AARoads Forum

National Boards => General Highway Talk => Topic started by: Alex on February 04, 2010, 10:38:53 AM

Title: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on February 04, 2010, 10:38:53 AM
Feel free to post any articles pertaining to License Plates here.

See you later G8TR?
Price hike hurts sales of specialty plates, including UF's (http://www.gainesville.com/article/20100130/ARTICLES/1301004/1002)

QuoteStarting Sept 1., the fees for purchasing a plate for the first time rose about $125. Costs for renewals increased by as much as $25 depending on the vehicle's weight.

Plate proponents suggest the increase caused drivers to decide the extra charges for specialty plates, ranging from $15 to $25 annually, were too much to bear.

The lack of plate sales may effect the availability of some specialty tags over he coming years...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on February 04, 2010, 10:46:36 AM
Front License Plates On Chopping Block (IL) (http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=9366&type=top)

QuoteIf you watch traffic closely, every now and again you'll notice a vehicle without a front license plate. However, those bare front bumpers may become more common.

"We can save some money by going to one license plate if we leave everything the same," says Representative Jerry Mitchell from Sterling, Il.

Mitchell says leaders need to cut unnecessary costs during the state's budget crisis. And he says eliminating front license plates could save up to a million dollars a year.




Ky. House OKs national motto license plate (http://ky.%20house%20oks%20national%20motto%20license%20plate)

QuoteLawmakers in Kentucky's House of Representatives approved a bill that would allow the nation's motto, "In God we Trust," be on standard license plates.

If the bill is approved by the state Senate and signed by the governor, vehicle owners in the Bluegrass State could choose from "In God we Trust" or "Unbridled Spirit" on standard-issue license plates, The (Louisville) Courier-Journal reported Tuesday.

No extra fee would be imposed for requesting the nation's motto, the Courier-Journal said.




Bill would put 'Home of Our National Anthem' on plates (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/legislature/bal-md.briefs251jan25,0,4676351.story)

QuoteMaryland license plates would lay claim to the state as "Home of Our National Anthem," if one state lawmaker has his way. State Sen. Larry Haines, a Republican who represents Carroll and Baltimore counties, introduced a bill that would put the slogan on all plates starting Oct. 1. Maryland last displayed a slogan on its standard-issue license plate in the mid-1980s, celebrating the 350th anniversary of the state's founding as a colony.




South Carolina unveils new license plate (http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11931354)

QuoteThe state of South Carolina is unveiling a new license plate.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle is the theme for these new specialty plates. The State's recycling industry group introduced the plates to promote the "Go Green" message.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: papaT10932 on February 04, 2010, 11:56:41 AM
Does Maryland's new slogan mean one less license plate with a website on it??? Gosh, I hope so!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on February 04, 2010, 12:01:10 PM
Quote from: AARoads on February 04, 2010, 10:46:36 AM
Front License Plates On Chopping Block (IL) (http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=9366&type=top)

QuoteIf you watch traffic closely, every now and again you'll notice a vehicle without a front license plate. However, those bare front bumpers may become more common.

"We can save some money by going to one license plate if we leave everything the same," says Representative Jerry Mitchell from Sterling, Il.

Mitchell says leaders need to cut unnecessary costs during the state's budget crisis. And he says eliminating front license plates could save up to a million dollars a year.

I hope this goes through in spite of the balking by the Secretary of State's office.  If Indiana and Michigan can handle one plate, so too can Illinois.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on February 04, 2010, 08:11:26 PM
Wonder why NJ still uses two plates given our status as one of the bottom 3 in terms of highway debt.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: papaT10932 on February 04, 2010, 08:22:40 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on February 04, 2010, 08:11:26 PM
Wonder why NJ still uses two plates given our status as one of the bottom 3 in terms of highway debt.

I remember a few years ago it was proposed that NJ transfer to one plate. I think law enforcement was the reason used to stick with two plates. That's fine by me. Two plates look "solid". One plated cars always look like something's missing...

I think the real question is, why hasn't NJ changed the designs of their plates in almost 20 years?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hm insulators on February 09, 2010, 10:46:08 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 04, 2010, 12:01:10 PM
Quote from: AARoads on February 04, 2010, 10:46:36 AM
Front License Plates On Chopping Block (IL) (http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=9366&type=top)

QuoteIf you watch traffic closely, every now and again you'll notice a vehicle without a front license plate. However, those bare front bumpers may become more common.

"We can save some money by going to one license plate if we leave everything the same," says Representative Jerry Mitchell from Sterling, Il.

Mitchell says leaders need to cut unnecessary costs during the state's budget crisis. And he says eliminating front license plates could save up to a million dollars a year.

I hope this goes through in spite of the balking by the Secretary of State's office.  If Indiana and Michigan can handle one plate, so too can Illinois.

Arizona only has one plate, unless you get a personalized license plate, then you have both front and rear plates. Anybody else have this odd arrangement?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on February 09, 2010, 10:49:56 AM
Quote from: papaT10932 on February 04, 2010, 08:22:40 PM
I remember a few years ago it was proposed that NJ transfer to one plate. I think law enforcement was the reason used to stick with two plates. That's fine by me. Two plates look "solid". One plated cars always look like something's missing...

I think the real question is, why hasn't NJ changed the designs of their plates in almost 20 years?

Law enforcement thinks they need a lot of things, but believe me, it's a BS argument.  Other states get by with one plate and their LEOs have no trouble with that.  One plate, IMHO, is enough for the vehicle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on February 09, 2010, 11:23:41 AM
Quote from: hm insulators on February 09, 2010, 10:46:08 AM
Quote from: Brandon on February 04, 2010, 12:01:10 PM
Quote from: AARoads on February 04, 2010, 10:46:36 AM
Front License Plates On Chopping Block (IL) (http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=9366&type=top)

QuoteIf you watch traffic closely, every now and again you'll notice a vehicle without a front license plate. However, those bare front bumpers may become more common.

"We can save some money by going to one license plate if we leave everything the same," says Representative Jerry Mitchell from Sterling, Il.

Mitchell says leaders need to cut unnecessary costs during the state's budget crisis. And he says eliminating front license plates could save up to a million dollars a year.

I hope this goes through in spite of the balking by the Secretary of State's office.  If Indiana and Michigan can handle one plate, so too can Illinois.

Arizona only has one plate, unless you get a personalized license plate, then you have both front and rear plates. Anybody else have this odd arrangement?

SC issues a different plate base, but still only one tag in total, for those with a vanity tag. That is about the only thing I can think of in similar vein.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on February 09, 2010, 07:22:07 PM
Quote from: hm insulators on February 09, 2010, 10:46:08 AM
Arizona only has one plate, unless you get a personalized license plate, then you have both front and rear plates. Anybody else have this odd arrangement?

Arizona also issues pairs for optional graphic types.  I believe this set up is unique to Arizona.  However, it is not required to display the pair.  I personally like that method and I wish New Jersey would do something similar.  I see nothing wrong with a single plate.  Currently it works for 19 states.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on February 09, 2010, 07:45:46 PM
Nevada issues two plates. Two plates are required, unless the vehicle does is not manufactured with a mounting location (or add-on mounting bracket) for the front plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on February 14, 2010, 01:29:20 AM
Front license plate bill dies in committee (http://www.herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/article_9ac37203-79ee-5e58-be55-417cf0cd8bfa.html)

QuoteA proposed law that would have removed the front license plates on Illinois cars and trucks failed an early test Tuesday.

A House committee voted 4-2 against the measure, which would require drivers have just one plate in the rear of their vehicle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on March 05, 2010, 02:33:17 PM
New Mexico centennial plate coming in 2010 (http://www.licenseplates.cc/story.php?id=405)

QuoteGov. Richardson has introduced this new license plate to commemorate the centennial year of New Mexico statehood (2012).

The new plate features a classic look in turquoise, yellow and red.

The Centennial license plates will go on sale in January 2010, at which time the "Balloon" plate, a popular option since 1999, will be phased out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 05, 2010, 08:09:34 PM
just saw one today... in Colorado, oddly enough.  I like the way it looks.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: sandiaman on March 11, 2010, 02:23:42 PM
New  Mexico  has  already  introduced its Centennial  plate .  It is turquoise  (the  state  gem)  with yellow letters and white  lettering for the state name.  Interesting item:  by law NM has to use its state  colors   yellow and red , so the Zia symbol  is in red  to comply  with the law.  It is called the retro  plate
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: algorerhythms on March 13, 2010, 11:01:43 PM
Quote from: AARoads on February 14, 2010, 01:29:20 AM
Front license plate bill dies in committee (http://www.herald-review.com/news/state-and-regional/article_9ac37203-79ee-5e58-be55-417cf0cd8bfa.html)

QuoteA proposed law that would have removed the front license plates on Illinois cars and trucks failed an early test Tuesday.

A House committee voted 4-2 against the measure, which would require drivers have just one plate in the rear of their vehicle.
Maryland is currently considering a similar bill. (http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=102089)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 14, 2010, 08:10:24 AM
Two plates as a law enforcement thing would only be an argument if two things were true.

- Every jurisdiction had two plates.

- Motor patrols spent much of their time enfocing actual legitimate laws in which identifying cars from the front was a part.

Neither is.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NJRoadfan on March 14, 2010, 09:55:15 AM
Quote from: AARoads on February 04, 2010, 10:38:53 AM
The lack of plate sales may effect the availability of some specialty tags over he coming years...

Could the selection from a choice of eleventy billion specialty plates be a reason why?

As for front plates, those 19 states (and any Canadian providence with a similar setup) are an exception rather then the norm. No where else in the world (that I know of) allows for one plate on a car, and no where else really has custom bases or order on demand vanity plates either.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: HalifaxTravaler on March 14, 2010, 10:23:57 AM
Nova Scotia has made the switch to 1 plate, years ago. As for fees, it costs me $199 every 2 years to renew my plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on March 14, 2010, 01:17:58 PM
Quote from: signalman on February 09, 2010, 07:22:07 PMArizona only has one plate, unless you get a personalized license plate, then you have both front and rear plates. Anybody else have this odd arrangement?

Arizona also issues pairs for optional graphic types.  I believe this set up is unique to Arizona.  However, it is not required to display the pair.

The same is true in Kansas, at least for the standard vanity tag (the "buffalo plate").  I don't know if it is also true for special-issue plates for veterans, university supporters, etc.

QuoteI see nothing wrong with a single plate.  Currently it works for 19 states.

I have taken my Kansas car out of state and had ignorant fools look at me like I am blatantly breaking the law because they think front plates are required everywhere.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on May 21, 2010, 12:13:18 PM
DMV wants a hold on new specialty license plates (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100520/NEWS/100520029/1006/DMV-wants-a-hold-on-new-specialty-license-plates)

Quote

DOVER -- Legislation to bar the creation of new specialty license plates in Delaware for the next three years will be introduced in the House soon, two legislators say.

Reps. Richard Cathcart, R-Middletown, and David Wilson, R-Bridgeville, say their bill is in reaction to a letter from Division of Motor Vehicles Director Jennifer Cohan asking that the General Assembly "consider limiting/capping the number of specialty plate legislative initiatives."

In the letter, Cohan acknowledged many worthwhile organizations seek specialty license plates, but said that adding to the more than 100 specialty plates currently managed by DMV would place an increasing burden on her agency.

Cathcart said the bill would impose a three-year moratorium on the creation of new license plates, starting Jan. 1.

"This bill will give the agency a little breathing room and an opportunity to improve the system,"  he said.

The bill would not affect pending legislation to create specialty tags for veterans of Operation Enduring Freedom, Safe Haven No Kill Animal Sanctuary and the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition.

The administrations of former Govs. Tom Carper and Ruth Ann Minner both had temporary, informal moratoriums on the introduction of new tags.

The bill is expected to be introduced shortly after legislators return from their two-week recess June 1.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mhallack on May 21, 2010, 12:25:10 PM
The only time you can have one plate on your car in Maine is the 14 day paper plate when you buy a new car. Otherwise you have to have two (both plates with reg stickers. I know CA didn't need reg stickers on the front plate) And they will yank you over quick if you don't have a front plate.

Maine also have 25 varieties of plates for cars (20 or so for regular non-govt cars) which I think is a waste.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on May 21, 2010, 12:41:59 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 14, 2010, 01:17:58 PM
QuoteI see nothing wrong with a single plate.  Currently it works for 19 states.

I have taken my Kansas car out of state and had ignorant fools look at me like I am blatantly breaking the law because they think front plates are required everywhere.

My parents were questioned by a customs official coming back from Sault Ste. Marie, ON about the lack of a front plate. He actually had to get out of his booth to record our plate. The odd thing is that I've never known Michigan to have front plates, and this was in Sault Ste. Marie, MI when it happened!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on May 26, 2010, 11:55:38 AM
N.J. agency recalls objectionable license plate (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100525/NEWS/100525046/-1/updates/N.J.-agency-recalls-objectionable-license-plate)

QuoteKim Romano looks forward to replacing the license plates on her car with one that offers a response to the turmoil her original tags have generated in recent weeks.

The laid-back new plate -- "WHAEVER" -- is what Romano, 49, said has been going through her head lately about an incident that has caught the attention of newspapers, radio stations and television broadcasts.

A media blitz began when Romano's license plate number, BIOCH, was recalled by the state Motor Vehicle Commission after someone complained that the language on it was profane. "Bioch" was Romano's spelling of a slang word for another word considered by some to be a curse, but which also is the correct term for a female dog.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: xcellntbuy on May 26, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
Supposedly a valid Florida tag "YMFCS" is out there.  I will let our members do the interpretation.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 26, 2010, 05:33:09 PM
Your Mother-F'ing Car Sucks?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 26, 2010, 08:39:50 PM
Quote from: AARoads on May 26, 2010, 11:55:38 AMsomeone complained that the language on it was profane.

people need to learn to mind their own business.  If it offends you, don't look at it. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: xcellntbuy on May 26, 2010, 09:17:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 26, 2010, 05:33:09 PM
Your Mother-F'ing Car Sucks?
Close.  Orally enjoying the male anatomy is supposedly the aim of the last two words.

Anyway... since I have vanity plates for my two sports cars, I always find it amazing that people would pay extra for these crypto-slogans on their plates, but in south Florida ANYTHING is possible.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 26, 2010, 10:07:49 PM
Quote from: xcellntbuy on May 26, 2010, 09:17:29 PM
Close.  Orally enjoying the male anatomy is supposedly the aim of the last two words.


your mother-f'ing [male anatomy oral enjoyer]?

is that an advertisement? a threat? just covering all the bases?

do what you will to me, but leave my mother out of this!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on May 27, 2010, 06:37:02 AM
Supposedly the Secretary of State's Office here in Michigan had previously cancelled vanity plates that included "TOPLESS" (on a convertible) and "HOOKER" (the owner's last name). I guess the plate number "ORON" got out on a UofM vanity plate, which replaces the first character with UofM's block letter "M". Likewise for "TUPID" on a Michigan State plate, which uses the Spartan "S" in the space for the first character. I was surprised to see an MSU plate with "EK7OY", which read like "sex toy" to me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: xcellntbuy on May 27, 2010, 07:44:09 AM
"4PLAY" "FOURPLAY" and "FORPLAY" have also been banned in New York.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 27, 2010, 08:20:32 AM
Don't forget the infamous Florida "A55 RGY".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: burgess87 on May 27, 2010, 01:26:17 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 27, 2010, 08:20:32 AM
Don't forget the infamous Florida "A55 RGY".

