Adopted at the 119th Annual Conference

San Diego, CA
October 3, 2012

Validating the Public Safety and Homeland Security Needs for Retro-Reflective Front and Rear License Plates
Submitted by: Highway Safety Committee
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WHEREAS, heightened homeland security concerns and procedures emphasize the need for fast and reliable identification of vehicles by law enforcement officers and citizens alike, which is extremely important for law enforcement officers who steadfastly patrol the approximately four million miles of highways and roads within the United States; and

WHEREAS, traffic enforcement activities have proven to be invaluable in the detection and apprehension of individuals involved in terrorist and/or criminal activities; all means of initial identification, including retro-reflective front and rear license plates, are essential; and

WHEREAS, motor vehicles are used in the majority of all serious crimes committed in the United States and the quick discovery of such vehicles can help solve these crimes; and

WHEREAS, retro-reflective front and rear license plates are essential in the quick and accurate identification of motor vehicles even at highway speeds; and

WHEREAS, retro-reflective front and rear license plates serve as a significant safety device, warning motorists of the presence of vehicles that are disabled or that otherwise lack sufficient headlights or taillights and allowing those vehicles to be observed at a safe distance and in a timely manner; and

WHEREAS, it is important to keep license plates legible and to maintain their retro-reflectivity because they are relied upon by law enforcement and citizens alike for public and traffic safety; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), duly assembled at its 119th Annual Conference in San Diego, California, recognizes that the efficient and reliable identification of vehicles is a critical element of national, state and local safety and security, supports the issuance of retro-reflective front and rear license plates with clearly identifiable registration numbers and states of registration, and urges that States issue new plates as required to maintain effective vehicle identification and to protect the security and integrity of the vehicle registration process; and , be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the IACP supports the use of the Best Practice Guide for Improving Automated License Plate Reader Effectiveness through Uniform License Plate Design and Manufacture published by the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.