(Updated May 2, 2012)
The Secretary of State’s office today provided LIB with an update regarding the new “Share the Road” specialty plate for Illinois cars, vans, and light trucks. As of today, the new plates are scheduled to be sent starting May 11.
The 1500+ people who earlier submitted their reservation form and $17 fee will receive their plates first. On April 6, the State mailed each a letter and form to complete their order, with a due date of completing the order by April 30. This second part of the two-step purchase process costs $34 for random, four-digit numbers starting with 1001, or more for vanity and personalized plates. The letter does not make it clear that you should include a check to “Secretary of State” for the appropriate amount, when you mail back your form. Also, the quoted prices on the letteralready take into account the $17 you paid earlier, so do not subtract $17 from the appropriate amount.
Those who sent in their form and requested a random number will start receiving plates just after May 11. Those who sent in their form and requested a personalized or vanity plate will start receiving theirs two weeks after that. Starting May 15, those who have not already reserved plates may purchase them online through the Secretary of State’s website, for the entire $51 (more for personalized and vanity) in one step.
The new plates will deliver a “Share the Road, Same Rights – Same Rules” message while raising funds for LIB’s motorist and bicyclist education efforts. One such project is early development of innovative, online quiz-based “certifications” meant to more broadly deliver bike safety knowledge in schools, drivers’ education, and the general population.
LIB receives $17 of the first year’s $51 incremental cost for the plates and $20 of the additional $22 fee in renewing years.
We urge plate customers not to let thick license plate frames – such as those from car dealers – cover the plate design and message. This can be done by not using any frames, or picking narrow frames – such as a new “Share the Road with Bicyclists – Same Rights, Same Rules” frame offered by LIB.
Learn more about getting your plates or frames on our “Share the Road” specialty license plate webpage.
