Beginning October 1, 2023, residents of New Jersey will be required to smile in their driver’s license photos. This new regulation comes as a part of the state’s initiative to promote positivity and happiness among its citizens.
The decision to include smiling in driver’s license photos was made by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission after a study revealed that smiling faces have a positive impact on mental health. The commission believes that by requiring individuals to smile in their driver’s license photos, it will help to create a more welcoming and friendly environment on the roads.
“We want our residents to feel happy and positive when they look at their driver’s license,” said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission. “By requiring individuals to smile in their photos, we hope to promote a sense of joy and optimism among our citizens.”
The new regulation has sparked both excitement and controversy among New Jersey residents. While some see it as a fun and lighthearted change, others have expressed concerns about the mandate to smile. Some individuals feel that being forced to smile in their driver’s license photos is artificial and unnatural.
“I don’t understand why the government wants to control how we look in our driver’s license photos,” said Steve Miller, a resident of Newark. “I should be able to have a neutral expression if I want to. Forcing me to smile feels like an invasion of my personal freedom.”
Despite the mixed reactions, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission is standing firm in its decision to implement the new regulation. The commission has assured residents that smiling in their driver’s license photos will not be compulsory, but highly encouraged.
“We understand that not everyone may feel comfortable smiling in their photo, and that’s okay,” said Johnson. “Our goal is to promote positivity and happiness, but we also respect individuals’ right to choose how they want to express themselves.”
In addition to the requirement to smile, the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission has also announced that individuals will have the option to customize their driver’s license photos with filters and stickers. This new feature aims to further promote creativity and self-expression among residents.
“We want our residents to have fun and be creative when taking their driver’s license photos,” said Johnson. “By offering filters and stickers, we hope to make the process more enjoyable and personalized for individuals.”
Overall, the decision to require individuals to smile in their driver’s license photos reflects the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission’s commitment to promoting positivity and happiness among its citizens. While some may view the regulation as controversial, others see it as a lighthearted and innovative change that will bring a smile to everyone’s face.
