This website has repeatedly ripped on South Carolina state government for its ridiculous policies regarding government-issued license plates. We’ve bashed the “coon hunter” tag, the “largemouth bass” tag and the ever-popular “Jesus is my homeboy” tag.
Why? Because the preponderance of specialty plates makes it harder for law enforcement to do their job, the selective approval of such plates opens the door to lawsuits and the debate itself keeps state leaders from focusing on more pressing issues.
South Carolina’s latest license plate foolishness isn’t just another redneck-themed specialty tag, though … it’s something much more disturbing.
According to reporter Robert Kittle of WSPA-TV 7 (CBS – Spartanburg, S.C.), state leaders are contemplating a costly new electronic license plate that would alert authorities when a tag has expired, or when a driver’s license or registration has been suspended. The tags – which currently cost $100 apiece – would also flash other messages, including “Amber Alerts” for missing children.
Astoundingly, s0-called “conservative” S.C. Rep. Ralph Norman (R-York) told WSPA he “liked” this Orwellian overreach.
Really?
This website led the charge a few years ago when local municipalities were attempting to use automated traffic “scameras” to issue tickets to passing motorists.
Electronic license plates are much worse than that …
We call on S.C. Gov. Nikki Haley – whose Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) is responsible for doling out the state’s license plates and administering its network of vehicle registrations – to rebuke this Big Brotherism (and to reject the costly expense associated with it).
Technology must be used to enhance liberty, not diminish it – particularly at a time when our “Republican” leaders are making it much more expensive for South Carolina motorists to comply with the law (as part of an effort to make up for their failure to prioritize funding).
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42 comments
Good article, Fits! This sounds like an idea which is just full of problems and issues.
A couple of things SCDMV should do is go back to raised lettering on plates (harder to duplicate or alter) and go to some kind of easier to read color scheme than the absolute shitola that has been on standard DMV-issue plates for the past several years. You know, light color lettering on a dark background, or vice-versa?
With plain primary colors, no pictures. Absolutely 100% correct. You want a picture on your car paint one. Don’t expect the gubmint to do it for you.
That’s why North Carolina never adopted the cheap-assed decal/print tag and does not have a hard-on to change the design on a whim.
But this is South Carolina. no wonder the great “North State” (a valley of humility between two mountains {well make that one mountain – Virginia} and one “knoll” – South Carolina} of conceit) looks with amusement to its in-bred cousin to the south!!!
Good article, Fits! This sounds like an idea which is just full of problems and issues.
A couple of things SCDMV should do is go back to raised lettering on plates (harder to duplicate or alter) and go to some kind of easier to read color scheme than the absolute shitola that has been on standard DMV-issue plates for the past several years. You know, light color lettering on a dark background, or vice-versa?
With plain primary colors, no pictures. Absolutely 100% correct. You want a picture on your car paint one. Don’t expect the gubmint to do it for you.
That’s why North Carolina never adopted the cheap-assed decal/print tag and does not have a hard-on to change the design on a whim.
But this is South Carolina. no wonder the great “North State” (a valley of humility between two mountains {well make that one mountain – Virginia} and one “knoll” – South Carolina} of conceit) looks with amusement to its in-bred cousin to the south!!!
These things always start out innocuous. “It’s just going to report expired plates.” Or “It’s going to broadcast Amber alerts” (why do we have those huge text message screens across the highways). Then it does more, just an upgrade, it locates you for whatever reason (GPS modules are cheap anymore) then it sends out a signal that you are speeding (anybody that has a GPS knows GPSs give speed). Then it records your last 30 minutes, then 6 hours then 7 days. Combine this with the other big brother things the NSA has and you are pegged, coming and going.
These things always start out innocuous. “It’s just going to report expired plates.” Or “It’s going to broadcast Amber alerts” (why do we have those huge text message screens across the highways). Then it does more, just an upgrade, it locates you for whatever reason (GPS modules are cheap anymore) then it sends out a signal that you are speeding (anybody that has a GPS knows GPSs give speed). Then it records your last 30 minutes, then 6 hours then 7 days. Combine this with the other big brother things the NSA has and you are pegged, coming and going.
Your existing license plate already does all these things, even if it does promote fishing or Jesus. The cameras mounted on the signs and traffic lights all over the state can read your license plate and log the presence of your vehicle and routinely do. They can find out where you have been in a few keystrokes. It’s perfectly legal. There has never been a right to privacy regarding driving vehicles on public roads. All of this has been designed, approved, paid for and deployed by a Republican legislature and Governors.
We need to have a very serious, thoughtful and complex national debate about privacy, computers and our government, however such a discussion requires applying resources of intelligence, time and money which I doubt the nation still has.
Most people are scared out of their minds now. Our President wanted to work towards something better five years ago and it would have done America a world of good to have tried that. We really needed to sit down and work out what we could accomplish together as a country.
William, I’m with you, man. And just because it’s legal doesn’t make it constitutional or right. I see some court battles in the future on this. People need to press the issue.
The only thing we need to accomplish is bringing the gubmint back in line. Try adhering to the 4th amendment, and the rest of them for starters.
As to the SCOTUS saying “blah blah blah” that doesn’t make them right, just makes them stockholders with an agenda.
Your existing license plate already does all these things, even if it does promote fishing or Jesus. The cameras mounted on the signs and traffic lights all over the state can read your license plate and log the presence of your vehicle and routinely do. They can find out where you have been in a few keystrokes. It’s perfectly legal. There has never been a right to privacy regarding driving vehicles on public roads. All of this has been designed, approved, paid for and deployed by a Republican legislature and Governors.
We need to have a very serious, thoughtful and complex national debate about privacy, computers and our government, however such a discussion requires applying resources of intelligence, time and money which I doubt the nation still has.
