Michigan lawmaker wants to scrap license plate tabs to shorten lines at Secretary of State

[demmiblue]

A Republican lawmaker is suggesting Michigan should do away with physical vehicle plate tabs to save money and shorten wait times at Secretary of State offices - but state police are concerned the move would make it harder to determine whether a driver’s registration is up-to-date on the road.

If signed into law, legislation sponsored by state Rep. Matt Maddock, R-Milford Township, would remove the requirement that drivers place a sticker tab on their license plate each year to signify registration.

Drivers would also no longer have to carry a paper or electronic copy of their registration certificate in their vehicle to show law enforcement if pulled over — police officers would be required to search the driver’s information on the Law Enforcement Information Network instead.

...

In testimony to the House Transportation Committee Tuesday, Maddock said nearly 60 percent of people heading to the Secretary of State in person are there to get tabs, meaning removing the requirement entirely could sharply reduce lines.

https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/09/michigan-lawmaker-wants-to-scrap-license-plate-tabs-to-shorten-lines-at-secretary-of-state.html

Seriously, when was the last time most people have had to stand in line to renew a license plate tab (Although, I do understand that not all people have credit/debit cards for the self-service stations). Shite, you can get your tab at select Kroger or Meijer locations.

[elleng]

1. SOME states use the MAIL, that's USPS, for such tasks!

[mwooldri]

8. Some countries use their Post Office as well as by mail..

UK car registration and tax system is either online, or can be handled 100% through the mail with some services (tax payment) done at the Post Office. Used to have tax discs that had to be displayed in the vehicle but this is all electronic now. Number plate scanners detect whether your vehicle has up to date registration, insurance and safety/emissions (MOT) test.

As for North Carolina (where I call home) we have privately run license plate agencies that provide plate issuance and tax/tag renewals for dealers and people in person. Tax/tag renewals can be done online.

[SoCalNative]

2. Also AAA

has DMV services in many locations.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

3. I have to go to the Sec of State office every year.

One of my vehicles is so old it doesn't have a standard 17-character VIN. So, the Vehicle ID on my title doesn't quite match the one on the insurance. It's never a problem, but seems to require a person's eyeballs to see that they are the same-ish.

The other vehicle is newer (I think the 17-character VIN standard dates to 1977 or 78), so I can renew online or by mail.

I haven't tried Kroger or Meijer.

[yellowcanine]

4. Pay your registration online, the state mails you the sticker. Come on people. There is not an

issue here.

[Srkdqltr]

5. So that means no plates? Or registration.

How will that work?

[mwooldri]

7. It means plates still.

But documents would be electronic.