Some states require special plates for drunk drivers

If you are convicted of drunk driving in Ohio, you have to get a red and yellow license plate. In Minnesota and Georgia, convicted DUI offenders have certain letters and numbers in their plates that help law enforcement identify their vehicles, but the special plates are not obvious to the public. 

New Hampshire has not considered any bills to color the plates of DUI offenders.

Supporters of colored license plates argue that the public should be aware of the risk posed by drunk drivers. According to an often-cited study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly one-third of all drivers arrested for DUI each year are repeat offenders. 

Opponents argue that colored license plates violate the privacy of individuals convicted of a DUI. They are the equivalent of a modern day "Scarlet Letter." Colored license plates also cost the state more than regular license plates.

UPDATE: Read our Citizen Voices℠ report and find out where New Hampshire stands on this issue.