New Yorkers: Problem With Peeling Plates Again?

In 2014, we told you how some New York License plates were peeling and bubbling. Our investigation led to changes within the DMV with how they handled customer complaints. Back then a majority of the plates were the older white plates that began with the letter 'E.' Plates appear to be peeling again. Iris St. Meran recaps what customers can do and what hazards these plates pose to law enforcement.

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It started with the letter 'E.' Two years ago a number of the older blue and white New York State License Plates were found to be defective. It was then viewers reached out to us about it. Back in 2014, Syracuse resident Jason Torreano said, "I was concerned I'd get pulled over because the front plate was peeling so badly that you couldn't make out the numbers anymore."

A 2014 Time Warner Cable News investigation revealed a number of complaints from customers about their plates, and manufacturers initially advised that delamination is not a natural result of aging. Now peeling and bubbling appears to be happening again, this time on the new gold and blue plates starting with the letter 'F.'

We reached out to the state DMV for comment and they declined an opportunity to speak with us on camera, but we were told since 2014 only 1,000 of 11 million plates were returned.

After our initial report and pressure from lawmakers, the DMV changed the policy and offered to exchange the plates for free or refund people who had already paid. Syracuse Police Officer Lonnie Dotson says even if the peeling isn't the fault of the owner, it is their responsibility to exchange their peeling plates.

He added under the vehicle and traffic law, it is illegal for a person to drive with a plate that is unreadable to other drivers and officers.

"First, is officer safety; if you're pulling the vehicle over, stopping a vehicle and traffic offense, and you're trying to get that plate out to the dispatcher that can pose a hazard," said Dotson.

It is a hazard that can be avoided and that is a message he sends to drivers he finds in violation out on the roads.

For more information visit: https://dmv.ny.gov/registration/peeling-license-plates.