The Department of Motor Vehicles has long been renowned for it’s Disney-like atmosphere. Long lines filled with smiling faces wrap around as far as the eye can see whilst being entertained by plushy mascots. Unfortunately, the sense of childlike merriment frequently experienced by those looking to renew their license is about to fall by the wayside, as State DMVs in Arkansas, Indiana, Nevada and Virginia have adopted “no smiles” policies for those posing for their license photos.
The institution of the “neutral face expression” rule is an attempt to quell rampant driver’s license fraud. Apparently, a non-expressive countenance helps to make the photo comparison process more accurate when dealing with special face recognition software. The move, however, fails to recognize that most human beings, even those posing for fake IDs, have the ability to not smile if they are told not to. Drivers in all four states have already began to decrying the demise of one of the last bastions of municipal licensing enjoyment by seeking their cotton candy and laughter in other places such as State Fairs and playgrounds.
