'Very simple, very sleek:' Wisconsin officials propose adding 'blackout' specialty license plate for drivers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- In Wisconsin, drivers have the option to choose from dozens of specialty license plates that recognize anything from sports teams to universities.

Now, two state officials are proposing a bill that could add one more choice to the list.

"It's such a clean look. It's all black and white. It's very easy to read," said Rep. Paul Melotik, R-Grafton. "It would upgrade the look of their vehicle, their truck, the car. It's a very simple, very sleek design."

He's describing what's called a "blackout" license plate -- a throwback design that would have the car's license number and the word "Wisconsin" in white lettering on a black background.

Last week, the representative and Sen. Dan Knodl, R-Germantown, introduced the proposal.

Each plate would cost $25 dollars with a $25-dollar annual renewal fee.

Officials said the design is popular in several other states, including in Minnesota and Iowa -- the latter of which the representative said is now their "most popular" plate.

"Since Iowa started issuing the plates in 2019, it's already generated $30.4 million in state revenue," a notice from Melotik's office said. 

And when Minnesota first introduced the design at the beginning of January, "over 1,600 plates were purchased in just the first two days of sales," the notice continued. 

Under the proposed bill, the state Department of Transportation would collect enough revenue to cover the costs of initial production, but after, the rest would go toward funding other transportation projects and overall maintenance.

"People get something popular they think is a good thing for their car, they liked the look, and the state would gain revenue for roads repairs," Melotik said. "So, I think overall, it'd be a great, great thing for the state of Wisconsin."

Right now, there isn't a set timeline for when the plates could become available, but officials are hoping the proposal will be able to get in on the current session over the next month or so.