If you’re in the market for a new license plate we’ve got some good news for you – two new options are now available to consider!

Late last month a new specialty license plate benefitting childhood cancer research was released along with a re-design of the specialty plate supporting the University of Arizona.

Like all specialty plates, these will cost drivers a $25 initial application fee and a $25 annual renewal fee – $17 of which goes right to the nonprofit group/cause that supported the plate’s production (more on that later in the post).

The childhood cancer research plate was supported by Ella’s Tea Party, Inc., a nonprofit organization created by friends and family of a young girl fighting cancer.

Money collected from the sale of this plate will go toward a fund supporting research of childhood cancer and rare childhood diseases. Money collected from sales of the newly redesigned U of A plate will go to the university for academic scholarships.

Just a note to anyone driving around with the “old” U of A design: don’t worry – those plates are still valid. However, for a $5 replacement fee you can purchase the new plate design.

More about specialty plates
Check out this blog post from last year for an in-depth look at the process behind the creation of specialty plates … or just keep reading for a condensed version.

ADOT and MVD do not decide which plates get the OK, that’s up to state lawmakers.

First, a nonprofit group or cause has to get the attention of lawmakers. From there, a bill sponsored through the legislature must pass and then be signed into law by the governor.

Once that happens, the group must pay a $32,000 implementation fee – this covers programming costs and production. Next up is design. Once a prototype is approved by law enforcement officials, the nonprofit group and MVD’s director, the new plates are rolled out and made available to motorists.

For even more information on license plates, visit MVD’s Web page on plates and placards, or read some of our previous blog posts.

QR codes are big nowadays … you see them everywhere.

They’re the two-dimensional bar codes that provide a quick link to Web pages for your smart phone.

They are not only fun (there’s something kind of awesome about scanning a code and instantly being taken to a web destination), but they’re also convenient and that’s why ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division is utilizing QR codes along with a new mobile site to provide customers the ability to renew vehicle and aircraft registration on the go!

Mobile site
MVD just launched a mobile version of its popular online service for renewing vehicle registrations. The procedure has been streamlined to make an easier process for users of ServiceArizona.com, MVD’s website for online customer services.

EZ Renewal Mobile is not an app, but a universal design that’s compatible with smart phones, tablets and other mobile devices. When users access the renewal web page with a mobile device, they will automatically be linked to the mobile portal.

“We know the needs of our customers are changing and we want to accommodate people who conduct business while on the go," said MVD Director Stacey Stanton.

QR Codes
The QR codes provide mobile customers instant access to some of its most popular services. The registration renewal notice that customers receive in the mail will soon have a QR code that will take users directly to the online mobile version. The QR code quick links have been implemented for easier motor vehicle and aircraft registration renewal.

MVD is using a QR code also to assist customers in field offices applying for an Arizona driver license. Customers taking the written examination will find posters in the office with a quick link QR code to the MVD website where they can a take practice test for the written exam or simply check their knowledge of traffic laws.

"We're seeing a steady increase in customers utilizing mobile devices. Our goal is to make it quick and easy to find the information they need or to complete a transaction," said Stanton.

For more information, visit this Web page or scan the QR code above.

2011 is quickly wrapping up and what a year it has been! Here at the ADOT Blog, we’ve enjoyed being able to showcase some of the interesting and exciting things that have happened at the Arizona Department of Transportation this year.

We’ll keep on posting in 2012 but the blog is going on a break for the rest of 2011. We’re going to be back the first week of the new year armed with fresh topics, fun facts and some more of those great videos! 

But before the holiday hiatus, there are a few things we want to let you know about...

• It’s just the blog that’s taking a week-long vacation! All ADOT and MVD offices will be open EXCEPT for Monday, Dec. 26 and Monday, Jan. 2 when they’ll close in recognition of the Christmas and New Year holidays.  
• There are plenty of places to find ADOT information online. Be sure to check out the ADOT Twitter feed and Facebook page. If you’re looking for detailed traffic conditions head over to az511.gov.
• Some good news for anyone with Arizona holiday travel plans. There will be NO state highway construction closures over Christmas and New Year’s weekends! Although no major restrictions are scheduled, drivers should be prepared for existing work zones and for some ongoing projects and possible increased traffic before and at the end of each holiday weekend over the next two weeks.

We hope you all stay safe and have a very happy holiday season … and, if you happen to be looking for some winter reading material you can always scroll through our blog archives!