I did that on one of my cars in Midnight Club LA for kicks & giggles . . . . thought it came out OK.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on June 13, 2010, 11:38:23 AM
New standard license plate marks War of 1812 (http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-06-11/news/bs-md-1812-war-plate-20100611_1_glen-burnie-headquarters-license-plate-motor-vehicle-administration)

QuoteA few hours after the dawn's early light Monday, the state Motor Vehicle Administration will begin issuing a new Maryland license plate – replacing the generic black-and-white version with a design commemorating the War of 1812 and the defense of Fort McHenry.

The plate, which will become the standard issue for newly registered cars, will be introduced today at the MVA's 100th anniversary celebration at its Glen Burnie headquarters.

It depicts the Fort McHenry ramparts and bombs bursting in air during the 1814 struggle that inspired Marylander Francis Scott Key to pen an ode – later set to music – he called the "Star-Spangled Banner." The new design will remain the standard-issue plate until June 2015.

Vehicle owners who now have standard-design tags will be able to keep them. Those who want to switch to the new tags when renewing registrations can do so for a $20 fee.

Starting Monday, newly purchased vehicles will be issued the War of 1812 plates without a fee, said MVA spokesman Buel Young. The design will be used for trucks, motorcycles and multipurpose vehicles as well as passenger cars.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mefailenglish on June 30, 2010, 08:12:58 AM
I finally saw one of these in the wild yesterday.  Only took a couple of weeks.

Quote from: AARoads on June 13, 2010, 11:38:23 AM
QuoteA few hours after the dawn's early light Monday, the state Motor Vehicle Administration will begin issuing a new Maryland license plate – replacing the generic black-and-white version with a design commemorating the War of 1812 and the defense of Fort McHenry.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: deathtopumpkins on June 30, 2010, 09:45:18 AM
I saw one too on US 13 Monday. I thought it was a really nice design. Couldn't see the whole thing though because of one of those stupid plastic frames.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on June 30, 2010, 10:50:03 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on June 30, 2010, 09:45:18 AM
I saw one too on US 13 Monday. I thought it was a really nice design. Couldn't see the whole thing though because of one of those stupid plastic frames.

Why do people keep those stupid dealer frames on the car?  OK, so we know you bought it from Joe Blow's Rip Off Honda in Boofoo, MT.  Why should we care?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on June 30, 2010, 11:26:29 AM
Quote from: Brandon on June 30, 2010, 10:50:03 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on June 30, 2010, 09:45:18 AM
I saw one too on US 13 Monday. I thought it was a really nice design. Couldn't see the whole thing though because of one of those stupid plastic frames.

Why do people keep those stupid dealer frames on the car?  OK, so we know you bought it from Joe Blow's Rip Off Honda in Boofoo, MT.  Why should we care?

Well, in Indiana at least those frames are enough to cover up the county name sticker at the top of the plate or the county number at the bottom, meaning that others won't be able to determine where in the state you are from. Of course the police have begun to crack down on these frames but they are still around many plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: florida on June 30, 2010, 12:07:43 PM
Quote from: xcellntbuy on May 26, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
Supposedly a valid Florida tag "YMFCS" is out there.  I will let our members do the interpretation.

It's not a disability tag where the S is a 5? Maybe...just maybe....? ;)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 30, 2010, 12:13:53 PM
Quote from: florida on June 30, 2010, 12:07:43 PM

It's not a disability tag where the S is a 5? Maybe...just maybe....? ;)

"5, 5, me love you long time?"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on July 11, 2010, 10:47:44 PM
Quote from: Brandon on June 30, 2010, 10:50:03 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on June 30, 2010, 09:45:18 AM
I saw one too on US 13 Monday. I thought it was a really nice design. Couldn't see the whole thing though because of one of those stupid plastic frames.

Why do people keep those stupid dealer frames on the car?  OK, so we know you bought it from Joe Blow's Rip Off Honda in Boofoo, MT.  Why should we care?

Pure laziness.




The first new MD tag I saw in Baltimore was covered by a car dealer tag, but it did not take long to see another and another. I also saw several of the new yellow/blue NY tags as well *bleh*
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on July 11, 2010, 10:57:33 PM
QuoteWhy do people keep those stupid dealer frames on the car?  OK, so we know you bought it from Joe Blow's Rip Off Honda in Boofoo, MT.  Why should we care?

Some people think they're required for structural integrity- I went to the DMV a few years ago with a a very good (and very intelligent) friend of mine who got a new car. The conversation went as follows when we were putting his license plates on:

Me: Just out of curiosity, why are you putting the dealer brackets on your new plate?
Him: Can you get the license plate on the car without the brackets?
Me: Yes.
Him: Are you sure? Will it scratch the paint? [This was an 02 Civic, so the plate was mounted right on the painted part of the trunklid)
Me: Yes. Those brackets are strictly for advertising purposes to let everyone know where you bought your car.
Him: Oh, OK, I won't do that then.

Evidently his parents were always under that impression too (and these are reasonably smart people), so I'd imagine that's the case with a lot of folks.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: UptownRoadGeek on July 12, 2010, 01:31:51 AM
Quote from: Brandon on June 30, 2010, 10:50:03 AM
Quote from: deathtopumpkins on June 30, 2010, 09:45:18 AM
I saw one too on US 13 Monday. I thought it was a really nice design. Couldn't see the whole thing though because of one of those stupid plastic frames.

Why do people keep those stupid dealer frames on the car?  OK, so we know you bought it from Joe Blow's Rip Off Honda in Boofoo, MT.  Why should we care?

It just depends on where you are. Every other car you see in Louisiana will have one whereas you will rarely see any in Mississippi. In Texas it will be 50/50. I think it is a pride thing since most dealer plates have the city or region on it in big bold letters. WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? Here people who don't have dealer frames will got to Wal-Mart, etc. and by a generic frame. They're so common that cars don't even look right without them to me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on July 12, 2010, 10:25:23 AM
There is also another reason why you see so many car dealer plate toppers. If the dealer offers to put the tag on for you, they will do so and automatically put the dealer plate topper on as well. Most will just leave it that way out of convenience.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Tom on September 19, 2010, 05:42:01 PM
In Michigan, some years ago, someone pulled a fast one for a personalized plate by having a suggestive message put on the plate backwards: 3M TA3 :-/. :coffee:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on September 19, 2010, 08:19:01 PM
Quote from: xcellntbuy on May 26, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
Supposedly a valid Florida tag "YMFCS" is out there.  I will let our members do the interpretation.

Playing around with the FL vanity plate checker, DIAF is still available, and is valid on the Challenger/Columbia plate!

/Poor taste, I know...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Tom on September 19, 2010, 08:58:07 PM
A "Whit" Worthworth collected license plates and posted pictures of them on his website.  Sadly, he died in August, and I want to bookmark his website here in his memory:
http://www.whitworthfamily.org/index1.htm :coffee:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on September 20, 2010, 07:25:30 AM
Frames:

- Dealer ad frames bug me.  I see people who actually have paid good money for alumni places, and then cover up most of the college's name and logo with a dealer ad frame.  Why bother?

- My daughter lives in NC.  New NC law, for in-state and out-of-state cars alike, is that any frame cannot cover ANY part of the state name or any renewal sticker.  Cops are actually enforcing this.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Tom on September 20, 2010, 04:48:29 PM
Does anybody remember the 1963-1964 mini license plates from General Mills' Wheaties that you could send away for?  They included all 50 U.S. States and the provinces (and territories?) of the Dominion of Canada, and you could peel off the backs of them and put them wherever you wanted.  I had some of those (wish I still did). :coffee:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on September 20, 2010, 04:55:53 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on September 20, 2010, 07:25:30 AM
Frames:

- Dealer ad frames bug me.  I see people who actually have paid good money for alumni places, and then cover up most of the college's name and logo with a dealer ad frame.  Why bother?

I just disagree with the fact that I'm paying the dealer to advertise for them :D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on September 20, 2010, 10:16:46 PM
Here dealer ad frames are not as common as vinyl decals with the name of the dealership. My PT Cruiser came with a sticker that read "Reynolds/Norman, OK". I peeled off the Reynolds part, but decided to leave "Norman, OK" for now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Tom on October 03, 2010, 10:01:02 AM
This issue of LIFE Magazine from November 1938 shows pictures of license plates 4 all 48 states for 1939 on pages 44 + 45:
http://books.google.com/books?id=a00EAAAAMBAJ&source=gbs_all_issues_r&cad=1 :coffee:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: exit322 on October 04, 2010, 10:27:56 AM
When I bought my last car, the dealer put on my old plates (I traded my old car in - got a good price for a junk car + a good price for the new car...I'm sure they made money, but I was pleased with the price I paid) and put their dealer thing around the plate.  When he got back I had adjusted the sales contract I hadn't yet signed to include a $1,000 advertising discount.  "Well, I'm advertising your place whenever I drive anywhere, and since I drive all over the place and nationally, $1,000 is pretty cheap advertising for the hundreds of thousands of cars I will see over the next few years."

I don't have a dealer thing on my plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on October 04, 2010, 10:34:41 AM
Wow. Wish I had thought to do that. :P
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on October 04, 2010, 11:01:54 PM
My family has an odd superstition about dealer decals on our cars. My parents' 1981 Olds Omega needed some body work done on the back end after some vandalism. In the process of the repairs, the dealer sticker came off the car. Afterwards, the Omega started having engine troubles, going through thermostats at a rapid pace.

My parents ordered a 1989 Olds Cutlass Calais that came without a sticker on it. The fuel pump failed before the odometer rolled past 50 miles. After it was towed to the dealer, Mom asked our salesman if "now that bugs are worked out of it, you'd be proud enough to claim the sale and attach the sticker." The car only had the typical repairs after that point.

When my parents ordered a 2002 Olds Intrigue, they agreed to sell me their 1994 Olds Cutlass Supreme. The Supreme's dealer sticker was starting to peel off the trunk lid. They told their salesman that it was a condition of the sale of the new car to get a new sticker for their old car before it was transferred to me. (They've only dealt with the same salesman for all of their cars, even though the dealer was Fisher Chevy Olds in 1980, Nelson Chevy Olds Geo in 1993 and Crown Motors of Negaunee in 2001.) He dug up some old Nelson's stickers he stashed before the dealer name changed earlier that year.

My current car is a 2003 Olds Alero, bought from Crown Motors. Like its predecessors, the new owners always kept their iconic UP-shaped stickers, and since I used the same salesman, I'm the third generation of the family to buy a car there. Between grandma's old car, my parents' old car and my current car, I've owned cars with three similar dealer stickers all originally sold by the same salesman . Sadly, Crown has since sold to Fox Motors, and the UP-shaped stickers are a thing of the past.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on October 07, 2010, 11:50:19 AM
Talk about your superstitions...

In Massachusetts, way back in the era when license plates were changed every year, the Regsitry of Motor Vehicles decided to place an image of the codfish (the official fish of the Commonwealth, and the source of much income for the Bay State's fishing industry) on the license plates for 1928.  The fish (really looking more like a long guppy than a codfish) was placed at the bottom of the plate, between "1928" and "Mass," with the fish's head facing away from "Mass."  1928 turned out to be a disastrous year for the Massachusetts fishing industry, and the ever-superstitious fishermen blamed the Registry.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mass.gov%2Frmv%2Fhistory%2Fimages%2Fplate12.jpg&hash=154e1673fd0b96dfdb67ba6357aa983c9c8deab8)

For 1929 the fish (now looking slightly more like a codfish) was still there on truck plates, but now its head was facing "Mass."  It was removed from passenger plates.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mass.gov%2Frmv%2Fhistory%2Fimages%2Fplate11.jpg&hash=ff4f32eb664ea3619c6ef27ac7e8cc2f84606429)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on October 20, 2010, 11:31:35 AM
NJ to unveil new NASCAR license Plates (http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20101020/SPORTS06/101020005/-1/updates/NJ-to-unveil-new-NASCAR-license-Plates)

QuoteWALL TOWNSHIP, N.J. – NASCAR fans in New Jersey can start their engines and display new license plates of their favorite drivers.

The Motor Vehicle Commission will unveil 12 new plates at Wall Stadium racetrack in Wall Township today.

One of the plates features New Jersey's own Martin Truex Jr. Truex drove his first modified stock car at Wall Stadium.

His son, NASCAR Driver Ryan Truex, will join MVC Chief Administrator Raymond Martinez at the stadium.

NASCAR license plates are available for a one-time fee of $60. The plates can be personalized for an additional $50.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on November 15, 2010, 07:21:04 PM
I've now seen ZZZ issue NJ plates and the first of the new A##*ANN plates, so I can confirm NJ has switched to its newest alphanumeric scheme.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on November 26, 2010, 05:58:46 PM
For all those folks who care about Idaho, Ada County finally exhausted the 1A XX000 series, finishing with ZZ999. I saw the first of the new number format. It's 0X000- the one I saw was 1A 1M897 or something like that. I suspect once that's exhausted they'll go 0XX00.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on November 27, 2010, 07:34:40 PM
Quote from: AlpsROADS on February 04, 2010, 08:11:26 PM
Wonder why NJ still uses two plates given our status as one of the bottom 3 in terms of highway debt.

My Mom is from Northern Florida but I grew up in NJ.  When I was 12 I spent the summer with my Granny here in Jacksonville and I really hated being a Yankee after that, so I took my Dad's front tag off to look more like FL.  He would have failed inspection other than wearing his police uniform.  He was pissed

I am a fan of Dexter on Showtime but I get annoyed because it is set in Miami and they always show a front Florida tag.  Don't they have people that check for continuity etc that would say hey its not California... Florida doesn't have front licence plates.  But I think that the movies/TV show front tags for everywhere because those people never go anywhere but Calfornia and New York
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on November 27, 2010, 07:38:03 PM
Quote from: mhallack on May 21, 2010, 12:25:10 PM
The only time you can have one plate on your car in Maine is the 14 day paper plate when you buy a new car. Otherwise you have to have two (both plates with reg stickers. I know CA didn't need reg stickers on the front plate) And they will yank you over quick if you don't have a front plate.

Maine also have 25 varieties of plates for cars (20 or so for regular non-govt cars) which I think is a waste.

I know someone who was trying to make $4000 by transporting some pot from California to Nebraska.  He got pulled over for not having a front tag.. busted with 60lbs of marijuana for not having a front tag
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Revive 755 on January 04, 2011, 12:56:03 AM
First of Nebraska's new plates issued (includes a picture of the new design)
http://www.journaldemocrat.com/news/x1458585990/Nebraskas-new-license-plates-issued-in-Otoe-County (http://www.journaldemocrat.com/news/x1458585990/Nebraskas-new-license-plates-issued-in-Otoe-County)

Personally, I liked the current design much better.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on January 04, 2011, 01:21:13 AM
Quote from: Revive 755 on January 04, 2011, 12:56:03 AM
First of Nebraska's new plates issued (includes a picture of the new design)
http://www.journaldemocrat.com/news/x1458585990/Nebraskas-new-license-plates-issued-in-Otoe-County (http://www.journaldemocrat.com/news/x1458585990/Nebraskas-new-license-plates-issued-in-Otoe-County)

Personally, I liked the current design much better.

