UNFAIR FEES FOR PERSONALIZED PLATES

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, January 29, 1992                   TAG: 9201290323
SECTION: EDITORIAL                    PAGE: A-12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
UNFAIR FEES FOR PERSONALIZED PLATES
I APPRECIATE the Department of Motor Vehicles' suggestion of a $2 discount to those who register by mail (news article, Jan. 15). I would be a lucky recipient, as my husband and I both register by mail.
However, I can also suggest to members of the House Committee on Roads, etc., that the transfer of $16 million into the general fund could be coming, in part, from those of us who request personalized license plates.
I was under the impression that the $10 fee for this was a one-time shot. Much to my surprise, it is tacked on each and every year. Those of us who wish to enjoy a personalized plate are not being treated fairly.
Personalized plates give the public some whimsy, information or just a plain break from boredom. I would venture that they assist law-enforcement officers and the public in identifying vehicles.
It seems to me the majority of banged-up plates show up on vehicles other than those that are personalized. How about a one-time fee for personalized plates? Those who batter their plates should pay their $10 fee for replacement. TRACY EDGELL ROANOKE

by Archana Subramaniam by CNB