The department shall issue special plates as applied for, which shall display the general distinguishing number assigned to the applicant. Each plate so issued shall also contain a number or symbol identifying the plate and distinguishing it from every other plate bearing the same general distinguishing number. The fee for each special plate is forty dollars for a two-year period or part thereof. The fee for a special plate used on a vehicle that is hauling a load or towing a trailer is seven hundred fifty dollars for a two-year period or part thereof.