PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Islanders are getting closer to being able to customize their license plates again. R.I. Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) spokesperson Paul Grimaldi told 12 News the process for restarting the program is ongoing, with the goal of opening applications this year. The DMV is finalizing regulations that will be reviewed by the Office of Regulatory Reform, Grimaldi explained, which will then be posted to the Secretary of State's website for public comment. ALSO READ: New license plate would benefit Rhode Island fisheries The state suspended the vanity plate application process in February 2021 after a lawsuit involving an environmentally conscious car owner's controversial vanity plate. Back in 2020, Sean Carroll took the state to court after the DMV requested he turn in his plates in response to an anonymous complaint. The DMV gave him an ultimatum: if he didn’t return his "FKGAS" license plate, his car registration would be canceled. The Tesla owner argued that his license plate is supposed to be read as "fake gas," though others interpreted it as being profane. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW