No Smiles At NJ Motor Vehicle Commission

Reader Presto Vivace blesses us with news that the state of New Jersey "has banned motorists from making big smiles [for their license pictures] because such expressions don't work with facial recognition software." Now that passports are by decree grim and glasses-free, I'm expecting the next phase to involve the banning of facial hair, lips, and any hair that blocks the ears.

Comments

Probably wouldn't work in the UK

[Penurious Penguin]

Apparently this year, an Olympics spectator was arrested for not smiling: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2012/aug/08/olympics-spectator-parkinsons-arrest-smiling

This could get confusing...
Travel Agent: Alright, that about sums it up. But a little word of advice before we part; when you arrive in the UK, be sure to keep a smile on your face.
Customer: But isn't that illegal?
Travel Agent: They're a little different over there. Ya know, they drive on the other side of road and such and eat scones.
Customer: Hmm. I don't know. I was once tazed by a TSA VIPR agent for smiling and it wasn't fun. I pissed myself in front of my kids.
Travel Agent: Good grief! Things are getting ridiculous around here, aren't they. Have you ever considered Iceland?
Customer: ...Iceland. Hmm. Yes, that sounds good.