Over 250,000 Indiana Drivers Sport 'In God We Trust' Plates

By Doug Huntington, Christian Post Reporter Friday, March 23, 2007

Indiana's newest faith-friendly license plates are doing well in purchases, allowing thousands of state drivers to express their relationship with God.

Since the plates were first released in January, the "In God We Trust" plates have been given to more than 250,000 drivers, according to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

"I'm Catholic and I'm American, so it represents the things I stand for," said Nick Bavanic, a local resident in Indiana, in the Post-Tribune.

The plate is one of the twelve newly issued plates by the state, which also includes another Christian themed "Choose Life" license sponsored by the Indiana Association of Pregnancy Centers. Unlike the others, however, the "In God We Trust" registration is an official alternative to the standard plate, which features a pale green on green field design.

In 2005, the new design was approved by state legislative processes after a proposal from state House member Rep. Woody Burton (R-Greenville). The bid passed through the both legislative branches easily, receiving only three votes in opposition.

"People can use this as an expression of their beliefs and how our country was founded," explained Rep. Don Lehe (R-Schererville), who voted in favor, in the Northwest Indiana Times. "I felt like it was a good thing to do."

There have also been a number of people that have opposed the new plates, noting that a state licensed document should not advocate one religion over the other. Most have passed over the issue, however, noting that it is not a significant subject and have chosen just to continue using their old plates.

Unlike other specialty plates, the "In God We Trust" design has no additional fees, because it is an equal alternative to the previous state plate. The BMV also does not charge the $3.69 cost of producing the plates, and takes money from the Motor Vehicle Highway Fund, according to the Post-Tribune.

Indiana drivers are not required to switch over to the religious focused licenses, and may keep the old design if desired. Residents must acquire new plates every five years, however.

The plates are available at all statewide branches, and the BMV is exploring whether to make the plates available online, which is available for the original design.