Hell NO!!! Just tatoo DRUNK on their foreheads.

id rather see them make special plates for child molesters, and for the drunk drivers if they are caught along with the suspended license etc take the car they are driving weather they own it or not. that way if they dont have a car you dont have to make special plates for them.

Sure, yellow plates for convicted DUI is a great idea. While your at it, please select some other significant colors for sex offenders and pedophiles. How about a special color for those that are traffic violation free for 10 years.

Everybody should have something that identifies their character. Not having a special plate for every feasible situation is irresponsible.

The lawmakers are so ignorant in thinking that it will be effective in making people who have broken the law stand out so that they will not repeat their crime. If that is not the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard, I don't know what is. People who drink and drive do so because of some mental impairment. Why don't the lawmakers go to some AA meetings and try to understand what the drinker is dealing with instead of slapping some more guilt/shame on them. No one intentially gets into a vehicle and says 'hey, i am going to either go kill myself or someone else'. This neanderthal method of branding humans (like animals) really is in keeping with the progressive society this state wants to demonstrate itself as. NOT! When are people going to get the help that they need like the homeless people living in a tent behind my place.

Concerning my comments from the previous blog, I retract the comment that lawmakers are ignorant but instead state they may be naive believing that yellow plates will make a difference. I would like to believe that the plates would work but in reality, I think not. It has been referred that these DUI convicts are simply drunks but actually, they are people in need of mental health counselling (learned that in my sociology course). There is much emphasis placed on punishment rather than rehab. I learned this in my sociology class. Finally, I trust one day views will change. Thanks...

I agree with "Ridiculous" above. Yellow license plates will not help an alcoholic's behavior. I am sure this would also cost us taxpayers to make new plate colors.How about using our money to better educate bartenders and hold them more liable as well as bar owners for overserving?This won't fix everything but it would help.Bars are profit driven and cutting off a drinker isn't considered "customer friendly" but it would save lives!

Here we go again. A drunk driver is a killer. Let the fall out from the plates stay with him.

Shouldn't be any need for a special plate. They should not be allowed to drive period. End of story. And if any drunk driver has killed anyone, then they should be branded with a hot iron so they will be known for life.

IF this were to happen, they need to include child molesters, too! They are every bit as dangerous.
But at the same time, the parents need to take responsibility too. Whenever you hear about someone trying to "pick up" children, everybody gets scared and keeps an eye on their kids. But as soon as they catch the guy, then many people turn their kids loose to do and go where ever they want. There are many creeps out there, that are not even in the system but who may be even more dangerous than the ones who are and/or have already been arrested before! Wake up parents!!

The yellow plates are a good idea. We could also have different colored plates for: adulterers, obese people, non-tippers, ugly people, old people, and prostitutes. The best of all would be a chartruse plate with yellow stripes for screwball politicians who are more of a problem than all of the above.

NO=WASHINGTON LAWMAKERS SHOULD SPEND THEIR MONEY ON LEARNING HOW TO COUNT VOTES IN WASHINGTON.

Hey where is the comment displayed on the broadcast about requiring more training and liability for bartenders? I'll pick that one apart first. That is already in place. They are not called bartenders. They are called alcohol servers. They are required to be licensed by the state and are held liable. Unfortunately we live in a society where personal accountability seems not to be a factor.

A couple of years ago I had this great idea. Lets hold all of the bad drivers to the same standard as drunk drivers and paint their cars bright pink so that they can be easily spotted and avoided. I am talking about the drivers that are not only distracted drivers i.e. eat, use cell phone, put on makup ect, but also just bad drivers. The drivers that think the turn signal is an option, speed up for yellow lights, fail to stop at stop signs, can't even park square in a parking spot. They are all equally dangerous.

A motor vehicle is a deadly weapon. A bad driver on the same stretch of road is like having someone point a gun to your head. Drunk or not they are dangerous.

Professional drivers are taught that there is no such thing as an accident. Wrecks are caused by operator error or mechanical failure. No more no less. Yet we have all heard the bad driver describe their one vehicle accident and loudly procalim "It wasn't my fault".

