RI DMV Seeks Public Input On Vanity Plate Controversy

CRANSTON, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Motor Vehicles found itself in hot water recently after a judge ruled that it had no right to restrict a controversial vanity plate. Now, the department is looking for the public's input on what constitutes an acceptable license plate message and what crosses the line.

The issue arose over a lawsuit filed in March by the driver of a Tesla bearing the license plate "FKGAS," The Boston Globe reported. This week, a U.S. District Court judge declared that the law, which gives the DMV administrator the authority to restrict vanity plates "that might carry connotations offensive to good taste and decency," was unconstitutional.

Now, the DMV is looking for the public's input to create new standards of what's appropriate. Until the issue is resolved, no new vanity plate applications will be accepted, the department said.

Anyone interesting in providing feedback is asked to answer the following questions, with as much specificity and examples as possible.

• What categories and types of vanity plate messages are appropriate for display?
• What categories and types of vanity plate messages are not appropriate for display?
• Are there categories and type of vanity plate messages, including specific words, phrases, expressions and configurations that should be prohibited?
• Are there categories and types of vanity plate messages, including specific
  words, phrases, expressions, and configurations, that can be prohibited without violating an individual's constitutional right to free speech?
• What are the benefits, if any, to the public in prohibiting certain categories and
  types of vanity plate messages, including specific words, phrases, expressions, and configurations?
• What are the costs, if any, to the public in prohibiting certain categories and
  types of vanity plate messages, including specific words, phrases, expressions, and configurations?

Rhode Islanders are asked to give their opinion of whether certain possibility crude or tasteless messages would be appropriate, such as profanity, "reference to excretory functions," references to violence, hate speech, a combination of letters and numbers that are nearly identical to a previously issued plate, letters or numbers that give the impression that the vehicle is affiliated with a police department or official government business and more. More information is available on the DMV's website.

Public comment can be submitted until May 17 by email to bradford.booth@dmv.ri.gov or by mail to:

Department of Revenue
Division of Motor Vehicles
600 New London Avenue
Cranston, RI 02920