communications between members. AAMVA has a unique facility to enable data exchange between jurisdictions in addition to the face to face idea sharing. This facility should be protected and nourished. My anniversary wish would be for this role to continue to develop and for AAMVA, with the industry, to become “technical standard setters.” While jurisdictions have lots of expertise, AAMVA can continue to provide value in this area.

7. Scan the environment…frequently. What are the trends, what are the issues, what are the enhancers and detractors? What may have worked a few years ago, may not work today. AAMVA can’t be everything to everybody.

8. Celebrate the Staff. The staff of AAMVA is a group of hard working, talented and dedicated people. Some out in front and many behind the scenes. You really see this first hand when you serve as Chair of the Board and spend so much time with so many of them. They should be recognized at every opportunity.

9. Commemorate as a Community. Some of my best friends and many of my best times were and still are a part of some aspect of AAMVA. It is indeed a great community, a family – a caring family. One that has been very good to me in good times and not so good times.

Congratulations and Happy Anniversary AAMVA! Thanks to all who made it a great association over the past 75 years! I am grateful that I was able to be a part of the history and I am looking forward to being a part of its future as well.

Betty Serian
(retired) Deputy Director, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation
Safety Administration

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2002-2003)

Betty Serian is now the Principal and CEO of Betty Serian and Associates

Couldn't do business with DMV on Monday?

Jason King — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:26:00 GMT

Then it was probably AAMVA's fault.

Mea culpa.

You see most, if not all, state motor vehicle agencies, use AAMVA's private and secure network (AAMVAnet) to process customer transactions.

To put this into perspective for you, AAMVAnet processes approximately 3 million DMV transactions per day, and, since being placed into service in 2006, has had no outages! I'm no tech expert, but I am not sure that any newtwork service provider can boast that record. And AAMVAnet processes 99 percent of transactions in 0.1 second. That's faster than you can say DMV.

Typical motor vehicle agency transactions across this secure and private network can include the verification of a driver's Social Security number with the Social Security Administration, the verification of a person's commercial driving history, the verification of a vehicle's title history as well as querying the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) National Driver Register (NDR).

And if you live in Arizona, this technical difficulty was a major cause for concern because it was the last date you could register to vote! But the good news in Ariz., as told to me by the folks who work at the Arizona Motor Vehicle Division, is that ServiceArizona (AZ's online system which uses AAMVAnet) was running again at full strength by early evening.

Now, here's what happened.

On Monday, January 7, 2008, AAMVAnet technical support experienced system problems that impacted the flow of information across the AAMVAnet network and AAMVA staff began communicating and working with its members and vendors to correct the issue.

AAMVA staff worked non-stop with its vendors and its member agencies (state Departments of Motor Vehicles) to identify the cause of the slow down and pledged to continue exploring all possible solutions until this matter was resolved.

This issue was resolved by 9 p.m. ET., Monday January 7, 2008.

Further testing and analysis will continue throughout the week. AAMVA will work to produce a preliminary root cause analysis as rapidly as possible to help prevent future occurrences.

AAMVA will take all necessary measures to ensure the network continues performing at the high service level on which motor vehicle agencies, and the customers they serve, have come to depend.

Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this has caused motor vehicle agencies in helping consumers transact their DMV business. And we appreciate your patience.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

Speaking frankly about NMVTIS, vehicle fraud and consumer protection

Jason King — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 11:57:25 GMT

If you've been reading this blog, you know AAMVA has been requesting assistance to help fund 100 percent state participation in the federally-mandated National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS).

You also know we've been waiting on the rules for this Act since 1992.

Well, I'm encouraged to say that based on my podcast last week with Jim Burch, U.S. DOJ (the agency with oversight for NMVTIS) things are looking up.

It also sounds like consumers have something to look forward to!

Have a listen to this dicsussion and have a safe and happy holiday.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, PR & Info. Serv
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

Bubble Gum and Band Aids

Jason King — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:14:09 GMT

I came into the motor vehicle administration in 1988 kicking and screaming. I came from a "cushy" tax auditor management position which was positively supported in every way.

