Originally N.Y. Gov. David Paterson tried rolling out the new "Empire Gold" plates as an effort to raise money for the states general fun.  Luckily, the people didn't buy into that scam.  But eventually the plates ended up making their way into circulation, and now the standard white plates are no longer available. 
Now, the only standard choice for New Yorkers is these ugly orange plates, much like the ones we had in the 1980s. 
Is it really that hard for the government to design a good looking plate? 
Sign this petition if you would like to see a more aesthetically appealing license plate on your vehicle. 

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