NOT ANOTHER STATE WEBSITE!!!  I really hate the MYFLORIDA.COM  tags we have in Florida

[Fixed quoting. -S.]
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Andrew T. on January 05, 2011, 02:48:02 PM
The serial font is a step above the epitomization of illegibility they used before.  I won't forgive the state for doing away with embossing in 2004, though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on June 11, 2011, 03:22:04 PM
Georgia Department of Revenue hosts contest for new license plate design (http://www.dailyjournal.net/view/story/16d32d14243744d28c26f0a3d92941a3/GA--License-Plate-Contest/%20:colorful:)

QuoteATLANTA – There's just over a week left to submit artwork in the state Department of Revenue's license plate design contest.

The department is seeking an original design to appear on the new, general Georgia license plate starting in 2012. The deadline for entries is next Friday, June 17.

The contest is open to all Georgia citizens or companies authorized to do business in the state. The public will get the opportunity to choose three semifinalists in an online vote from June 24 to July 8.

Those three designs will be presented to Gov. Nathan Deal, who will announce the winning design July 15.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: brownpelican on June 11, 2011, 07:29:01 PM
Louisiana's bicentennial plate is pretty popular:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.nola.com%2Fpolitics%2Fphoto%2F9091594-large.jpg&hash=ed792cba12cd1d2d6e40107531fe4a0f03b3c88c)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 12, 2011, 07:50:37 AM
Here is one I am conflicted on.  West Virginia and Virginia have joined Kentucky in offering plates to members of the "Friends of Coal", and apparently such efforts are pending in other coal states.

Now, personally, I agree with the group's views, but to have such an opennly political organization on a government issued plate seems to open a Pandora's Box to every such group everywhere.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on June 12, 2011, 08:04:11 AM
^^ Maybe the first time in KY and WV, but political orgs have done this in other states.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Michael in Philly on June 12, 2011, 11:29:25 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 12, 2011, 07:50:37 AM
Here is one I am conflicted on.  West Virginia and Virginia have joined Kentucky in offering plates to members of the "Friends of Coal", and apparently such efforts are pending in other coal states.

Now, personally, I agree with the group's views, but to have such an opennly political organization on a government issued plate seems to open a Pandora's Box to every such group everywhere.

It's probably legal, but once they start permitting one organization's slogans on their plates, I believe they are legally obligated to permit any organization that wants it.  If that's what you mean by Pandora's box.  (Incidentally, I believe I've read that New Hampshire and the District of Columbia have to make plates without the "Live free or die" and "Taxation without representation" available to people who don't want those slogans.  Although, [warning: editorial] having lived in Washington, I can't imagine who in their right mind would prefer continued non-representation, and I'd be all for embarrassing the rest of the country, or at least the representatives from the rest of the country who are wandering around Washington, albeit most of them are probably impervious to embarrassment, about it on my license plate [end of editorial].)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Sykotyk on June 12, 2011, 09:52:24 PM
Quote from: florida on June 30, 2010, 12:07:43 PM
Quote from: xcellntbuy on May 26, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
Supposedly a valid Florida tag "YMFCS" is out there.  I will let our members do the interpretation.

It's not a disability tag where the S is a 5? Maybe...just maybe....? ;)

YMFCS - Your M*****-F***ing Car Sucks?

or

You M*****-F***ing C*** Sucker?


With the rest of the discussion, I hate the dealer plate holder hiding the state, etc. In Ohio, you're not supposed to cover up your reg tag or county tag. As for state's with web addresses, apparently the people in charge of approving the new designs have never heard of google.

I don't think there's one person alive who thought, "I really want to learn about visiting Florida, but don't know how to find that online. Oh well."
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on June 12, 2011, 10:30:28 PM
In some states that require front plates, the cops like them because the front plate provides a convenient target when they're using laser speed enforcement.

Regarding different plate designs, Virginia has something like 180 or more options. The General Assembly has to approve each design and they have a process set up where it's more or less a rubber-stamp once they get the 350 applicants for a specific design, but it still seems like the legislators ought to have better things to do than deal with license-plate designs.

Regarding profane plates, there was an article in the Washington Post a few years ago about a woman in Maryland whose plate was revoked because of complaints about it bearing a word that women do not like. The woman who had the plate claimed that it meant "COUNTESS," as in the title of nobility, but that because of the character limitation she had to omit a letter and so she omitted the "O" to make it fit. You figure it out....  :-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 12, 2011, 11:38:55 PM
Quote from: Sykotyk on June 12, 2011, 09:52:24 PM

YMFCS - Your M*****-F***ing Car Sucks?

or

You M*****-F***ing C*** Sucker?

did we ever resolve what this stands for upthread?  I don't remember reading an answer.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on June 13, 2011, 12:40:38 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 12, 2011, 07:50:37 AM
Here is one I am conflicted on.  West Virginia and Virginia have joined Kentucky in offering plates to members of the "Friends of Coal", and apparently such efforts are pending in other coal states.

Now, personally, I agree with the group's views, but to have such an opennly political organization on a government issued plate seems to open a Pandora's Box to every such group everywhere.

We have "Choose Life" anti-abortion plates here. Also "Family First" and "Family Values" plates that fund anti-gay groups, as well as a few other plates funding Christian groups. But how to does the state differentiate a non-profit political group from any other non-profit? It's not always clear cut. Take our "Save the Manatees" plate for instance. It funds a group that is viewed by some here as a vocal anti-boating political organization fronting as an environmental charity, while others see the group as purely dedicated to protecting an endangered species. Who would (or should) get to decide? That's why they leave it open to all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 13, 2011, 01:24:01 PM
has the KKK attempted to sponsor license plates yet?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mightyace on June 13, 2011, 03:22:15 PM
Quote from: realjd on June 13, 2011, 12:40:38 PM
That's why they leave it open to all.

Exactly, we should allow anybody or nobody.

In Tennessee, we have many of the same plates you described.  Plus many others.

You have civic organizations with plates, plus the masons who are either a civic organization, secret society, quasi-religion, etc. depending on who you ask.

Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 13, 2011, 01:24:01 PM
has the KKK attempted to sponsor license plates yet?
No, but we do have Sons of Confederate Veterans, complete with Confederate Battle Flag!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn.gov%2Frevenue%2Fvehicle%2Flicenseplates%2Fclubsorgs%2Fconfedvet.jpg&hash=38b53a33099546a26efeec8b20e54b3770771dfd)

Some others that might cause controversy:
American Eagle Foundation (preservation  of the Eagle) with "In God We Trust" on  the plate:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn.gov%2Frevenue%2Fvehicle%2Flicenseplates%2Fclubsorgs%2Feagle.jpg&hash=f80b78f53cbddcfb6aef65a8edfe9db843006888)

The second amendment crowd:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn.gov%2Frevenue%2Fvehicle%2Flicenseplates%2Fclubsorgs%2Fducksunlimited.jpg&hash=62a7e1a15283b3f69a5ce61483852ed4ca09290c) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn.gov%2Frevenue%2Fvehicle%2Flicenseplates%2Fclubsorgs%2Fnra.jpg&hash=b10bfcc32478dd24b23cada1a1433cf800048c73) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn.gov%2Frevenue%2Fvehicle%2Flicenseplates%2Fwildlifeanimal%2Fsportsman.jpg&hash=775effdedb2a6caa8aec7cd19e408db1253f9bea)

Tree huggers (Tennessee Wildlife Federation):
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn.gov%2Frevenue%2Fvehicle%2Flicenseplates%2Fwildlifeanimal%2Fwildlifefed.jpg&hash=f33f308ceb3c7f6791037499891880fbc230b6aa) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tn.gov%2Frevenue%2Fvehicle%2Flicenseplates%2Fwildlifeanimal%2Fhummingbird.jpg&hash=5257f19bb5bad7f13b1a3b80c64ca9ea8de5d1df)

And the numerous college and pro plates.  And, yes, you can get an U of Alabama or U of Florida plate as well as UT!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 14, 2011, 07:06:01 AM
Quote from: mightyace on June 13, 2011, 03:22:15 PM
And the numerous college and pro plates.  And, yes, you can get an U of Alabama or U of Florida plate as well as UT!

This is another one I am conflicted on.  We in WV allow that, but only Virginia Tech and Penn State have enough takers to qualify.  Kentucky and Ohio will not do out-of-state college plates.  The Marshall alumni office gave the Ohio authorities notice that it could sell over 1000 but the local state represenative told them "it was all tied up between Ohio State and Notre Dame people" and would never happen.   Ohio state government is generally unresponsive to anything in SE Ohio.

The best solution seems to be what they do in NC.  They will do out-of-state and in-state private school alumni plates, but the school must grant their permission to use their trademarks without payment and the extra fee goes to the state university system.  So if you are in NC and buy a Georgia Tech alumni plate, you are funding UNC, NCSU, etc.

According to the alumni offices, one can get a Marshall plate in WV (of course), VA, MD, and PA, and a WVU plate in those state plus Delaware.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Michael in Philly on June 14, 2011, 09:17:55 AM
^^^I'm not clear how Notre Dame is different (in Ohio) than Marshall.  Except that it's actually farther from the state line.  Of course, Marshall doesn't have a national over-the-air network broadcasting all its football games.  [rolleyes]
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mightyace on June 14, 2011, 10:41:34 AM
Here is a complete list of TN collegiate plates:
http://www.tn.gov/revenue/vehicle/licenseplates/collegiate/collegiate.htm

Notre Dame is not here but the Hokies are!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Eth on June 14, 2011, 11:08:20 PM
I've been surprised on a few occasions how far away a state will issue a license plate for a particular university.  At my previous employer, I used to regularly see a car in the parking lot with a Florida State license plate issued by Virginia.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on June 15, 2011, 09:42:54 AM
Quote from: Eth on June 14, 2011, 11:08:20 PM
I've been surprised on a few occasions how far away a state will issue a license plate for a particular university.  At my previous employer, I used to regularly see a car in the parking lot with a Florida State license plate issued by Virginia.

Virginia will issue almost anything if 350 people commit to buying the plate after it's approved by the General Assembly. I read an article about it a few years ago where they explained that they had already allowed enough plates that they were concerned that if they started denying some of them without a serious reason (such as a design being offensive or profane or the like) they'd start encountering First Amendment challenges. You might recall that Maryland encountered just that sort of thing when they initially refused to issue a Sons of Confederate Veterans plate that bore that organization's logo, which contains the Battle Flag. The state lost and had to issue the plate. The other thing is that Virginia basically views it as a way to make some money. Those university plates cost an extra $25 per year; if you want a personalized plate, that's $10 more on top of that. Some of the special plate designs aren't so expensive; I have the Jamestown design with the ship on both of my cars and those had a one-time $15 fee with half the money going to historic preservation. To me a one-time fee is quite different from an extra $25 per year!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mightyace on June 15, 2011, 10:14:44 AM
Tennessee's policy is similar.  The threshold here is 300, IIRC.  I don't recall of any being turned down yet in this state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on June 16, 2011, 12:46:52 PM
Nevada has a similar policy of allowing multiple types of specialized plates. Typically, the special plates are sponsored by some civic organization with a charitable cause. It used to be that only 250 people were needed within a certain period before the plate would be issued--with concerns over too many plate designs and not enough active registrations on specialty plates, the legislature increased the threshold to 1000 a few sessions ago. Most specialized plates attached to causes cost an extra $30 per year ($50 if personalized), with $20 of that going to the charitable cause.

Nevada only has the UNR and UNLV plates for colleges, with those extra funds raised for academic and athletic scholarships at the respective institution. I doubt there's enough interest in any other college plates currently.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: burgess87 on June 18, 2011, 03:13:53 AM
Just got my NYS vehicle registration renewal in the mail.  It gave me 3 options:

1)  Straight renewal, keep my blue & white plates:  $55.50.
2)  Renewal, new blue & gold plates w/ new tag #:  $80.50.
3)  Renewal, new blue & gold plates w/ current tag #:  $100.50.

Yikes.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on June 18, 2011, 02:54:47 PM
Here is the ultimate "gag me with a spoon" license plate story:

To preface, (IMHO) people who drive a Lexus are made to think they are above everyone else, like they are exempt from using turn signals (most don't).  Even their commercials with the stuffy snobbish spokesmen give that feel. 

Anyhoo, about 8-9 years ago, a local car dealership in Cleveland (Metro Lexus) somehow got the rights to a series of 1,000 "regular issue" Ohio state plates for those who bought Lexuses from them.  Each brand-new Lexus owner would then receive a license plate with XXX-LEX (the x's being numbers).

So these "holier than thou" luxury drivers (IMHO) pretty much got a "vanity" plate with a Metro Lexus plate frame surrounding it. 

From then on, I have always referred to those cars as Lexsuxes.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The Premier on June 18, 2011, 08:06:54 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on June 18, 2011, 02:54:47 PM
Anyhoo, about 8-9 years ago, a local car dealership in Cleveland (Metro Lexus) somehow got the rights to a series of 1,000 "regular issue" Ohio state plates for those who bought Lexuses from them.  Each brand-new Lexus owner would then receive a license plate with XXX-LEX (the x's being numbers).

Its actually LEX-XXXX. In Ohio, you have the first three letters, followed by four numbers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mightyace on June 20, 2011, 02:31:25 AM
^^^

At the moment, anyway.

In the past, Ohio used to alternate the letters and numbers between issues.  I have a few old plates from my time there that have the letters in front and in the back.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: architect77 on June 20, 2011, 04:28:44 PM
Quote from: mightyace on June 20, 2011, 02:31:25 AM
^^^

At the moment, anyway.

In the past, Ohio used to alternate the letters and numbers between issues.  I have a few old plates from my time there that have the letters in front and in the back.
My friend asked one day," Why do Georgia tags sometimes start with letters (XXX-9999) and sometimes numbers (9999-XXX)?

I said, "Isn't it obvious? It doubles the possible combinations. A state will run out of plate numbers after about 25 years. North Carolina started using 7 digits (XXX-9999) in 1986 and is now down to the ZZZ-9999. But in NC you can keep your old plate when buying a new car. Here in Georgia the cars at a used car dealership  already have tags on them. So Georgia probably ran out of combinations much quicker forcing them to switch the letter-order.

In California, it's obvious that they took the started with the standard 6 digits (XXX-999) and added a number up front to get 9 times as many combinations (3XXX-9999).

A real collector's item.....About 10 years ago North Carolina issued plates with 8 digits and no dash. I only saw them in Eastern NC. They all started with "GTPXXXXX". I thought they looked kinda cool.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on June 20, 2011, 10:27:00 PM
Those license plate frames (all of them) need to go away.  They limit the space available for displaying a number.  Ohio's plates use a font narrow enough to fit 8 characters without a space (not that they issue 8-character plates) and it can be rather illegible, with many pairs of letters looking too similar.  The solution must be to use a wider, not-so-tall font and distribute the license plate number onto two lines.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvidthekid.info%2Fmisc%2Ftllp.png&hash=a43f74c75fd73e631005003d231c862debd9b01b)
[Edit: Okay, so that registration sticker doesn't convey/emphasize the right information. I'll have to fix it later.]
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 20, 2011, 10:37:08 PM
the idea is a solid one; but the problem with that is that it de-emphasizes the Ohio-ness of the plate, and that would never pass political muster.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on June 21, 2011, 02:23:47 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 20, 2011, 10:37:08 PM
the idea is a solid one; but the problem with that is that it de-emphasizes the Ohio-ness of the plate, and that would never pass political muster.

