Posted on: Wednesday, June 2, 2004

If your license plates start with 'E,' turn them in

By Mike Leidemann
Advertiser Transportation Writer

E is for expired.

Starting next month holders of Hawai'i license plates that begin with the letter E will have to turn them in for new ones.

If you've got one of the 14-year-old plates, you'll have the choice of keeping your current number or trading it in on a brand-new N-series model, according city licensing administrator Dennis Kamimura.

The reason for the change: The white background on many of the plates has faded to a dark gray, making it difficult for police to read.

About 50,000 E-series license plates, which were issued in 1990, remain on the road, Kamimura said.

"They're just about impossible to read at night," Kamimura said.

Beginning with vehicle registrations that expire July 31, owners will be required to choose between a new license plate with the same E letters and numbers or get a license plate starting with N, like those being issued to new cars today.

Each vehicle registration renewal for a car with one of the E plates automatically will include a $5 renewal fee.

Those who fail to get the new license plates could be subject to a citation for having a defaced licensed plate, Kamimura said.

City officials rejected the idea of coming up with a new license plate design for all cars, he added.

"The rainbow design is one of the best in the country. It's easy to see against a white background and doesn't obscure any of the numbers," Kamimura said.

Eventually all older plates will be replaced.

In July city officials also will begin changing out all commercial vehicle plates that include the letters TG or TF.

Then, late this year, the F-series license plates will start coming due for replacement, Kamimura said.

Reach Mike Leidemann at 525-5460 or mleidemann@honoluluadvertiser.com.