S.L. 2013-376: Special Registration Plates Authorization

• Authorizes the Division of Motor Vehicles to issue 16 new special registration plate types, including Charlotte Checkers, First Tee, Morehead Planetarium, Municipality Plates, Native Brook Trout, NC FIRST Robotics, and YMCA, among others.

• Modifies registration plate fees: establishes that certain military and veteran plates (Legion of Valor, 100% Disabled Veteran, Ex-Prisoner of War, Bronze Star, Silver Star) are issued free of charge, while most other special plates carry an additional fee of $20-$30 beyond standard registration fees.

• Establishes distribution mechanisms for special plate fee revenues to designated accounts and organizations, with quarterly transfers to beneficiary organizations such as the Charlotte Checkers Charitable Foundation, Mission Healthcare Foundation, and North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

• Changes terminology for one existing plate from "Bronze Star Combat Recipient" to "Bronze Star Valor Recipient" and adds the Coast Guard Cross as an eligible decoration for the Legion of Valor plate.

• Modifies the Retired Legislator plate eligibility and issuance procedures, clarifies the City/County Clerk plate naming convention (to NCAMC/NCACC), and authorizes the Division to develop standardized special license plate formats with improved reflectivity and readability.