State faces suit over vanity license plates

State faces suit over vanity license plates

A Michigan license plate moves through a factory operated by the Michigan Department of Corrections. Photo via fb.com

A judge has refused to dismiss a lawsuit challenging Michigan's policy on vanity license plates.

Critics say the state is violating the First Amendment through a vague policy that allows it to veto plates perceived to be controversial.

Grand Rapids federal Judge Gordon Quist said Friday the lawsuit can move ahead, rejecting arguments that speech on vehicle plates belongs to the government.

Michael Matwyuk of Kingsford and David DeVarti of Ann Arbor are suing the Secretary of State with help from the American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan.

Matwyuk had trouble getting a plate that uses a variation of the word “infidel.”

The state won't give DeVarti a plate that says "WAR SUX."