Latest news with #licenseplates
CBS News
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- CBS News
Pennsylvania lawmaker wants to make front license plates a requirement
A Pennsylvania lawmaker plans on introducing legislation that would require front license plates on vehicles. State Sen. Katie Muth — a Democrat representing Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties — wrote a memo planning to introduce legislation on this last week. She says the reason for this is for public safety. "Requiring a license plate on the front of a car will improve vehicle identification and enhance public safety by helping law enforcement officers, witnesses, or cameras more easily and quickly identify a vehicle," Muth wrote in her memo. "Can they prove that? I don't know," Andrew Kicinski of Canonsburg said on Monday. "Keeps people more accountable," Rebecca Nelson of Jefferson Hills said on Monday. Muth added that a front plate would help improve toll collection. "It's government overreach, that's what it is. I don't agree at all," Timothy Sherer of Lawrenceville said on Monday. Twenty-nine states and Washington, D.C. require front and back plates, according to AutoList. West Virginia requires just one plate, while Maryland requires two. Ohio just got rid of its double plate requirement in 2020.
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
One specialty license plate earned nearly 30% of Utah's license plate revenue in two years — Can you guess which one?
SALT LAKE CITY () — How much do those specialized license plates earn for the Beehive State? The answer might surprise you, especially when you learn that one license plate earned nearly 30% of the total revenue — can you guess which one? (OSA) put together a report on the earnings from the Special Group License Plate program over a five-year period that ended on June 30, 2024. The OSA found that special license plates' revenue totaled over $15 million during those five years. The majority of the revenue came from state agency license plates, including the black and white historic plate, Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) plates, and veteran plates. The total revenue for state agency plates came out to more than $7.7 million. READ NEXT: Over 1K Utah vanity plates were denied in 2024 — Here's why Collegiate license plates weren't too far behind in earnings for the state. Overall, license plates that featured Utah's colleges and universities generated over $5.4 million during a five-year period. The category of license plates that produced the least overall revenue was private non-profit plates. You might recognize the Boy Scouts, Utah Jazz, and Honoring Heroes plates from this category. Just over $2.5 million of revenue was earned by these license plates over five years. Place your guess for the highest-earning plate now, because the answer is revealed below. The highest-earning license plate across every category is the historic black and white license plate, provided by the (CCE), which is over the Utah Historical Society. This license plate was reintroduced in 2023, calling back to the license plate culture of Utah's earliest cars. When Utahns purchase the popular black and white license plate, $2 of the $25 fee goes to the , and the rest to the . The revenue generated over a five-year period by the plate totalled over $4.4 million, 28.51% of the total revenue generated by all special license plates. 'While each plate serves its purpose, it's no surprise that the newest addition — the retro black and white Historic Utah plate — has quickly emerged as the top revenue generator, producing nearly $4.5 million in just two years. This underscores the growing influence and success of these specialty plates, which not only provide Utahns a unique way to demonstrate their interests but also contribute funds to supporting deserving causes and organizations,' Utah State Auditor Tina M. Cannon stated in a press release. The third-highest-grossing set of all specialty license plates is also from a Utah State agency: the (DNR), which is over DWR. Earnings from the four wildlife license plates — elk, kestrel, mule deer, and trout — support the Division of Wildlife Resources. 12.19% of the total revenue generated by special license plates was earned by the four DWR plates featuring wildlife. Just under $2 million was earned over five years, making it the third-most popular type of license plate one can get in Utah. (UDMVA) currently has 10 license plates that support veterans. A specialty license plate is available for the Air Force, American Legion, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, Navy, Air Force Combat Action Medal, Army Combat Action Badge, Army Combat Infantry Badge, and Marine and Navy Combat Action Ribbon. Proceeds generated by license plates from the UDMVA directly support the department and the veterans that it assists. Over a five-year period, just over $1 million was earned by the several license plates that the UDMVA has available through the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Other state agency license plates also generated some revenue, but were not nearly as popular. The Department of Commerce's realtor license plate earned $153,570. The Utah Department of Transportation's 'Share the Road' plate earned $135,925 over five years. Lastly, the 'Donate Life' license plate from the Department of Health and Human Services generated $32,650 in revenue. Where do Utah`s 'Mighty 5' national parks rank in the US? The 'World's Best Awards' lay it out The second-highest earning specialty license plate and most popular collegiate plate in the Beehive State is actually a set of two plates that are provided by the University of Utah. Over a five-year period ending in June 2024, the U's license plates generated nearly $3 million. According to , the has the third-highest enrollment in the state. Although it's not the school with the most students, the connection to the University of Utah Hospital and other large employers in the state provides a great reason for plenty of Utahns to invest in a U license plate. The next most popular collegiate license plates are plates. This