2005 North Carolina Code - General Statutes § 20-79.4. Special registration plates.

§ 20‑79.4.  Special registration plates.

(a)       General. – Upon application and payment of the required registration fees, a person may obtain from the Division a special registration plate for a motor vehicle registered in that person's name if the person qualifies for the registration plate. A holder of a special registration plate who becomes ineligible for the plate, for whatever reason, must return the special plate within 30 days. A special registration plate may not be issued for a vehicle registered under the International Registration Plan. A special registration plate may be issued for a commercial vehicle that is not registered under the International Registration Plan. A special registration plate may not be developed using a name or logo for which a trademark has been issued unless the holder of the trademark licenses, without charge, the State to use the name or logo on the special registration plate.

(b)       Types. – The Division shall issue the following types of special registration plates:

(1)       Administrative Officer of the Courts. – Issuable to the Director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. The plate shall bear the phrase "J‑20".

(1b)     Air Medal Recipient. – Issuable to the recipient of the Air Medal. The plate shall bear the emblem of the Air Medal and the words "Air Medal".

(1c)     Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the sorority's symbol and name. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(1d)     Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. – Issuable to a member or supporter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the fraternity's symbol and name.

(1e)     Alternative Fuel Vehicles. – Issuable to the registered owner of an alternative fuel vehicle. The plate shall bear the words "Alternative Fuel Vehicle". The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(2)       Amateur Radio Operator. – Issuable to an amateur radio operator who holds an unexpired and unrevoked amateur radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission and who asserts to the Division that a portable transceiver is carried in the vehicle. The plate shall bear the phrase "Amateur Radio". The plate shall bear the operator's official amateur radio call letters, or call letters with numerical or letter suffixes so that an owner of more than one vehicle may have the call letters on each.

(3)       American Legion. – Issuable to a member of the American Legion. The plate shall bear the words "American Legion" and the emblem of the American Legion. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(3a)     Animal Lovers. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a picture of a dog and cat and the phrase "I Care."

(3b)     ARC of North Carolina. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the logo of The ARC of North Carolina, Inc., and the phrase "The ARC".

(3c)     Audubon North Carolina. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the National Audubon Society, Inc., logo and a representation of a bird native to North Carolina.

(3d)     Autism Society of North Carolina. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "Autism Society of North Carolina", the phrase "Providing Support, Promoting Opportunities", and the logo of the Autism Society.

(3e)     Aviation Maintenance Technician. – Issuable to a person who is a Federal Aviation Authority certified Aviation Maintenance Technician. The plate shall bear the logo of the F.A.A. Airworthiness Program and the initials "A.M.T." The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(3f)     Be Active NC. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "Be Active NC" and a representation of the "Be Active NC" logo.

(3h)     Breast Cancer Awareness. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the phrase "Early Detection Saves Lives" and a representation of a pink ribbon. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(3j)      Bronze Star Recipient. – Issuable to a recipient of the Bronze Star. The plate shall bear the emblem of the Bronze Star and the words "Bronze Star".

(3l)      Buddy Pelletier Surfing Foundation. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the words "Buddy Pelletier Surfing Foundation" and bear the logo of the Foundation.

(3m)    Buffalo Soldiers. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the words "The Buffalo Soldiers" and the logo of the 9th & 10th (Horse) Cavalry Association of the Buffalo Soldiers Greater North Carolina Chapter (BSGNCC).

(3p)     Celebrate Adoption. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the phrase "Celebrate Adoption" and a representation of a white ribbon with a red heart on it. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(4)       Civil Air Patrol Member. – Issuable to an active member of the North Carolina Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. The plate shall bear the phrase "Civil Air Patrol". A plate issued to an officer member shall begin with the number "201" and the number shall reflect the seniority of the member; a plate issued to an enlisted member, a senior member, or a cadet member shall begin with the number "501".

(5)       Civic Club. – Issuable to a member of a nationally recognized civic organization whose member clubs in the State are exempt from State corporate income tax under G.S. 105‑130.11(a)(5). Examples of these clubs include Jaycees, Kiwanis, Optimist, Rotary, Ruritan, and Shrine. The plate shall bear a word or phrase identifying the civic club and the emblem of the civic club. The Division may not issue a civic club plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for that civic club plate.

(6)       Class D Citizen's Radio Station Operator. – Issuable to a Class D citizen's radio station operator. For an operator who has been issued Class D citizen's radio station call letters by the Federal Communications Commission, the plate shall bear the operator's official Class D citizen's radio station call letters. For an operator who has not been issued Class D citizen's radio station call letters by the Federal Communications Commission, the plate shall bear the phrase "Citizen's Band Radio".

