Lake Tahoe Plates Hit the Road

The first California license plates featuring Lake Tahoe went on the road in November, creating a funding source that will raise at least $250,000 this year to help safeguard the clarity of the lake, and serving as mobile advertisements for the mountain recreational paradise.

"Purchasing these attractive license plates helps to protect water quality and environmental resources that sustain the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe," Secretary for Resources Doug Wheeler said.

The colorful plates portray the blue lake with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a green pine bough. They were presented in Sacramento and at Lake Tahoe Nov. 7, by Wheeler, Sally Reed, director of the Department of Motor Vehicles, state Senator Tim Leslie, whose bill authorized the plates, and Dennis Crabb, chairman of the Tahoe License Plate Committee.

"This is the best possible win-win scenario for Lake Tahoe, and it wouldn't have been possible without the business and environmental communities working together," Leslie said. "These plates will be seen all over America."

Revenue raised annually by the Lake Tahoe plate helps support the California Tahoe Conservancy, a state agency that works to control erosion that clouds the lake, restore natural wetlands, protect wildlife habitat, and complete a trail system, and other public recreational facilities.

California drivers can obtain information about the plates by calling a local DMV office, or calling 1-800-510-TAHO (8246), or on-line at http://ceres.ca.gov/cra/elpf

The plates cost $50 in addition to the regular registration fee, and personalized plates are available for $90.

Renewal costs $40 for regular and $65 for personalized plates.

To put a Lake Tahoe license plate under someone's Christmas tree, place your order by Dec. 1.

Trivia buffs: The Lake Tahoe plate is California's 50th official special plate.