CODED PLATES PROPOSED FOR DRUNK DRIVERS:

The automobiles of repeat drunk drivers would carry special license plate numbers under a bill under consideration by lawmakers. The license numbers or letters–the specific code hasn’t been determined–would allow police to quickly identify motorists convicted of driving while intoxicated. Police could then stop the cars without further cause, said the bill’s sponsors, Republican Sens. Thomas Libous of Binghamton and Nicholas Spano of Westchester.

The New York proposal is less drastic than some other states including Ohio, where convicted drivers must have bright orange plates on their cars; and in Iowa, where in 1991 special plates were adopted that allowed police to stop the cars without further cause.

The bill would require license plates for anyone who was convicted three times in five years, or five times within 10 years. The plates, which would cost the automobile owner $100, would have to be used for two years.

Topics Personal Auto