With recent downturns in the economy and limited budgets, states are looking for ways to cut costs and increase revenues. Extending license plate reissue periods or eliminating them altogether may be seen as an “easy solution” to help address budgetary issues.

However, retaining old plates comes at a cost to proper identification, safety, and compliance.

Aging plates present real identification issues. License plates may lose over 50% of their reflectivity and brightness soon after five years. Mechanical damage from bending, metal fatigue, and ultraviolet exposure over time adds to the degradation. A visible and readable license plate is one of the most cost-effective tools law enforcement has to identify a vehicle prior to approaching it. The closer law enforcement must get to the vehicle to read a plate that is illegible, the greater the safety risk.

Vehicle registration evasion is a significant problem. Studies have shown non-compliance rates ranging from 3 to 10% of the vehicle population. This translates into an estimated loss in revenue of $750 million annually across the country. New plate designs and regular reissues deter evasion by making out-of-date plates obvious and provide a state with a prime opportunity to refresh its image.

Technology advances such as Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) are being widely introduced. Traffic signal and speed zone cameras, mobile law enforcement cameras, and toll reader and enforcement applications are becoming commonplace. To be effective, these systems demand maximum license plate readability. Properly designed new plates may be optimized for readability.

License Plate ReissuesStaying current has many benefits

Legibility & Visibility

Compliance

Technology

For further information about 3M Registration Fulfillment Services contact your 3M Government Services Manager, or visit www.3M.com/mvss.

Traffic Safety Systems3M Center, Building 235-3A-09St. Paul, MN 55144-1000U.S.A1.877.777.3571(U.S. Only)www.3m.com/mvss