VANITY PLATE SPELLS OUT METHAMPHETAMINE

SEATTLE - Most drivers may be puzzled by the vanity license plate C9H13N,
but plenty of crooks likely nod their heads knowingly.

It's the chemical compound for methamphetamine, and despite a state law
that prohibits references to alcohol or illegal substances on vanity
plates, it may be perfectly legal.

Bradley A. Benfield, a spokesman for the state Licensing Department, said
such a license has been granted to the owner of a black 2002 Audi
registered in Seattle. The plate may be legal because the same compound
represents amphetamine, a legal substance when used in medicine.

"This is a serious concern if there is a license out there with something
on it that a reasonable person would consider related to an illegal
substance," said Benfield. "It's pretty easy for something like this to
slip through."

To revoke the plate, state officials would have to notify the owner by
letter and refer the issue to a committee, consisting of representatives
from the Licensing Department, Washington State Patrol, county auditors and
vehicle licensing agents.

Out of 6.5 million vehicles registered in the state, about 83,000 have
vanity plates. Last week, officials dismissed a complaint about one reading
JOHN316, a reference to a New Testament verse, deeming it inoffensive.