Hey, Answer Girl --

Can you tell me why we phased out the raised numbers and letters on Wyoming license plates?

-- Dave

Prior to 2002, Wyoming license plates were manufactured by prisoners.

Steve Lund, license plant production manager in Cheyenne, however, said when the prisoners were producing the plates, they weren't producing enough. The state was having problems delivering enough license plates to the county treasurers around the state, who are in charge of distributing the plates to registered drivers.

Thus, in 2002, the state decided to start making the license plates internally. And while the penitentiary plates were embossed (that's what the raised letters and numbers are called), the state can more cheaply manufacture flat license plates.

So, Lund said, it's not that the state had something against embossing -- it's just better to save money and go with the flat.

Hey, Answer Girl --

What are the legalities for nonresidents working in our state and not having Wyoming license plates on their vehicles? Are there any exceptions? For example, someone who works 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., five days a week, year-round in Wyoming, but lives in a neighboring state 20 miles away.

Lund said license plates are dependent on residency. If you live in Colorado and work in Wyoming, you're required to have Colorado plates.

However, being in the state five days a week for work means you also have to have a temporary work permit. Anyone working in the state for more than 90 days should have the permit.

If all else fails, contact your local county treasurer's office or the office of the county in which you work. The people there should be able to tell you what you need to know about legalities specific to your county.

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0616 or {M7megan.lee@trib.com

Ask Answer Girl

Answer Girl tackles your questions about Casper, the universe and everything else. Submit your questions by email to megan.lee@trib.com, or call Megan Lee at 266-0616. You can also write to Answer Girl, Box 80, 170 Star Lane, Casper, WY, 82602.