While New York State residents are voting online to determine the state's new license plate design, the New York State Department of Correctional Services (DCS) has hired a new vendor for the embossed sheeting used on the license plates.

This comes after ongoing peeling issues on the state's current Empire Yellow and Blue plates. Driving with an unreadable plate can lead to a $200 fine, but a program was established to replace the peeling plates for free. 

The $4 million vendor contract with Avery Dennison of California will last for two years, according to LocalSyr.com:

(DCS spokesperson) Thomas Mailey would not comment on whether the switch in vendor has anything to do with the peeling of license plates for the past several years. He says the Department and all its vendors continually review and evaluate all of its programs for quality and effectiveness.

The 3M Company has provided the embossed sheeting since 2009. Avery Dennisons' contract starts on Sept. 1. Voting on for the state's new license plate design continues through Sept. 2. 

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