TRENTON, N.J. – A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced a bill to honor New Jersey’s veterans with distinctive license plates recognizing their service.
Assembly Bill 3387, sponsored by Assemblymen Harold “Hal” J. Wirths, Daniel R. Benson, and Parker Space, directs the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to issue special plates bearing the word “Veteran.”
The plates would be available to any honorably discharged service member who can provide documentation such as a DD-214 form or Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
Supporters say the measure offers a simple, visible way for the state to acknowledge those who have served in the armed forces.
Bill would honor veterans through visible recognition
The bill states that “the Chief Administrator of the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission shall issue, for a motor vehicle owned or leased by the person, distinctive license plates of a design approved by the administrator.” The design would include the word “Veteran” alongside a registration number and other legally required markings.
Under the proposal, applicants would pay a $15 fee in addition to standard registration costs. Those funds would cover the expenses of producing and issuing the special plates.
The measure also allows surviving spouses of deceased veterans to retain the plates for use on their own vehicles, provided they are licensed drivers in New Jersey.
Outreach and implementation plan
The Motor Vehicle Commission would be required to notify motorists of the new option through registration renewal notices and signage at all agency offices. The agency would also be responsible for creating and enforcing regulations governing the program.
According to the bill, the law would take effect on the first day of the seventh month following enactment, giving the commission time to finalize the plate design and procedures.
The legislation aims to provide New Jersey veterans with lasting recognition of their service on the road and in their communities.
