Vermont Business Magazine Governor Peter Shumlin has issued an executive order to allow Vermonters to continue to display the Vermont Strong license plate. The exemption allowing Vermonters to display the plate on the front of their vehicle was slated to expire June 30, 2016. The executive order will remain in effect until a new governor rescinds it or the Legislature revisits the issue. "These plates remind us of how our state pulled together in the wake of Irene to rebuild stronger than the storm found us," Shumlin said. "The plate has become a symbol of pride for many Vermonters, myself included, and I want ensure people can continue to display them."
The full text of the order is copied below.
STATE OF VERMONT
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 04-16
[Vermont Strong License Plates]
WHEREAS, Vermont passed legislation creating Vermont Strong Commemorative License Plates in 2012 to “recognize all of those who have suffered losses because of the destruction brought by Tropical Storm Irene and the flooding of 2011, and to commemorate the contributions of the many who are helping to rebuild Vermont and to make it stronger”; and
WHEREAS, in 2014, the General Assembly extended the display of Vermont Strong License plates to June 30, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Vermont Strong license plate continues to be an important symbol of Vermont’s resiliency and commitment to the many communities, businesses, and families impacted by Tropical Storm Irene and other major flooding events; and
WHEREAS, under section 511(a) of title 23, “[a] motor vehicle operated on any highway shall have displayed in a conspicuous place either one or two number plates as the Commissioner may require.”
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT I, Peter Shumlin, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor, do hereby order and direct that:
(a) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall continue to permit Vermonters to display Vermont Strong Commemorative License Plates on the front of eligible vehicles; and
(b) Vermont law enforcement officers shall refrain from ticketing or otherwise penalizing any Vermonter with a Vermont Strong Commemorative License Plate as the front plate on an eligible vehicle until the General Assembly next has the opportunity to consider and clarify the duration of Vermont Strong commemorative License Plates; and
(c) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles and the Commissioner of Public Safety shall take all necessary and appropriate actions to implement this Order with state and local law enforcement.
This Executive Order shall take effect upon signing.