(7)       Clerk of Superior Court. – Issuable to a current or retired clerk of superior court. A plate issued to a current clerk shall bear the phrase "Clerk Superior Court" and the letter "C" followed by a number that indicates the county the clerk serves. A plate issued to a retired clerk shall bear the phrase "Clerk Superior Court, Retired", the letter "C" followed by a number that indicates the county the clerk served, and the letter "X" indicating the clerk's retired status.

(8)       Coast Guard Auxiliary Member. – Issuable to an active member of the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. The plate shall bear the phrase "Coast Guard Auxiliary".

(8d)     Coastal Conservation Association. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the logo and name of the Coastal Conservation Association.

(8g)     Cold War Veteran. – Issuable to a veteran of the armed services of the United States who served during the Cold War era, September 2, 1945, through December 26, 1991, and who was separated from the armed services under honorable conditions. The plate shall bear the words "Cold War Veteran" and an insignia representing the Cold War era. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(9)       Collegiate Insignia Plate. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing a public or private college or university.

(9a)     Combat Infantry Badge Recipient. – Issuable to a recipient of the Combat Infantry Badge. The plate shall bear the phrase "Combat Infantry Badge" and a representation of the Combat Infantry Badge. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(10)     Combat Veteran. – Issuable to a veteran of the armed forces who served in a combat zone, or in waters adjacent to a combat zone, during a period of war and who was separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate. A "period of war" is any of the following:

a.         World War I, which began April 16, 1917, and ended November 11, 1918.

b.         World War II, which began December 7, 1941, and ended December 31, 1946.

c.         The Korean Conflict, which began June 27, 1950, and ended January 31, 1955.

d.         The Vietnam Era, which began August 5, 1964, and ended May 7, 1975.

e.         The Persian Gulf War.

f.          Any other campaign, expedition, or engagement for which the United States Department of Defense authorizes a campaign badge or medal.

(10a)   Commercial Fishing. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase and picture appropriate to the subject of commercial fishing in North Carolina. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(10e)   Corvette Club. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the flags logo of the Chevrolet Corvette. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(11)     County Commissioner. – Issuable to a county commissioner of a county in this State. The plate shall bear the words "County Commissioner" followed first by a number representing the commissioner's county and then by a letter or number that distinguishes plates issued to county commissioners of the same county. The number of a county shall be the order of the county in an alphabetical list of counties that assigns number one to the first county in the list and a letter or number to distinguish different cars owned by the county commissioners in that county. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(11a)   Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑498, s. 2, effective December 19, 2001.

(11d)   Crystal Coast. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the words "Crystal Coast Artificial Reef Association" and a representation of a SCUBA diving flag.

(11e)   Daughters of the American Revolution. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate may bear a phrase and picture appropriate to the organization. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(11g)   Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the sorority's name and symbol. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(12)     Disabled Veteran. – Issuable to a veteran of the armed forces of the United States who suffered a 100% service‑connected disability.

(12a)   Distinguished Flying Cross. – Issuable to a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross. The plate shall bear the emblem of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the words "Distinguished Flying Cross".

(13)     District Attorney. – Issuable to a North Carolina or United States District Attorney. The plate issuable to a North Carolina district attorney shall bear the letters "DA" followed by a number that represents the prosecutorial district the district attorney serves. The plate for a United States attorney shall bear the phrase "U.S. Attorney" followed by a number that represents the district the attorney serves, with 1 being the Eastern District, 2 being the Middle District, and 3 being the Western District.

(13a)   Ducks Unlimited. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the logo of Ducks Unlimited, Inc., and shall bear the words: "Ducks Unlimited".

(13b)   Eagle Scout. – Issuable to a young man who has been certified as an Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America, or to his parents or guardians. The plate shall bear the insignia of the Boy Scouts of America and shall bear the words "Eagle Scout". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(14)     82nd Airborne Division Association Member. – Issuable to a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc. The plate shall bear the insignia of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Inc. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(14a)   El Pueblo. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑18.12. The plate shall bear the El Pueblo logo and the words "El Pueblo". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(15)     Fire Department or Rescue Squad Member. – Issuable to an active regular member or volunteer member of a fire department, rescue squad, or both a fire department and rescue squad. The plate shall bear the words "Firefighter", "Rescue Squad", or "Firefighter‑Rescue Squad".

