12/30/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Two new Idaho license plates go on sale Friday (Jan. 1)
(Media
note: Digital images of both new Idaho license plates are available on request.
Please contact Mel Coulter at ITD by e-mail at mel.coulter@itd.idaho.gov or
call 208-334-8005 to request the .jpg images.)
BOISE -
Two new specialty license plates go on sale throughout Idaho Friday (Jan. 1) to promote the
charitable activities of Freemasons and to promote awareness of earth sciences
and lapidary education, the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Lapidary
involves the art of polishing, engraving, or cutting precious stones and gems.
The new
license plates were approved by the Legislature and join about 40 other options
that allow Idaho drivers to financially support non-profit organizations,
ranging from wildlife and historic preservation to snowmobiles, appaloosa
horses, agriculture, breast cancer awareness and Boy Scouts.
A $35
special program fee is charged when the new plate is first purchased; each
subsequent renewal will have a $25 special program fee. These program fees are
in addition to all other applicable annual registration fees.
From the
sale of each license plate, all but $13 is deposited by the state treasurer
into the non-profit organizations account.
The new
plates can be personalized with up to five letters and/or numbers. The cost to
personalize the plates is $25 in addition to both the special program fees and
all other required annual registration and plate fees. The renewal fee for
a personalized plate is an additional $15 per year.
The Idaho
Gem Club will use proceeds to provide classes for children in kindergarten
through sixth grade to promote understanding about earth sciences and lapidary.
Proceeds from the Freemason plate go to the Grand Lodge of Idaho Charitable
Fund for use by the Grand Lodge of Idaho to support its charitable activities.
The new
plates can be displayed on passenger vehicles, motor homes, camp trailers and
light trucks with a gross vehicle weight of up to 26,000 pounds.
Individuals
also can purchase sample versions of the Freemason or the Earth Sciences and
Lapidary plates from the transportation department for $30, of which $17 will
be transferred to the Idaho Gem Club and the Grand Lodge of Idaho.
Sample
plates can be personalized at no additional cost, but the sample plates cannot
be displayed on motor vehicles. They make unique gifts for friends and family.
Personalized
and sample plates are only available directly from the Idaho Transportation
Departments Boise office by mail, fax, or by using the departments online
services that are available at www.itd.idaho.gov/dmv.