university earned just over $1 million over five years. USU has the sixth-highest enrollment in the state, and CollegeRaptor says that it has roughly 28,000 enrolled students currently. takes third place for the most popular collegiate license plate and earned more than $812,000 during the five-year period. CollegeRaptor says it is the fourth-highest enrolled college in the state. Due to its high enrollment numbers and popularity among football fans, it's not surprising that BYU has popular plates. A few of Utah's collegiate license plates surpassed $100,000 in earnings. Southern Utah University earned $281,872. Utah Valley University generated $113,850 in revenue. Weber State University earned a total of $101,575. If your alma mater hasn't been listed yet, here's how much revenue the rest of Utah's colleges generated. If your school still isn't listed, it likely did not earn enough to be part of the report. Westminster University earned $80,250. Utah Tech University earned $19,225. Salt Lake Community College generated $2,900. Ensign College earned $2,378, and Western Governors University earned $,1925. Best Friends to fly 150 pets out of flood-impacted areas in Texas, 75 coming to Utah Out of all types of specialty license plates, private non-profits generate the least revenue, and all proceeds must go to charitable purposes. According to the OSA, three of the non-profits that sponsor specialty license plates generate so little income from them that they do not track them separately from general funds, which means they are not included in the report. The most popular private non-profit license plate in the Beehive State is the Utah Firefighters' Association license plate. This license plate is only available to current or retired firefighters in Utah, according to the DMV's website. $840,337 was earned by this license plate over five years. The Honoring Heroes Foundation provides a license plate that shows the Utah Highway Patrol trooper badge with a black line through it and has earned roughly $700,000. It's available to anyone who makes the required contribution, and earnings go directly to support the families of fallen UHP and Department of Public Safety employees. The Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake license plates were relatively popular and supported Utah's national sports teams. The Utah Jazz plates earned $380,427 over five years and support NBA programs for women and children. Real Salt Lake earned about $202,050, and those funds go to youth soccer and environmental sustainability charities from the National Men's Soccer organization. Other private non-profit license plates also generated some revenue. The Utah Autism Council's awareness license plates earned $167,025. The Utah Law Enforcement Memorial's license plates earned roughly $125,000 over the five years. The Huntsman Cancer Institute's license plates for cancer research earned $50,985. License plates supporting public education earned $39,075. Lastly, the Boy Scouts of America plates generated $15,945 for their non-profit. Woman found dead in Cedar Canyon identified France Canyon Fire 'still active despite no growth' as crews observe multiple flareups Schumer presses RFK Jr. to declare measles emergency DOJ subpoenas clinics that provide trans care to minors Poor Utah air quality may be even more dangerous than previously believed, research shows Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
‘It's that special': How much do the new blackout license plates cost in Kansas?
TOPEKA (KSNT) – Kansas drivers can now get their hands on the newly-released blackout license plates following action by the State Legislature earlier this year. 27 News got in touch with the Shawnee County Treasurer's Office this week to learn how people can purchase the new blackout-style license plates that are available starting on July 1. Kansas lawmakers approved of the release of this new license plate option earlier this year during the 2025 session of the Legislature after the plates proved to be extremely popular in neighboring states. 'The blackout plate design has proven to be very popular in surrounding states, and we've had many Kansans ask for it to come to Kansas,' said Division of Vehicles Director Deann Williams in May 2025. 'We've heard them loud and clear, and we are very excited to bring this highly requested plate design to Kansas vehicles this year.' Retail chain Ollie's moves into Topeka Shawnee County Treasurer Susan Duffy said the addition of the blackout license plate just adds one more option to the growing list for drivers to choose from to add a personal touch to their vehicles. The Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR) keeps a list that has dozens of options for people to look through when they want a new plate. 'Now, all of a sudden that black plate is gonna be a hot item and has been across the United States where they have been selling it,' Duffy said. Duffy said the KDOR decided to cash in on the growing blackout license plate trend after other states started selling them. The plates have quickly risen to prominence in the states where they are available and are expected to be popular in Kansas as well. 'It's that special,' Duffy said. 'I guess it really looks slick on a black truck or a black car.' Topeka man recalls 'poop cruise' experience after Netflix publishes documentary People who want to get one of the blackout plates in Shawnee County can do so by filling out the proper forms online or by visiting either the treasurer's office at 200 Southeast Seventh Street or the annex location at 5938 Southwest 17th Street. Duffy recommends setting up an appointment ahead of time to cut down on a lengthy wait if you decide to go in person. 'Go online and schedule an appointment because on some days our wait is two hours,' Duffy said. 'So go in, get an appointment. It's so simple, we reserve that time for you. You get in, and get out.' Duffy said her office is especially busy right now as it is a renewal year for local drivers. She said people who come in to get a new blackout license plate now may end up paying more if they decide to get the new plate before it's time to renew their license. 