Federal immigration agents are increasingly using unmarked vehicles, removing or swapping license plates, and disguising their identities to conduct arrests, raising concerns about accountability, legality, and public trust.
Illinois officials have warned federal immigration agents that tampering with or swapping license plates is illegal, launching the 'Plate Watch' hotline for residents to report suspicious activity, amid concerns over unmarked vehicles and identity concealment during immigration raids.
New York lawmakers have launched a multi-agency task force to crack down on "ghost cars" with fake or altered license plates that evade tolls and traffic violations. The task force aims to identify and remove these untraceable vehicles, which are often unregistered, uninsured, or stolen. In a recent operation, 73 cars were impounded, 282 summonses were issued, and eight individuals were arrested. Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the urgency of this crackdown as congestion pricing approaches, and they are calling for additional legislative protections to swiftly remove elusive vehicles from the roads.
The Minnesota 100 Club offers specialty license plates with proceeds supporting families of fallen first responders, including law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and corrections officers. The plates have raised significant funds, enabling $50,000 grants for families impacted by recent tragedies. Purchasing these plates from the Minnesota Department of Vehicle Services provides crucial support for those who risk their lives in the line of duty.
Minnesota introduces 9 new license plate options, including the popular blackout plate with white lettering, available for $30 at DVS offices or during registration, with Governor Tim Walz purchasing one for his own car. The state has already sold 3,800 blackout plates in just nine days, and other new plates include options for various causes and sports teams, with proceeds benefiting related charities.
Michigan will begin issuing new license plates, driver's licenses, and state IDs in 2024. The state will reintroduce the green and white "Water Wonderland" license plate, similar to one issued in 1963. The new driver's licenses and state IDs will feature a cutting-edge security design, including a two-line name format, the Michigan Coat of Arms, and multicolored text representing the Great Lakes. The new design aims to reduce counterfeiting and fraud. The magnetic stripe on the back of the cards will be removed, but scannable bar codes will remain. All Michigan residents will receive the new design when renewing, replacing, or correcting their license or ID.
Michigan will release new license plates, driver's licenses, and state IDs in 2024. The green and white "Water Wonderland" plate will make a comeback, while the new licenses and IDs will feature a cutting-edge security design to prevent counterfeiting and fraud. The new cards will display the Michigan Coat of Arms and the names of the Great Lakes. They will also indicate REAL ID compliance with a gold Michigan shape and star. The magnetic stripe on the back of the cards will be removed, but scannable bar codes will remain. The new design will be issued to all Michigan residents upon renewal, replacement, or correction of their license or ID.
Governor Kelly announces the winning license plate design for Kansas, featuring the Statehouse dome within a cutout of the state and a yellow, white, and blue gradient background. The design received over 140,000 votes, representing 53% of the total. While some residents found it "okay," others appreciated its uniqueness and representation of Topeka. Governor Kelly emphasized the importance of meeting public safety and printing guidelines, stating that simpler designs are becoming more common nationwide. The Department of Revenue is now working to issue the updated plates promptly.
Tesla Sweden has lost a court appeal, preventing them from picking up new car license plates from courier Postnord. The Norrköping District Court initially allowed Tesla to collect license plates directly from the manufacturer, but the decision was overturned by the Göta Court of Appeal. Tesla and its customers have found a loophole to receive license plates directly, but the automaker still requires assistance for car deliveries. Postnord joined a strike against Tesla, affecting license plate deliveries, and the Swedish Transport Agency refuses to change couriers. Tesla has filed a lawsuit against Postnord and the Swedish Transport Agency.
Kansas residents can now vote on five new license plate designs, allowing them to have a say in the state's new vehicle identification look. The designs were created by the Kansas Department of Revenue and feature various themes, including sunflowers, the state seal, and a wheat field. The voting process aims to gather public opinion and select a design that represents the state's identity.
After facing widespread criticism, the state of Kansas has offered five new license plate designs for public voting. The original design, resembling old New York plates with a University of Missouri color scheme, was quickly withdrawn by Governor Laura Kelly due to public outcry. The new designs prioritize clear and simple tags for easy identification, incorporating feedback on colors and images. Residents can vote for their favorite design on a government website until Friday, with the winner announced on December 18. The distribution of the new plates will be delayed, but the state will not incur additional costs for the extra designs or the voting website.
Voting has opened for residents of Kansas to choose the new design for the state's standard license plates in 2024. Five designs created by Mammoth Creative Co. and Kansas Tourism are up for consideration, with the chosen design aligning with Kansas Tourism's "To the Stars" branding and incorporating previous public feedback. The designs prioritize public safety by ensuring clear and legible plates that can be easily read by law enforcement and traffic systems. Voting will close on December 15, and the winning design will be announced on December 18.
Kansans can now vote on their favorite license plate design among five options created by Mammoth Creative Co. in partnership with Kansas Tourism. The designs incorporate previous public feedback and prioritize public safety with clear, simple designs. Voting will end on Friday, and the selected plate will be announced on December 18th.
A Swedish court has overturned a previous ruling that allowed Tesla to pick up its license plates, which postal workers had refused to deliver in solidarity with unionized Swedish mechanics. The strike began after Tesla refused to negotiate with around 120 unionized mechanics, and it quickly spread to other unions in Denmark and Norway.
Tesla's battle with Swedish labor unions continues as workers from Sweden's post office, PostNord, refuse to deliver license plates to the electric car company in solidarity with striking mechanics. Tesla had sued the Swedish government over this issue, but a Swedish court has ruled that PostNord workers cannot be forced to deliver the plates. The labor problem is spreading, with workers in Denmark and Norway also taking action against Tesla.