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Lawmakers consider seasonal tourism‑themed license plates; DMV says it can implement multiple designs
Summary
Representative Cahill introduced HB 1482 to allow DMV to issue seasonal tourism‑themed license plates; the DMV testified it can implement additional plate types but raised distribution and manufacturing timing concerns tied to its plate‑replacement project and RFP cycle.
Chair opened the public hearing on HB 1482, which would authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to adopt seasonal, tourism‑themed license plates. Representative Cahill, the prime sponsor, described the plates as low‑cost advertising to promote New Hampshire’s scenic attractions; he said he did not intend to remove historic imagery entirely but hoped to supplement the base plate with seasonal designs.
Members asked practical questions about how motorists would select a plate design, whether the Old Man of the Mountain would remain an option, and whether new plate manufacturing technology and timing could delay implementation. Cahill said clerks would likely stock a small set of designs and allow motorists to choose; he indicated the Old Man graphic could remain available as an option.
Jennifer Olirri, administrator of the DMV’s Bureau of Registration, said the division takes no position on the policy but can implement multiple plate types and work with the Division of Travel and Tourism Development on images. Olirri noted that the DMV’s plate manufacturing project is in RFP stages and that a requirement to distribute four seasonal designs evenly would affect warehouse inventory and distribution programming. The DMV offered to provide additional fiscal detail if the bill’s language changes.
No vote occurred at the hearing. Committee members closed the public hearing and moved on to other agenda items.