Yeah, I think I'm going to re-do it with the wheat field scene from the state seal.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Michael in Philly on June 21, 2011, 09:14:25 AM
I just wish Ohio would do the state name in a way that's legible from more than five feet away.

Also, does anyone else find annoying dealer frames that cover the state name (which is essential information, when you think about it, particularly with the proliferation of designs lately...I just saw something that I'm guessing was yet another special Florida design, but couldn't tell.)

See this post from Skyscraper City:  http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=79500392#post79500392 (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=79500392#post79500392)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mightyace on June 21, 2011, 08:19:17 PM
Quote from: Michael in Philly on June 21, 2011, 09:14:25 AM
Also, does anyone else find annoying dealer frames that cover the state name (which is essential information, when you think about it, particularly with the proliferation of designs lately...

Yes, and that WOULD be an angle to make them illegal or at least make them comply with not blocking essential information.  And, making the plate illegal would mean that more stuff would get stuck on the car with the dealer info.  A co-worker I once knew successfully got the dealer name addons removed from his car after giving the dealer an ultimatum to either remove them or take something like $500 off the price for advertising the dealership.  :-D

Of course, there is nothing preventing the owner from removing the plate frame other than laziness.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 22, 2011, 06:38:57 AM
I really dislike Ohio's current plate.  This farm scene.  Its Ohio, people.  Clevleland, Youngstown, Toledo, Akron.  When I think of Ohio, I do not think "farm".  And the continuation of this pissing contest with NC about the Wright brothers.    Get over it.  Both NC and OH are big enough states that they can move on to touting some other aspect of their history.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on June 22, 2011, 09:45:12 AM
QuoteI really dislike Ohio's current plate.  This farm scene.  Its Ohio, people.  Clevleland, Youngstown, Toledo, Akron.  When I think of Ohio, I do not think "farm".  And the continuation of this pissing contest with NC about the Wright brothers.    Get over it.  Both NC and OH are big enough states that they can move on to touting some other aspect of their history.

I actually do think "farm" when I think Ohio (because I spent my summers as a kid on my grandfather's...farm!) but what makes the Ohio plate awful is that "farm" represents the entire central United States. The current Ohio plate could just as easily be a Kansas plate or an Iowa plate or an Indiana plate. The simple red white and blue "Heart of it All" plate from the late 80s/early 90s is the best Ohio issue I've been around for.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Michael in Philly on June 22, 2011, 10:29:11 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 22, 2011, 06:38:57 AM
I really dislike Ohio's current plate.  This farm scene.  Its Ohio, people.  Clevleland, Youngstown, Toledo, Akron.  When I think of Ohio, I do not think "farm".  And the continuation of this pissing contest with NC about the Wright brothers.    Get over it.  Both NC and OH are big enough states that they can move on to touting some other aspect of their history.

I just dislike it because it's so damn busy.  Plates are getting too artistic at the expense of legibility.  My favorite current, or recent, issues are:

My top favorite - the rest are in no particular order - is Tennessee.  The one with the sort of light-green background - not sure it's still being issued.  (SOME artistry is o.k.)

The previous (previous to the War of 1812 plates) Maryland issue, with the italic font and the state seal.

The Missouri one with the river graphic.

The Virginia that did not have "Virginia" in all caps.  The current New Jersey for the same reason.  I find that font choice simple and elegant.

The new New York, because it's retro and reminds me of the colors they were using when I was growing up (most of my relatives were on Staten Island - I see that plate and deep down imagine a hulking early-70s full-size car driven by one of my grandparents.)  The Colorado one that was used forever is good because it's a classic.  Vermont's good because you know it's a Vermont half a mile away.

NOT recent, but the California sunset design of the '80s may be an all-time favorite.

Let's see...
I dislike - nothing against these states, just their plates - the new Ohio (and I agree that it doesn't really work for, say, Cleveland), Mississippi (just a bit too colorful)...can't think of any others now; those overly-artsy plates just sort of leave me flat.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on June 22, 2011, 10:34:59 AM
Wyoming is still my favorite- even in the direct print era. Good mix of legibility and design, and the giant buckinghorse makes you know it's a Wyoming plate from a mile away.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on June 22, 2011, 07:18:17 PM
Quote from: corco on June 22, 2011, 09:45:12 AM
QuoteI really dislike Ohio's current plate.  This farm scene.  Its Ohio, people.  Clevleland, Youngstown, Toledo, Akron.  When I think of Ohio, I do not think "farm".  And the continuation of this pissing contest with NC about the Wright brothers.    Get over it.  Both NC and OH are big enough states that they can move on to touting some other aspect of their history.

I actually do think "farm" when I think Ohio (because I spent my summers as a kid on my grandfather's...farm!) but what makes the Ohio plate awful is that "farm" represents the entire central United States. The current Ohio plate could just as easily be a Kansas plate or an Iowa plate or an Indiana plate. The simple red white and blue "Heart of it All" plate from the late 80s/early 90s is the best Ohio issue I've been around for.

Hell...the previous Indiana plate WAS a farm scene, which IMO was better than the current ones, despite having the state's web address. As for Ohio's current plate, I agree with a previous poster that the font for the state name is just too difficult to see from afar. The state name should not be in cursive writing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on June 22, 2011, 07:23:06 PM
I think the current Ohio plate (actually called "Beautiful Ohio") is pretty, but yeah, it's arguably not very representative of all of Ohio.

Geographically, Ohio is dominated by farms and forested hills.  Demographically, Ohio is mostly suburbs and post-war tract housing.

Hmm, maybe I can insert a distant skyline into the wheat field / sunrise scene from the state seal in my next two-line mockup.  (It wouldn't even be that far from reality, as I personally know of a place where corn fields can be seen in the foreground with, on a clear day, the Columbus skyline in the background -- and I'm not talking about OSU's west-campus agricultural fields.)  And, as I believe license plates should be above all functional, I'll make sure to keep the background elegant and the foreground contrasty.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 22, 2011, 07:28:21 PM
Quote from: vtk on June 22, 2011, 07:23:06 PMDemographically, Ohio is mostly suburbs and post-war tract housing.

not exactly something to celebrate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 23, 2011, 12:18:08 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 22, 2011, 07:28:21 PM
Quote from: vtk on June 22, 2011, 07:23:06 PMDemographically, Ohio is mostly suburbs and post-war tract housing.

not exactly something to celebrate.

So says he who lives in the ultimate post-war tract housing state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 23, 2011, 12:30:40 AM
Speaking about licence plates in Ohio. Evidently, there is now a debate at the statehouse concerning whether cars need front licence plates or not.
http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/jun/22/license-plate-debate-front-and-back-goes-back-and--ar-557599/ (http://www2.nbc4i.com/news/2011/jun/22/license-plate-debate-front-and-back-goes-back-and--ar-557599/)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 23, 2011, 01:50:50 AM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on June 23, 2011, 12:18:08 AM


So says he who lives in the ultimate post-war tract housing state.

not by choice.  if my employer weren't here, I wouldn't be either.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on July 15, 2011, 12:34:39 AM
Gov. Deal unveils Georgia's new license plate design today (http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2011/07/15/1657806/deal-unveils-georgias-new-license.html)

QuoteAt a news conference this morning in the State Capitol Gov. Nathan Deal will announce the winner of the Georgia License Plate Design Contest. A survey taken outside the Muscogee County Tag Office Thursday showed a clear local favorite.

Five Columbus people were shown a picture of the three finalists. Each preferred the same plate.

Of the three finalists, only one has the name Georgia in script rather than printed. That was the big difference to those surveyed. All three feature peaches -- Georgia law requires the license plates to "advertise, popularize and otherwise promote Georgia as the Peach State"  -- but the most popular had them more prominently displayed
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on July 15, 2011, 03:00:59 AM
One thing I think states, especially dual-plate states need to get off their asses and offer are euro clone plates.  They're available in some (all?) Australian states, so why not here?  It could be done on a contract basis, it'd take a little longer since they'd be made-up on demand to reduce wasted costs, but I'd have no problem waiting.

Some would think it's stupid, but for some (like me) who drive and are enthusiastic about our European cars, being able to legally make them look that much more 'at home' would be nice.

Edit:  Like this.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi141.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr60%2Fmr740ti%2F765%2Fawesomesauce.jpg&hash=1fd2b7f8c838137574953d6fb2cf3969a548cea8)

AL is a one-plate state so that's legal, but I'd love to be able to run one on the back as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on July 15, 2011, 07:45:03 AM
^^^ I believe there is some sort of interstate compact (to which the Mexican stares and Canadian provinces also belong) governing the size of license plates and that European-size plates violate the standard. So in a one-plate state, the rear plate has to be the normal North American size.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on July 15, 2011, 09:46:20 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 15, 2011, 07:45:03 AM
^^^ I believe there is some sort of interstate compact (to which the Mexican stares and Canadian provinces also belong) governing the size of license plates and that European-size plates violate the standard. So in a one-plate state, the rear plate has to be the normal North American size.

I believe that's more a guideline than a law, but I could be wrong.

Another part of why I like the euro plates is because they're SIMPLE.  I'm tired of all this cutesy shit they put on license plates these days.  I want a plain, fully-embossed plate that just has a solid color background with a contrasting foreground color like the old days.

With places like licenseplates.tv, there's no reason they couldn't give us the option to have that on a contracted basis.  I'd pay any fee they wanted me to and wait as long as it took because I like SIMPLE PLATES.  Honestly, California's plate is my current favorite.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on July 16, 2011, 08:27:57 AM
Quote from: US-43|72 on July 15, 2011, 03:00:59 AM
One thing I think states, especially dual-plate states need to get off their asses and offer are euro clone plates.  They're available in some (all?) Australian states, so why not here?  It could be done on a contract basis, it'd take a little longer since they'd be made-up on demand to reduce wasted costs, but I'd have no problem waiting.

Puke.  Euro-plates are the ugliest license plates I have ever seen.  A number and nothing else.  No neat design, no slogan, no nothing but a BORING number.  X-(
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on July 16, 2011, 01:25:47 PM
Quote from: Brandon on July 16, 2011, 08:27:57 AMPuke.  Euro-plates are the ugliest license plates I have ever seen.  A number and nothing else.  No neat design, no slogan, no nothing but a BORING number.  X-(

1.  That's why it'd be OPTIONAL.

2.  Look at my posts, some of us LIKE simple, "boring" plates and resent the fact that we don't have a CHOICE in the matter.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on July 16, 2011, 01:30:44 PM
I'd have to imagine the Highway Patrols of various states would enjoy the return of "boring" plates that they could actually read from a distance. It becomes sort of ironic when it becomes difficult to read what a personalized plate says.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on July 16, 2011, 03:06:36 PM
Quote from: US-43|72 on July 15, 2011, 09:46:20 PM

I believe that's more a guideline than a law, but I could be wrong.


It is an intergovernmental agreement fostered by the then US Big Three auto makers via the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators.  Stylists felt constrained as they had to make provisions for various sized plates.  Entered into in 1957, although most states had joined earlier.  Even the NWT's bear shaped plate is covered since it fits the spaces.  It was a US/Canada deal, and most of the Americas joined in, as they then sourced their cars from the USA. 

In the Caribbean, it is a mix as most of the Latin countires, and the Dutch, went the US style, while the British and French use Euro style.  St. Martin is interesting as half of the cars are French, with French plates, and half are Dutch, with a US style plate (with the motto in English, despite the supposed legal status of Dutch). 
Title: New license plates for Misssippi and Ohio in 2012.
Post by: Alex on December 08, 2011, 01:52:46 AM
Spotted a couple of news bits of interest on licenseplates.cc:

New general issue license plates for Mississippi in 2012:
http://licenseplates.cc/news/Mississippi-2012-design-unveiled

New general issue license plates for Ohio in 2012:
http://licenseplates.cc/news/Ohio:-The-Slogan-State
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: sandwalk on December 08, 2011, 12:53:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 08, 2011, 01:52:46 AM
Spotted a couple of news bits of interest on licenseplates.cc:

New general issue license plates for Ohio in 2012:
http://licenseplates.cc/news/Ohio:-The-Slogan-State

I know Ohio's current plates...the one's with the yellow and blue tint, barn, hills, and city skyline....have been controversial since day one.  I hear a lot of people call it the "Hee-Haw" plate LOL.  I hated it at first, but then it grew on me and I actually have them on my car now.  Surprisingly, it complements my fire-engine-red car.

I actually like the 'Hee-Haw' plate better than this proposed new design.  The new design is pretty bland, IMO.  I do, however, like the simplicity of the design and the outline of the state in the first "O" in Ohio.  But having 50 gray-colored slogans (some of which make no sense) scattered all in the background is boring and impossible to read, unless you're stand right next to the vehicle.

I do miss having the county names on the plates......obviously the numbers make it harder to tell where someone is from.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: allniter89 on December 08, 2011, 01:07:41 PM
Quote from: sandwalk on December 08, 2011, 12:53:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 08, 2011, 01:52:46 AM
Spotted a couple of news bits of interest on licenseplates.cc:

New general issue license plates for Ohio in 2012:
http://licenseplates.cc/news/Ohio:-The-Slogan-State

I know Ohio's current plates...the one's with the yellow and blue tint, barn, hills, and city skyline....have been controversial since day one.  I hear a lot of people call it the "Hee-Haw" plate LOL.  I hated it at first, but then it grew on me and I actually have them on my car now.  Surprisingly, it complements my fire-engine-red car.

I actually like the 'Hee-Haw' plate better than this proposed new design.  The new design is pretty bland, IMO.  I do, however, like the simplicity of the design and the outline of the state in the first "O" in Ohio.  But having 50 gray-colored slogans (some of which make no sense) scattered all in the background is boring and impossible to read, unless you're stand right next to the vehicle.

I do miss having the county names on the plates......obviously the numbers make it harder to tell where someone is from.
I like MS but I think OH could do better.
I'd like to see every state have county names on their plates. Why not?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on December 08, 2011, 01:47:24 PM
I like the new ohio design. It's scarlet and gray, and simple too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on December 08, 2011, 01:56:03 PM
That's a gorgeous plate- the current Ohio plate could easily be from just about any state that doesn't have an ocean along it. Much more unique and easily identifiable
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrewkbrown on December 08, 2011, 07:18:15 PM
I like the new Ohio plates as well. Easy to read the state name, which has been difficult since the white and gold plates. And I like the overall simplicity as well. I like simple plates, which must be why I like my current Virginia plates.

And I too would also like to see Ohio go back to county names on the bottom.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 08, 2011, 10:58:30 PM
Quote from: corco on December 08, 2011, 01:56:03 PM
That's a gorgeous plate- the current Ohio plate could easily be from just about any state that doesn't have an ocean along it. Much more unique and easily identifiable

I like it as well but there is a part of me that wouldn't mind the triangle being the actual shape of the Lake Erie shoreline...it's damn near the same, but unique.

Another tidbit that's been tossed about is the fact the driver's licenses are being redesigned with the same look as well and apparently it's the first time a state will have matching plates and licenses.

Edit: You can vote for the slogans that will appear here (https://ext.dps.state.oh.us/BMVOnlineServices.Public/NewPlateSloganVote.aspx).  Some of these choices are bullshit of the first order, though  :bigass:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on December 08, 2011, 11:06:21 PM
I like it...as long as it will still be embossed.  If they go print-only, toss it in the bin with all the other ugly plates.  I don't care what anyone else says, print-only ruins a plate no matter how attractive it is otherwise.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 08, 2011, 11:08:09 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on December 08, 2011, 01:07:41 PM
I'd like to see every state have county names on their plates. Why not?

