Most seem to favor having one plate

Greetings. Well, as promised, I’m reporting back regarding feedback from the license plate issue. The question asked was, “Would you prefer only one plate on the back of the vehicle or to stay with the current system of two license plates, front and back?”

I listed the 22 states that only have one plate, so we could inquire with someone we knew in at least one of those states and get their opinion on how they liked only having a rear plate. What were the results? It was overwhelming that everyone except law enforcement want a back plate only requirement. Now, that’s a huge deal for me regarding law enforcement because I respect their stance and am having a very hard time going against them.

Here are a couple of the remarks sent to me.

“You need to remember cost savings in purchasing a new vehicle that wouldn’t need the plate bracket on the front.” My answer here is, if we go from two plates to one, the state will try to keep the price the same. That’s just my thoughts, but I did send my article asking for their input to the agency that runs license plates for the state and received no response.

Another remark.

“As your constituent, I very strongly encourage you to legislate and enact a statewide ban on automatic plate recognition cameras. I have not consented to this unconstitutional search and seizure. This technology is routinely abused...attempts to restrict use of data collected and routinely violated, even the proper intended use of these cameras violates our right. End it now.” My remarks, I’m contemplating back plates only and not to the point yet of outlawing auto license plate readers—at least not yet!

A typical response, [“yes (want one plate), not a fan of ‘big brother.’”] Another response, “My wife and I moved here from another state and would gladly go back to only one plate.” 

Another remark, “I came from a one-plate state. I see two plates as a waste of money. I don’t know the risk is worth the reward on flock cameras. Used correctly see them as an asset.” 

Last remark. “Law enforcement wants two plates as does 3M, who makes the plates.”

That brings up another myth or fact. Who makes our license plates? I always thought they were made by inmates in our penitentiary. Now I was told they are contracted out. To whom? 

My understanding is 3M is the company that laminates them. Of course only half as many plates are needed if we go to a one- plate state, so our payback to 3M, or whoever makes the plates, would be cut by 50 percent.

So, now what? I’m going to ask LRC to draft a bill for only a back plate, but its still weighing heavily on me—the law enforcement stance. Once the bill is drafted, I’ll put it in an article for your thoughts.

Next week I’ll write about the four ballot measures. FYI, early voting starts Sept. 18.