MVD

Flagstaff student's design appears on Code Talker specialty plate

Flagstaff student's design appears on Code Talker specialty plate

Flagstaff student's design appears on Code Talker specialty plate

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

February 7, 2022

For months, Alyssa Williams was asked, over and over, when the Code Talker license plate she designed would be available.

Finally, she can answer, “Now.”

In December, ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division made available 15 new specialty license plates, including one devoted to American Indian Code Talkers. In August 2020, Williams, who is Navajo, was voted the winner of a contest that selected the winning design for the Arizona Code Talker specialty license plate.

“This seal was created to show appreciation for the dedication and bravery of the Navajo Code Talkers,” Williams said. “The Code Talkers demonstrated the efficiency and force of the Navajo language under pressure during World War II. They are an inspiration to my culture and our nation's history. They are respected heroes. And using my artistic ability and passion to create pieces of art that give recognition to the indigenous community gives my art so much meaning and power. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of something so purposeful.”

Williams’ design won a contest hosted by the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations that aimed to “design a seal to reflect the historical and unique contributions made by the Code Talkers” of many tribal nations.

“Designing a graphic to honor the legacy of the Navajo Code Talkers is a huge responsibility,” said Kristine FireThunder, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations. “Rather than approach a well known artist it was more appropriate to creatively challenge native youth and reintroduce this significant point in history to a new generation.”

When Williams, pictured in the accompanying photo, entered the contest, she was a student at Flagstaff High School. Fast-forward to today, she recently completed her first semester at Laguna College of Art and Design, where she’s majoring in Graphic Design and Digital Media. Now that the specialty license plate will be placed on vehicles, she hopes people that see it will spend a moment for reflection.

“I hope they appreciate it and look at the art and it catches their eye,” she said. “Everyone should know about the Code Talkers, all they sacrificed and their bravery.”

More information about American Indian Code Talkers can be found in this collection at The National Museum of the American Indian.

To view and order any specialty plate, visit azmvdnow.gov. Most specialty plates cost $25 upon initial application, of which $17 goes to a designated charitable organization. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona legislature and have been offered since 1989. Authorized plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. In all, there are more than 80 license plate options for Arizona motorists.

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Successful interagency program helps former inmates find jobs as truckers

Successful interagency program helps former inmates find jobs as truckers

Successful interagency program helps former inmates find jobs as truckers

February 2, 2022

PHOENIX – More than 400 formerly incarcerated individuals have completed a job-skills training program in trucking, a field that is currently in high-demand. The CDL program is a collaboration between the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT), Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation, and Reentry (ADCRR), Department of Economic Security (DES), the Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS). Since the program began, nearly 100 of the participants have earned their commercial driver license (CDL) and are working in the trucking industry.

The program, part of the Second Chance Center, allows certain inmates to obtain their commercial learner's permit (CLP) before release. ADOT and ADCRR provide the curriculum prior to release from prison. Thanks to these partnerships, offenders are able to immediately enroll at the Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, or other CDL schools, to obtain their commercial driver license. ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division works to address any license or identification issues. The program also works with the traffic courts to address any fines or issues upon successful completion of the program. MVD personnel also assist with the medical exam process for inmates as all commercial drivers must have a medical certificate.

“This is a great example of collaboration between state agencies to reduce recidivism and the shortage of commercial drivers,” said Eric Jorgensen, director of ADOT’s Motor Vehicle Division. “A commercial driver license really enhances the chances of getting a job because of the need in the industry.”

The program was launched at the Eagle Point Unit of Arizona State Prison Complex - Lewis as one of several career focused programs for inmates working towards their release at the Second Chance Center. This program was recently expanded to the Second Chance Center at the women’s Perryville Prison last November. So far, 76 women have completed the program prior to release from prison and are now able to pursue their CDLs in the community.

“We are extremely grateful for the collaborative efforts by everyone involved in this program, including state and local agencies, as well as community partners,” said David Shinn, director of ADCRR. “Programs such as this are crucial opportunities that help people change their lives as they return to the community.”

