Section 4503.53. Veterans who served in certain combat zones - license plates

Any person who served in the armed forces of the United States during the global war on terrorism, in Afghanistan during operation enduring freedom, in Iraq during operation Iraqi freedom, in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait during operation desert storm or operation desert shield, in Panama during the invasion, in Grenada during the invasion, in Lebanon during the invasion, during the Vietnam conflict, during the Korean conflict, during World War II, or during World War I, and who is on active duty or is an honorably discharged veteran may apply to the registrar of motor vehicles for the registration of any passenger car, noncommercial motor vehicle, recreational vehicle, or other vehicle of a class approved by the registrar the person owns or leases. The application shall be accompanied by such written evidence of the applicant's service as the registrar requires by rule. In the case of an honorably discharged veteran, the written evidence shall include a copy of the applicant's DD-214 form or an equivalent document.

Upon receipt of an application for registration of a motor vehicle under this section, presentation of satisfactory evidence of military service in Afghanistan during operation enduring freedom, in Iraq during operation Iraqi freedom, in Saudi Arabia or Kuwait during operation desert storm or operation desert shield, in Panama during the invasion, in Grenada during the invasion, in Lebanon during the invasion, during the Vietnam conflict, during the Korean conflict, during World War II, or during World War I, and payment of the regular license tax as prescribed under section 4503.04 of the Revised Code and any applicable local tax levied under Chapter 4504. of the Revised Code, the registrar shall issue to the applicant the appropriate motor vehicle registration and a set of license plates and a validation sticker, or a validation sticker alone when required by section 4503.191 of the Revised Code. In accordance with rules adopted by the registrar, each license plate shall be inscribed with identifying letters or numerals and, in the case of an honorably discharged veteran, the word "VETERAN"; in addition, each license plate shall be inscribed with a design and words indicating service during the global war on terrorism, orin Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Panama, Grenada, or Lebanon, or during the Vietnam conflict, the Korean conflict, World War II, or World War I.

Effective Date: 10-29-1999; 09-29-2005; 2008 SB243 04-07-2009; 2008 HB273 04-07-2009