It reminds me about a few years back when Ford and Firestone were getting sued for blowouts. The professional drivers went out, did some testing of their own and determined that even with a blowout all the drivers had to do was have a firm grip on the wheel and brake slowly to not rollover. They actually did the "look ma no hands" trick with no ill effect. Try to tell that to someone that didn't handle the situation properly and ended upside down. These folks are the type that refuse to accept any responsibility. How to deal with blowout is actually taught in drivers ed.

Drunk or not people that can not accept responsibility, chose to ignore traffic laws, and have no idea about the basic mechanics of a vehicle have no business on the road.

Bottom line: Shame does not fix addiction! Why not just go back to the 1930s and have a special "Rummy" plate.

To defend the community and solve the problem long-term for the offender, impoound the vehicle and suspend the license of repeat offenders until they attend a treatment program.

A number of years ago, my life was out of control. The best thing that ever happened to me was a “blue light special”. I had an understanding judge who proposed differed prosecution if I would enroll in a treatment program. I entered a two-year out patient treatment program. I never missed an appointment. I was required to attend AA meetings twice a week. I attended four meetings. I firmly believe that everyone must reach a personal low before they will deal with their problem and take care of the problem. I cannot describe the personal humiliation and disgrace that I suffered as a result of my actions. I refuse to think of what having such license plates would have done to me. I would have quit my job as there would be no way that I would have serviced clients with such plates on my automobile. I was so despondent in the weeks following; I came the closest I had ever come to taking my life. I hate to think that such plates would have been the deciding factor. But I did get through it all, and in a few weeks I will celebrate 10 years clean and sober. My life has never been better. I know today, and I could not be more serious, I am an alcoholic and I can never drink alcohol in any quantity, no matter how small. I will not even take Nyquil.
This is such a bad idea. Blame, shame and disdain is not the answer. Yellow fluorescent license plates will not deter DUI driving just like the death penalty does not keep people from committing murder. I was given a chance, I grabbed on to it, and I believe that first time offenders should have a chance to turn their life around. For habitual offenders, more serious measures should be taken. I just cannot see public humiliation as the answer.

The deathpenalty does prevent repeat offending ;)

Yellow license plates are a BAD idea. Stricter laws are not. WA DUI laws are much stricter than Oregon. But they need to be stricter, and more strongly enforced. The State Patrol are doing a great job at catching drunk drivers, yet they get off too easily. And they should be closely monitored.They should ALL be required to enter treatment. And people who injure or kill others as a result of their actions should face felony charges! There should only be one type of interlock devices that are legal. At present there are 2 kinds. T-Cell devices only record drinking, but alcohol-specific devices PREVENT a driver from driving drunk! And all drivers who are stopped for drinking need to have one, and have someone they report to when they fail their tests. States with stricter laws have fewer deaths on their highways. It's a proven fact!

It wouldn't matter if the Drunk's car has the Yellow plates, they'd just drive the spouses/kids/neighbors car or swap the plates.
hmmm...
Electro Shock Therapy every time they start an engine with alcohol vapor in the car might work. In other words the car doesn't start if ANYONE in the car has alcohol in their system.

How about the state making someone a target?

Like a lmember of MADD or a family member who had recently had an accident caused by a DUI?

And what happens when the vehicle is a family vehicle?

It's a great idea, more than half of the lawmakers will have a new fluoresent yellow plate
on their car. It's about time they started to come out.

No way!
There is a difference between drunk and legally drunk. Why brand everyone the same? The breath analyzer does not take in the height and weight factor, it is a flawed system. Almost everyone has driven legally drunk... and did not even know it, or feel it.
We just have to find a way to crack down on repeaters and limits that are in the excessive category.

Yes, yellow license plates should be required for all DUI convictions. I worked as a paramedic and 95% of the emergency calls are related to intoxication in people. Not only do they harm and kill people (as well as themselves) they cost millions of dollars in response to their behavior. People with alcohol addictions have a choice, they need to choose to get help and stay sober.

No..... It's discrimination. Families which share a vehicle would also be "branded".

I don't agree nor disagree with the idea, but, what is the purpose? To help Police? To help other drivers? To rehabilitate DUI offenders? Either way, what if you want to sell your car, the person who buys it has to go get new plates? That would be a drag, and yeah, what about people who share a family car?

