Tuesday, July 3, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- Special license plates that recognize South Carolina's veterans, active military personnel and their parents are among dozens of new plate designs authorized by legislators.

Two laws passed last month add to the scores of specialty plates issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles. They include plates recognizing recipients of military medals and veterans injured in combat. Others celebrate the University of South Carolina's back-to-back baseball championships, beach music and fishing.

South Carolina drivers already can choose from more than 140 plates for their vehicles. They include about two dozen military-related plates.

Laurens Rep. Mike Pitts says he thinks the state should limit its specialized plates to the military. The retired police officer says the military deserves the distinction, but the plethora of other plates creates a safety hazard for officers.

(Copyright 2012, The Associated Press)