Ohio uses the bottom for crap like "apportioned" and "ambulette" and whatever specialty name it needs.  Since the county number is still on the plate, I guess they feel it's as good as the old school ones in other states where the county number was part of the plate number.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on December 08, 2011, 11:11:03 PM
QuoteI like it as well but there is a part of me that wouldn't mind the triangle being the actual shape of the Lake Erie shoreline...it's damn near the same, but unique.

Ooo..hey, yeah. That would have been a good call
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on December 09, 2011, 12:02:38 AM
Yeah, the Ohio plates are alright, I just could never read the name of the state while driving and had to assume by its colors that it was Ohio. I think some Hoosiers are having the reverse effect of previously having numbers on our plates for our counties to having the name of the counties on them. With the numbers there was a code and you had to be familar with it to understand where the driver was from, such as 49 for Marion County, 45 for Lake, and 2 for Allen. Now, the answer to the riddle is right there on the plate, that and you have people peeling the county name sticker off so that you don't know what county their from, with the older system that wasn't possible.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on December 09, 2011, 03:15:48 AM
Quote from: US-43|72 on December 08, 2011, 11:06:21 PM
I like it...as long as it will still be embossed.  If they go print-only, toss it in the bin with all the other ugly plates.  I don't care what anyone else says, print-only ruins a plate no matter how attractive it is otherwise.

Only the standard-issue plates (the ones they hand you off the top of a stack at the BMV) are embossed.  If you want a logo or any special plate (even "historical" plates) or any specific number, you get a flat plate with a crappy font.  With the complexity and many colors of the current design ("Beautiful Ohio") I'm surprised any are embossed at all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on December 09, 2011, 01:22:02 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on December 08, 2011, 01:07:41 PM
....

I'd like to see every state have county names on their plates. Why not?

I don't like the idea of county names on the plates because it seems like it would be a hassle when you move. Wouldn't you have to get the plates reissued? When I got married and my wife moved in with me, all she had to do with respect to the car was to update the registration with the DMV, register with Fairfax County for car tax reasons, and notify the City of Alexandria that she was moving out (again for car tax reasons). We did all that online. The plate stayed the same.

Almost all the counties and cities in Virginia used to use the odious "county sticker" where you paid your car tax and then you paid another fee to get this stupid sticker that you had to put on your windshield to prove you paid it. (Yes, you had to pay a fee to prove that you paid your tax.) A fair number of them have done away with the silly things, though not all (Fairfax County doesn't have them; Alexandria does.) One of the arguments for getting rid of them is that with modern computer technology, and with cops having access to such technology in their cars, the county sticker isn't necessary anymore. Seems to me the same argument should hold true for county names on license plates: If the cop is just going to run your plate number through a computer, then won't the computer tell him where the car is registered?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: stormwatch7721 on December 09, 2011, 02:04:10 PM
So what are the new Ohio plates supposed to look like or is it unveiled yet?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Hot Rod Hootenanny on December 09, 2011, 04:11:15 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on December 09, 2011, 02:04:10 PM
So what are the new Ohio plates supposed to look like or is it unveiled yet?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmv.ohio.gov%2Fvote2.jpg&hash=b4dbe3c9ce7e36adad05a3f4855b43c4d34c5081)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on December 10, 2011, 12:05:02 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on December 08, 2011, 01:07:41 PM
I'd like to see every state have county names on their plates. Why not?

Back in the 1980s, when adding county names to the license plates was the rage, it took me a little while to realize that there wasn't a Wander County, Indiana...   ;-)

http://shop1.actinicexpress.co.uk/shops/framptons/index.php?cat=Indiana_license_plates
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 10, 2011, 01:10:04 PM
Mississippi's new plate is interesting.  While the author of the website from the link states it an attempt at "geographic ballance" as the previous plates depicted things from central and then southern Mississippi, it clearly goes farther than that, as it acomplishes a racial purpose, as it is the first plate from that state with a black theme.

Ohio looks like some PC effort where nobody could decide on what the motto should be, so they went with all of them.  This is a list of the varrious backgound slogans, of which the top 20 or so out of an online vote will be the background.   I doubt many Ohioans could even get a 75% in telling what these things even are:

17th State
1st Electric Light Bulb
1st Professional Baseball Team
1st Traffic Light
40,948 Square Miles
Annie Oakley
Appalachian Plateau
Beautiful Ohio
The Buckeye State
Cardinal
Cleveland Orchestra
Cy Young
DiscoverOhio.com
Dunbar House
Edison
Est. 1803
First Ladies Library
Glacier Grooves
The Heart of It All
Harriet Beecher Stowe
Heisman
Hocking Hills
Home of Astronauts
The Horseshoe
Inventors
Iroquois for Beautiful River
Jesse Owens
Johnny Appleseed
Ladybug
Lake Erie
Manufacturing Leader
Marietta-1st Settlement
Mother of Presidents
Newark Mounds
Ohio Burgee
The Ohio Caverns
The Ohio River
Perry's Victory
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Put-in-Bay
Red Carnation
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Roller Coaster Capital of the World
Rubber Capital of the World
Serpent Mound
So Much to Discover
Spiegel Grove
State of Perfect Balance
Steel
Taft Museum
Tecumseh
Toledo Museum of Art
University Circle
West Side Market
White Trillium
With God All Things Are Possible
Woody Hayes
Wright Brothers
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base

As to counties, it seems that most states that list county names have, or had, a system where the county clerk was involved in plate issuance and/or vehicle taxes varried greatly from county to county.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: stormwatch7721 on December 10, 2011, 05:35:51 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on December 09, 2011, 04:11:15 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on December 09, 2011, 02:04:10 PM
So what are the new Ohio plates supposed to look like or is it unveiled yet?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmv.ohio.gov%2Fvote2.jpg&hash=b4dbe3c9ce7e36adad05a3f4855b43c4d34c5081)


Oh wow. That is a not a bad license plate at all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: architect77 on December 13, 2011, 08:03:56 AM
I just read this article which also contains an interesting link:
http://www.newsobserver.com/2011/12/13/1707380/dmv-did-the-math.html
http://ricksplates.com/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on March 29, 2012, 11:25:02 AM
New Texas general issue, possibly starting in August 2012.

http://licenseplates.cc/news/New-Texas-general-issue-for-2012
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on March 29, 2012, 12:49:50 PM
Quote from: Alex on March 29, 2012, 11:25:02 AM
New Texas general issue, possibly starting in August 2012.

http://licenseplates.cc/news/New-Texas-general-issue-for-2012

I like it. Nice and clean looking. I think my favorite TX plate was the blue-on-white ones with the flag at the top.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: KEVIN_224 on March 29, 2012, 01:48:06 PM
I guess anything is better than how New York went back to the blue-on-orange, kinda like what they once had in the 1970s and much of the 1980s. We here in Connecticut have a gradient blue design, with a tiny dark blue CT outline and "Constitution State" on it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 29, 2012, 01:49:28 PM
Quote from: realjd on March 29, 2012, 12:49:50 PM
Quote from: Alex on March 29, 2012, 11:25:02 AM
New Texas general issue, possibly starting in August 2012.

http://licenseplates.cc/news/New-Texas-general-issue-for-2012

I like it. Nice and clean looking. I think my favorite TX plate was the blue-on-white ones with the flag at the top.

Agreed, the old Texas plate with the flag was a classic.  Is the upcoming one simple black on white, or is the picture just of poor quality?  If it's simple black on white, I applaud it.  While I enjoy the cool graphics the last couple of decades have brought us, especially in México, there's a je ne sais quoi about plain-jane design that I really miss.  Utah plates from the mid-1980s, for example, are plain as can be yet have an elegance about them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on March 29, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Does anyone know if it's possible to request a specific license plate design? I remember my family had an old station wagon with a yellow on blue license plate, but all the newer cars I've had since then have had the standard blue on white. Is it possible to get yellow on blue, or was that an old California standard not made anymore?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on March 29, 2012, 02:17:28 PM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on July 15, 2011, 03:00:59 AM
One thing I think states, especially dual-plate states need to get off their asses and offer are euro clone plates.  They're available in some (all?) Australian states, so why not here?  It could be done on a contract basis, it'd take a little longer since they'd be made-up on demand to reduce wasted costs, but I'd have no problem waiting.

Some would think it's stupid, but for some (like me) who drive and are enthusiastic about our European cars, being able to legally make them look that much more 'at home' would be nice.

Edit:  Like this.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi141.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fr60%2Fmr740ti%2F765%2Fawesomesauce.jpg&hash=1fd2b7f8c838137574953d6fb2cf3969a548cea8)

AL is a one-plate state so that's legal, but I'd love to be able to run one on the back as well.

With about 50% of the vehicles in the US being from domestic/North American facilities, very few of them can fit a rear Euro-width plate. Some of the world-car platforms from Ford might work, but not much else. So it might be 20 years until we see a rear plate like the European dimensions are; even Japanese license plates are roughly the same as ours.

Kind of miss the old Florida plates from around 1980 or so, green on white, very austere. The standard issue ones now are odd-looking (looks more like misteltoe), although some of the 50 "cause" designs aren't half bad. Personally, I like boring US Paratrooper one, but I don't deserve it, but it's a very clean and sharp design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 29, 2012, 02:29:21 PM
Quote from: Quillz on March 29, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Does anyone know if it's possible to request a specific license plate design? I remember my family had an old station wagon with a yellow on blue license plate, but all the newer cars I've had since then have had the standard blue on white. Is it possible to get yellow on blue, or was that an old California standard not made anymore?

Whenever you go to register a car, you get the newest plate. It's the easiest way for the DMV to run a database of who has what plate, since you don't have to contend with the possibility of two different people having blue A55 RGY and white A55 RGY. Some states will even force "general reissues", which is when everyone has to get new plates–generally this is done when the number scheme is nearing exhaustion and it is desired to definitively free up old plate numbers (which may still be in use, or belong to cars which have crashed or are otherwise no longer in service).

Given all of this it would be very difficult to get an older plate for active use. (You could have course get one to hang on the wall comparatively easily.) The only exception I could think of, which probably doesn't apply in all states, is for antique cars, which can sometimes be granted special dispensation to use period-appropriate plates. But that's probably considered easily handled since 1) antique cars aren't generally being driven daily and 2) in the unlikely event someone tries to use their car to Do Evil more attention will be drawn to the fact that it's a Model T in pristine condition than the license plate anyway.

Quote from: formulanone on March 29, 2012, 02:17:28 PM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on July 15, 2011, 03:00:59 AM
One thing I think states, especially dual-plate states need to get off their asses and offer are euro clone plates.  They're available in some (all?) Australian states, so why not here?  It could be done on a contract basis, it'd take a little longer since they'd be made-up on demand to reduce wasted costs, but I'd have no problem waiting.

Some would think it's stupid, but for some (like me) who drive and are enthusiastic about our European cars, being able to legally make them look that much more 'at home' would be nice.

AL is a one-plate state so that's legal, but I'd love to be able to run one on the back as well.

With about 50% of the vehicles in the US being from domestic/North American facilities, very few of them can fit a rear Euro-width plate. Some of the world-car platforms from Ford might work, but not much else. So it might be 20 years until we see a rear plate like the European dimensions are; even Japanese license plates are roughly the same as ours.

Kind of miss the old Florida plates from around 1980 or so, green on white, very austere. The standard issue ones now are odd-looking (looks more like misteltoe), although some of the 50 "cause" designs aren't half bad. Personally, I like boring US Paratrooper one, but I don't deserve it, but it's a very clean and sharp design.

One would have to wonder if there would be enough people interested in the design to make up enough revenue to consider the investment that would have to be made in producing such oddly-proportioned plates. I imagine it'd be marginal.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: texaskdog on March 29, 2012, 03:22:38 PM
Texas has dozens of choices.  I can't decide between the Big Bend National Park plate or the hike & bike trail plate.  Neither one is visually very appealling and I'd like to support both.  $30 for either one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on March 29, 2012, 03:34:57 PM
Quote from: Quillz on March 29, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Does anyone know if it's possible to request a specific license plate design? I remember my family had an old station wagon with a yellow on blue license plate, but all the newer cars I've had since then have had the standard blue on white. Is it possible to get yellow on blue, or was that an old California standard not made anymore?

No.  You would not be able to get the old color scheme for a new registration.  Old registrations are grandfathered in from old registrants who never let it lapse or had their priveleges suspended.  That's why you still see some in use. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SteveG1988 on March 29, 2012, 04:12:32 PM
I wish NJ adopted this style

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Fproto1.jpg&hash=84ecdefe1da4ac3f23becc6398db63e7a2f3eb7e)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Fproto2.jpg&hash=4e9195ca0145247b904ef31676f98d7088810e1d)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Fproto3.jpg&hash=bbc225fcf4f8268d9c9041b3318ef4fed327f168)


Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 29, 2012, 04:47:58 PM
Quote from: signalman on March 29, 2012, 03:34:57 PM

No.  You would not be able to get the old color scheme for a new registration.  Old registrations are grandfathered in from old registrants who never let it lapse or had their priveleges suspended.  That's why you still see some in use. 

you may use a vanity plate from your car's year of issue, but it's your task to find it.

my girlfriend has an '84 Mercedes with the classic '84 sunset plates because she managed to find a vanity pair secondhand in good enough condition for field use.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fe%2Fe9%2FCaliforniaGoldenState2GAT123.png&hash=10a4d4a57851db29cddaafb09bb0d28edd7c25a1)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on March 29, 2012, 06:24:25 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 29, 2012, 04:47:58 PM
Quote from: signalman on March 29, 2012, 03:34:57 PM

No.  You would not be able to get the old color scheme for a new registration.  Old registrations are grandfathered in from old registrants who never let it lapse or had their priveleges suspended.  That's why you still see some in use. 

you may use a vanity plate from your car's year of issue, but it's your task to find it.

my girlfriend has an '84 Mercedes with the classic '84 sunset plates because she managed to find a vanity pair secondhand in good enough condition for field use.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fe%2Fe9%2FCaliforniaGoldenState2GAT123.png&hash=10a4d4a57851db29cddaafb09bb0d28edd7c25a1)

IMO, that might be the nicest-looking plate ever issued by the Golden State.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on March 29, 2012, 06:32:36 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 29, 2012, 06:24:25 PM
IMO, that might be the nicest-looking plate ever issued by the Golden State.

indeed - had to have it!

before some threshold year (1961, I believe, but don't quote me on it) you can use not just vanity plates, but standard-issue plates on your old car as long as they match the model year, and are a pair in reasonable condition.  I know I've seen plenty of 30s and 40s vehicles out there with appropriate plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on March 29, 2012, 06:48:34 PM
Quote from: Alex on March 29, 2012, 11:25:02 AM
New Texas general issue, possibly starting in August 2012.

http://licenseplates.cc/news/New-Texas-general-issue-for-2012
Way to go Texas. Lose the interesting background while maintaining the butt-ugly font. About as festive as a U.S. Government plate. The only beneficial thing this change does is eliminate the weird letter-number sequencing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on March 29, 2012, 10:43:23 PM
QuoteOne would have to wonder if there would be enough people interested in the design to make up enough revenue to consider the investment that would have to be made in producing such oddly-proportioned plates. I imagine it'd be marginal.