I personallly believe in rehabilitation and the ability of an individual to change their mind and life. What are the exact rules of this colored plate law? If someone is accused of drunk driving, installs the plates on their or their family's car, and one way or another is able to stop drinking, are they still legally forced to display the plate for forever? Exactly when does the punishment or labeling end? And who's it for -- the police to see, or other drivers who get a chance to be extra rude? Interesting punishment, but not logical or fair in my mind.

I'd be more comfortable to know if the guy driving in front of me could be a drunk or not. And for those that think that it is not fair to those 'sharing your car' .. it sure isn't fair to those who've lost a family member due to a drunk driver.

If you don't drink and drive .. you shouldn't have to worry.

You (as state lawmakers)are really off the mark. Look daily at the local jail roster at how many people drive on a suspended drivers license. Many have not just one but more. Why don't you really do our children a favor (the future) and raise the penalty for delivery,selling or manufacturing meth to $20,000. This $5,000 bail is an easy post. There back on the street in days if not hours. Better yet let's get proactive in our prison system and not reactive. Oh and while your at it fix the joke of a ferry system quit penalizing the commuters and get someone who can run it at a profit. (why should taxespayers pay for some employess while they sleep on the job?)These are more important than yellow plates.

I think it's a good idea. At least others would know to be extra cautious around these vehicles. I think the law would serve more as a warning to other people than as a deterrent to the DUI drivers.

I don't disagree that many sentenced to have the plates would get around driving with them one way or another, but they wouldn't all be able to.

By the way, treatment for alcoholics is a great idea, but it is naive to think that everyone caught driving drunk is an addict. This suggestion targets all DUI offenders, not just alcoholics.

As far as the cost, new license plates don't cost that much - just try getting your own replaced voluntarily, you will see that the fees are pretty small. And if you have the offender pay for the new plates, you don't need to worry about the taxpayers funding it. The plates won't cost more than 1.5 mixed drinks, or two or three beers. ;)

Many of the comments here make it obviously aware that most people are not at all in touch with the legal system and how imperfect it can be. When a person commits a crime and pays their "debt to society" that should be the end of process. Too many people have been caught in situations that have damaged their lives and have accepted their mistakes and tried to move on and live a productive life, only to have a system and society that punishes them, their children and family, for the rest of their entire lives. Any offender, for any crime, has been sentenced for life.

Some offenders actually do try to recover from error, mean well, and attempt to lead normal, productive, caring lives, only to find stigmas that prevent them from getting a job, being productive and accomplishing things in good faith. It can be considered that many re-offenders regarding many crime types fall in this area. They are not allowed to re-establish themselves and are forced to resort to the prior lifestyle simply to survive. Employers ought to be noticed and credited for hiring certain classes of offenders. Tax breaks, etc. Instead of being afraid and contributing to the over all problem we have today with so many sick, wounded, and hopeless people who error and try to do things right from then on, only to find themselves trapped and unable to recover. Give someone a chance. So that those who are intent on do right, are not forced back to wrong.

If a person drives intoxicated, by all means intervention is needed. They should take responsibility for their behavior and should be sanctioned in an effort of rehabilitation. If they succeed in this, they should be commended, not set up to get shot at on the freeway by an angry victim of a drunk driver of the past.

A repeat DUI offender, I say the second conviction, yes, put the plate on the car. However, someone who makes the changes and overcomes this horrible addiction after the first wakeup call should be rewarded and allowed to lead the life they have dedicated and disciplined themselves for. Beating the addiction is much more difficult than some me be aware of. I commend anyone who can recover!

I had a drinking problem, I was charged with a DUI, I went to treatment and repaired my broken life. If I do it again, please by all means complicate my life. But since I have recovered I, and my children, do not deserve to be set up for acts of violence by the haters.

Can you picture some neighborhood kids in a scenario - "Look, there is Billy, he lives where that car is parked, lets get him!" ?

Alcohol hurts greatly! Don't set up Billy for more torment and possible life long damage because his mom was irresponsible. Let's simply give first time offenders a clear message. "Next time is going to hurt!" And enforce it.

Take care all!

