If you can earn some positive media (get the press to accurately pick up your news) in an age of shrinking newsrooms, particularly when you are a state motor vehicle agency, you get an "A plus." And, if you are a media outlet and you find it within your news judgment to grant "space" to the "good deeds" and "progress" of a state motor vehicle agency, then the teacher gives you an "A plus" as well. So, who are the two kids that recently nabbed an "A plus" in my opinion? The Indiana Bureau... Read Full Story

Last Saturday the New York Times published an op-ed, written by Stefan Lonce that illustrates the challenges motor vehicle administrators face in managing both vanity and specialty license plate programs. Lonce successfully distinguishes between the two types of plates.  And he even recommends a solution to the vanity plate conundrum:  a national database of offensive terms and alpha numeric combinations.  He suggests this would serve as a national clearinghouse for motor vehicle agency... Read Full Story

By Jason D. King Ok, so maybe I should explain some of the "racing" motif I have inserted into the blogs about the soon-to-hit-the- road "I Believe" religious specialty plate in South Carolina. It's simple.  South Carolina is located in the heart of NASCAR country and is home to the "Darlington International Raceway."  Nuff said. Now, it is my understanding Gov. Sanford has, or will soon have, the bill on his desk to either approve or veto the "I Believe" plate. Surprise!  The issue is... Read Full Story

On May 7, 2008, I predicted the ACLU would sue the State of South Carolina over the proposed "I BELIEVE" plate currently buoyed in the S.C. House of Representatives. Well, I'm almost right.  The ACLU is already weighing in on the matter.  Of course, I have not seen the lawsuit...yet. Again, stay tuned!  And I welcome your thoughts on the plate. Until next time, stay safe behind the wheel. Jason D. King VP, PR & Info. Serv AAMVA jking@aamva.org Read Full Story

License plate controversy erupted a week ago over the proposed, and now DOA, "I BELIEVE" specialty license plate in Fla.  And now, the South Carolina legislature is poised to direct the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles to issue the nation's first specialty license plate decorated with the image of a cross. Who could have ever imagined a little old piece of metal could prove to have so much mettle? Now, I'm sure most have an opinion of whether or not this is a good thing or a... Read Full Story

Guest Blogger:  Alan Cockman Six years ago, while I was Chair of AAMVA, I was in New York City with other members of the Executive Committee to attend a meeting.  I forget its purpose but I vividly remember why we chose the location.  It was to show in a small way our support for the City, which just a few months earlier had endured the tragic events of September 11, 2001.  On our first evening in town we went to the site of the World Trade Center towers, not as tourists, but to pay our... Read Full Story

From time to time I use this forum to celebrate the hard work of journalists, as well as to "set the record" straight where reporting has gone awry and ventured into sensationalism.  The way I figure it, as PR folks, we spend enough time complaining when a reporter gets the story wrong we should spend just as much time applauding when they get it right! With that said, I am happy for this to be an occasion where I celebrate a journalist with integrity.  This time, it's Morris Jones... Read Full Story

For the second time in a year, the New York Times' Chris Jensen has dug into motor vehicle fraud crimes and exclaimed, "Eurkea, NMVTIS."  Jensen has done his homework on this piece just as he did his previous articles.  During the course of his research for this story, he spoke with me numerous times.  I can't even begin to tell you the number of emails we exchanged.  And all of his communication with me, and other affected parties, was, for nothing more, but the pursuit of the truth... Read Full Story

As AAMVA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, it is good time to reflect on why AAMVA continues to be a successful organization.  For me, AAMVA's successes were achieved through a unique combination of willing volunteers and a staff that is willing and able to support the needs and efforts of its membership.   In my judgment, AAMVA's greatest value is the opportunity it provides for members to interact with each other.  And, without a doubt, I believe its greatest asset is the cadre... Read Full Story

Wikizines are interactive magazines that anyone can create or edit - and this one is called "Vehicle Fraud Crimes and Safety". Here you can find fresh voices and respond in real time. Some members write articles about recent news and trends related to the wikizine's topic, others recount relevant personal stories or share their favorite pictures and video clips. Got an interesting idea or story to share with other members of this wikizine? Well, then put on your journalist's cap and add... Read Full Story