KPLC 7 News, Lake Charles, LouisianaNew Specialty License Plates On Hold

New Specialty License Plates On Hold

October 10, 2003
Reported by KPLC Staff

The state can't sell new license plates to promote special interests and other groups while the federal appeals court considers whether its system for approving those tags is constitutional.

A three-judge panel of the Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans rejected the state's bid to resume selling the tags while the court considers a district judge's ruling.

The sales have been on hold since July, when US District Judge Stanwood Duval found that the system violates the right to free speech because lawmakers choose who gets the tags -- and money from their sales.

Each plate brings in 25 dollars for the group which requested it, including military veterans' groups, conservation programs and universities.

The lawsuit was filed by abortion rights supporters after the Legislature approved a ``Choose Life'' tag for anti-abortion groups but refused a request for ``Choose Choice.''

The state Office of Motor Vehicles has said drivers can keep and renew their current specialty tags.

Appeals Judge Emilio M. Garza would have let sales resume, but Judges Rhesa H. Barksdale and James L. Dennis said they should remain on hold.

They handed down their order Wednesday.