You could do something like Delaware does with their historic low-serial plates and allow you to buy one made from a private company, provided it wore the correct number and was built to proper specification- so the plate on Crazy Volvo Guy's Volvo would be legal on the rear as long as it matched the number of his actual registration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: YankeesFan on March 29, 2012, 11:10:51 PM
def ready for NJ to re-design our ugly as sin plates... :banghead:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 30, 2012, 02:05:31 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on March 29, 2012, 06:32:36 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on March 29, 2012, 06:24:25 PM
IMO, that might be the nicest-looking plate ever issued by the Golden State.

indeed - had to have it!

before some threshold year (1961, I believe, but don't quote me on it) you can use not just vanity plates, but standard-issue plates on your old car as long as they match the model year, and are a pair in reasonable condition.  I know I've seen plenty of 30s and 40s vehicles out there with appropriate plates.

Virginia does something similar. A vehicle older than 25 years can be registered as an antique and can use either antique plates or older "vintage" Virginia license plates from the year of manufacture (you must provide the older plate yourself). But the "vintage" plates may only be used on vehicles manufactured prior to 1973 because that was the year when Virginia switched to the "sticker" system that's still in use. The "antique" plates come with a number of other restrictions, including a prohibition on driving the vehicle for everyday purposes (to include commuting) and a requirement that you certify that you have another non-antique vehicle available for daily use. Part of the reason for the strict requirements is that the registration fee for an antique is reduced. The odd thing is that you can register an older car and use "vintage" plates WITHOUT registering it as an "antique" if you choose.

I have a car that will be eligible for antique status in 2013 (an RX-7) and my brother has one that's eligible now (a '74 Beetle), but neither of us plans to register either car that way. We don't want our use of the cars to be restricted. If I were allowed to put "vintage" plates on the RX-7 I'd consider doing that, but it's not old enough.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on March 30, 2012, 03:21:45 PM
Quote from: YankeesFan on March 29, 2012, 11:10:51 PMdef ready for NJ to re-design our ugly as sin plates... :banghead:

Careful what you wish for.  You might end up with those stupid 3M "digital" flat plates, which means they'll likely be hideous regardless.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on March 30, 2012, 03:25:45 PM
Quote from: allniter89 on December 08, 2011, 01:07:41 PMI'd like to see every state have county names on their plates. Why not?

I wouldn't.

It identifies a general area where you live, should someone decide to start stalking you.  In states with geographically huge counties, like NV, AZ and UT, that's not a huge issue, but in TX or geographically smaller states, we have a problem.

It also allows the cops to very easily see you're from out-of-area in larger states, so they could single you out for stricter enforcement because they know it'll be easy money as you'll be less likely to come and fight it.

Ergo: I don't like county ID systems of any kind on plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2012, 05:15:00 PM
In Kansas, we have two-letter county code tabs at the top of our license plates.  But our van has a special-issue pink ribbon plate, and therefore does not have the two-letter code.  It's actually a bit of a letdown, sometimes.  Say I'm driving down the highway 600 miles from home and pass by another car from Sedgwick County.  Well, we two drivers might just feel a bit of a bond on the great asphalt ribbon.  But, wait, DOH!  My license plate is missing that little bit of information.  Good feeling gone.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on March 31, 2012, 01:25:45 PM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on March 30, 2012, 03:21:45 PM
Quote from: YankeesFan on March 29, 2012, 11:10:51 PMdef ready for NJ to re-design our ugly as sin plates... :banghead:

Careful what you wish for.  You might end up with those stupid 3M "digital" flat plates, which means they'll likely be hideous regardless.
Some of the digital flat plates look better than others. That generic font used by Texas, Wyoming and a few others is hideous. When Minnesota went to its flat plate, it maintained a font very similar to what was used on its embossed plates, which looks much better. It still isn't as crisp as a nicely embossed plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2012, 01:52:51 PM
And Nevada's just plain sucks.
I'm actually partial to Delaware's plates, simply because they're so different from the rest.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: flowmotion on March 31, 2012, 02:58:40 PM
Quote from: Quillz on March 29, 2012, 01:54:00 PM
Does anyone know if it's possible to request a specific license plate design? I remember my family had an old station wagon with a yellow on blue license plate, but all the newer cars I've had since then have had the standard blue on white. Is it possible to get yellow on blue, or was that an old California standard not made anymore?

There is a proposal to bring back the black and blue plates as retro designs:

http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2012/03/26/california-considers-the-return-of-black-license-plates/

(I'd certainly consider getting one - I can't stand the awful 1990s "California" script on the current plates.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 31, 2012, 03:30:23 PM
Yeah, the lipstick license plate does look pretty funny on a rural pickup.

Is there a website for the new Texas plate other than the one provided?  The graphic looks to be of too poor quality to be legitimate, and I can't seem to verify the new design on any other website.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 04, 2012, 02:04:05 PM
The new Texas plate looks really nice in my opinion. My cousins in Texas dislike the current plate for some reason.

Have you guys also noticed that the new California plates have "dmv.ca.gov" written on the bottom? Looks very nice in my opinion. What about you guys?

I'm also wondering when the new Georgia plates are going to be out. They're apparently going to be flat plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 02:07:35 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 04, 2012, 02:04:05 PM

Have you guys also noticed that the new California plates have "dmv.ca.gov" written on the bottom? Looks very nice in my opinion. What about you guys?


I'm not much of a fan of websites on license plates... you'd figure that when it comes time to re-register (which is about the only time you'd need to visit the DMV website), the website would be included in the reminder letter.

the previous CA design I thought was much cleaner... but of course, there is only one sunset plate!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fe%2Fe9%2FCaliforniaGoldenState2GAT123.png&hash=10a4d4a57851db29cddaafb09bb0d28edd7c25a1)

I've always wished they'd have kept that one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 04, 2012, 02:15:18 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 02:07:35 PM
the previous CA design I thought was much cleaner... but of course, there is only one sunset plate!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fe%2Fe9%2FCaliforniaGoldenState2GAT123.png&hash=10a4d4a57851db29cddaafb09bb0d28edd7c25a1)

I've always wished they'd have kept that one.

I once tried to design a license plate combining the elements of that plate, the blue plates, and the script plates. Didn't turn out well in my opinion.

If I designed plates for the DMV, I would design one for every major sports team and every colllege/university in California (UCLA is not enough). And maybe some more for other causes and organizations (Like the whale plates , Yosemite, etc.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on April 04, 2012, 02:22:02 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 04, 2012, 02:15:18 PM
If I designed plates for the DMV, I would design one for every major sports team and every colllege/university in California (UCLA is not enough). And maybe some more for other causes and organizations (Like the whale plates , Yosemite, etc.)

Sounds like you'd fit in well at the Wisconsin DMV: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/plateguide/special.htm (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/plateguide/special.htm)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on April 04, 2012, 02:29:46 PM
Wisconsin has nothing on Idaho (warning PDF) (http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/vehicleservices/documents/plates.pdf) (note that there are 10 different school license plates), although the Wisconsin military plates look a lot like standard issue Idaho plates
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 02:43:58 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on April 04, 2012, 02:22:02 PM

Sounds like you'd fit in well at the Wisconsin DMV: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/plateguide/special.htm (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/plateguide/special.htm)

from the "collector" plate on that page:

QuoteCannot be operated during the month of January without a temporary plate.

I wonder why that is... no collector shows in the winter?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on April 04, 2012, 02:54:57 PM
Quote from: corco on April 04, 2012, 02:29:46 PM
Wisconsin has nothing on Idaho (warning PDF) (http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/vehicleservices/documents/plates.pdf) (note that there are 10 different school license plates), although the Wisconsin military plates look a lot like standard issue Idaho plates

That's it?

Florida's list: http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/tagbrochure.pdf

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on April 04, 2012, 02:57:51 PM
We have a lot of criminals in Florida; although I've read in the newspapers that permission to operate the plate machinery is actually coveted job within the clink, and only given to the best trustees. Probably because it beats utter boredom and keeps you away from roadside litter and cleaning bathrooms. It all started with that Challenger plate in 1987 or so, and never really looked back.

I've seen plates from Virginia that will have just about any college program's logo on it, so they might hold the de facto record.

Part of me wouldn't mind a NASCAR plate, but that's like having a "Warning: Will speed" sign on your car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on April 04, 2012, 04:46:05 PM
Quote from: corco on April 04, 2012, 02:29:46 PM
Wisconsin has nothing on Idaho (warning PDF) (http://itd.idaho.gov/dmv/vehicleservices/documents/plates.pdf) (note that there are 10 different school license plates), although the Wisconsin military plates look a lot like standard issue Idaho plates

Look closer, Wisconsin has 14 different school plates (13 different UW campuses, plus a recently released one for Marquette).  Also note that there are quite a few more plates listed within the links on the left side of the page.  (Not that I'm trying to initiate a license plate pissing contest.)

Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 02:43:58 PM
from the "collector" plate on that page:

QuoteCannot be operated during the month of January without a temporary plate.

I wonder why that is... no collector shows in the winter?

It is an odd requirement (no clue as to the DMV reasoning), but regardless, would you really want to drive a collector car that time of the year?
Road salt + collector/expensive car =  :pan:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on April 04, 2012, 05:05:50 PM
Quote from: formulanone on April 04, 2012, 02:57:51 PM
....

I've seen plates from Virginia that will have just about any college program's logo on it, so they might hold the de facto record.

....

Virginia has over 200 specialty plate designs. The requirements are fairly straightforward. For most designs, the plate sponsor has to get 350 pre-paid applications and the General Assembly then has to pass a law authorizing the plate design. Such laws are fairly routine, multiple bills on that topic are introduced every year and I believe they're usually consolidated into a single one and then passed. The Commonwealth is reluctant to reject proposed plate designs due to First Amendment concerns–they've reached a point where they've issued so many specialized plates that they're afraid if they reject one they'll be sued for denying free speech rights. That happened in Maryland when the State initially issued a Sons of Confederate Veterans plate containing that organization's logo but then recalled the plates as "offensive" because the logo includes the Battle Flag. The State lost the ensuing federal lawsuit.

Some of Virginia's plates are what you might call rather esoteric.....

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.virginia.gov%2Fimages%2Fthumbnails%2FTIBET_tn.jpg&hash=f89b61477b17073856c28a330f1395ad0a85fab3)   (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.virginia.gov%2Fimages%2Fthumbnails%2FPRTHD_tn.jpg&hash=9b38ca9eb3ede467f7d3a5b6c7f627242e85e339)   (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.virginia.gov%2Fimages%2Fthumbnails%2FREL_tn.jpg&hash=35c3a1ab56dcbab68cc927540aa306b9cb3f49b3)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.virginia.gov%2Fimages%2Fthumbnails%2FHMSCH_tn.jpg&hash=3acd6ae6916aa6e97855c9f8305f333edb7969df)   (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.virginia.gov%2Fimages%2Fthumbnails%2FFOX_tn.jpg&hash=3f208e1508454589cc889772193b0812254b6457)   (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.virginia.gov%2Fimages%2Fthumbnails%2FPHS_tn.jpg&hash=b74e935fded6bbe072adaacbc624f1fd0633fd35)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Takumi on April 04, 2012, 05:21:51 PM
The Parrothead one is more common than you might think. In my neighborhood alone I've seen two.

Also, I read the Pearl Harbor sample as "OOOPH", as in the sound one makes when getting punched in the gut :sombrero:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2012, 05:34:17 PM
My most recent spotting was on a trip to Minnesota:  Sovereign Nation / Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.  Of course, we were at a casino.....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 04, 2012, 07:08:05 PM
Colorado's plates are all drawn from the same combination pool 123-ABC. These plates were first issued (I think) in 2000 and were intended to replace the older plates that had various letter-number sequences (AB-1234, then ABC-123 and finally ABC1234). For those plates, the letter sequences indicated the county of issuance, while the current plates are randomly issued. The old plates were never called in, though, and so many are still in circulation.

The "news" is that the state is close to exhausting the available combinations of the current set (now being issued in the "Y" series). To extend the number of combinations, once the "Z" plates are issued, the state will go back through and issue plates with all available combinations including the letter "Q", which has not been used until now. Though all other letters including "I" and "O" are used, there was apparently a problem designing a "Q" that fit within the area on the plate that can be embossed. Not fully understanding this issue, I went to look at California plates, which have had a "Q" with a very visible tail for many years, and discovered that this is possible because the circular part of the letter is well above the baseline of the embossed area. I suspect the new Colorado "Q" will be based on this to some extent, rather than the "Q" barely distinguishable from letter "O" used by states such as Kansas.

Following issuance of the "Q" plates, the state will start over with ABC-123 sequence plates. This would imply at least a limited call-in of 1980s-vintage plates still in use with that pattern.

Fun fact for license plate collectors: The current screened mountain range image is based on the design that was embossed for many years. This is not a depiction of an actual mountain range; in fact, in the pre-1977 era when plates were reissued each year, the license plate die was flipped each year so that last year's mountains became this year's sky.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 04, 2012, 07:34:57 PM
Quote from: Brandon on February 09, 2010, 10:49:56 AM
Quote from: papaT10932 on February 04, 2010, 08:22:40 PM
I remember a few years ago it was proposed that NJ transfer to one plate. I think law enforcement was the reason used to stick with two plates. That's fine by me. Two plates look "solid". One plated cars always look like something's missing...

I think the real question is, why hasn't NJ changed the designs of their plates in almost 20 years?

Law enforcement thinks they need a lot of things, but believe me, it's a BS argument.  Other states get by with one plate and their LEOs have no trouble with that.  One plate, IMHO, is enough for the vehicle.

Every time anybody wants to change anything, the cops whine, bitch, and moan.  There's no reason for a front plate.  I like having my Razorback plate on the front of my car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 07:53:03 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 04, 2012, 07:08:05 PM(AB-1234, then ABC-123 and finally ABC1234).

how did Colorado manage to exhaust ABC1234?  California has 1ABC234 (same number of combinations) and is still only on 6Vxx or so, despite starting that pattern in the late 70s and having a lot more vehicles.

Did Colorado skip a lot of the available ABC1234 space?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:34:11 PM
Quote from: realjd on June 13, 2011, 12:40:38 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 12, 2011, 07:50:37 AM
Here is one I am conflicted on.  West Virginia and Virginia have joined Kentucky in offering plates to members of the "Friends of Coal", and apparently such efforts are pending in other coal states.

Now, personally, I agree with the group's views, but to have such an opennly political organization on a government issued plate seems to open a Pandora's Box to every such group everywhere.

We have "Choose Life" anti-abortion plates here. Also "Family First" and "Family Values" plates that fund anti-gay groups, as well as a few other plates funding Christian groups. But how to does the state differentiate a non-profit political group from any other non-profit? It's not always clear cut. Take our "Save the Manatees" plate for instance. It funds a group that is viewed by some here as a vocal anti-boating political organization fronting as an environmental charity, while others see the group as purely dedicated to protecting an endangered species. Who would (or should) get to decide? That's why they leave it open to all.

Why can't we get a "Pro Choice" license plate?  They're obviously not leaving it open to everybody.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:42:22 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on June 18, 2011, 02:54:47 PM
Here is the ultimate "gag me with a spoon" license plate story:

To preface, (IMHO) people who drive a Lexus are made to think they are above everyone else, like they are exempt from using turn signals (most don't).  Even their commercials with the stuffy snobbish spokesmen give that feel. 

