Although a law was passed last year requiring all newly purchased cars to display a temporary license plate, one lawmaker still is trying to toughen the regulations.

South Carolina drivers can legally operate a vehicle without a license plate for up to 45 days after purchasing the vehicle.

Before January 2003, many drivers drove longer than that without a permanent plate as a way to avoid paying personal property taxes and insurance.

The law now requires drivers to display a temporary paper tag as soon as they drive off in a new or used car.

State Rep. Bob Walker, R-Landrum, wants to make it more difficult to alter the expiration dates on temporary tags and make it easier for police to spot a bad temporary plate.

Under his proposal, temporary tags would be required to include a holographic sticker that includes the expiration date.