FRONT PLATES: Do we really need them?

This is a reply to former Trooper Walterscheidt’s recent complaint on Idahoans’ lack of seeing the need of running a front plate.

Even in retirement, he seems to still have the “troopers gotta troop” attitude. Yes, it is the law, but it is known that for a traffic law to be strictly enforced or adhered to, it must make sense. It is also known that law enforcement officers have discretion in the enforcement of infractions.

You state that you could “endlessly expound on why this law protects us all, as well as our property.” Yet, try as I might, I could find not facts or hard evidence on any true added safety numbers or in protection of our property.

However, some facts I did discover (big picture wise) is the roughly 25% of the vehicles plying Idaho roads are not that far out of line in not seeing the true need of a front plate. The facts are 21 U.S. states do not require front plates. Ohio recently did away with its front plate requirement. When we add Canada to our mix, 10 out of their 13 provinces and territories do not require a front plate. So, when we combine the two similar countries, we see there are 31 states and provinces with and 32 without. This shows me the so-called pros are debatable.

Among supporters, I feel this is more about having probable cause for law enforcement to stop a vehicle than a safety issue.

TONY STAGNER

Dalton Gardens