Pictured is an example of a peeling license plate that could result in a driver receiving a ticket. Submitted photo

Larry Barmore, Chautauqua County clerk, is warning the public about peeling license plates, an ever-increasing problem across New York state.

Because of a manufacturing flaw from the contractor, many license plates are peeling and becoming hard to read by law enforcement. Also with Interstate 90 becoming a cashless tolling road, license plates need to be readable by the cameras installed for that purpose.

Law enforcement agencies across New York state say that they may ticket a motorist if the license plate is unreadable. Road patrol vehicles use cameras to scan vehicle plates as they drive on the highway; if a license plate is unreadable, drivers may get a ticket.

Barmore wants motorists to know that peeling license plates will be replaced free of charge at any of the county’s three DMV offices. The free replacement applies to both the old white plates and the newer gold and blue plates.

All one has to do is take the peeling plates to a DMV office, fill out a one-page form and leave with a new set of plates.

Barmore said those who visit a Motor Vehicle Department office other than the first and last day of the month and avoiding Mondays and Fridays will avoid waiting in long line.