Committee halts bill that would have stopped Utah drivers from needing a front license plate

A move to save Utah money by providing only one license plate — for the rear bumper — died in a Senate committee Monday.

The Senate Transportation Committee voted 3-1 to hold, and thus essentially kill, HB207.

Rep. Christine Watkins, R-Price, argued that many modern vehicles are not designed to easily accommodate a front license plate, so many motorists do not use them. She said 19 states do not require them, and providing only one plate would save Utah money.

But it was opposed by law enforcement agencies that said it would make it more difficult to identify vehicles involved in crimes. The Utah Department of Corrections also said it would eliminate work opportunities for many state prison inmates who stamp the plates.

The bill previously had passed the House on a 41-28 vote.