(a)
(1) Every special plate, excluding temporary preprinted paper tags, issued under this subchapter shall expire at 12:00 midnight on December 31 of each year unless the Director of the Department of Finance and Administration provides by rule a staggered method of annual expiration.
(2) A new plate for the ensuing year may be obtained by the person to whom any such expired plate was issued, upon application to the Office of Motor Vehicle and payment of the fee provided by law.
(b) In lieu of providing a new special plate upon the expiration of the special plate issued under this subchapter, the director may by rule provide for the issuance of permanent special plates that are renewed using an alternate method.