PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Highway Patrol vehicles will be the first in the state to sport new license plates.

The existing plate design that has been in use since 2006 is being retired, with new plates being issued starting Jan. 1.

The Highway Patrol has worked with the Department of Revenue so trooper vehicles could have the new license plates before Friday. New plates were shipped to the Patrol's offices statewide this month. Troopers will make sure the new plates are installed on their vehicles before they begin duty for the first time in 2016.

The new design is similar to the current Mount Rushmore plate design, with different coloring.

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