Upon moving over to motor vehicles, I was lost. But along came the cavalry: AAMVA.

I quickly earned that the volunteers, and staff, in AAMVA knew and understood the problems I was facing and were willing to lend their support.

Soon after attending AAMVA conferences, meetings and workshops, I began taking back to Tennessee ideas and programs from other jurisdictions. I call these "ideas and programs" "the bubble gum and band aids" that keep us going without major funding.

I recall, on a number of occasions, taking my copy of AAMVA's Don't Reinvent the Wheel to the Tennessee General Assembly. And when I was called upon to testify, I could quickly retrieve pertinent information to relay to lawmakers about other jurisdictions. Needless to say, AAMVA sure made me look good.

Years later, it became my privilege to give back a little to this association as I began working my way through regional and international volunteer leadership positions including a term as AAMVA's Chair of the Board.

Eventually I had the opportunity to bring the AAMVA membership to Tennessee for the Annual International Conference (AIC) in 2001. It was my year, and I chose to focus on bringing highway safety to the forefront of the association. I believe highway safety is the reason we do everythingwe do from registering vehicles for quick and accurate information, to enforcing traffic laws, to licensing drivers to be safer drivers, to working with vendors to provide better systems and better products for the motor vehicle community.

And I will never forget, just 10 days after our 2001 AIC concluded, our world turned upside down on September 11.

Naturally, we turned our attention into the direction of national security and began exploring how we could better verify the identity of our DMV customers.

Today, DMV administrators continue to struggle with that endeavor, and once again, we are recognizing the very core of our business: highway safety.

I am thankful that our association founders recognized the need to bring all jurisdictions together to celebrate successes and the sharing of ideas for improving motor vehicle operations. That need still exists today and will continue for years to come.

I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the AAMVA history.

Sincerely,

Martha Irwin

(Retired) Director, Title/Registration Division
Tennessee Department of Safety

and

Past Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors (2000-2001)

Driver's Licenses for Illegals, National ID's for Americans?

Jason King — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 09:46:02 GMT

Maybe I am missing something.

But a recent Washington Post editorial, Posturing and Driver's Licenses (November 18, 2007), suggests driver's licenses should be granted to illegal immigrants and that creating, and requiring, a national ID for American citizens will solve our identity crisis.

As they say on Grey's Anatomy, "Seriously?"

Before I go further, I am not surprised by the former suggestion, but you could have knocked me over with a feather with the later. More on that later in this posting.

Ok. Everyone, including the Post, is entitled to their own opinion. But if you're an institution like the Post, and you seek to use your journalistic platform to further your agenda by influencing public opinion you need facts that link directly to your issue.

If you read the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's Unlicensed to Kill (the report is actually a pdf with no direct Web link) report (2003), you know the Post got that half right. The Post accurately cited the study's driver safety statistics.

There is just one problem. The "20 percent of all fatal accidents involving at least one driver without a valid license," according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, is not illegal immigrants alone. And this statistic is the primary basis for the Post's argument to grant driver's licenses to illegals.

In fact, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety's report never even specifically references the undocumented driver population.

I spoke with the folks at AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and they reiterated just what I thought about those statistics. They include drivers who, for a whole host of reasons may be "unlicensed."

The "unlicensed" reasons may include, among others; license suspended with points, license suspended due to a traffic offense, license suspended due to drunk driving, never applied for a license, couldn't obtain a license, etc. So, the term "unlicensed" goes way beyond what the Post has reported.

So, could it be the Post wants you to believe the aforementioned percentage is solely inclusive of the illegal immigrant driving population? I'll leave that for you to decide for yourself...and for the Post to answer if they choose.

Further to its cause, the Post cites Gov. Bill Richardson's low uninsured motorist rate in New Mexico and attributes the numbers to the governor's decision to license undocumented immigrants.

Well, it's true New Mexico has lowered the number of uninsured motorists on its roadways, but according to the Insurance Journal (Nov. 19, 2007) the Land of Enchantment's "statewide decline in uninsured motorists has happened mainly because of a 2001 law that established an up-to-date computer database of insurance coverage and allowed the state to better police its requirement for liability insurance on cars and trucks."