(15a)   First in Forestry. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the words "First in Forestry". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(15e)   Fraternal Order of Police. – The plate authorized by this subdivision shall bear a representation of the Fraternal Order of Police emblem containing the letters "FOP". The Division must receive 300 applications for the plate before it may be developed. The plate is issuable to one of the following:

a.         A person who presents proof of active membership in the State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police for the year in which the license plate is sought.

b.         The surviving spouse of a person who was a member of the State Lodge, Fraternal Order of Police, so long as the surviving spouse continues to renew the plate and does not remarry.

(16)     Future Farmers of America. – Issuable to a member or a supporter of the National Future Farmers of America Organization. The plate shall bear the emblem of the organization and the letters "FFA". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(16a)   Girl Scout Gold Award recipient. – Issuable to a young woman who has been certified as a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient by the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A., or to her parents or guardians. The plate shall bear the insignia of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. and shall bear the words "Girl Scout Gold Award". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(16b)   Goodness Grows. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the "Goodness Grows in North Carolina" logo and the phrase "Agriculture: NC's #1 Industry".

(16c)   Guilford Battleground Company. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "Revolutionary" used by the Guilford Battleground Company and an image that depicts General Nathaniel Greene.

(16d)   (Effective until June 30, 2006) Harley Owners' Group. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall be designed in consultation with and approved by the Harley‑Davidson Motor Company, Inc., and shall bear the words and trademark of the "Harley Owners' Group".

(16f)   High School Insignia Plate. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing a public high school in North Carolina.

(17)     Historic Vehicle Owner. – Issuable for a motor vehicle that is at least 35 years old measured from the date of manufacture. The plate for an historic vehicle shall bear the word "Antique" unless the vehicle is a model year 1943 or older. The plate for a vehicle that is a model year 1943 or older shall bear the word "Antique" or the words "Horseless Carriage", at the option of the vehicle owner.

(18)     Historical Attraction Plate. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing a publicly owned or nonprofit historical attraction located in North Carolina.

(18a)   HOMES4NC Plate. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear "HOMES4NC", the logo of the North Carolina Association of Realtors Housing Opportunity Foundation, and shall be developed in conjunction with that organization. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(19)     Honorary Plate. – Issuable to a member of the Honorary Consular Corps, who has been certified by the U. S. State Department, the plate shall bear the words "Honorary Consular Corps" and a distinguishing number based on the order of issuance.

(19a)   In God We Trust. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "In God We Trust."

(19b)   International Association of Fire Fighters. – Issuable to a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters. The plate shall bear the logo of the International Association of Fire Fighters. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(20)     Judge or Justice. – Issuable to a sitting or retired judge or justice in accordance with G.S. 20‑79.6.

(20a)   Kids First. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear the phrase "Kids First" and a logo of children's hands.

(21)     Legion of Valor. – Issuable to a recipient of one of the following military decorations: the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, or the Air Force Cross. The plate shall bear the emblem and name of the recipient's decoration.

(22)     Legislator. – Issuable to a member of the North Carolina General Assembly. The plate shall bear "The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina" and, as appropriate, the word "Senate" or "House" followed by the Senator's or Representative's assigned seat number.

(22a)   Litter Prevention. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase and picture appropriate to the subject of litter prevention in North Carolina.

(23)     Magistrate. – Issuable to a current or retired North Carolina magistrate. A plate issued to a current magistrate shall bear the letters "MJ" followed by a number indicating the district court district the magistrate serves, then by a hyphen, and then by a number indicating the seniority of the magistrate. The Division shall use the number "9" to designate District Court Districts 9 and 9B. A plate issued to a retired magistrate shall bear the phrase "Magistrate, Retired ", the letters "MJX " followed by a hyphen and the number that indicates the district court district the magistrate served, followed by a letter based on the order of issuance of the plates.

(24)     March of Dimes. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing the March of Dimes Foundation.

(24a)   Marine Corps League. – Issuable to a member of the Marine Corps League. The plate shall bear the words "Marine Corps League" or the letters "MCL" and the emblem of the Marine Corps League. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(25)     Marshal. – Issuable to a United States Marshal. The plate shall bear the phrase "U.S. Marshal" followed by a number that represents the district the Marshal serves, with 1 being the Eastern District, 2 being the Middle District, and 3 being the Western District.

(26)     Military Reservist. – Issuable to a member of a reserve component of the armed forces of the United States. The plate shall bear the name and insignia of the appropriate reserve component. Plates shall be numbered sequentially for members of a component with the numbers 1 through 5000 reserved for officers, without regard to rank.