'The best time to get a new plate is to come in when its your month,' Duffy said. 'We've had some people coming in early who don't care about the extra cost.' 'People have to eat and groceries are so expensive': 30,000 pounds of food to be given away in Topeka KDOR offers blackout plates for standard passenger vehicles and motorcycles. People will need to pay some additional fees to get ahold of them, including: A one-time plate fee of $40. An annual royalty fee of $50. An optional personalization fee of $45.50. Duffy said that once you order a blackout plate, it should arrive in about three weeks by mail. Drivers will be given a temporary plate to use until the new one arrives. You can contact the Shawnee County Treasurer's Office, which is open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the work week, by calling 785-251-6493 or by visiting its website. You can find instructions on motor vehicle renewals in Shawnee County by clicking here. Residents in other Kansas counties will need to contact their respective county treasurer's offices to learn how they can get a new blackout plate. 'It's a lifeline': New $1.6 million play area for kids coming to Topeka For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
30-06-2025
- CBS News
Texas law to replace temporary paper license plates with metal ones takes effect on Tuesday
Temporary paper license plates will be a thing of the past in Texas. The state will largely eliminate paper license plates, replacing them with metal ones, starting Tuesday. For years, the state allowed auto dealers to print temporary tags when customers purchased a vehicle, but authorities said criminals exploited the system. Some drivers used fake tags to avoid registering their vehicles, or to drive on toll roads or express lanes without getting a bill, according to officials. The problems with paper license plates in Texas The push to change the law began after the 2022 death of Grand Prairie police officer Brandon Tsai, who died in a crash while chasing a car with fraudulent plates. The driver was wanted on multiple warrants, authorities said. "Fraudulent paper tags are the criminal instrument of choice," Grand Prairie Police Chief Daniel Scesney told lawmakers in 2023. "Drug dealers, human smugglers, auto theft rings, street gangs." Scesney worked with then-state Rep. Craig Goldman to pass House Bill 718. Gov. Greg Abbott signed the law in 2023, but its implementation was delayed until July 1, 2025, to give the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles time to build a new plate distribution and tracking system, state officials said. Under the new system, every plate will be linked to a name and address. Scesney said that information helps officers assess risk during traffic stops. "Are they a documented gang member? Do they have a violent history?" he said. "Wouldn't you think that would be helpful for an officer to know before going up to that window?" New era for Texas drivers, auto dealers and law enforcement Monday is the last day most paper tags can legally be printed in Texas. They will expire within 60 days, meaning they should all be gone from the roads by Sept. 1. While Scesney acknowledged that criminals may find new workarounds, he said nothing is as easy to fake as paper. "Here's what I say to critics who say criminals will just make fake metal tags," he said. "Okay, they might. But you can't email a metal tag. You can't create it on your home printer." The law also affects the general public. When trading in a vehicle, drivers will likely keep their metal plates and transfer them to the new car.
Yahoo
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Texas Outlaws Temporary Paper Tags, Dealers Must Issue Permanent Metal Plates Upon Purchase
Many states use temporary paper license plates or tags on newly purchased cars in the interim before permanent metal license plates are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, but authorities say these paper tags are too easy to counterfeit and are used in crimes. Starting Tuesday, July 1, dealers in the state of Texas will be legally required to put permanent metal plates onto every car they sell and immediately register them in the buyer's name. In order to prepare for the transition, the Texas DMV told Fox 26 Houston that it has been shipping permanent metal license plates to dealers since May, and offering training sessions for months. If a dealer runs out of plates to issue, one of four colors of new temporary metal plates will be issued for different use cases. Business cases like transferring between dealerships get blue plates, out of state buyers get green plates, red plates are issued for one-day or 30-day temporary plates, and purple plates are issued when specific plates, such as specialized plates for disabled drivers, are not available. Read more: These Cars Are Police Magnets The scheme behind temporary paper plates is not a new one; we even explored how dealers can scam the system with illegal fake license plates in 2023, the same year that Texas lawmakers passed the bill outlawing temporary paper plates. The bill in question, House Bill 718, was unanimously passed and endorsed by law enforcement officers from across the state. Texas has over 8 million automobiles registered to drive on its roads, and officials estimate that there were 1.8 million fraudulent paper plates on the roads in the state in 2021. The law states that it will become illegal to have paper tags on vehicles 60 days from July 1, making August 30, 2025 the deadline to get metal plates. If you sell a car privately, the DMV says the seller can remove their plate, or transfer the plate to another vehicle they own, or to the new owner, but that the seller needs to submit a Vehicle Transfer Notification to the DMV within 30 days. Private market buyers are responsible for submitting a title and registration application to their county tax assessor and obtain new plates to register the vehicle within 30 days of purchase. Want more like this? Join the Jalopnik newsletter to get the latest auto news sent straight to your inbox... Read the original article on Jalopnik.
