New license plates put dent in wallets

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's being called the empire gold license plate, but many people are saying that it's just New York State striking it rich.

Denise said, "What is the government thinking?"

We know what drivers are thinking.

"Why change something that's working?" asked Janeen Duffy.

Sara Palumbo explained, "Everyone needs money and I'm not doing so good with money these days. To be forced to get a new license and the colors aren't too pretty."

It's definitely a retro look with the same colors used from 1973 through 1986.

"I don't like the color," exclaimed Janeen.

Dave said, "Just leave those colors for the Sabres and let us do that."

It's not just drivers who see this as another way for the state to take more money out of our pockets.

Kathy Hochul stated, "Why now? Why not later, when we start crawling out of this recession?"

But New York Public Safety officials are saying the new plates will be safer because the current plates had a reflective quality that was only guaranteed for up to five years.

Robert Delaney from the Buffalo Police Department said, "If when you're turning, you'll sometimes get a flash on the plate."