Prior to this law and subsequent system development, a driver could provide proof of insurance when registering a vehicle but then immediately drop coverage and continue to drive. Now the state gets daily, weekly and monthly updates of coverage from insurance companies.

The Post further, and perhaps most disturbingly, suggests you could "make driver's licenses valid only for driving, not as all purpose identity documents and by creating for other purposes a separate "national ID card with stringent biometric and other safeguards--much as European and other countries already have."

Is the Post kidding? It doesn't appear so.

Driver's licenses were never created to be identity documents. But that is what they have become. Today, in addition to driving, you use them to board planes, to cash checks, to rent cars and for verification when using a credit card. Trying to turn back the clock on this phenomenon is most likely futile. A dose of reality will tell you the horse is already out of the barn on that one.

Even if you take your state DMV out of the ID business via a federal law, the driver's license framework we enjoy today is still broken for driver's licensing purposes and is need of repair.

But more importantly, trying to convince the public and corporate America to put their trust in a separate federally-issued credential might not set well.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

North America is Vanitized

Jason King — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:00:35 GMT

I've been in the DMV business for some time now. And for years, journalists have called me asking about the number of vanity plates in each state across the nation. And until this week, I always had to reply with a disheartened, "I don't know." But I always felt I should be able to answer that question.

This week, I did.

And in case you missed all the news, it's official, over 9.3 million vehicles in the U.S and over 400,000 vehicles in Canada are "vanitized."

Virginia has the highest percentage of vanity plates on the roads. While Illinois has the highest total number of vanity plates on the roads.

Now think about this for a moment.

DMVs have very limited budgets for marketing. So when you consider drivers across North America bought a total of 9.7 million vanity plates---a product which was not heavily marketed to them, that sounds like a cultural phenomenon. And this could very well be the grandfather to text messaging.

Please note, AAMVA didn't survey the jurisdictions alone. Stefan Lonce, author of the forthcoming book, LCNS2ROM: Vanity License Plates And The Stories They Tell, worked collaboratively with the association to survey all states in the U.S and all Canadian provinces.

And if you have a vanity plate story to share, Lonce would love to hear from you. You can share your vanity plate story at www.lcns2rom.com.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

This Side of Paradise

Jason King — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 09:13:00 GMT

Asked to write a blog about AAMVA, I felt obliged to find a

noteworthy title. Being a Minnesotan, I decided to borrow from

Fitzgerald and surprisingly found just what I was looking for.

Now you may be thinking, “AAMVA. Paradise. Huh? Who is this Burke

Moore person and what is she talking about?”

Let me explain.

I first made contact with AAMVA in the late 80s

when the Minnesota Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) hired me to write legislation to implement

commercial driver's license (CDL) provisions. At that point, all I knew about driver's licenses was that

I had one in my wallet.

I was quickly referred to AAMVA and

found it a great resource. With workshops and information from AAMVA,

and guidance from a legislative-savvy Minnesotan, we passed CDL

provisions that session.

Success! This is paradise.

In ’91, I was asked to serve as the Director of the Minnesota DMV.

Within the first couple months I got a call from the regional

director of AAMVA encouraging me to get involved with the association and to attend

the “new administrators workshop” that spring.

My husband accompanied me to the pre-workshop reception.

As we entered the room, that regional director approached my husband and asked him

how he liked motor vehicle administration in Minnesota.

I replied, “What about him, looks like a Katherine?”

I thought, "What have I gotten myself into?" This is no paradise.

But I quickly saw the value of AAMVA – program and technical support,

representation before Congress, knowledgeable staff, etc. I could

go on and on. Most invaluable – the forums with industry and

colleagues from other jurisdictions. I used that list of

contacts again and again to discuss challenges and celebrate

successes. (Not to mention the friends I made.) Collaboration –

a path to paradise.

I had the opportunity to serve on committees and boards in many

capacities culminating with the honor to serve as Chair of the AAMVA Board of Directors

in 2000. As in any organization, some years were great – board and

staff working together moving AAMVA and the jurisdictions

forward. While other years the board accomplished little more

than agreeing to disagree.

