A Pennsylvania senator is looking to introduce legislation that would require vehicles to display a front license plate.

Earlier this month, state Sen. Katie Muth, D-Berks, Chester and Montgomery counties, posted a memo saying she’ll introduce the bill in the near future and that it would “require all vehicles registered in the Commonwealth to display a license plate on both the front and rear of their vehicle.”

She cited that having both a front and rear license plate would “improve vehicle identification and enhance public safety by helping law enforcement officers, witnesses, or cameras more easily and quickly identify a vehicle.”

However, drivers are split on their thoughts on whether or not they feel this is a good idea. The Times News asked readers for their thoughts on the matter, which has not officially been introduced in the state Legislature.

“I am totally against front license plates,” said Kim D. DePue.

“I would like to know the actual percentage of vehicle accidents and crimes that take place that had the absence of the front license be an actual issue,” asked Theresa Popek. “Also, this would be an additional expense to ALL constituents which would create more burden on us.

“In addition, most sports vehicles will need special holders purchased as this is not an option on most of them and this would also NOT be aesthetically pleasing for them.”

Susan Gegeckas questioned the cost for such a change.

“Pa. could require front and rear license plates as long as it doesn’t increase registration fees,” she said. “We already pay enough!”

Barry Deen Flyte said he felt this change isn’t necessary.

“I am opposed to it for financial reasons,” Bill Boscia said. “My car dos not have a front license plate holder. I would need to go to the car dealer, purchase a license plate holder and pay them to drill holes in the bumper and install the holder. My guess is that they wouldn’t do it for free. It will also cost the state to make double the quantity of plates.”

“From what I’ve read, Pennsylvania has had rear-only license plates since 1952,” said Sherry Ferguson. “As residents of this state for 38 years, my family doesn’t recall hearing any mention of changing that requirement until reading about this recently proposed legislation by Sen. Katie Muth.

“I don’t believe having a front license plate will improve vehicle recognition or public safety. Many plates are hard to read anyway, and I highly doubt that having a front plate will make a difference in vehicle identification. ... There is no need to switch from something that has worked for over 70 years.”

Some agree with the decision or at least don’t have a problem against joining the 29 other states that currently require dual license plates.

“It is about time that we get a front plate in Pennsylvania, other states have front plates,” said Stacy Venetos.

She did question who would cover the added cost though.

“I am fine with dual plates,” Wayne Truskey said. “Especially if it would help recoup some of the millions lost on toll roads. Catching other violations would be a plus also. I do have one problem with covers on plates. After just returning from our yearly vacation that had us travel in three states, I had noticed a reasonable amount of Pa. vehicles whose plates were covered with plastic that had faded badly. It made it almost impossible to read the plates. I think that should be addressed.”

According to a Transportation Institute study, there is evidence that requiring two license plates helps with toll collections, but the cost of producing the additional plates falls back on the drivers who need them.

Muth has not set a timeline as to when she would introduce such a bill, but she is seeking cosponsors for the legislation.