Yes and that would be an understatement. Second timers, I believe, should join the "Century Club" and lose it for just that long.
Actually, I think cabbies should be required to drive drunks home before they get in their cars. Where I grew up, if you called the police and told them you had too much to drink to drive, they would come and get you and drive you home. They are too busy now handling those who choose to drink and drive, drive and shoot, hold up bandits and home invaders to be able to be that civil and for that I am truly sorry, they deserve much better.

Get these pathetic people off our roads.

1. They are not normal.
2. They justify their lack of control with hysterical boo hoo feel sorry for me antics!
3. They cannot get a grip on reality!
4. I would feel safer on the roads if I knew the loser next to me has a major drinking problem.
5. No three strikes your out!

Any strike in which a human life is threatened constantly by these idiots who turn a car on after more than one drink is too many!!!!!

Until this issue comes home, as it did in my case when my 5 year old daughter was killed by an unremorseful drunk driver, you can't imagine that any method of controlling drunk driving would be too un-civil. Obviously, tougher laws are what is needed, but other methods are necessary as well. The plates would assist police in such a good way especially in the late hours when such a high percentage of dd occurs.
How about fluorescent red plates for those who have shed the blood of the innocent through vehicular manslaughtr?
For those who also think sex offenders need colored plates as well . . . we all know that drunk drivers have to serve little time compared to convicted sex offenders, . . . what a joke!
How about putting fluorescent yellow stickers on the outside doors of the bars where the drunks came from?
Right now, look at a close loved one who is near you --- no imagine them gone! --- no method is truly unreasonable until the # of fatalities is down to 0.

SURLEY!! Many of the people saying no r probaly teenagers who don't want to be noticed by people if their drunk!!!!! YAAAAAA

I can't understand how labeling a drunk driver is more important than labeling a paedophile. I would much rather know whether the man sitting next to me at the park, while I'm watching my children play, was a paedophile instead of a drunk driver. If you want to label anyone, label a sicko like that!

are you kidding its a free world you can do whatever, just because you want to be ignorant and stupid about these sort of situations and to people that think its great to have license colors for pedophilles and all the other sort of law breaking people then your just not a parent who shows great responsiblities for your child.quit playing around because life is serious you people just got to learn to deal with the world its an equal oppurtunity type of life deal with it

1. Don't sit next to the pedophile, duh!

2. Ignorant and stupid? Tell that to all the lives lost because of DRUNKS on the road.

3. Labeling? If gets these people the true shame they deserve for being the ignorant ones, then I am all for it.

Don't judge until you walk in the shoes. Your blantant stupid remarks are why there are so many dumb people in the world

My brother is a chronic alcoholic who absolutely will not stay away from the car keys when he goes on a binge! I value my kids, my family and my friends, and my neighbors. I have no qualms with getting on the phone to let people know he might be on the road. I have gone to the stores to plead with them not to sell him booze. To what avail? None. I get to sit and wonder if he is going to kill someone or himself. All for what? A feel good buzz. How ignorant is that?

I can not believe the immaturity I am reading here! I see the irresponsibility of people on this blog and I just shake my head in amazement. I feel that the State should "brand" people for their crimes and stop this mentality of, "Oh, it's ok, your not a bad person, something happened to you as a child so you don't need to be held responsible for your actions". If you commit a crime of a serious offense, you should be branded by the State. Imagine all of the people who might actually stop and think before they commit a crime next time. It has been far too long that our society has been soft on criminals for fear of hurting their feelings, or violating their civil rights, even though they commit henious crimes againt society.

And we wonder why peoples' children act the way they do in public...

Exactly right Sheldon! Parents are not controlling their children.

Screw the civil rights. Our society is not holding people accountable for their actions!

I say get these drunks off the road, period!

If theres no room in jails or prisons. Then build more buildings.

People who drive drunk begin the evening with the intent of driving drunk. If this wasn't true they would not drive their cars to the bar. I have thought for years now that drunk drivers should be charged with attempted murder. After all they are in control of a potential deadly weapon. In regard to a yellow license plate...Get Serious! A drunk drivers license should be revoked until they have proven they can be responsible enough to have a drivers license.

Let's give them a fluorescent yellow bus pass!!!

Drunk drivers kill. I think that it would be an awesome thing to do this. I have had family personally get injured because they drove drunk. I hope this passes.

However, I do think it would be better to issue a bus pass to dangerous drivers.