New York to replate, no charge to drivers

Dec 13, 2009 — New York drivers will no longer be required to pay $25 to change to the state's new “Empire Gold” license plates in April 2010.

The plan had been launched by Governor Paterson as a means to raise $130 million in revenue, but faced fierce opposition from the American Automobile Association, the New York State Association of County Clerks, and thousands of individual motorists who expressed their “tax fatigue” in polls.

The new design will still debut in April, but only for vehicles requiring new plates.

Motorists may continue renewing their existing plates for the time being.