Most people are scared out of their minds now. Our President wanted to work towards something better five years ago and it would have done America a world of good to have tried that. We really needed to sit down and work out what we could accomplish together as a country.
William, I’m with you, man. And just because it’s legal doesn’t make it constitutional or right. I see some court battles in the future on this. People need to press the issue.
The only thing we need to accomplish is bringing the gubmint back in line. Try adhering to the 4th amendment, and the rest of them for starters.
As to the SCOTUS saying “blah blah blah” that doesn’t make them right, just makes them stockholders with an agenda.
“tags…would….flash other messages”. If I can input messages to my tag, then sign me up:
Damn you are close, hope you got a rubber on
Can’t flick boogers that far, ease up a little
If you can read this, go fuck yourself
Last person who got this far up my ass died
Soon as you finish reading this I’m backing up
Haven’t been fucked lately, VOTE
CLASSICS …………. !!
“tags…would….flash other messages”. If I can input messages to my tag, then sign me up:
Damn you are close, hope you got a rubber on
Can’t flick boogers that far, ease up a little
If you can read this, go fuck yourself
Last person who got this far up my ass died
Soon as you finish reading this I’m backing up
Haven’t been fucked lately, VOTE
CLASSICS …………. !!
Where is $100 cost supposed to come from?
That alone makes this a bad – not the word I want to use, But, I don’t want to insult the inventors – idea.
Someone didn’t use their common sense on this one.
My guess: $100 (state) and $250 (us). The cost of all the electronic systems, maintenance and personnel will add to the total expense.
Think about going home after work, in the winter when it is already dark, and a message is sent to every damn car on the road! You are tired and hungry and suddenly hundreds of tags ahead of you are FLASHING & BEEPING!
Yeah, this is a distraction you really need at 70 mph. The scenarios could be even worse.
Who is promoting this asinine program? Follow the $$$$$ !!
Hi nitrat! These “inventors” should be insulted. They and the numerous other profiteers who are chomping at the bit to develop anti-freedom technology deserve every bit of disdain and insult they can receive.
Where is $100 cost supposed to come from?
That alone makes this a bad – not the word I want to use, But, I don’t want to insult the inventors – idea.
Someone didn’t use their common sense on this one.
My guess: $100 (state) and $250 (us). The cost of all the electronic systems, maintenance and personnel will add to the total expense.
Think about going home after work, in the winter when it is already dark, and a message is sent to every damn car on the road! You are tired and hungry and suddenly hundreds of tags ahead of you are FLASHING & BEEPING!
Yeah, this is a distraction you really need at 70 mph. The scenarios could be even worse.
Who is promoting this asinine program? Follow the $$$$$ !!
Hi nitrat! These “inventors” should be insulted. They and the numerous other profiteers who are chomping at the bit to develop anti-freedom technology deserve every bit of disdain and insult they can receive.
We could also flash advertisements to drum up state revenues.
“Today’s Amber Alert brought to you by McDonalds. BA DA DA DA DA, I’M LOVIN’ IT! Just turn right three blocks ahead, Citizen #1098752!”
OH GOD, THAT’S GREAT, SMIRKS!!!!!!!
Please don’t give them ideas or encouragement though.
:-D
I’m all for putting Smirks in charge of the entire system! And think of the perks !!
We could also flash advertisements to drum up state revenues.
“Today’s Amber Alert brought to you by McDonalds. BA DA DA DA DA, I’M LOVIN’ IT! Just turn right three blocks ahead, Citizen #1098752!”
OH GOD, THAT’S GREAT, SMIRKS!!!!!!!
Please don’t give them ideas or encouragement though.
:-D
I’m all for putting Smirks in charge of the entire system! And think of the perks !!
I’d like my tag to say, Elect Sheheen Governor. It will be a GREAT day in SC!!
I’d like my tag to say, Elect Sheheen Governor. It will be a GREAT day in SC!!
What is a conservative?
What is a conservative?
I actually prototyped a product for a digital message display to sit in the back window of cars where you could input messages from the drive seat. Now with wireless it would be much easier. Basically an ever changing bumper sticker. Perhaps I should go on Shark Tank. However, my attorney said the resulting deaths from road rage could impact my net worth considerably.
I actually prototyped a product for a digital message display to sit in the back window of cars where you could input messages from the drive seat. Now with wireless it would be much easier. Basically an ever changing bumper sticker. Perhaps I should go on Shark Tank. However, my attorney said the resulting deaths from road rage could impact my net worth considerably.
Another issue is — when the tags are damaged or become non=functional, who is responsible for repairing or replacing them? This is getting more stupid by the hour…
Another issue is — when the tags are damaged or become non=functional, who is responsible for repairing or replacing them? This is getting more stupid by the hour…
how long ’til such a plate is hacked like SC DOR’s records? How long til someone hangs 8-bit pron on another state’s tags or sells campaign ad space on them to defray the cost of these “iPlates”
But it is the easy way to my other vehicle is a TIE fighter…
how long ’til such a plate is hacked like SC DOR’s records? How long til someone hangs 8-bit pron on another state’s tags or sells campaign ad space on them to defray the cost of these “iPlates”
But it is the easy way to my other vehicle is a TIE fighter…
True story from my cousin in Alabama. A guy (not my cousin) ordered a personalized tag that read : SSHOLES. The state pulled it after many complaints were received. The guy put the University of Alabama decal (the big A) in front of it to read……..ASSHOLES!
True story from my cousin in Alabama. A guy (not my cousin) ordered a personalized tag that read : SSHOLES. The state pulled it after many complaints were received. The guy put the University of Alabama decal (the big A) in front of it to read……..ASSHOLES!