Illinois Searching For Defective License Plates

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- The Illinois secretary of state office is sending letters to some auto owners to inform them their license plates could be faulty.

According to the secretary of state's office, it was discovered in 2004 that some plates issued in previous years could rust, making the plates' reflective coating ineffective.

Ernie Dannenberger of the secretary of state's office says the defect could cause police problems if they're trying to take down a plate number at night.

License plates are currently made of aluminum and won't rust. But some issued in 2001 and 2002 were made of steel. People can change out problematic plates free of charge.

Danneberger says returns won't cost the state because the plates are covered by warrantee. The questionable plates were manufactured by Macon Resources in Decatur and Canada-based Waldale Manufacturing.

On the Net: http://www.ilsos.gov/ContactFormsWeb/defectiveplatecontact.html