Anyhoo, about 8-9 years ago, a local car dealership in Cleveland (Metro Lexus) somehow got the rights to a series of 1,000 "regular issue" Ohio state plates for those who bought Lexuses from them.  Each brand-new Lexus owner would then receive a license plate with XXX-LEX (the x's being numbers).

So these "holier than thou" luxury drivers (IMHO) pretty much got a "vanity" plate with a Metro Lexus plate frame surrounding it. 

From then on, I have always referred to those cars as Lexsuxes.

You would have to be an idiot to buy a Lexus.  All they are is Toyotas with some extra leather and maybe some wood in the interior.  And late model Toyotas are junk.  You're truly paying for that ugly "L" badge.  If you want a luxury car, get a real one like a Benzo or a BMW.  Or if you must have a Japanese luxury car, get an Infiniti which while having no real identity or image of its own, is a superior car to a Lexus.  Or, even better yet, buy a Caddy CTS-V.  Now THAT is a car.  Lincolns used to be nice but now they're just bland gussied up Fords with stupid names that start with "MK."  I have no idea which Lincoln is which.  Back in the day, nobody confused a Continental with a Town Car, but unless you're a Lincoln dealer who knows the difference between an MKS and an MKZ?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:48:37 PM
Oklahoma has apparently cancelled the US 66 specialty plate.  I recently switched to Oklahoma tags (after living in the state for nearly 5 years) and I was going to get the US 66 plate but it is no longer listed on the website.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 08:53:15 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:34:11 PM
Why can't we get a "Pro Choice" license plate?  They're obviously not leaving it open to everybody.

because shitty old people vote.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 04, 2012, 09:04:53 PM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on December 08, 2011, 11:06:21 PM
I like it...as long as it will still be embossed.  If they go print-only, toss it in the bin with all the other ugly plates.  I don't care what anyone else says, print-only ruins a plate no matter how attractive it is otherwise.

The new Oklahoma plates are flat and hideous.  I'll probably end up getting some sort of specialty plate.  Too bad the US 66 plates are apparently not being issued anymore.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on April 04, 2012, 09:04:59 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:34:11 PM
Quote from: realjd on June 13, 2011, 12:40:38 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 12, 2011, 07:50:37 AM
Here is one I am conflicted on.  West Virginia and Virginia have joined Kentucky in offering plates to members of the "Friends of Coal", and apparently such efforts are pending in other coal states.

Now, personally, I agree with the group's views, but to have such an opennly political organization on a government issued plate seems to open a Pandora's Box to every such group everywhere.

We have "Choose Life" anti-abortion plates here. Also "Family First" and "Family Values" plates that fund anti-gay groups, as well as a few other plates funding Christian groups. But how to does the state differentiate a non-profit political group from any other non-profit? It's not always clear cut. Take our "Save the Manatees" plate for instance. It funds a group that is viewed by some here as a vocal anti-boating political organization fronting as an environmental charity, while others see the group as purely dedicated to protecting an endangered species. Who would (or should) get to decide? That's why they leave it open to all.

Why can't we get a "Pro Choice" license plate?  They're obviously not leaving it open to everybody.

At least in Florida's case, the pro-choice groups (NOW I think it was) couldn't get the requisite 1,000 pre-sales to get the plate issued.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 04, 2012, 09:18:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 04, 2012, 05:34:17 PM
My most recent spotting was on a trip to Minnesota:  Sovereign Nation / Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.  Of course, we were at a casino.....

I see Native American tags all the time.  Usually Cherokee or Muscogee Creek but sometimes Pawnee and Osage and other tribes.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 04, 2012, 09:20:32 PM
Quote from: realjd on April 04, 2012, 09:04:59 PM
At least in Florida's case, the pro-choice groups (NOW I think it was) couldn't get the requisite 1,000 pre-sales to get the plate issued.

I have a hard time believing that, especially in a populous state like Florida.  I would get a pro-choice plate, except that I would be concerned that some Fundamentalist Christian would vandalize my car.  Everyone I know who has had Darwin fish on their car has had their car vandalized.  My, how "christian" of them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on April 04, 2012, 09:47:21 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 09:20:32 PM
Quote from: realjd on April 04, 2012, 09:04:59 PM
At least in Florida's case, the pro-choice groups (NOW I think it was) couldn't get the requisite 1,000 pre-sales to get the plate issued.

I have a hard time believing that, especially in a populous state like Florida.  I would get a pro-choice plate, except that I would be concerned that some Fundamentalist Christian would vandalize my car.  Everyone I know who has had Darwin fish on their car has had their car vandalized.  My, how "christian" of them.

Liberal causes typically have a harder time getting awareness of their plates since they don't have the benefit of church congregations to help with marketing. Plus, the specialty plate market is mostly saturated. There are plenty of pro-choice people like myself who wouldn't necessarily care enough to switch from one of the many environmental plates.

There are a number of plates for conservative social causes (pro-life, anti-gay-marriage, etc.) already, but none of the Christian/Jesus plates with money going directly to churches have carried either for similar reasons. We do have an "In God We Trust" specialty plate, but funds go to local Police, Fire, EMS, and National Guard rather than a religious organization.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 04, 2012, 10:47:51 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 07:53:03 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 04, 2012, 07:08:05 PM(AB-1234, then ABC-123 and finally ABC1234).

how did Colorado manage to exhaust ABC1234?  California has 1ABC234 (same number of combinations) and is still only on 6Vxx or so, despite starting that pattern in the late 70s and having a lot more vehicles.

Did Colorado skip a lot of the available ABC1234 space?
I think the switch in 2000 was because police didn't like the 7-digit plates (no space between the letter and number groups) and because there were different combinations for trucks, trailers, and other types of plates. They were nowhere close to exhausting combinations, but having letter combinations defined by county caused populous counties to run low on available combinations while the eastern plains counties had lots of combinations left. Doing away with the county-specific letter groups and putting all the plates on the same sequence simplified things. Midway through this plate issuance, the state did away with differentiating truck (TRK) registrations, and so pickups get the same plate without a stacked 3-letter code as any passenger vehicle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 05, 2012, 03:56:53 AM
Beginning in 1992, when New Jersey switched to the yellow fade base (Gen I 3M sheeting) a 7 character format was tried.  It began at AAA1000 and ran to ADJ9999.  Issuance was stopped because police agencies complained that they were hard to read.  As with all plates issued by NJ from 1959 on, they are still allowed to be used, as long as the registration never lapsed.  I do admit the 7 character plates are a bit hard to read.  NJ uses a wide die and with no room for a dash, it is tough to make out, especially when the car is in motion.  After the 7 charcacter plates were recalled, the combo returned to where they were left when the blue plates stopped.  Blues ran to HZZ-99Z, so the yellow fade picked up at JAA-10A and ran to ZZZ-99Z, which was reached in 2010.  The format is now reversed to A10-AAA.  It progresses A10-AAA, A11...A99-AAA, B10-AAA...Z99-AAA, then A10-AAB, etc.  (Side note, highest on old series that I've seen was ZZZ-87Z, lowest on new format was A23-AAA)  New Jersey never issues leading D plates, they're reserved for dealer plates, leading O is for livery types, leading X plates are reserved for commercial, leading Q is for historic, T seems to be reserved for Transportation Dept (TD prefix, captioned State Govt) and Turnpike Authority plates (TPA prefix).  I and O and haven't been issued in any position for passenger types since the 1960s, as they can be too easily confused with ones and zeros.  Q was never used in any position except for historic and vanities.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on April 05, 2012, 08:20:02 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:42:22 PM
You would have to be an idiot to buy a Lexus.  All they are is Toyotas with some extra leather and maybe some wood in the interior.  And late model Toyotas are junk.  You're truly paying for that ugly "L" badge.  If you want a luxury car, get a real one like a Benzo or a BMW.  Or if you must have a Japanese luxury car, get an Infiniti which while having no real identity or image of its own, is a superior car to a Lexus.  Or, even better yet, buy a Caddy CTS-V.  Now THAT is a car.  Lincolns used to be nice but now they're just bland gussied up Fords with stupid names that start with "MK."  I have no idea which Lincoln is which.  Back in the day, nobody confused a Continental with a Town Car, but unless you're a Lincoln dealer who knows the difference between an MKS and an MKZ?

Saying that Lexus is just Toyota with leather is like saying Audi is just VW with leather or that Infiniti is just Nissan with leather. They may come from the same company but they're distinct models. I have a few friends who drive late 2010's IS and ES-350's. They're not as fast as my Infiniti, but they're much more "luxury" on the inside. Performance was more important to me so I went with Infiniti.

I'll agree that BMW and Mercedes are nice, but they run around $10k more than an Infiniti for comparable cars. In practical terms, I would have had to buy an older car since I was buying used.

I agree completely about the awesomeness of the CTS-V and the crappiness of anything from Lincoln. I've never ridden in a CTS-V, but the CTS is a very nice car. The Lincolns are nice on paper, but the interiors feel really cheap. I had the same experience with a Saab 9-3 turbo I had as a rental. It was a blast to drive, but the interior was already falling apart by 3,000 miles.

The Hyundai Genesis is another surprisingly nice entry level luxury car. Who would have thought that Hyundai would eventually start making nice cars?

(Sorry for continuing the OT discussion, I can't resist a car thread!)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on April 05, 2012, 10:21:43 AM
Quote from: realjd on April 04, 2012, 09:47:21 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 09:20:32 PM
Quote from: realjd on April 04, 2012, 09:04:59 PM
At least in Florida's case, the pro-choice groups (NOW I think it was) couldn't get the requisite 1,000 pre-sales to get the plate issued.

I have a hard time believing that, especially in a populous state like Florida.  I would get a pro-choice plate, except that I would be concerned that some Fundamentalist Christian would vandalize my car.  Everyone I know who has had Darwin fish on their car has had their car vandalized.  My, how "christian" of them.

Liberal causes typically have a harder time getting awareness of their plates since they don't have the benefit of church congregations to help with marketing. Plus, the specialty plate market is mostly saturated. There are plenty of pro-choice people like myself who wouldn't necessarily care enough to switch from one of the many environmental plates.

There are a number of plates for conservative social causes (pro-life, anti-gay-marriage, etc.) already, but none of the Christian/Jesus plates with money going directly to churches have carried either for similar reasons. We do have an "In God We Trust" specialty plate, but funds go to local Police, Fire, EMS, and National Guard rather than a religious organization.

Indiana's "In God We Trust" plates are viewed as standard plates as opposed to specialty plates. Along with the standard blue plate and the white truck plate, one only has to pay the regular fee for the IGWT plates as if it were standard, which has caused the main controversy with the plates, after all you DON'T have to get one. As for speciality plates themselves, some Republican lawmakers in Indiana's General Assembly this year tried to pass a law to curb the number of speciality plates after, supposedly, the Indiana Youth Group, a youth group that benefits gay/lesbian youths who are bullied for being gay/lesbian, got their plate approved. The bill didn't pass, but they were able to get the plate taken off the BMV becuase they didn't make the requisite number of plates, supposedly. Of course, I see some "Choose life" plates around. I don't personally care what plate gets included or not, but if they are going to play this game, they might as well have the first question on the application for the speciality plates be: Will Jesus (or my version) approve of this plate? If the answer is no, you might as well skip the rest of the application.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on April 05, 2012, 12:56:52 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on April 05, 2012, 10:21:43 AM
Indiana's "In God We Trust" plates are viewed as standard plates as opposed to specialty plates. Along with the standard blue plate and the white truck plate, one only has to pay the regular fee for the IGWT plates as if it were standard, which has caused the main controversy with the plates, after all you DON'T have to get one. As for speciality plates themselves, some Republican lawmakers in Indiana's General Assembly this year tried to pass a law to curb the number of speciality plates after, supposedly, the Indiana Youth Group, a youth group that benefits gay/lesbian youths who are bullied for being gay/lesbian, got their plate approved. The bill didn't pass, but they were able to get the plate taken off the BMV becuase they didn't make the requisite number of plates, supposedly. Of course, I see some "Choose life" plates around. I don't personally care what plate gets included or not, but if they are going to play this game, they might as well have the first question on the application for the speciality plates be: Will Jesus (or my version) approve of this plate? If the answer is no, you might as well skip the rest of the application.

We have two types of In God We Trust plates, actually. One is a standard Florida plate (no fee) with IGWT in place of the county name, the other is a specialty plate that looks a lot like the Indiana one that helps fund emergency services.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 05, 2012, 02:18:42 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 09:20:32 PM
Quote from: realjd on April 04, 2012, 09:04:59 PM
At least in Florida's case, the pro-choice groups (NOW I think it was) couldn't get the requisite 1,000 pre-sales to get the plate issued.

I have a hard time believing that, especially in a populous state like Florida.  I would get a pro-choice plate, except that I would be concerned that some Fundamentalist Christian would vandalize my car.  Everyone I know who has had Darwin fish on their car has had their car vandalized.  My, how "christian" of them.

FWIW, Christians aren't the only ones who are not pro-choice.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 05, 2012, 03:36:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2012, 02:18:42 PM

FWIW, Christians aren't the only ones who are not pro-choice.

no, but you generally don't see the atheists, Jews, Rastafarians, Wiccans and Jedi making asses of themselves in front of the local Planned Parenthood.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 05, 2012, 03:43:15 PM
I've had my car keyed, and it has a breast cancer awareness license plate.  What group should I smear in the dirt for that?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 05, 2012, 03:51:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2012, 03:43:15 PM
I've had my car keyed, and it has a breast cancer awareness license plate.  What group should I smear in the dirt for that?

I'm sure the Westboro Baptist Church would be happy to step up.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on April 05, 2012, 04:04:40 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2012, 03:43:15 PM
I've had my car keyed, and it has a breast cancer awareness license plate.  What group should I smear in the dirt for that?

Scientologists. They're always a good backup choice if you can't find another group to blame for something.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on April 05, 2012, 11:38:34 PM
Wisconsin decided to add one more to their menu:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhotimg23.fotki.com%2Fa%2F50_50%2F188_82%2Fwomanvetplate.jpg&hash=4dceaf7d99d3376a6ed28126bd4a6b4e50e61fe1)
Quotehttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/modules/news/news_3256.html_786229440.html (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/modules/news/news_3256.html_786229440.html)
April 5, 2012

New plates available to women who served in any of the U.S. military branches

Wisconsin women who have served in any branch of the U.S. military are eligible to apply for one of the new "Woman Veteran"  license plates available through the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). All currently-issued Wisconsin military plates feature blue numbers on a red, white and blue background. Along with the word "Wisconsin"  across the top of the plate, the new plates feature "Woman Veteran"  at the bottom. A decal representing the person's specific military branch is displayed on the left side of the plate. See the new plate here.

"We have declared 2012 to be the Year of the Veteran in Wisconsin to show our respect and appreciation for the contributions of our military veterans," said Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. "Wisconsin's servicewomen have made our country stronger through their military service and we wish to commemorate their courage and thank them for defending our freedoms."

With addition of the Woman Veteran plate, the Wisconsin DMV now offers 56 different military plate options for veterans and recipients of certain military medals and honors. Military plates are available to active, reserve or retired U.S. military personnel, military academy students or alumni who submit proof of eligibility.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mightyace on April 06, 2012, 12:41:11 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 05, 2012, 03:36:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 05, 2012, 02:18:42 PM

FWIW, Christians aren't the only ones who are not pro-choice.

no, but you generally don't see the atheists, Jews, Rastafarians, Wiccans and Jedi making asses of themselves in front of the local Planned Parenthood.