My year as chair was a roller coaster ride, starting with members aligning regionally and
not interested in the common good. But when things got tough, the barriers went

down. Board meetings focused on improving AAMVA and ensuring its

financial base. When it became clear that the board needed

consensus to tackle some major issues, it was gratifying to see

members working to keep AAMVA working for them. Conference calls,

late night exchanges of emails, everyone stepped up and worked

together.

Sometimes you have to go through hell to find paradise

again.

I am proud to have been a part of AAMVA, I miss you all, and I hope

to get an invitation to this 75th Anniversary party!

Katherine Burke Moore
Deputy Director, Office of Traffic Safety
Minnesota Department of Public Safety

and

Past Chair, AAMVA Board of Directors (2000)

Smart Money Just Lost Sense

Jason King — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 11:08:04 GMT

Hidden agendas. It seems a growing number of reporters are carrying them around these days. And they are hoping you won’t question the angles in their reporting.

The latest example is Kirsten Vala’s sucker punch to the state Departments of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) entitled, “10 Things the DMV Won’t Tell You,” (SmartMoney magazine, October 25, 2007).

Here is what you should know before reading this piece.

I corresponded with Ms. Vala numerous times by email and by phone. And the facts she attributed to me in her story are, by and large, accurate. Bravo! She get’s a B+ for stenography.

I also went on record with her as the spokesperson for state DMVs in the U.S and Canada. So, in reality, the article’s title, as clever as it sounds, is an oxymoron. DMV (in this case, me) told her what she says I wouldn’t tell you. Huh?

Let me explain.

If DMVs didn't want Ms. Vala or SmartMoney readers to know certain “things,” why did I disclose them to her on record?

Now here’s how the piece could, and should read, point by point.

1.) Your DMV wants you to leave happy.

Unfortunately, some people fail to get their license on their first visit to DMV because they don’t “get together” the proper credentials prior to coming to the motor vehicle agency.

You can nip this in the bud by visiting your state DMV’s Web site and researching what credentials you need to bring with you. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine. Oh, and some DMVs allow you to set appointments too!

Although Vala indicates otherwise, I’m not sure I would depend on the advice of DMV.org. That site is in no way affiliated with your local DMV. Perhaps that’s why some of her interviewees for this piece were disgruntled with DMV?

I recommend using either www.aamva.org or www.licenseinfo.org to locate your DMV’s Web page.

2.) A CarFax report may not uncover all your vehicle’s hidden problems.

CarFax buys its vehicle history data from state motor vehicle agencies in bulk. This is not real-time data. So, the information may be up to two months old when viewed by the consumer. This is time enough for an unscrupulous seller to “re-title” a salvaged vehicle in another state, obtain a clean title and sell the vehicle on to an unsuspecting buyer.

You should also know, in 1998, at the direction of its membership (state DMVs), the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) supported uniform salvage legislation—legislation that would prevent the aforementioned crime known as “title washing.”

3.) Car theft and vehicle fraud crimes are a national epidemic, DMVs have the antidote!

Vehicle fraud crimes are nothing new. You can read all about AAMVA’s stance on them.

DMVs could eliminate these crimes if they received the federal funding necessary for 100% state participation in the federally-mandated National Motor Vehicle Title Information System.

4.) Uniformity is our middle name

The main reason AAMVA exists, is it to help move our varied state motor vehicle laws towards uniformity in how all motor vehicle agencies do business.

Inconsistent and lax licensing laws in one state weaken the entire driver's licensing and vehicle registration fabric for all motorists.

But getting 50 different state legislatures to agree on uniform motor vehicle codes is much easier said than done. We’re still trying. And we always will.

Further, state DMV administrators have been sayingf or years (particularly post 9/11) they lack the proper tools to assess a person’s driving record in other states prior to issuing a new state driver’s license. With the federal highway bill coming up for reauthorization, now is good time to revisit the need for that potentially life-saving capability.

Finally, the association sent a Report to Congress in 2001 that articulated the feasibility of a state to state query process for reviewing a person’s driving history prior to licensure without creating a massive database.

