Should the Arm Services adopt a Federal license plate?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:07:33 -0500

I know we got rid of the DoD stickers but it is still easy
to pick out the service members for all of the bumper stickers. I just get
tired of every time I PCS and my plates come do either jumping though hopes to keep
the ones I have. Or having to find out the new states law and how it is done.
Not to mention the prices differences NY=$75 for 2 years Wy=$200 every year.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 10:13 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:13:33 -0500

My thought is to just use your home of record plate and renew each year online. Then have a federal law that exempts each service member from the residency restrictions at his new post. I would just keep my Alabama plates for my career, until I decide to change my residence.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 10:17 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:17:22 -0500

I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze on this.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 10:22 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:22:20 -0500

Unfortunately, not all posts have stopped using the DoD stickers.

At most posts, stickers or not, you can go through the lines for ID card holders. Not at West Point. If you do not have a sticker, you have to go through the visitor lines with all of the trucks, vendors, etc. and can not use Washington Gate. I have met some guards who will lecture you about not having a sticker, even if you are in the visitor lane. I have found out that you do not even dare mention how most posts have done away with them at the recommendation of the DoD and that it is considered PERSEC.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 28 at 2013 10:34 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 28 Nov 2013 10:34:17 -0500

Disregarding the logistical difficulty of doing this, I still don't think it's a great idea. A lot of people wouldn't want to display so readily their military status. Depending on the area of the country or just personal preference, it's sometimes not the most advisable thing to do.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 1:56 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 01:56:00 -0500

I feel like that would be a target. When I was stationed in Germany my license plates said US on them and I thought that made me stand out. I also was driving a Pontiac in Germany which didn't help me fit in.

Response by LTC Jason Bartlett made Nov 29 at 2013 12:04 PM

LTC Jason Bartlett — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 12:04:55 -0500

take money away from the states...good luck.

Response by SFC Michael Boulanger made Nov 29 at 2013 1:53 PM

SFC Michael Boulanger — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:53:25 -0500

I like this idea.

Response by SSG Robert Burns made Nov 29 at 2013 1:55 PM

SSG Robert Burns — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 13:55:37 -0500

I've been in for 14 years and have never had an issue with my plates. I have the same plates from my home of record. When they are due for renewals i just ton online, pay for it, and get my new sticker in the mail. It's as easy as ordering a netflix. I don't understand the issue.

Response by SGM Matthew Quick made Nov 29 at 2013 2:27 PM

SGM Matthew Quick — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 14:27:05 -0500

Not sure how DoD stickers and bumper stickers seem to serve the same purpose in identifying service members. I've never had a bumper sticker, let alone a military one.

As far as PCSing and getting your vehicle(s) registered, it's as easy as dealing with any local DMV/Tag office.

If you're asking about the armed services providing federal license plates for it's service members, retireees, and anyone that may move locations, that's not very cost effective for the DoD budget...it wasn't cost effective to continue the DoD Decal System. :(

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 29 at 2013 2:44 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 14:44:49 -0500

I think we should have them but with that we would have to renew them every year just like we do now. It would help with changing your plates every time you PCS and all the hassle that goes with that.

Response by SSG Christopher Peckham made Nov 29 at 2013 7:40 PM

SSG Christopher Peckham — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 19:40:22 -0500

do you have to change your plates every time you pcs? i havent i still have my plates from home

Response by SFC James Baber made Nov 30 at 2013 5:48 AM

SFC James Baber — Sat, 30 Nov 2013 05:48:21 -0500

SSG T,

I am slightly confused on your situation, I only ever had 2 state license plates my entire almost 27 years, VA because of that is where I was living when I came in, and South Dakota, because after I married I claimed my wife's state for tax purposes. The federal military exemption allowed me to maintain my plates of choice no matter where I was stationed, I just renewed either through the mail or once everyone was up to speed via the internet. You shouldn't have to change every time you PCS if the local area is telling you that you have to, you have been lied to repeatedly during your career.

Response by SGT Michael Glenn made Nov 13 at 2014 1:20 AM

SGT Michael Glenn — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 01:20:17 -0500

The only thing I can think of is a no answer because it will point out who is military and who isnt. Germany had USA plates that looked American, but changed the shape to blend in better there,this would be the ONLY reason I would say nay.