1 in 10 Illinois drivers have potentially defective license plates
Nearly 1 in 10 Illinois drivers are riding around with potentially defective license plates, according to the Illinois secretary of state's office.
Roughly 1.1 million plates, likely issued from 2001 to 2003, could be faulty. The plates' reflective coating can bubble and peel, making it difficult for police officers to read license plate numbers.
The problem was discovered by the secretary of state's office in 2004. The office notified drivers of the defect in annual renewal notices that year. But only 1,000 people responded to the state's offer to replace the plates for free.
So the office decided to take a different tack. Since March, it has sent another million letters telling drivers that "in order to remain in compliance with Illinois law, it may be necessary to replace your license plate if it develops bubbles or rust around the letters." It also warned that "failure to do so could result in a citation." Since then, roughly 211,000 people have turned in their defective plates.
The plates are covered by warranty and are replaced at no cost to the state. People who believe they have a defective plate can call the office at 800-252-8980 or 217-785-3000 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com.
1 in 10 Illinois drivers have potentially defective license plates -- chicagotribune.com
Roughly 1.1 million plates, likely issued from 2001 to 2003, could be faulty. The plates' reflective coating can bubble and peel, making it difficult for police officers to read license plate numbers.
The problem was discovered by the secretary of state's office in 2004. The office notified drivers of the defect in annual renewal notices that year. But only 1,000 people responded to the state's offer to replace the plates for free.
So the office decided to take a different tack. Since March, it has sent another million letters telling drivers that "in order to remain in compliance with Illinois law, it may be necessary to replace your license plate if it develops bubbles or rust around the letters." It also warned that "failure to do so could result in a citation." Since then, roughly 211,000 people have turned in their defective plates.
The plates are covered by warranty and are replaced at no cost to the state. People who believe they have a defective plate can call the office at 800-252-8980 or 217-785-3000 or visit cyberdriveillinois.com.
1 in 10 Illinois drivers have potentially defective license plates -- chicagotribune.com