Currently, this program is also provided through virtual avenues at other prisons and may be expanded to additional state prisons in the future.

The program is funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Education.

Arizona Rodeo debuts new specialty license plate

Arizona Rodeo debuts new specialty license plate

Arizona Rodeo debuts new specialty license plate

By Doug Pacey / ADOT Communications

January 31, 2022

Dave Alford has been around rodeo nearly his entire life. Now 68 years old, Alford, the general manager of Rodeo Scottsdale, was instrumental in the creation of the Arizona Rodeo specialty license plate.

While Alford expects many rodeo fans to get the specialty plate, he expects many might order more than one Arizona Rodeo plate.

“From fans to contestants, there are many people that will get this plate and they’ll all be helping a good cause,” he said. “And rodeo people haul a lot of things. I’ve already heard from people who say they’re going to put the rodeo plate on their trailers.”

The Arizona Rodeo specialty plate, which became available in December 2021, costs $25 upon initial application and $17 from each plate goes to promote, educate and preserve the history of rodeo in Arizona. And there’s a lot of rodeo history in Arizona. Alford pointed out that the two oldest rodeos in the world -- Payson’s World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo and Prescott’s World’s Oldest Rodeo -- are in Arizona, and rodeos in Scottsdale, Tucson and Yuma have occurred for nearly a combined 250 years.

“There’s a lot of history of rodeo in Arizona and we wanted to put it on a license plate and share it,” said Dave Alford, general manager of Rodeo Scottsdale. “From fans to contestants, there are many people that will get this plate and they’ll all be helping a good cause.”

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Helping veterans, their communities is the goal of new VFW specialty plates

Helping veterans, their communities is the goal of new VFW specialty plates

Helping veterans, their communities is the goal of new VFW specialty plates

Kathy Cline / ADOT Communications

January 5, 2022

Helping more veterans and their communities: That's the goal of two new specialty plates for Veterans of Foreign Wars and Veterans of Foreign Wars Arizona Auxiliary. These plates were among 15 that new specialty plates that became available for purchase in December.

Proceeds from sales of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) plate, according to past state commander Tom Judd, will pay for more service officers, who help veterans get benefits they've earned.

The idea for a VFW-specific plate, Judd said, first came in 2019 after he bought a different specialty plate for veterans. During a VFW budget meeting not long after, someone floated the idea of a VFW-specific plate.

"We thought, 'Hey, we sure could use $17 of every plate sale,'" Judd said. "We have 23,000 members. If just half of them purchased a VFW plate, that's thousands more dollars available for service officers throughout Arizona."

"There are 600,000 veterans in Arizona," he added, "and we have three service officers for the state. We'd like to have at least one in Flagstaff, Kingman, Yuma and Tucson."

VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS AUXILIARY ARIZONA 000000

Around the same time, the first steps toward creating a VFW Auxuliary Arizona specialty plate were occurring. Melody Judd, VFW Auxiliary Department of Arizona Program Coordinator and past president, said that she's grateful this plate is now available. Proceeds from the specialty plate will help to provide many services for veterans and their families.

"For example, the VFW Auxiliary provides high-school seniors with scholarships; we also put on homecomings and sendoffs for military members and their families," Judd said. "Proceeds from plate sales could increase the amounts we can budget for those. The VFW Auxiliary also does community outreach with other groups. Proceeds from plate sales will also increase the amount we can give to those efforts."

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ADOT MVD unveils 15 new specialty license plates

ADOT MVD unveils 15 new specialty license plates

ADOT MVD unveils 15 new specialty license plates

December 28, 2021

PHOENIX – The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division has made available 15 new specialty license plates.

“We know that people who choose specialty license plates for their vehicles take pride in owning and displaying them,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased that we can partner with various organizations and help raise funds that benefit Arizonans.”

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or non-profit group. In the Fiscal Year that ended June 30, the total statewide sales of specialty plates netted about $11 million for various causes and charities.