5.) Customer service is key

Every day, state motor vehicle agencies do the business onpar with a Fortune 500 company. And DMV employees are human and can make mistakes.

Since Vala has articulated a particular event at a select DMV, I can’t provide much insight here. Sorry.

But while yelling is never a good thing, what I can say is that in the “name” field on your driver’s license, there is a limitation and a standardization of characters. This helps to distinguish between Jason D. King and Jason S. King (I was always confused with Jason S. King in junior high school. He sat behind me in 7th grade.)

6.) DMVs have fraud, how about you?

I don’t know of any organization today that can say they are 100 percent immune to fraud. If an organization makes that claim, they probably have their administrative heads buried in the sand.

As I said to Vala (and she was accurate in quoting me),

“There’s a high demand for valid ID obtained through fraudulent means. Fraud is a problem on both sides of the DMV counter and the fact that so many employees are being caught shows how committed the DMV is to addressing the problem.”

7.) DMVs are doing their part to help prevent ID theft.

The old school way of getting a fake ID by taking your older sibling’s birth certificate to DMV is about to become a thing of the past. Some states, thanks to a federal grant, have begun exchanging digital photos.

But the bigger crime associated with ID theft, according to the Federal Trade Commission, is the theft of someone’s social security number.

By the way, state DMVs no longer print your social security number on the face of your license.

8.) Older drivers are some of the safest drivers on the roads.

Today, there is no science to support age-based testing of drivers. But the state DMVs support additional work in this area. And right now, AAMVA is leading a research project to identify the best practices in evaluating someone’s fitness to drive.

Keep in mind, as caregivers of older adults; we have a responsibility to report to the DMV any family member whose condition might impair their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. This includes the old school family physician that might be reluctant to report his or her patient.

9.) Vanity plates are everywhere

This is the first I’ve heard that vanity plates make you a target for criminal activity. Since I’m not an expert in criminal behavior, I’ll defer to the experts. But I would be curious to see the statistics behind the rationale, wouldn’t you?

10.) DMVs can only be as strong as their weakest link.

This became obvious post 9/11 when the public learned how many of the terrorists had multiple licenses from multiple states.

DMVs used this tragedy as an opportunity to raise awareness about the loopholes in driver’s licensing, to ask for federal help and the public’s support and patience.

Now, if SmartMoney really cared about helping and educating its readers, they could have easily written this piece from another angle and retitled it to read conversely and truthfully, “10 Things the DMV Wants You to Know.”

But, if you’ll excuse the irony, it seems like there is something Vala and SmartMoney don’t want you to know.

Your DMV wants to help you.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

Let's get it right and make it safe for all drivers

Jason King — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 13:31:21 GMT

A few years ago AAMVA got quite involved in the older driver safety issue. AAMVA even created the nation's first older driver public awareness campaign: GrandDriver.

The idea behind GrandDriver was to urge folks to learn more about aging and driving. This included encouraging the public to; begin preparing for their driving futures, and, to understand how the accompaniments of aging can affect driving.

Now after years of stakeholder groups (AAMVA, AARP, AAA, N4A and countless others) educating journalists and the public about the true facts and statistics surrounding older drivers, most reporters seem to "get it." But it is still saddening when a reporter "misses it."

In the case of our older drivers, families, physicians, clergy and others who care, play a significant role in helping older drivers continue to driving for as long as safely possible. These same folks also carry a tremendous amount of responsibility in talking with an older person and helping them to transition to alternative means of transportation when driving is no longer an option. Expecting an age-based testing law to save you from dealing with your older driver parent is expecting too much of a law and too little of yourself.

Yet all it takes is one crash involving an older driver for the media to start screaming, "Test them all and take the keys." This sends the wrong message and does nothing to help older Americans, their friends and their families to understand issues of aging and driving. And quite frankly it sets the entire dialogue back about 20 years.

This week the Boston Herald's Margery Eagan has done her part to send the wrong message about older drivers and the facts surrounding their safety on the roadways and how state agencies assess someone's physical and cognitive ability to drive.

Here is where she went wrong.

