Wash. Weighs Bill Ordering 'Drunk Driver' Plates

'Scarlet letter' measure divides legislators
By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 12, 2008 5:32 PM CST
Wash. Weighs Bill Ordering 'Drunk Driver' Plates
Washington State Senator Mike Carrell.   (www.leg.wa.gov)

Washington state is considering a measure that would require convicted drunken drivers to use fluorescent-yellow license plates for 1 year after they regain the right to drive, the Seattle Times reports. The state senator behind the bill argues that the shame factor is a "very large deterrent," and says the plates would warn other motorists they are near a potential danger.

Not everyone agrees. “I don't think this is going to solve anything,” said another legislator. “What if a man committed a drunken-driving offense, but he and his wife have only one car?” Mothers Against Drunk Driving agrees, saying it's “not into shunning”—the group favors sobriety checkpoints and breathalyzer ignition locks. (More alcohol stories.)

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