All specialty license plates can be viewed and purchased at azmvdnow.gov. These are the new specialty license plates:

Arizona Rodeo

This specialty plate is available to anyone and $17 from each plate goes to promote, educate and preserve the history of rodeo in Arizona. Dave Alford, general manager of Rodeo Scottsdale, pointed out that the two oldest rodeos in the world -- Payson’s World’s Oldest Continuous Rodeo and Prescott’s World’s Oldest Rodeo -- are in Arizona, and rodeos in Scottsdale, Tucson and Yuma have occurred for nearly a combined 250 years.

Make-A-Wish Arizona

This specialty plate is available to anyone and $17 from each plate goes to create life-changing wishes for Arizona children dealing with critical illnesses.

“Make-A-Wish Arizona is excited to showcase our organization on cars all over Arizona with our new specialty license plate,” said Elizabeth Reich, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Arizona. “We know our donors and supporters will love what the image represents – the impact and joy of a wish – while also understanding that their plate benefits future wishes for kids right here in Arizona.”

Veterans of Foreign Wars

This specialty plate is available to anyone and $17 from each plate goes to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Arizona Service Officers/Benefit Counselors Program.

“Our motto is, ‘No one does more for veterans! Now, with the new VFW specialty plate we can help more Veterans get the benefits they have earned,” said Tom Judd, past State Commander of the VFW Department of Arizona.

Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Arizona

This specialty plate is available to anyone and $17 from each plate goes to provide fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational support to veterans and military members and their families in Arizona communities.

“Proceeds generated from this special plate will provide fraternal, patriotic, historical, charitable and educational support to veterans and military members, their families and our communities,” said Melody Judd, VFW Auxiliary Department of Arizona Program Coordinator.

The Arizona Department of Veterans’ Services is the sponsor of 11 new specialty license plates. These plates are available to veterans or the immediate family members of someone who has been issued a Veteran specialty plate. Seventeen dollars from each plate goes to the Veterans' Donation Fund which funds programs that benefit Veterans and their families throughout Arizona. The new plates are:

Veteran plate with Air Force Seal
Veteran plate with Army Seal
Veteran plate with Coast Guard Seal
Veteran plate with Code Talker Seal
Veteran plate with Marine Seal
Veteran plate with Navy Seal
Woman Veteran plate with Air Force Seal
Woman Veteran plate with Army Seal
Woman Veteran plate with Coast Guard Seal
Woman Veteran plate with Marine Seal
Woman Veteran plate with Navy Seal

“Veterans take a lot of pride in not only their military service, but also their specific branch,” Col. Wanda Wright, ADVS Director said. “These new license plates give veterans another way to honor their service while helping other veterans.”

The Veteran Code Talker plate was designed by Alyssa Williams of Flagstaff, who won the Code Talker Seal Design Contest in 2020 that was held in partnership with the Governor’s Office on Tribal Relations and ADOT.

Doing our part to ease supply chain issues

Doing our part to ease supply chain issues

Doing our part to ease supply chain issues

By Doug Nick / ADOT Communications

December 10, 2021

It probably goes without saying that, until recently, most people didn’t think very much about the “supply chain.”

In an economically vibrant country like ours, we’re used to getting things when we want and as much as we want, depending on what we can afford and so on. Now, the jammed-up supply chain is a part of our national conversation.

ADOT is, of course, a part of that conversation. Transportation is woven inextricably into the supply chain, so we see the issue every day. Since ADOT’s mission is, “To connect Arizona. Everyone. Everywhere. Every Day”, we’re happy to be a part of an effort to ease this problem.

Governor Doug Ducey has issued an Executive Order designed to ease the process for getting a Commercial Driver License, temporarily reopen two long-closed rest areas to give truckers more options and commit to a forward-looking process for Arizona to collaborate with other states on other improvements.

All the details can be found in this news release from the Governor's Office.

The bottom line is that ADOT is committed to serving the people of Arizona and those who travel through our state, whether for commerce or pleasure. In this case, keeping vital economic corridors open and using safe and commonsense ideas to allow commercial drivers to do their jobs efficiently are ways we can be part of the solution.

