(1) In order to enhance visibility and identification of national guard members during mobilizations and emergencies, any active member of the Idaho national guard residing in the state of Idaho may, upon application to the department, register not more than two (2) motor vehicles and receive for each vehicle distinctive national guard license plates in lieu of regular license plates. The provisions of this section shall not apply to any vehicle with a registered maximum gross weight over twenty-six thousand (26,000) pounds. The national guard license plates shall be designed, subject to the approval of the department, by the adjutant general. Proof of being an active member in the Idaho national guard must be furnished to the department before plates will be issued.
(2) Whenever a member of the Idaho national guard transfers or assigns his title or interest to a vehicle especially registered under the provisions of this section, the registration shall expire but the member may hold his national guard license plates which he may have reissued to him upon the payment of the required transfer fees. He may only display the plates after receipt of new registration from the department.
(3) In addition to the regular registration fees required in section 49-402(1) or 49-434(1), Idaho Code, the national guard member shall pay the plate fee specified in section 49-450, Idaho Code.
The Idaho national guard shall, prior to an individual’s discharge from active duty in the national guard, require that the national guard license plates either be turned in to the department or exchanged for other proper license plates as a condition of discharge.