DeAngelo, Houghtaling Bill to Recognize More Veterans with Special License Plates Passes Assembly

            (TRENTON) – In honor of New Jersey residents who served in the military, Assemblymen Wayne DeAngelo and Eric Houghtaling sponsored legislation that would recognize more veterans than ever before with special license plates. The bill passed the full Assembly Monday, 71-0-0.

The bill (A-133) would allow the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) to issue special license plates identifying the driver as a veteran and featuring the insignia of the military branch in which he or she served.

“Men and women who served in our armed forces deserve the opportunity to convey their pride in being veterans,” said Assemblyman DeAngelo (D-Mercer, Middlesex). “No matter where they go – regardless of whether they’re traveling here in New Jersey or out of state – these military plates will be a tribute to their service.”

While there are currently several New Jersey license plates that identify specific subsets of service members, such as Silver Star or Purple Heart award recipients, no such honor exists for all veterans. The plates proposed in this legislation would be available to any honorably discharged veteran.

“Any New Jersey driver may obtain a personalized license plate, but it’s important for our state to specifically offer a specialized plate bearing a symbol of the U.S. military in honor of the brave citizens who served our country,” said Assemblyman Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “This legislation is about recognizing the individuals who did not hesitate to answer when their nation called.”

The legislation will now go to the Senate for further consideration.