Committee introduces two new Idaho license-plate options, including 'Famous Potatoes' design

Representative Doug Pickett on Wednesday asked the House Transportation Committee to introduce RS 32331, a proposal to add two license-plate options for Idaho vehicle registrants: an all-black plate with white lettering and the phrase “world famous potatoes,” and a low-cost retro white plate with teal lettering intended as an economical option.

The measures respond to “a growing demand in Idaho for, additional license plate or 2,” Pickett said. He described the black plate as similar to a 1953 design and said the low-cost plate would be offered as the least-expensive option for registrants who do not want to pay extra fees.

The proposal removes county-designation markings from both plates. “Yes, ... without the county designation on the plate,” Pickett said in response to a committee question. He also said the black plate would include the letters “FP” appended to the alphanumeric sequence to indicate “Famous Potatoes.”

Committee members asked about production and sales. Representative Gannon noted that some specialty plates approved previously have produced low sales and asked whether the sponsor knew how many special plates the state currently issues or whether any would be retired for low sales. Pickett said he did not have that sales data at hand but offered to provide a list at a later bill hearing. The committee chair explained that plates are now printed to order, not produced in bulk, which affects cost calculations.

Representative Sherman moved to introduce RS 32331; the committee approved the motion by voice vote. The bill will proceed to a public hearing where committee members said they expect to examine demand, pricing, and production details.

Votes at the committee were recorded by voice; numerical tallies were not specified in the transcript.