The license plate issued pursuant to this article may be transferred to another vehicle of the same weight class owned by the same person upon application being made to and approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. It is unlawful for any person to whom such a plate has been issued to knowingly permit it to be displayed on any vehicle except the one authorized by the department. If a holder of such a plate ceases to be a member of the municipal or county council or ceases to be county coroner he shall immediately return the plate to the department.