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NY DMV Commissioner Calls Out Critics of the Proposed License Plates

VESTAL, NY (WSKG) — There’s been a lot of criticism from New York Republican lawmakers about proposed new license plates. The state’s DMV commissioner hopes to set it all straight.

One criticism is over the fee drivers will need to pay to replace their plates.

In a statement, Commissioner Mark J.F. Schroeder says the fee has been 25 dollars for over ten years, since before Governor Andrew Cuomo took office. Schroder says Cuomo would like to lower the fee and called out lawmakers.

"If the legislators are sincere and want to lower the fee immediately, although they haven't in the past decade, the Governor has made clear he invites them back for a Special session to do it," Schroeder said.

Another criticism is that the plates should be made better.

Cuomo claims the plates need to be replaced because some old plates are peeling and cannot be read by the new EZ pass system the state plan to adopt.

"The national standard by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators is that 10 years is a license plate's useful life. It is possible that a plate may still be in good condition after 10 years but that determination would need to be made on a plate by plate basis after inspection," Schroeder explained.

Schroeder also said, if the electronic tolling system's cameras cannot read damaged plates, that driver will not be charged the toll and that lost revenue will be borne by other drivers.

Beginning next April, residents with the older blue and white plates will have to turn them in for new plates. Schroder believes that’s enough time to work with the legislature to explore alternatives.