Springfield, IL – State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) opposes legislation that would create another Specialty License Plate in Illinois. The newest attempt would create the “Illinois Professional Golfers Association Foundation Junior Golf” license plate.

The proceeds from the sale of the new Specialty License Plate, if it became law, would be paid as grants to the Illinois Professional Golfers Association Foundation to help expose Illinois’ young people to the game of golf. Rutherford acknowledged that the cause may be worthy, but the proliferation of Specialty License Plates in Illinois creates problems for police officers and law enforcement officials.

“There are multiple good causes a Specialty License Plate could be created for. Law enforcement in our state already faces a challenge with so many different plates on the road,” said Rutherford.

The Senator explained that Illinois has more than 50 Special Plates. “It is difficult for law enforcement officers to recognize a plate type and to read the numbers due to the variety of colors and designs. Another concern expressed by law enforcement is that Specialty Plates have the same numbering system as other plates, causing confusion and at times unfortunate situations,” reported Rutherford.

“For years, I have opposed creating new Specialty License Plates. I sponsored legislation, which became law, to create the Universal Charitable License Plate. The move was strongly endorsed by law enforcement and would create a standardized format and numbering system for the Specialty Plate. Charitable organizations would apply to participate, and if approved, would use their unique logo on the Universal Plate. Unfortunately, the Secretary of State has not generated the rules to implement the plan,” explained Rutherford.

“For the sake of law enforcement, we need to stop creating more Specialty License Plates and move towards the Universal Charitable Plate,” concluded the Senator.