Colorful loon license plates in demand

AUGUSTA (AP) — Maine’s new loon license plate, designed to raise money for state conservation programs, has the makings of a potential best-seller.

Mainers bought 2,300 pairs of the plates from motor vehicle branch offices during the first week they were on sale. The plates can now also be purchased at municipal offices.

The plates carry a $20 annual surcharge, beyond the usual registration fees. That means the state collected an additional $46,000 the first week.

Some fans of the new plates waited 45 minutes before motor vehicle offices opened April 1, the first sale date.

Scott Sawtelle, property officer at the state Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, said the plates depicting a swimming loon and vegetation compare favorably to the standard plate which shows a small red lobster.

“I like them and everybody I’ve talked to likes them.”