(27)     Military Retiree. – Issuable to an individual who has retired from the armed forces of the United States. The plate shall bear the word "Retired" and the name and insignia of the branch of service from which the individual retired.

(27a)   Military Veteran. – Issuable to an individual who served honorably in the armed services of the United States. The plate shall bear the words "U.S. Military Veteran" and the name and insignia of the branch of service in which the individual served. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(27b)   Military Wartime Veteran. – Issuable to either a member or veteran of the armed services of the United States who served during a period of war. If the person is a veteran of the armed services, then the veteran must be separated from the armed services under honorable conditions. The plate shall bear a word or phrase identifying the period of war and a replica of the campaign badge or medal awarded for that war. Except for World War II and Korean Conflict plates, the Division may not issue a plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for that plate. A "period of war" is any of the following:

a.         World War I, meaning the period beginning April 16, 1917, and ending November 11, 1918.

b.         World War II, meaning the period beginning December 7, 1941, and ending December 31, 1946.

c.         The Korean Conflict, meaning the period beginning June 27, 1950, and ending January 31, 1955.

d.         The Vietnam Era, meaning the period beginning August 5, 1964, and ending May 7, 1975.

e.         Desert Storm, meaning the period beginning August 2, 1990, and ending April 11, 1991.

f.          Operation Enduring Freedom, meaning the period beginning October 24, 2001, and ending at a date to be determined.

g.         Operation Iraqi Freedom, meaning the period beginning March 19, 2003, and ending at a date to be determined.

h.         Any other campaign, expedition, or engagement for which the United States Department of Defense authorizes a campaign badge or medal.

(27e)   Mothers Against Drunk Driving. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the letters "M.A.D.D." and the words "Mothers Against Drunk Driving". The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(27i)   National Guard Member. – Issuable to an active or a retired member of the North Carolina National Guard. The plate shall bear the phrase "National Guard". A plate issued to an active member shall bear a number that reflects the seniority of the member; a plate issued to a commissioned officer shall begin with the number "1"; a plate issued to a noncommissioned officer with a rank of E7, E8, or E9 shall begin with the number "1601"; a plate issued to an enlisted member with a rank of E6 or below shall begin with the number "3001". The plate issued to a retired or separated member shall indicate the member's retired status.

(27l)   National Multiple Sclerosis Society. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall have the logo of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and the telephone number "1‑800‑FIGHT MS" on the plate.

(28)     National Rifle Association. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear a phrase or insignia representing the National Rifle Association of America. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(28c)   National Wild Turkey Federation. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the design of a strutting wild turkey and dogwood blossoms and the words "Working For The Wild Turkey." The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(28f)   Native American. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing Native Americans. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(28i)   NC Agribusiness. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the logo of the North Carolina Agribusiness Council, Inc., and the phrase "NC's #1 Industry".

(28m) NC Coastal Federation. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear a phrase used by the North Carolina Coastal Federation and an image that depicts the coastal area of the State.

(28p)   NC Trout Unlimited. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "Back the Brookie" and an image that depicts a North Carolina brook trout.

(28r)   North Carolina 4‑H Development Fund. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or insignia representing The North Carolina 4‑H Development Fund.

(28u)   North Carolina Libraries. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the words "North Carolina Libraries" and bear the international logo for libraries. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(28w)  North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation. – Issuable to the owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the logo of the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation on the left side and the background of the entire plate shall be beige or tan color. The numbers or other writing on the plate shall be black and the border shall be black. The plate shall be developed by the Division in consultation with and approved by the North Carolina Wildlife Habitat Foundation. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(28y)   Nurses. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "First in Nursing" and a representation relating to nursing.

(29)     Olympic Games. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or insignia representing the Olympic Games.

(29a)   Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the fraternity's symbol and name.

(29d)   Paramedics. – Issuable to an emergency medical technician‑paramedic, as defined in G.S. 131E‑155. The plate shall bear the Star of Life logo and the phrase "Professional Paramedic". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(30)     Partially Disabled Veteran. – Issuable to a veteran of the armed forces of the United States who suffered a service connected disability of less than 100%.

(31)     Pearl Harbor Survivor. – Issuable to a veteran of the armed forces of the United States who was present at and survived the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The plate will bear the phrase "Pearl Harbor Survivor" and the insignia of the Pearl Harbor Survivors' Association.