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Governor Ducey, ADOT Ease Burden On Commercial Drivers

Governor Ducey, ADOT Ease Burden On Commercial Drivers

Governor Ducey, ADOT Ease Burden On Commercial Drivers

December 9, 2021

PHOENIX — Governor Doug Ducey and the Arizona Department of Transportation are safely easing the process for obtaining a Commercial Driver License in an effort to alleviate stress on the transportation system and help address the nationwide supply chain crisis.

The Governor’s Office and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) also are reopening two long-closed rest stops so commercial drivers have additional opportunities to rest.

"We are working to make sure commercial drivers and Arizona families have the support they need this holiday season," said Governor Ducey. "Prices are rising and commercial drivers are under an incredible amount of stress as they transport goods. Today's action will help alleviate this stress. My thanks to the Arizona Department of Transportation for streamlining requirements for commercial drivers and strengthening Arizona’s supply chain.”

“Arizona’s highways are critical for our economy, and the trucking industry is one of the key transportation modes for moving goods through our state and around the country,” said ADOT Director John Halikowski. “We are pleased to take these steps to make processes easier, while enhancing safety for commercial drivers at this important time of the year.”

Removing Regulatory Burdens

To facilitate more commercial drivers being able to obtain credentials, through Executive Order, the Governor will extend the validity of the commercial learners’ permit (CLP) from six months to one year, in alignment with federal law. This gives a student more time to fulfill training requirements without having to reapply for a new permit. The purpose of the CLP is to allow a student to operate a commercial motor vehicle for training purposes with a licensed driver present.

The Executive Order, in alignment with the current federal waiver, will temporarily allow a commercial driver to keep their CDL past the date that the person’s medical certification is required, until Feb. 28, 2022. CDLs are regulated by the federal government. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) previously initiated a series of waivers, including one that allows a driver to keep their CDL active temporarily after the expiration of a medical certificate. Arizona will adopt this practice temporarily, until Feb. 28, 2022, to keep current CDL holders on the road and alleviate supply chain challenges. CDL holders can upload documents online, as well as verify the status of their Arizona medical certificate, at azmvdnow.gov.

Using recent guidance provided by FMCSA, ADOT will move forward with rulemaking to open commercial driver license services to Authorized Third Party providers. During the 2021 legislative session, HB 2134 was signed into law, allowing ADOT to expand commercial driver license services to its Authorized Third Party providers. As CDLs are regulated primarily by the federal government, ADOT requested and received guidance from FMCSA to determine which actions would be permitted under federal law. Once fully implemented, individuals will have expanded options to receive CDL services from Authorized Third Party providers, providing an increase in convenience and accessibility to obtain a license.

Accessibility To Rest Stops

Last week, the Governor directed ADOT to reopen two previously closed rest areas at Parks (I-40) and Christiansen (I-17). Both are now open to serve the public, providing additional opportunities for drivers to park and rest, and further alleviating stress on the supply chain. This is a temporary measure; these rest areas will be open through Jan. 18, 2022 to provide relief for critical deliveries during the holiday season.

Going Forward Together

Arizona will launch the Arizona Transportation Consultancy Project, which will strengthen and further enable ADOT to collaborate with other states and adopt similar improvements that Arizona has implemented. Jumpstarting the supply chain is a cross-jurisdictional issue that requires the improvement of processes across multiple states.

Arizona has undertaken many successful initiatives to make obtaining a CDL and the necessary permits simpler and more accessible to drivers, including the expansion of online services. Currently, ADOT is upgrading the Medical Examiner Certificate (MEC) submission process to allow handwritten MECs to be processed digitally, using advanced technology; expanding CDL services to Authorized Third Party providers; and preparing to modernize its commercial vehicle permitting system.

While these efforts have produced excellent results for Arizona, improvements can’t be confined to Arizona to solve our nation’s supply chain issues. The Arizona Consultancy Project will help other states achieve similar improvements. By sharing best practices and ideas found in the Arizona Management System, providing technical assistance on implementation of programs and sharing state-created intellectual property, processes can be improved across the country.

View the Governor's Executive Order HERE.