First, she fails to see understand that all drivers age at different rates. So, age-based testing cannot be the end all, be all answer. Keep in mind, just because someone passes a driver's test, that doesn't necessarily make them a safe driver. The test that gets your driver's license at 16 or 17 doesn't predict whether you will be a safe driver or a bad driver. It proves you know how to operate a car. But years of experience and safe judgment calls behind the wheel is what makes a safe driver.

Something different is needed to weed out bad drivers, young or old. Two of the worst older driver accidents this year were in states with annual road tests, N.H. and Ill. (The accident in New Hampshire, where a driver dragged a young boy a significant distance, may be familiar to readers in Boston.)

What is needed are tests that uncover limitations or problems that lead to accidents. Some states, like Calif. and Md., are taking a thoughtful approach to finding a way to identify risky drivers.

Second, Eagan has misinterpreted a study conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Eagan claims, "Surely this doesn’t help older drivers, many of whom still drive well. But many others can’t, and those who can’t, over age 80, are more likely to hit pedestrians than any other age group of drivers, including newly licensed teenagers, reports the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Quite the opposite is true. I read the report, talked withe the folks at IIHS, and page 3 reads, "These findings suggest that the oldest drivers are overinvolved in crashes, but they're less likely than teenage driver to hurt other people."

The bottomline is this--We all want the roads safe for ourselves and our loved ones. To imply that anyone wants to protect bad drivers is ridiculous. Unsafe drivers need to be off the road. And level heads need to prevail after a tragedy.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org
www.aamva.org

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Bonnie Blogs on AAMVA's 75 years

Jason King — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:49:38 GMT

By Bonnie Rutledge, commissioner, Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles
2005-2006, AAMVA Chair of the Board

AAMVA, what can I say. It has been a large part of my business life in my 37 years with motor vehicles. In the beginning of my career it was definitely a place to go to meet my peers, learn what other jurisdictions were doing, get assistance and give input; and it has remained all those things throughout the years.

One thing I learned early on with AAMVA, as with any organization is, if you want to see change, influence outcomes and be involved, volunteer for leadership roles. This has been especially important for Vermont. Often times being from a small jurisdiction, unless you can influence outcomes you are left behind.

AAMVA has a feel of family, and comfortable friendships develop over the years. You feel comfortable calling or e-mailing a fellow administrator to bounce ideas, ask advice or just share the latest DMV news or gossip. You also build those relationships with our industry partners as well. It is a rare day that I do not communicate with someone in the AAMVA community.

I have been privileged over the years to be involved in some programs that have had a major impact on our states and the citizens we serve. I served on the Base State Working group; on the original Board of Directors for IRP and then as Chair of IRP; served on AAMVA Region I Board and then President of Region I in 2003; and served on the AAMVA Board, Executive Committee and Chair of the Board in 2006; and am now serving as Chair of the Real ID Steering Committee.

AAMVA as an organization has changed over the years. I have seen it grow from a struggling organization, both financially and organizationally, to an organization with National recognition and fiscally sound. This has happened because of the commitment of the members and AAMVA staff. Getting to this point was not without it’s problems. I believe the current review the organization is undergoing will help to strengthen the organization even more.

I encourage everyone to take an active role in the organization, voice your opinion, make your presence known and assist in shaping AAMVA of the future for the next 75 years.

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It's a milestone, AAMVA celebrates 75 years

Jason King — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 09:49:18 GMT

So this week AAMVA President and CEO Neil Schuster announced a year long celebration to commemorate AAMVA's 75th Anniversary.

And as part of the celebration I have asked some of our past presidents/chairmen of the board to offer their thoughts on AAMVA and its member jurisdictions in this blog. We'll try to offer a past chairman/presidents blog once a month.

Stay posted, you never know who will be blogging next! And you never know just what they'll say.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

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What will they think of next

Jason King — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 09:59:29 GMT

A few weeks ago I received what seemed to be an innocuous phone call from a reporter inquiring about North Carolina's recent decision to begin using a new hologram on the face of their state's driver's license. Shame on me, I should have known better. No reporter call is ever "innocuous."

