The Secretary of State may only issue Purple Heart plates for display only on an automobile or pickup truck. A Purple Heart recipient may be issued Purple Heart plates for no more than 2 vehicles.

The surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient issued plates in accordance with this subsection may retain and display the Purple Heart plates as long as the surviving spouse remains unmarried. Upon remarriage, the surviving spouse may not use the Purple Heart plates on a motor vehicle, but may retain them as a keepsake. Upon the death of the surviving spouse, the family may retain the Purple Heart plates, but may not use them on a motor vehicle.

The Secretary of State shall determine the design of the Purple Heart plate. Upon request and as provided by section 453, the Secretary of State shall issue Purple Heart plates that are also vanity plates. Purple Heart vanity plates are issued in accordance with this section and section 453. The annual service fee of $15 for vanity plates is credited to the Highway Fund.

A Purple Heart recipient or the surviving spouse of a Purple Heart recipient who does not operate a motor vehicle or register a motor vehicle and who otherwise qualifies for the issuance of special Purple Heart registration plates may apply to the Secretary of State for a special single plate recognizing that award.

The Secretary of State shall design and identify these single plates for recognition purposes only. Single Purple Heart plates may not be attached to a motor vehicle. Only one plate may be issued to each recipient and a one-time fee of $5 charged.

The Secretary of State shall begin issuing Purple Heart plates in accordance with this subsection no later than November 1, 1995.