Throwback Thursday: Suns' Gorilla gets a driver license

Throwback Thursday: Suns' Gorilla gets a driver license

Throwback Thursday: Suns' Gorilla gets a driver license

By John LaBarbera / ADOT Communications

December 9, 2021

Last year’s NBA Western Conference champions are delightfully continuing their winning ways in the 2021-22 season.

After watching our hometown team go undefeated in November, we were reminded of the time more than twenty years ago that the Phoenix Suns' Gorilla lumbered over from his tree high atop the arena to the MVD and scored his driver license.

In 1995, "G. Gorilla," aced the written portion of his test. As for the driving? We were told he was an expert in three-point-turns and reverse pivots, and also committed no lane violations.

After getting two thumbs up from the road test administrator, basketball’s favorite mascot posed for his driver license photo and hopped in the team truck to for a road game.

We look forward to when the Gorilla returns to the MVD and upgrades his driver license to the Arizona Travel ID.

Are you interested in taking the steps to obtain a first driver license? If you’re under 18, you can start with the Permit Test @ Home. If you’re over 18, check out these resources.

And have you heard about this? The Phoenix Suns recently redesigned their specialty license plate! Learn all about it here.

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Throwback Thursday: Rocky the Ringtail

Throwback Thursday: Rocky the Ringtail

Throwback Thursday: Rocky the Ringtail

By Laurie Merrill / ADOT Communications

November 18, 2021

Most of us in Arizona can probably go whole days, if not months or even years, without paying much thought to the ringtail, Arizona’s official state mammal.

But chances are, most of you are carrying a photo of it in your wallet. That’s because, in 2014, the Arizona Department of Transportation included a picture of this elusive animal on the redesigned driver licenses.

You can seeing it lounging on the bottom right hand corner. For today’s Throwback Thursday, we are throwing back to 2014, when ADOT held a “name the ringtail” contest. We thought the little creature deserved a nickname, so we asked all of you for ideas.

You submitted plenty of suggestions. Ringo, Kai, Copper and even Lord Voldemort were among hundreds of entries.

But in the end, it was Rory, who at the time was a 7-year-old girl from Peoria, who came up with the winner: “Rocky” the ringtail was christened! Rory is pictured in the black and white dress to the right.

So what is a ringtail? Is it a cat, or a lemur? It’s actually related to the coati and raccoon.

The following information comes from the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum:

Ringtails (Bassariscus astutus) have long tails with alternating bands of white and black fur. They have large eyes surrounded by white rings of fur, large rounded ears, short legs and a long grayish colored body.

Ringtails are omnivores which means they will eat just about anything if it is the right size. Some of their food choices are fruit, insects, lizards, snakes, small mammals such as mice, woodrat's, squirrels, as well as birds and bird eggs

You can get more information at the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.

As for Rory and her family, they visited MVD headquarters in Phoenix to receive her awards – a stuffed animal (a ringtail, of course!), a special license plate and a pink ADOT hard hat.

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ADOT marks National Teen Driver Safety Week

ADOT marks National Teen Driver Safety Week

ADOT marks National Teen Driver Safety Week

October 18, 2021

PHOENIX – Is there a teen driver in your household? Maybe your teen plans to take the road test soon or is studying for the written test?

Across the country, traffic safety stakeholders, including the Arizona Department of Transportation, are marking National Teen Driver Safety Week (Oct. 17-23) and encouraging teens to make safe choices when driving. Nationally, car crashes are among the leading causes of death for teens. In 2020 in Arizona, 35 teen drivers died in vehicle collisions and 2,324 others suffered injuries, according to statewide crash reports.

Four simple actions can help teen drivers – and drivers of any age – be safer on the roads:

Always wear a seat belt.
Don’t speed or drive recklessly.
Don’t drive distracted – put down the phone.
Don’t drive impaired or let impaired people get behind the wheel.

Teens preparing to apply for their instruction permit and the written test can study by reviewing the Arizona Driver License Manual and find practice tests on ADOT’s website. Pro tip: Save a trip and take your instruction permit test online via Permit Test @ Home. ADOT makes available the study materials for free.

For those teens further along in their quest for their driver license, information about driving schools and road test tips are also available online.

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