The Iowa House is considering a bill that would eliminate front license plates on vehicles in the state.

The Iowa Department of Transportation says the change would save more than $500,000 each year.

Iowa law enforcement officers say removing the front license plate would make it harder for them to do their job. Law enforcement use front and rear license plates for tracking vehicles in criminal investigations. They also say vehicles with two license plates better help the public identify people involved in Amber Alerts.

"You take that front plate off, it makes it tough to get that identification and feedback from the public," John Godar, Iowa State Sheriff's & Deputies Association President said. "You've got several vehicles with similar make and model and color, the only thing that distinguishes them is that license plate."

The Iowa Automobile Dealers Association supports this bill, saying new cars aren't made with holes for a front license plate. The DOT hasn't taken a position on the issue.

Nationwide, 19 states do not require a front license plate.