Share:
Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 13, 2022 10:16 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Marty Flynn |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Study on Alternate Vehicle Registration Plates |
| In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation directing the Joint State Government Commission to complete an analysis comparing the Commonwealth’s vehicle registration plate program to those in other states, with a focus on plate design options, law enforcement concerns, revenue generation, and program administration. The ultimate goal is to leverage these insights and recommendations into a potential policy expanding plate design options available to Pennsylvania motorists. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) largely relies on the state’s Motor License Fund for the maintenance, repair, and replacement of state roads and bridges. The state’s gas tax – the third highest in the nation – provides the overwhelming majority of revenue for the Motor License Fund. This significant reliance on the gas tax for PennDOT’s operations is increasingly problematic in light of a transition to more efficient vehicles, increase in remote/hybrid work, and reduction in leisure travel. There is no one solution to this problem; however, Pennsylvania must begin finding sustainable, alternative revenue streams to support the Motor License Fund. One option to generate additional revenue is the expansion of vehicle registration plates available to Pennsylvania motorists. The present customization options offered by PennDOT are limited to personalization of characters and/or addition of logos for special organizations – each tied to an additional fee. Importantly, neither of these options change the overall design of the plate. In contrast, many other states have far more diverse plate design options available to motorists for an additional fee. The structure and administration of these programs vary; however, the end result is more options for motorists and more revenue for states. I believe that a comparative analysis of Pennsylvania’s current vehicle registration plate program with those offered in other states is a critical step in developing a cohesive policy to provide for alternative vehicle registration plates. There are legitimate from law enforcement about readability and safety, and these must be considered alongside the potential benefits. Other states have successfully implemented alternative plate programs, and I am confident that, with proper research, Pennsylvania can design and administer a robust program that provides more options to motorists and revenue for roads and bridges. I appreciate your consideration and support. |