Statewide Iowa — (RI) — The debate over requiring an Iowa license plate on the front AND rear of vehicles has been revived in the 2019 Iowa legislature.
The House has voted to let antique or classic vehicles — that are least 25 years old — go without a front license plate. Representative Brian Lohse of Bondurant says the House plan also directs the Iowa DOT and Department of Public Safety to study the issue.
Representative Andy McKean of Anamosa is skeptical of eliminating the front license plate requirement.
The bill passed the House on a 96-to-one vote. However, 34 members of the Iowa Senate voted for a different approach to this issue two weeks ago. The Senate plan would forbid police from pulling a vehicle over solely because it lacks a front license plate. The Senate proposal also would let auto owners skip putting a license plate on the front of the vehicle if it requires drilling holes or using glue to get the plate on the front bumper. Iowa is among the 31 states that require plates on the front AND rear of vehicles. Most sports cars and high-priced, luxury vehicles don’t have a spot for a front plate.
