Oct. 17, 2018
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Judy Ward (R-Blair) to allow motorcycles to display a Purple Heart/Combat Wounded Veteran registration plate, as long as the owner is a recipient of the military decoration, has passed both the House and Senate and is now on its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Currently, a Purple Heart/Combat Wounded Veteran plate is only available for passenger cars or trucks.
House Bill 1294 would also allow plates to be created for motorcycle drivers.
“The idea for this legislation was brought to me by a constituent who was wounded in action in Vietnam in 1967,” said Ward. “Although this may seem like a simple bill, I know it means a lot to those who have sacrificed greatly for our country and enjoy the pleasure of riding their motorcycle.”
The Purple Heart is awarded in the name of the president of the United States to any member of the United States Armed Forces who, while serving under competent authority in any capacity with one of the U.S. Armed Services after April 5, 1917, has been wounded or killed.
“The creation of this license plate is just one more small way in which we can honor our veterans who gave so much to their country,” Ward added.
The current fee is $11 for a passenger car or truck Purple Heart registration plate. For more information about currently available military registration plates, go to
www.dmv.pa.gov and then go to “Vehicle Services” at the top of the page and click on “Registration Plates.”
The governor has 10 days in which to take action on House Bill 1294.
Representative Judy Ward
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives