No Smiling Allowed for New Jersey Drivers - as part of the news series by GeoBeats.
We are stuck with our driver’s license picture for several years, so we might as well slap a grin on - right?
Well, some New Jersey residents were recently left confused after being told not to smile for their signature photographs while at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
Although the state has a reputation for hot tempered, straight faced people, New Jersey does have good reason for the new effort.
Apparently, the state implemented a software program that utilizes facial recognition. Broad smiles, silly faces or any other expression besides neutral may incorrectly alert the computer of fraud.
An official explains by stating “That could be someone trying to steal someone else's identity or someone trying to get out of a DUI by getting a license under another name” .
Although the new effort has received quite a bit of criticism, there seems to be some misunderstanding among the government employees.
A natural smile is actually allowed, so long as it is not exaggerated.
A spokesperson puts it best stating “you cannot have the, ‘I just won $5 million in the lottery smile’”.
Are you smiling in your driver's license photo?
