Law on license plate frames may undergo changes

The lawmaker behind a new law on license plate frames says changes may be coming.

The law, effective last Thursday, requires that the word "Arizona" across the top of a vehicle license plate be visible. Many plate frames cover it.

Sen. Chuck Gray, R-Mesa, who pushed the law through the Legislature in 2006, said Sunday that the fine of at least $135 for a violation may be too much, especially if a dealer put the plate frame on without a buyer's knowledge.

"I think that what we're going to do at the Legislature is re-address this issue and look at it," Gray said on the "Jay Lawrence Show" on News/Talk 92-3 KTAR. "I think that the fine may be too high."

Gray said the law was not intended to generate cash for the state.

"Back in 2006, we were not in the dire straits economically that we are now, and the issue of a revenue generator never came up," he said. "Secondly, I would be very much opposed to a revenue generator."

Gray told Lawrence that lawmakers may lower the fines for violators.