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HD 2494

An Act relative to duplicate license plates

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Brian Murray

Prohibits issuing new plates that duplicate any active plate’s horizontal sequence and requires free replacement, plus enhanced record-keeping for full registration numbers.

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Bill Summary · HD 2494

Summary: An Act relative to duplicate license plates (House Docket No. 2494)

Purpose

This bill seeks to prevent the issuance of license plates that have the same horizontal alphanumeric sequence as an active plate, with the goal of reducing confusion, potential fraud, and enforcement complications related to duplicate plates. It also requires agencies to record plate information more comprehensively to ensure accurate enforcement of violations, tolls, and related fees.

Key provisions

  • Prohibition on duplicate sequences (Section 2): The registrar may not furnish a new plate that shares an identical sequence of horizontally aligned alphanumeric characters with any other active plate. If a registrant’s plate would duplicate an existing sequence, the registrar must take action under this section.

  • No-cost replacement option (Section 2): For registrants whose plate shares an identical sequence with another active plate, the registrar shall issue a new registration number and new plates to the registrant upon application, at no charge.

  • Identification and notice (Section 3): By January 1, 2025, the registrar must:

    • Identify all registrants with plates sharing an identical horizontal sequence with another active plate.
    • Provide written notice to those registrants about the duplication issue and the registrar’s obligations under Section 2.

  • Enhanced record-keeping by agencies (Section 4): Municipal, county, and state agencies (including law enforcement, the Department of Transportation, and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, and entities acting on their behalf) must record all vertically stacked characters that are part of a registration number. They must note whether a plate is a specialty, distinctive, commercial, or other plate series when documenting or recording a plate for violations, fines, surcharges, tolls, or fees.

  • Emergency enactment clause: The act declares itself an emergency law, intended for immediate preservation of public safety, indicating it would take effect promptly upon enactment.

Who is affected

  • Registrants with duplicate plate sequences: Individuals or entities whose license plate horizontally matches another active plate would be eligible for a free replacement and new registration number.
  • Current plate records and registrars: The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles and related state entities must perform identification, notification, and process replacements.
  • Government agencies and personnel: Law enforcement, DOT, MBTA, and others must implement enhanced record-keeping practices to include complete registration number characters and plate series classification.

Implementation and timeline

  • Identification/notice deadline: By January 1, 2025, registrars must identify duplicative plates and notify affected registrants.
  • Replacement process: Affected registrants may apply for a new registration number and plates at no cost.
  • Record-keeping updates: Agencies must record full registration numbers, including vertically stacked characters, and categorize plate type during documentation.

Notes

  • The bill references a similar measure filed in a prior session (House No. 3433 of 2023-2024), indicating ongoing concern about duplicate plates.
  • The emergency clause suggests an intent for rapid implementation to address safety and enforcement concerns.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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