NC S896

Authorizes continued issuance of special license plates with unique background designs in North Carolina, as recommended by the Joint Legislative Transportation Oversight Committee.

Modifies G.S. 20-63(b) to allow 42 specific special registration plates to have designs other than the standard "First in Flight" plate, including plates for Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, wildlife organizations, and various charitable causes.

Requires that special registration plate designs must be approved by the Division of Motor Vehicles and the State Highway Patrol for clarity and ease of identification.

Repeals Section 1.1 of S.L. 2011-392, which had previously required vehicle owners to receive replacement special license plates in standardized format upon registration renewal on or after July 1, 2015.

Becomes effective July 1, 2012.