license plates

Genesee County Clerk Don Read holds up one of the new New York license plates, which are now available.

Unlike the original plan, switching to the new plate is not mandatory, and just because you register your new vehicle, doesn't mean you will get the blue and gold plate. Unless requested, according to Read, the old Empire State plates will be given out until there are none left (that's them on the shelves behind Read).

People who want the new plate when it's time to renew their vehicle registration, can request a pair.

However, vehicle owners with "County Clerk Plates" (GS, BA and 7H series) will have to wait until the current supply of those Empire Plates are used up. The State isn't sending out county plates until current supplies ares are depleted.

Read, a history buff, said he likes the plates' retro design.

"A lot of people don't like them," Read said. "I think they're nice."

This week in Albany, Assemblyman Steve Hawley has been busy lobbying the governor and other lawmakers to rescind a plan requiring all residents to get new vehicle license plates next spring.

Opponents of the DMV plan, like Hawley, say it's a blatant money-grab by a budget-challenged state at taxpayers' expense. Firstly, they argue, we do not need new license plates. Secondly, this plan is, basically, a tax, something New York has plenty of already.

In a press release, Hawley said "In rural areas, like in Western New York, it is a necessity to drive: to buy food, to get to work. This license plate plan is just another tax on residents in communities like ours. This plan does not impact New York City residents, it affects us."

He asked that it be repealed immediately as a "sign of good faith" that those in Albany are listening to the residents of Western New York and other upstate regions.

"It is not enough for the Governor and legislative leaders to 'rein in spending' by making last minute budget cuts," according to Hawley. "They must cut the excessive burden they have placed on the backs of taxpayers..."

Did anyone see on the news that there is going to be new fee’s when you go to register your car…you will be forced to get a new license plate? And the cost for a driver’s license is also going up…to help with the state budget.

Does anyone know why if you live in Wyoming County you have to pay an extra $10 for your vehicle registration then if you live in Genesee County?   And if the DMV makes a mistake and charges you that $10 fee because your mail is delivered by a Wyoming County Post Office, but you really do live in Genesee County, they won't give you the money back. Those that live in Pavilion, but have mail delivered by the Wyoming Post Office...you should check your registration bills..

Since the state charges different registration fees for different vehicles, are they going to charge different fees for plates as well?

This is a fee that all owners of vehicles are being forced to pay for no reason. The plates on my cars are fine…don’t need replacing, but yet when the time comes, I need to get new ones…