Column By Mike Bibb
I have to pay an extra $25 yearly for my Arizona auto military veteran license plate.
Why?
Having heard many times over the years, “Thank you for your service,” from appreciative citizens, I’ve often wondered why I have to pay an extra $25 every year to the state of Arizona for the privilege of displaying my military plate.
It’s the same plate, attached to the same vehicle. Maybe a little more faded with each passing year, but that’s the only difference.
Yet within five years, that plate will cost me an additional $125 compared to an ordinary Arizona license plate.
Keep in mind that a military veteran plate is not an advertisement for a unique enterprise, social organization, charity, or favorite sports team.
It’s merely an acknowledgment that the vehicle belongs to an individual who served, or is serving, in our nation’s armed forces.
But that recognition comes at a price in Arizona every year.
With the number of specialty auto plates in Arizona continuing to increase — now over a hundred — it’s beginning to look like this fad is getting out of control.
Also, if it wasn’t for instant communication between police officers and authorities, it’d be nearly impossible for a cop to sort out all the different plates with different names, slogans, clubs, and catchy phrases.
So, about the only logical conclusion I can come to is that the reason for the plethora of special plates, including military, is it’s a money-making deal for the state; a quick and easy way to pull in an extra $25 every year from the same customer.
I’m positive there’s more to this equation than most folks realize. A certain percentage of the $25 probably goes to the organization mentioned on the plate; another percentage is set aside for state interests, and the one-time cost of producing the plate is included.
I get that. However, displaying a military veteran plate is not the same as a car’s bumper flaunting that the driver is a hardcore Arizona Cardinals fan.
A military plate indicates that the vehicle’s owner served honorably in one of the six military branches: U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force.
He/she has already paid the price from boot camp to tours of duty — some in life-threatening situations.
Unfortunately, in Arizona, that unique distinction will cost a veteran an extra $25.
Yearly.
This needs to change.
Editor’s Note: According to ADOT, $17 of the $25 for the specialty Veteran license plate goes to a special fund to benefit veterans in Arizona. Recipient: Arizona Department of Veterans Services.
