Panel reviews limits on specialty license plates

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - The Indiana House Transportation Committee is considering new limits on specialty license plates for drivers one year after the effort was derailed by controversy over plates for a gay youth group.

Rep. Ed Soliday's proposal would create an eight-member bipartisan panel to review requests from nonprofit groups and universities for specialty plates. The Valparaiso Republican has raised concerns about state roads crowded with so many different plates that it makes it difficult for police to identify vehicles.

Soliday led an effort last year to limit specialty plates. But the effort was derailed amid a push from social conservatives to revoke plates issued by the Indianapolis Youth Group. The Bureau of Motor Vehicles determined the group broke its contract with the state by auctioning low-numbered plates. The group counsels gay youths.