New Jersey bans smiling in driver’s license photos
A sample New Jersey driver’s license.
People in New Jersey have even less to smile about these days.
The state has banned smiling in driver's license photos, saying the expressions don't register with facial recognition software, Newsday reported.
More from GlobalPost: Romney accused of being suspiciously 'brown' for Univision interview
The policy took effect in January, but Sicklerville resident Velvet McNeill is trying to bring it to light.
She told the Philadelphia Daily News she was outraged when Motor Vehicle Commission employees told her not to smile during a recent visit to get her license.
"Your picture means a lot; it's who you are," McNeill told the newspaper.
More from GlobalPost: Woman who 'restored' Jesus fresco now suing church
Elyse Coffey, a spokeswoman for the Motor Vehicle Commission, told ABC News they're not banning all smiles.
Just "don't smile “as if you’ve just won $5 million in the lottery," she told ABC.
Such facial expressions confuse the recognition software, which is designed to prevent anyone who already has a license from getting a second document under a different name, according to UPI.
At The World, we believe strongly that human-centered journalism is at the heart of an informed public and a strong democracy. We see democracy and journalism as two sides of the same coin. If you care about one, it is imperative to care about the other.
Every day, our nonprofit newsroom seeks to inform and empower listeners and hold the powerful accountable. Neither would be possible without the support of listeners like you. If you believe in our work, will you give today? We need your help now more than ever!