Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma Strike New License Plate Agreement

The Cherokee Nation and the State of Oklahoma have finalized a new 10-year agreement regarding tribal license plates. The announcement comes just a month before the expiration of the current compact, which has been in place since 2002 with amendments added in 2013.

Under the new compact, Cherokee Nation citizens will continue to have access to seven tribal tag offices for purchasing their vehicle tags. Citizens living outside Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction will have the flexibility to register their vehicles at state tag offices or Cherokee Nation tag offices. However, these registrations will be subject to specific fees and taxes outlined in the compact.

As part of the agreement, Cherokee Nation will share driver information to facilitate PlatePay billing for tolls and ensure accessibility for law enforcement. In return, the Nation will pay a $2 million PlatePay fee over three years, while all outstanding toll fees for Cherokee Nation plates accrued through November 30, 2024, will be waived.

The compact also adjusts the model for Cherokee citizens living in five counties with portions outside the Cherokee Nation’s jurisdiction—Tulsa, Wagoner, Rogers, Muskogee, and Mayes. These counties will transition from the previous compact’s model to a new at-large system. Vehicles already tagged under the prior compact will be exempt from Oklahoma renewal requirements for four years, after which citizens can renew at state or Cherokee Nation tag offices.

Revenue generated from the new agreement will support infrastructure, education, and other public services across Oklahoma. The Cherokee Nation will continue to allocate funds from tag sales to public schools, road improvements, and law enforcement within its jurisdiction.

Governor Kevin Stitt expressed optimism about the agreement, highlighting the collaboration between the Cherokee Nation and the state:

“We’re all Oklahomans and we all drive on the same roads and bridges. It’s important that we’re all contributing to the things that make us a top-ten state. I appreciate the cooperation of Cherokee leadership to reach an agreement, especially as it pertains to the ability to collect tolls on our turnpikes.”

Pending approval by the Council of the Cherokee Nation and the Oklahoma Legislature Joint Committee on State-Tribal Relations, the agreement is set to take effect on January 1, 2025.

Source: Ponca City Now