Trenton, NJ – A long-dormant slice of New Jersey road history could soon return to highways under a bill pre-filed for the upcoming legislative session that authorizes the issuance of classic blue and yellow license plates last used decades ago.
The proposal, Assembly Bill 3936, would allow motorists to apply for plates that replicate the design issued by the former New Jersey Department of Motor Vehicles between 1979 and 1991, a look remembered for its blue background and yellow lettering.
Sponsored by Assemblyman Robert J. Karabinchak of Middlesex County and co-sponsored by Assemblyman DiMaio, the measure directs the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission to offer the classic plates for any motor vehicle owned or leased and registered in the state.
Under the bill, drivers seeking the retro plates would pay a $50 application fee in addition to standard registration costs, followed by a $10 annual renewal fee. Revenue generated after administrative expenses would be directed to the state’s Special Transportation Fund for transportation projects.
The legislation bars the use of state or public funds to launch the program. Instead, startup costs for design, production, publicity, and necessary computer programming would be offset by non-public contributions capped at $25,000, provided through an individual or entity designated by the Department of Transportation.
Before production can begin, the commission must also receive at least 500 completed applications, which would serve as the initial order for the plates. Those applications must be submitted along with full payment for the initial production run.
If the average cost of producing and maintaining the plates exceeds the $50 application fee for two consecutive fiscal years, the chief administrator of the commission would be authorized to discontinue the program.
• The bill authorizes replica plates matching the 1979–1991 New Jersey design
• Drivers would pay a $50 application fee and $10 annual renewal fee
• Net proceeds would be directed to the Special Transportation Fund
The Motor Vehicle Commission would be responsible for publicizing the availability of the plates, primarily through its website, while a designated liaison from the Department of Transportation would coordinate implementation between agencies.
The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment but would remain inactive until funding and application thresholds are met. If those conditions are not satisfied within 12 months, the authorization would expire.
Lawmakers backing the bill say the program would give motorists a new plate option without tapping taxpayer dollars, while generating additional revenue for transportation needs if demand proves sufficient.
The proposal is pending technical review by legislative counsel and is expected to be formally introduced when the next legislative session convenes.