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Panel hears testimony on requiring at least six characters for motorcycle plates
Summary
HB2617 would require motorcycle license plates to contain not fewer than six letters or numerals; Department of Revenue testified neutral, warning that many distinctive plates with logos could require redesigns or reissuance, and members discussed amendment language to avoid mass reissues.
Committee staff summarized HB2617 as a change to three statutes to require motorcycle plates to contain not fewer than six characters. Proponents including Tom Hanavan testified the additional digit would expand vanity options and that physical plate dimensions can accommodate extra characters on many standard plates.
Zach Dennery, director of government affairs for the Kansas Department of Revenue, said the department is neutral and flagged implementation concerns: many distinctive plates (he cited roughly 51 sponsored plates) include logos or design elements that currently allow only four or five characters; adding a character could force sponsors and the department to redesign plates or, in a worst-case scenario, reissue plates. He also noted the department receives no revenue when distinctive plates are purchased and described per-plate production and mailing costs.
Members discussed compromise language (for example, permitting up to six characters depending on plate design or allowing six on standard and personalized plates only) to avoid redesigning plates that cannot accommodate an extra character. The Department agreed targeted amendments could avoid a mass reissue. The committee closed the hearing on HB2617 after discussing potential fixes.
