Number plates for veterans and members of the armed forces to indicate service during a period of war. Return and nonrenewal of number plates

(a) For the purposes of this section, “veteran”, “armed forces” and “period of war” have the same meanings as provided in section 27-103. (b) The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall, at the request of any veteran or member of the armed forces who received a campaign medal, issue special registration number plates to indicate service during a period of war. Such plates shall bear the words “(Name of War) Veteran” and shall be designed in consultation with the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. The plates shall expire and be renewed as provided in section 14-22. The Commissioner of Motor Vehicles shall charge a fee for such plates, which fee shall cover the entire cost of making such plates and shall be in addition to the fee for registration of such motor vehicle. No use shall be made of such plates except as official registration number plates. (c) A request made under subsection (b) of this section shall be accompanied by proof from the Department of Veterans Affairs that the person making a specific request served in the armed forces during such period of war. (d) The surviving spouse of a veteran or member of the armed forces issued special registration number plates under subsection (b) of this section may retain any such plates for his or her lifetime or until such time as he or she remarries. (e) Any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged shall return such plates to the commissioner not later than thirty days after such discharge. The commissioner shall not renew such plates for any motor vehicle owned or leased by any such member of the armed forces who is dishonorably discharged.