As with most arguments, there are two sides to the story. Here's how it works in San Antonio.
1) The decals are voluntary. No need to imply they are a "Stop and give me a hard time" requirement.
2) If you (or your family) are going to use the car late at night - don't use the stickers.
3) Many retired folks who do not drive after dark love the stickers. They know if their car is on the road after dark it has been stolen.
4) Some people like the sticker because they feel it shows support for their local police.
5) Some police like the sticker because they know the car probably (add stress) is driven by a good citizen who broke the law rather than a criminal. (Yes, the cop is still careful, yada, yada, yada....)
6) In San Antonio, there is NO fee to registrations. (I don't know what the stickers might cost - if anything.)
7) If you are charged for such a sticker against your will - that's wrong. But if it is voluntary and without a fee, you have no gripe.
[This message has been edited by Dennis (edited August 24, 1999).]