(32)     Personalized. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate will bear the letters or letters and numbers requested by the owner. The Division may refuse to issue a plate with a letter combination that is offensive to good taste and decency. The Division may not issue a plate that duplicates another plate.

(32c)   POWIA. – Issuable to the owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the official POWIA logo. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(33)     Prisoner of War. – Issuable to the following:

a.         A member or veteran member of the armed forces of the United States who has been captured and held prisoner by forces hostile to the United States while serving in the armed forces.

b.         The surviving spouse of a person who had a prisoner of war plate at the time of death so long as the surviving spouse continues to renew the plate and does not remarry.

(34)     Professional Sports Fan. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the logo of a professional sports team located in North Carolina. The Division shall receive 300 or more applications for a professional sports fan plate before a plate may be issued.

(35)     Purple Heart Recipient. – Issuable to a recipient of the Purple Heart award. The plate shall bear the phrase "Purple Heart Veteran, Combat Wounded" and the letters "PH".

(35d)   Red Hat Society. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear a representation of The Red Hat Society. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed.

(36)     Register of Deeds. – Issuable to a register of deeds. The plate shall bear the words "Register of Deeds" and the letter "R" followed by a number representing the county of the register of deeds. The number of a county shall be the order of the county in an alphabetical list of counties that assigns number one to the first county in the list.

(36a)   Retired Highway Patrol. – The plate authorized by this subdivision shall bear the phrase "SHP, Retired." The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate. The plate is issuable to one of the following:

a.         An individual who has retired from the North Carolina Highway Patrol.

b.         The surviving spouse of a person who had a retired highway patrol plate at the time of death so long as the surviving spouse continues to renew the plate and does not remarry.

(36b)   Retired Law Enforcement Officers. – The plate authorized by this subdivision shall bear the phrase "Retired Law Enforcement Officer" and a representation of a law enforcement badge. The Division must receive 300 or more applications for the plate before it may be developed. The plate is issuable to one of the following:

a.         A retired law enforcement officer presenting to the Division, along with the application for the plate, a copy of the officer's retired identification card or letter of retirement.

b.         The surviving spouse of a person who had a retired law enforcement officer plate at the time of death so long as the surviving spouse continues to renew the plate and does not remarry.

(36e)   (Effective until June 30, 2006) Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation" and a logo approved by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Inc.

(36h)   Save the Sea Turtles. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear the phrase "Save the Sea Turtles" and a representation related to sea turtles.

(37)     Scenic Rivers. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the words "Scenic Rivers" and a picture representing the unique beauty of the scenic rivers of North Carolina.

(38)     School Technology. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing the public school system in North Carolina.

(38c)   Shag Dancing. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear the phrase "I'd Rather Be Shaggin"' and a picture representing shag dancing.

(38d)   Share the Road. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear a representation of a bicycle and the phrase "Share the Road".

(38f)   SCUBA. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the phrase "SCUBA" and a logo of the Diver Down Flag.

(39)     Sheriff. – Issuable to a current sheriff or to a retired sheriff who served as sheriff for at least 10 years before retiring. A plate issued to a current sheriff shall bear the word "Sheriff" and the letter "S" followed by a number that indicates the county the sheriff serves. A plate issued to a retired sheriff shall bear the phrase "Sheriff, Retired", the letter "S" followed by a number that indicates the county the sheriff served, and the letter "X" indicating the sheriff's retired status.

(39a)   Silver Star Recipient. – Issuable to a recipient of the Silver Star. The plate shall bear the emblem of the Silver Star and the words "Silver Star".

(40)     Soil and Water Conservation. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase and picture appropriate to the subject of water quality and environmental protection in North Carolina.

(40a)   Special Forces Association. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear a representation of the Special Forces Association shoulder patch with tabs and shall bear the words "Special Forces Association."

(41)     Special Olympics. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing the North Carolina Special Olympics.

(41a)   Sport Fishing. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase and picture appropriate to the subject of sport fishing in North Carolina. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(42)     Square Dance Clubs. – Issuable to a member of a recognized square dance organization exempt from corporate income tax under G.S. 105‑130.11(a)(5). The plate shall bear a word or phrase identifying the club and the emblem of the club. The Division shall not issue a dance club plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for that dance club plate.

(43)     State Government Official. – Issuable to elected and appointed members of State government in accordance with G.S. 20‑79.5.

(44)     State Attraction. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or an insignia representing a publicly owned or nonprofit State or federal attraction located in North Carolina.

