The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has revoked 39 personalized license plates following a review spurred by an anti-Muslim plate spotted earlier in the year.
The department reviewed 98,500 personalized plates and ultimately flagged 49. Of the 49 plates, 39 were revoked. Five owners opted to get new plates, and three plates were deemed acceptable based on their owner's explanation. The plate owners had 30 days to respond on why they should keep their plates.
"The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division reviewed all personalized plates as a result of an offensive and distasteful plate that was brought to our attention earlier this year," said Bruce Gordon, department spokesman.
A personalized plate that caught the department's attention read "FMUSLIMS." The plate appeared on social media before the Department of Public Safety revoked it. Following public outrage, Gov. Mark Dayton commented, saying that he was appalled by the offensive plate.
According to Minnesota law, personalized plates cannot have any words or a combination of letters that are of an obscene, indecent or immoral nature.
Beatrice Dupuy
