PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island lawmaker says he’s frustrated that mandated replacement license plates will have a design similar to the state’s distinctive ‘wave’ plates in use since 1996.

Sen. Louis DiPalma tells the Providence Journal the new design is supposed to make it easier for police to tell from a distance that a plate is old.

The Department of Motor Vehicles told lawmakers last week the new plates would maintain the integrity of the current wave design with enough differences to serve the purpose of the plate re-issue.

Gov. Gina Raimondo’s spokesman says the new design will “closely mirror” existing plates.

DiPalma, a Middletown Democrat, wants to meet with Raimondo and DMV officials to get an explanation.

Rhode Islanders with existing wave plates will have to get new ones starting next year.

Information from: The Providence Journal, providencejournal.com