La. Legislator Seeks Special License Plates for Drug Dealers

A state representative in Louisiana has filed legislation that would require special license plates and driver’s licenses for individuals convicted of drug-related offenses, the News-Star reported Feb. 16.

Under the proposal presented by Rep. Rickey Hardy (D-Lafayette), individuals who have two or more convictions for distributing drugs would have to pay for a bright orange license plate labeled boldly with “Controlled Substance Conviction.”

The proposed law states that following a second felony drug conviction, the offender would apply for the special license plate, pay an extra $10 administration fee plus $25 for the plate, and that the license plates would remain on the offender’s vehicle for eight years.

Hardy conceded that the bill’s purpose is to embarrass and create social pressure on repeat drug offenders. “If they don’t want to be upstanding citizens, make them stand out. They want a badge of honor? Here it is,” Hardy said.

The proposed legislation also asks for a one-year suspension of driving privileges for failure to comply with the requirements of the proposed law.