February 18th 2026 |
Photo – Courtesy of WYDOT
The Wyoming House of Representatives declined to consider a bill that would have eliminated front‑facing license plates.
During the February 10th meeting, Laramie County Republican Rob Geringer introduced House Bill 81, titled the Less Is More Plate Act. Representative Geringer said the measure simply eliminates the legal requirement for Wyoming vehicles to display a front license plate.
According to the Wyoming Department of Transportation, House Bill 81 would save $331,000 a year if the measure went into effect before the 2033 issuance of new license plates. In the meantime, the bill is expected to reduce registration‑sticker production costs by $77,268 annually.
Representative Trey Sherwood spoke out against the bill. The Albany County Democrat acknowledged that the measure would save the state money but said it could put law enforcement officers in danger.
Representative Art Washut was also opposed to the bill. The Natrona County Republican said as a former member of the Casper Police Department, front license plates often helped him identify suspects.
Representative Geringer responded that a number of law enforcement agencies say the front license plate is unnecessary as officers most often view the rear plate during traffic stops. The Laramie County Republican added that eliminating the requirement would benefit vintage automobile collectors and those who prefer a custom plate on the front of their vehicle.
As a non‑budget bill considered during an even‑numbered budget year, House Bill 81 required two‑thirds of the chamber’s votes to pass. However, the measure fell short, failing on a vote of 38 to 23.