(44c)   Stock Car Racing Theme. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle pursuant to G.S. 20‑81.12. This is a series of plates bearing an emblem, seal, other symbol or design displaying themes of professional stock car auto racing, or professional stock car auto racing drivers. The Division shall not develop any plate in the series without a license to use copyrighted or registered words, symbols, trademarks, or designs associated with the plate. The plate shall be designed in consultation with and approved by the person authorized to provide the State with the license to use the words, symbols, trademarks, or designs associated with the plate. The Division shall not pay a royalty for the license to use the copyrighted or registered words, symbols, trademarks, or designs associated with the plate.

(45)     Street Rod Owner. – Issuable to the registered owner of a modernized private passenger motor vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949 or designed to resemble a vehicle manufactured prior to the year 1949. The plate shall bear the phrase "Street Rod". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(45a)   Support Public Schools. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear a picture representing an old‑time one‑room schoolhouse and shall bear the words: "Support Our Public Schools".

(45d)   Surveyor Plate. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the words "Following In Their Footsteps" and shall bear a picture of a transit.

(45f)   Sweet Potato. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate may bear a phrase and picture representing the State's official vegetable, the sweet potato. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(45h)   Tarheel Classic Thunderbird Club. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear the logo of the Tarheel Classic Thunderbird Club and the phrase "Tarheel Classic Thunderbird Club". The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(45i)   Tobacco Heritage. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear a picture of a tobacco leaf and plow. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(46)     Transportation Personnel. – Issuable to various members of the Divisions of the Department of Transportation. The plate shall bear the letters "DOT" followed by a number from 1 to 85, as designated by the Governor.

(46a)   U.S. Navy Specialty. – Issuable to a veteran of the United States Navy Submariner Service. The plate shall bear the phrase "Silent Service Veteran" and shall bear a representation of the Submarine Service Qualification pin. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(47)     U.S. Representative. – Issuable to a United States Representative for North Carolina. The plate shall bear the phrase "U.S. House" and shall be issued on the basis of Congressional district numbers.

(48)     U.S. Senator. – Issuable to a United States Senator for North Carolina. The plates shall bear the phrase "U.S. Senate" and shall be issued on the basis of seniority represented by the numbers 1 and 2.

(48a)   University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate may bear a phrase or insignia representing the University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina.

(48b)   The V Foundation for Cancer Research. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear a phrase and insignia representing The V Foundation for Cancer Research.

(49)     Veterans of Foreign Wars. – Issuable to a member or a supporter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. The plate shall bear the words "Veterans of Foreign Wars" or "VFW" and the emblem of the VFW. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(50)     Repealed by Session Laws 2001‑498, s. 2, effective December 19, 2001.

(50a)   Watermelon. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle. The plate shall bear a picture representing a slice of watermelon. The Division may not issue the plate authorized by this subdivision unless it receives at least 300 applications for the plate.

(51)     Wildlife Resources. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear a picture representing a native wildlife species occurring in North Carolina.

(52)     Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. – Issuable to the registered owner of a motor vehicle in accordance with G.S. 20‑81.12. The plate shall bear the sorority's name and symbol.

(c)       Repealed by Session Laws 1991 (Regular Session, 1992), c. 1042, s. 1. (1991, c. 672, s. 2; c. 726, s. 23; 1991 (Reg. Sess., 1992), c. 1042, s. 1; 1993, c. 543, s. 2; 1995, c. 326, ss. 1‑3; c. 433, ss. 1, 4.1; 1997‑156, s. 1; 1997‑158, s. 1; 1997‑339, s. 1; 1997‑427, s. 1; 1997‑461, ss. 2‑4; 1997‑477, s. 1; 1997‑484, ss. 1‑3; 1998‑155, s. 1; 1998‑160, ss. 1, 2; 1998‑163, ss. 3‑5; 1999‑220, s. 3.1; 1999‑277, s. 1; 1999‑314, s. 1; 1999‑403, s. 1; 1999‑450, s. 1; 1999‑452, s. 16; 2000‑159, ss. 1, 2; 2001‑40, s. 1; 2001‑483, s. 1; 2001‑498, ss. 1(a), 1(b), 2; 2002‑134, ss. 1‑4; 2002‑159, s. 68; 2003‑10, s. 1; 2003‑11, s. 1; 2003‑68, s. 1; 2003‑424, s. 2; 2004‑131, s. 2; 2004‑182, s. 1; 2004‑185, s. 2; 2004‑200, s. 1; 2005‑216, ss. 2, 3.)