Thousands Get Same License Plates

Four thousand New Mexicans are driving around with someone else’s license number.

The error by the state Motor Vehicles Division could ruin some motorists’ perfect driving records, state officials say.

“We’re still trying to find out where the problem occurred,” said Motor Vehicles Division director Gary Montoya.

Montoya said Wednesday his staff learned of the duplication this week. He thinks 4,000 New Mexico motorists are sharing 2,000 license numbers.

Some innocent people may get tickets recorded and points charged against their licenses because the person sharing their number has broken the law, Montoya said.