End of road in sight for unpopular license plates

LEWISTON – An Idaho specialty plate showing a sketch of explorers Lewis and Clark with Sacagawea has failed to meet minimum sales set by the state and could be discontinued.

The plate reads “Lewiston – First Territorial Capital.”

Also facing elimination next year because of poor sales are the Basque heritage plate and the school transportation safety plates.

Specialty plates being eliminated this year for failing to meet sales goals are the Idaho Boy Scout plate and the Idaho Motorcycle Safety Program plate.

The Transportation Department said 614 of the Lewiston plates have been sold since they were introduced in 2005.

Greg Follett, chairman of Lewiston’s Historic Preservation Commission, said he thinks Lewiston drivers could keep the plate going.

“We’re looking at a pretty select audience,” he said. “Moscow drivers may not want a historic Lewiston plate, but (reaching the 1,000-unit mark) shouldn’t be a problem with the number of vehicles registered in Lewiston.”

The plate raises money for Lewiston’s Historic Preservation Commission, which promotes the city’s early history. The program has raised nearly $12,000.