Special recognition would help immediate family honor their loved ones
(BOSTON—7/14/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature yesterday passed legislation to create a new special license plate to honor the memories of fallen law enforcement officers by offering a symbol of respect to their surviving spouses, parents, and children.
The bill—S.2903, An Act honoring Blue Star Families—directs the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) to create a new Blue Star Families plate to help the family members remember their loved one in a visible way on their car. It would also create a Blue Star Family emblem for motorcycle plates.
“We should do anything we can to ensure the memories of law enforcement officers that tragically lose their lives in the line of duty are carried on,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington). “This legislation allows for our Blue Star Families to display a special remembrance to their loved ones without charge, a small but meaningful way to honor the lives of those that committed themselves to protecting not only their families but our Commonwealth. I thank my colleagues for working to bring this bill forward and helping get it to the Governor’s desk.”
Under the legislation, the RMV would be required to make the plates available to Blue Star spouses, parents, and children without charge. The RMV would also be able to offer vanity plate registrations for Blue Star plates up to six characters in length.
The Blue Star Family license plates would join other special recognition plates currently offered by the RMV, including Gold Star Family plates for drivers with close family members who died as a result of their service in the armed forces.
Having passed the Legislature, the bill has now been sent to Governor Maura Healey for her signature.
###