This reporter's far-fetched story then spread like wildfire among his followers in the blogosphere. And considering those internet sources that were running with the story, I opted not to even address the issue further. Why bother, right? You can't reason with ideologues.

Now, in fairness, the reporter did quote me accurately in his story. But the context in which he placed my quotes, and the paraphrasing he used to introduce my words, were less than that of a reputable and responsible journalist. And quite frankly it's the kind of method that has led to the public's distrust of the media.

But now, almost three weeks after the story hit the blogosphere, and a few hate letters later, the story has finally bubbled up to the mainstream media. So, I will set the record straight.

First, a hologram is a digital image with graphic elements buried within so that only those with special fraud detection skills can identify them. It's really no different than the hologram on your MasterCard(R) which displays an image of the globe. But if you follow this reporter's logic you would probably believe that MasterCard's(R) choice of the globe hologram on their credit cards is an attempt to create a one nation globe.

Now, hologram producers may argue with me that a hologram is much more sophisticated than what I have just articulated. I'm sure it is. But for the purposes of explaining this technology to the masses in real terms, this keeps it simple for all of us. Understand, I am no "techy."

Second, the image on the hologram chosen by North Carolina, and designed by a working group made up of members of the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, is that of the North American continent.

The AAMVA members chose only one design for this common security feature for a number of reasons.

A, they wanted to keep the design common so fraud detectors wouldn't have to be trained to recognize 51 different state holograms.

And "B," because designing one consistent hologram for all states was much less expensive than designing 51 different ones.

So, let's put to rest once and for all any and all posts, threads, blogs and articles that take this discussion out of the realm of driver's license and ID security and into the land of make believe.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

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

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People are talking, talking about vehicle fraud

Jason King — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 15:21:09 GMT

Once again, the issue of vehicle fraud crimes is hitting the news. This time in Baltimore, Md.

In today's Baltimore Examiner, reporter Carolyn Peirce digs into the consumer and homeland security issues associated with vehicle fraud crimes like VIN Cloning, odometer rollbacks and vehicle title washing.

Peirce clearly illustrates, through in depth interviews, with people like Greg Terp of the Miami Dade Police Department and Frank Scafidi from the National Insurance Crime Bureau just how these crimes occur. But perhaps more importantly, in a separate piece, she also articulates the need for the solution to these crimes: NMVTIS.

But what is disheartening is that she also interviewed the press secretary in Sen. Mikulski's (D-MD) office and learned there are no federal funds from the Commerce Justice and Science Appropriations Subcommittee in this fiscal year to support this federally-mandated system that studies say have benefits in the billions.

Maybe next year.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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Striking a balance

Jason King — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 10:14:59 GMT

It was commonplace just a few years ago that news stories sought to point the finger at state DMVs when asking the question, "How old is too old to drive?"

So now it's time to look at how that question has recently changed to read, "How to prevent older drivers from crashes" and "Seniors face hurdles with driving law" and "Katie's law protects all drivers, family says."

For someone who has spent the last ten years educating the public via the media about the issues surrounding aging and driving, it is astonishing to see how this discussion has evolved from pointing a finger and recommending strict age-based road and knowledge testing, to focusing on the facts and developing safe transportation solutions for all.

One thing that has changed is that science is now involved. So, the proof is truly in the pudding. Study results, published in the Journal of American Medicine, have shown that renewing a driver's license in person does have a positive effect on reducing crashes involving older drivers. But the verdict is still out on exactly what constitutes the best practice in evaluating someone's physical and cognitive ability to drive a motor vehicle.

Second, the largest boomer-focused lobby group (ahem, AARP) recently sought to "strike a balance" between highway safety and aging and supported state legislation (Katie's Law) directed at older drivers. This legislation requires that drivers 79 and over must now appear in person in a motor vehicle office to renew their driver's license. And they are required to take a vision test. But drivers 85 and older will need to renew their licenses every two years, instead of every six years.

It's good to see this discussion evolving to the policy makers, and with decisions based on science and with the support of AARP.

Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel.

Jason D. King
VP, Public Relations and Info. Serv.
AAMVA
jking@aamva.org

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