Sales of License Plates Commemorating 9/11 Off to a Strong Start

A strong early response has demonstrated the demand for commemorative 9/11 license plates within New York State. After many years, the Department of Motor Vehicles finally agreed to issue the plates, with part of the proceeds going to a charity benefiting family members of World Trade Center victims. Fewer than three days after the plates went on sale, 168 sets had been purchased.

New Yorkers who are interested in purchasing the license plates honoring 9/11 victims and those who assisted them must pay $85 for a standard set or $116.25 for personalized plates. There are annual renewal fees as well. Drivers considering one of these options might be interested in their:

• Design — The new plates include the phrases “United We Stand” and “9-11-01 Never Forget” with an American flag image. To honor both first responders and civilian victims, there are silhouetted figures, some of whom are recognizable as fire fighters and police officers.
• Authorization and delay — Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the bill authorizing a 9/11 license plate in August 2018 but issues with funding delayed the release. To justify the cost of production, a $6,000 bond was required in case fewer than 200 of the commemorative plates were sold. A sponsor eventually posted the bond but based on the exceptional immediate response, it’s clear that sales will far exceed 200.
• Scholarship fund — For each plate sold, $25 goes to the World Trade Center Memorial Scholarship Fund which helps with college education costs for surviving family members of World Trade Center fatalities and of others injured in the attack.

The popularity of the new license plates further proves that residents of the New York area are still moved by the memory of 9/11 and want to help relieve the burden that many people still face. Unfortunately, the deaths and serious illnesses stemming from Ground Zero persist today, with many first responders and others suffering due to toxins released at the site.

Barasch & McGarry has achieved extraordinary results for individuals impacted by 9/11 and their loved ones, including people suffering from Ground Zero exposure illnesses. Please call [ln::phone] or contact us online to schedule a free initial consultation.