Have you noticed lately that the road is full of cars with illegible license plates? Everywhere I go I see plates where the paint is chipped, faded, or peeling off, making them unreadable. 

This week, is the second in a series of columns called “Whatever Happened To…”? My goal is to provide a recap and update on an idea, bill or project that I worked on in the past. The nature of the legislative cycle often encourages us to finish working on ideas and move on. But I like to follow-up and confirm that the projects, bills and ideas I advance are accomplishing our goals. This column is one way to share this follow-up with you.

This week, let’s talk about Whatever Happened To…Replacing Shoddy license plates?

Plates that cannot be read cause issues for law enforcement and drivers. They make it harder to identify a car speeding down the highway, running a red light, or turning in front of a school bus. They cause problems for drivers too. In addition to the cosmetic issues, law enforcement can give out a ticket for illegible plates that cost drivers up to $200.  

Our license plate problem in Wisconsin can be traced back to the 2009-2010 state budget. During the budget process, the State Legislature removed a provision that required license plates to be automatically replaced by the Department of Transportation (DOT) every 10 years. The problem has been compounded by the use of lower quality license plate sheeting on older plates compared to new ones. 

To address this, during the 2021-2022 legislative cycle the legislature passed a bill to ensure that license plates on vehicles are readable. 2021 Act 163, which I was proud to co-sponsor, reinstituted the 10 year replacement cycle and required using current technology to produce sheeting that is more durable and visible in low light. 

Last November, the DOT began the process of replacing license plates that exceed 10 years on the road. It will take years to replace all of the outdated plates, but they are starting with the oldest plates, going all the way back to those issued in 2005. There will be an $8 renewal fee ($4 per plate) to replace the plates. This fee is used to cover the cost of the plate and the postage to mail it. 

If your license plate is chipped, faded, or peeling you can also request a new one from DOT by going here: https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/online-srvcs/other-servs/dup-c-of-r.aspx.  

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call our team at the State Capitol — 608-266-0703 — or email me — Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready, and willing, to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles and receive your input.