Yes, we WASPS are responsible for everything that is wrong in the world today!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 06, 2012, 11:39:29 AM
Quote from: mightyace on April 06, 2012, 12:41:11 AM
Yes, we WASPS are responsible for everything that is wrong in the world today!

nothing wrong with them...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F_CvAgMMGRTbE%2FTEUg8KR5mFI%2FAAAAAAAAAYU%2FS_UVCWEHKQg%2Fs1600%2Ffront.jpg&hash=e3eea5d98958b6f9211a92967b66d1c316dd734a)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on April 06, 2012, 03:09:10 PM
Found this on licenseplates.cc (http://licenseplates.cc/) about the mandate for all specialty NC plates to use a white base.

Solution in search of a problem (http://www.thetimesnews.com/articles/problem-53403-search-solution.html)
Quote
Using the often-questionable wisdom of government, the North Carolina Legislature put the kybosh on those colorful license plates so many Tar Heels sport on their vehicles. You know, the ones that proclaim a vehicle owner's fancy of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Great Smokey Mountains National Park and other beauty spots around this God-blessed state.

Lawmakers say the color must go so that all specialty tags come from common stock – the plain white variety which shows a driver's pride in a college or university, loyalty to a branch of the military, membership in a civic club and the like.

There must have been a good reason for lawmakers to do what they did, right?

Well, no.

The law mandating the change from multi-color to all-white background says that by 2015, all license plates must be easily read by toll-road cameras.

But Barry Mickle, operations director of the state's turnpike authority, says colorful plates aren't a problem because technology has quickly advanced to the point that cameras on the first N.C. toll road read the specialty plates just fine.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 06, 2012, 03:10:41 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 04, 2012, 07:53:03 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 04, 2012, 07:08:05 PM(AB-1234, then ABC-123 and finally ABC1234).

how did Colorado manage to exhaust ABC1234?  California has 1ABC234 (same number of combinations) and is still only on 6Vxx or so, despite starting that pattern in the late 70s and having a lot more vehicles.

Did Colorado skip a lot of the available ABC1234 space?

Actually, Colorado has only used the ABC 123 format for it's standard-issue plates.  Actually, its currently 123 ABC, (it was the other way around for the green mountains/white sky plates) and it's true that we are nearing the end of the xxx-Wxx plates.  I was tempted in the past few months to post on what the state planned to do in the next few years.  Thankx for the info.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on April 08, 2012, 10:57:05 PM
Quote from: realjd on April 05, 2012, 08:20:02 AMSaying that Lexus is just Toyota with leather is like saying Audi is just VW with leather or that Infiniti is just Nissan with leather. They may come from the same company but they're distinct models.

VW and Audi are separate worldwide.  As for the Japanese brand splits, they are distinct models here in North America.  In the rest of the world, not so much.

For instance, the first-generation Lexus IS300; it was the Toyota Altezza outside NorAm. (Where do you think the term 'Altezza Taillights' came from?).  The Lexus SC?  Toyota Soarer outside NorAm.  The Acura Integra/RSX?  Honda Integra outside NorAm.  Acura TSX?  Honda Accord outside NorAm.  I could keep going, but I'm tired.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on April 08, 2012, 11:11:25 PM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on April 08, 2012, 10:57:05 PM
VW and Audi are separate worldwide.

Marketed separately, yes, but there are several VWs and Audis which share common engines, transmissions and other components, and they share a common parts system.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on April 08, 2012, 11:13:37 PM
Quote from: realjd on April 05, 2012, 08:20:02 AM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:42:22 PM
You would have to be an idiot to buy a Lexus.  All they are is Toyotas with some extra leather and maybe some wood in the interior.  And late model Toyotas are junk.  You're truly paying for that ugly "L" badge.  If you want a luxury car, get a real one like a Benzo or a BMW.  Or if you must have a Japanese luxury car, get an Infiniti which while having no real identity or image of its own, is a superior car to a Lexus.  Or, even better yet, buy a Caddy CTS-V.  Now THAT is a car.  Lincolns used to be nice but now they're just bland gussied up Fords with stupid names that start with "MK."  I have no idea which Lincoln is which.  Back in the day, nobody confused a Continental with a Town Car, but unless you're a Lincoln dealer who knows the difference between an MKS and an MKZ?

Saying that Lexus is just Toyota with leather is like saying Audi is just VW with leather or that Infiniti is just Nissan with leather. They may come from the same company but they're distinct models. I have a few friends who drive late 2010's IS and ES-350's. They're not as fast as my Infiniti, but they're much more "luxury" on the inside. Performance was more important to me so I went with Infiniti.

The Infiniti is just a gussied-up Nissan.  I believe there are one or two unique models, but most of them are just luxury Nissans.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Takumi on April 08, 2012, 11:14:26 PM
A few more:

North American Honda Accord -  Japanese Honda Inspire (this name was also used for the first and second generations of the Acura TL); the 1998-2002 version had a Japanese variant called the Torneo as well
Honda Del Sol - Honda CRX Del Sol/Honda CRX
Acura RL - Honda Legend
Infiniti G35/G37 - Nissan Skyline (the GT-R is its own model now worldwide)
Scion FR-S - Toyota 86?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on April 09, 2012, 09:22:14 AM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on April 08, 2012, 10:57:05 PM
VW and Audi are separate worldwide.  As for the Japanese brand splits, they are distinct models here in North America.  In the rest of the world, not so much.

For instance, the first-generation Lexus IS300; it was the Toyota Altezza outside NorAm. (Where do you think the term 'Altezza Taillights' came from?).  The Lexus SC?  Toyota Soarer outside NorAm.  The Acura Integra/RSX?  Honda Integra outside NorAm.  Acura TSX?  Honda Accord outside NorAm.  I could keep going, but I'm tired.

Inifiniti is Nissan's luxury brand in pretty much every country in the world except Japan itself. Lexus is worldwide, recently including Japan itself.

As for VW and Audi, they're marketed separately but they're just as much the same company as Toyota and Lexus, or Nissan and Infiniti. Take their SUV lineup for example. The VW Touareg, the Audi Q7, and the Porsche Cayenne are essentially the same car just with varying feature sets.

Quote from: bugo on April 08, 2012, 11:13:37 PM
The Infiniti is just a gussied-up Nissan.  I believe there are one or two unique models, but most of them are just luxury Nissans.

They're not gussied up Nissan's; they're all distinct models. It's not like they put leather into a Altima and call it an Infiniti. The G's are all sold as Nissan Skylines in Japan. The M's are sold as Nissan Fuga in Japan. The FX and QX aren't sold in Japan at all. They take what would be the more expensive models in Japan and sell them under the luxury brand in the rest of the world. The features are pretty much the same in both markets, the only difference is the name. The fact that they're sold as a Nissan in Japan doesn't make it any less nice of a car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 09, 2012, 12:27:07 PM
Earlier this morning, I heard on the radio that California is proposing a spay and neuter plate. It's a pretty nice design in my opinion. It currently has about 4,000 preorders of the required 7,500 to be issued.

Here's (http://www.caspayplate.com/main.php) the website for the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on April 09, 2012, 09:23:28 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 09, 2012, 12:27:07 PM
Earlier this morning, I heard on the radio that California is proposing a spay and neuter plate. It's a pretty nice design in my opinion. It currently has about 4,000 preorders of the required 7,500 to be issued.

Here's (http://www.caspayplate.com/main.php) the website for the plate.


Something tells me Bob Barker was involved in this.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on April 09, 2012, 09:24:09 PM
Quote from: bugo on April 04, 2012, 08:42:22 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on June 18, 2011, 02:54:47 PM
Here is the ultimate "gag me with a spoon" license plate story:

To preface, (IMHO) people who drive a Lexus are made to think they are above everyone else, like they are exempt from using turn signals (most don't).  Even their commercials with the stuffy snobbish spokesmen give that feel. 

Anyhoo, about 8-9 years ago, a local car dealership in Cleveland (Metro Lexus) somehow got the rights to a series of 1,000 "regular issue" Ohio state plates for those who bought Lexuses from them.  Each brand-new Lexus owner would then receive a license plate with XXX-LEX (the x's being numbers).

So these "holier than thou" luxury drivers (IMHO) pretty much got a "vanity" plate with a Metro Lexus plate frame surrounding it. 

From then on, I have always referred to those cars as Lexsuxes.

You would have to be an idiot to buy a Lexus.  All they are is Toyotas with some extra leather and maybe some wood in the interior.  And late model Toyotas are junk.  You're truly paying for that ugly "L" badge.  If you want a luxury car, get a real one like a Benzo or a BMW.  Or if you must have a Japanese luxury car, get an Infiniti which while having no real identity or image of its own, is a superior car to a Lexus.  Or, even better yet, buy a Caddy CTS-V.  Now THAT is a car.  Lincolns used to be nice but now they're just bland gussied up Fords with stupid names that start with "MK."  I have no idea which Lincoln is which.  Back in the day, nobody confused a Continental with a Town Car, but unless you're a Lincoln dealer who knows the difference between an MKS and an MKZ?

Try working with Lexus customers. They're either happily wealthy or downright miserable bunch of wanna-be-snobs or old folks who wanted to save some money on a luxury car. But it isn't just a Toyota in frock; there's very few shared parts between a Camry and an ES 350, and even when equipped with the same motor, they sure as heck don't handle nor respond the same.

When it's all said and done, the fact is Toyota did their homework and understood the typical American luxury car buyer didn't want a stuffy Cadillac or a Mercedes that leaked oil and wallets regularly, and priced it less than both of them. Worked like a charm, and then they sat on their laurels for 10 years and forgot that BMW, Audi, and Infiniti existed (to be fair, until around 1995 or so, their total luxury share of the sales market was tiny), but catered to their customer base instead of refining their products to a younger audience. They're clawing it back a little at a time.

Their customers will pay for anything that sets themselves apart; that license plate thing doesn't shock me one bit. Their dealers will do whatever it takes to keep them as customers, too. And the dealerships and service departments are simply the best, bar none. I go to dealers of all brands, and they make the customer feel like a guest in their own home...of course, that doesn't stop some customers from thinking it's their home, and the manager ought to be kicked out for charging them for new tires on a car under warranty.

Their cars are built to last; some have issues (IS 250 valve jobs, come on down!), but you won't find as many long-lasting examples (10-20 years old) still coming back to the dealerships, rather than the independents. I used to have a ten-year-old example that had nary a rattle nor a drop of oil leak from it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 10, 2012, 03:06:03 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on April 05, 2012, 11:38:34 PM
Wisconsin decided to add one more to their menu:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fhotimg23.fotki.com%2Fa%2F50_50%2F188_82%2Fwomanvetplate.jpg&hash=4dceaf7d99d3376a6ed28126bd4a6b4e50e61fe1)
Quotehttp://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/modules/news/news_3256.html_786229440.html (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/opencms/export/nr/modules/news/news_3256.html_786229440.html)
April 5, 2012

New plates available to women who served in any of the U.S. military branches

Wisconsin women who have served in any branch of the U.S. military are eligible to apply for one of the new "Woman Veteran” license plates available through the state Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV). All currently-issued Wisconsin military plates feature blue numbers on a red, white and blue background. Along with the word "Wisconsin” across the top of the plate, the new plates feature "Woman Veteran” at the bottom. A decal representing the person's specific military branch is displayed on the left side of the plate. See the new plate here.

"We have declared 2012 to be the Year of the Veteran in Wisconsin to show our respect and appreciation for the contributions of our military veterans," said Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch. "Wisconsin's servicewomen have made our country stronger through their military service and we wish to commemorate their courage and thank them for defending our freedoms."

With addition of the Woman Veteran plate, the Wisconsin DMV now offers 56 different military plate options for veterans and recipients of certain military medals and honors. Military plates are available to active, reserve or retired U.S. military personnel, military academy students or alumni who submit proof of eligibility.

Do they also have one for MAN VETERAN?  If not, I cry sexist!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 10, 2012, 04:31:51 PM
do they have one without shitty italicized Helvetica narrow?  if not, I cry poor font selection.

a bit better than that California dial-a-font, but not by much.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on April 10, 2012, 10:27:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 10, 2012, 03:06:03 PM
Do they also have one for MAN VETERAN?  If not, I cry sexist!

That was actually one of the first comments when the story was posted on a local newspaper site.  All of the existing military plates just say _______ VETERAN (fill in the blank with your favorite military branch).  Apparently, the thought was that everyone assumed the other plates only referred to male veterans, so women needed to have something special.  I disagree. Instead, they've just opened a HUGE can of worms...every group will want to have their own recognition now.  IMO, it should have remained generic.

Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 10, 2012, 04:31:51 PM
do they have one without shitty italicized Helvetica narrow?  if not, I cry poor font selection.

a bit better than that California dial-a-font, but not by much.

With the exception of the embossed letters/numbers being their own font (the ones on the WI DMV site are inexact renderings), all of the typical special plates use variations of Helvetica (or is it a version of Arial?).  You have to go to the municipal, official, state-owned, or tribal plates to find something different. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on May 01, 2012, 02:09:25 AM
Quote from: SidS1045 on April 08, 2012, 11:11:25 PMMarketed separately, yes, but there are several VWs and Audis which share common engines, transmissions and other components, and they share a common parts system.

I meant that they are separate brand-badges worldwide.  I know they are both part of VAG and share many, many parts and even chassis.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on May 01, 2012, 09:48:19 AM
MassDOT announced last week a special plate for vehicles with high-voltage electrics (electric cars and hybrids)...only the second state in the US to do so.

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/evr/forms/ElecVehPlates.pdf
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 12:10:30 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 01, 2012, 09:48:19 AM
MassDOT announced last week a special plate for vehicles with high-voltage electrics (electric cars and hybrids)...only the second state in the US to do so.

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/evr/forms/ElecVehPlates.pdf

MassDOT announced last week a special document format for people without browsers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on May 01, 2012, 02:30:09 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 12:10:30 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 01, 2012, 09:48:19 AM
MassDOT announced last week a special plate for vehicles with high-voltage electrics (electric cars and hybrids)...only the second state in the US to do so.

http://www.mass.gov/rmv/evr/forms/ElecVehPlates.pdf

MassDOT announced last week a special document format for people without browsers.

I'd be lying if I said I understood that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 02:32:02 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 01, 2012, 02:30:09 PM


I'd be lying if I said I understood that.

PDF.  online material should never, ever be disseminated in PDF.

even printable documents are fairly questionable these days, given how good HTML/CSS is for alternating between optimization for screen reading and for print.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on May 01, 2012, 02:40:09 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 02:32:02 PM
PDF.  online material should never, ever be disseminated in PDF.

Care to explain that?

At least MassDOT didn't disseminate this document in its original format...Word.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on May 01, 2012, 02:48:12 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 02:32:02 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on May 01, 2012, 02:30:09 PM


I'd be lying if I said I understood that.

PDF.  online material should never, ever be disseminated in PDF.

even printable documents are fairly questionable these days, given how good HTML/CSS is for alternating between optimization for screen reading and for print.

Sure, HTML/CSS is great if you're a web designer. For someone posting information originally stored in a Word document, PDF is way better than doing Microsoft's crappy "Save as HTML" option in Word, and it's much better than posting a Word document itself.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 03:46:15 PM
Quote from: realjd on May 01, 2012, 02:48:12 PM

Sure, HTML/CSS is great if you're a web designer. For someone posting information originally stored in a Word document, PDF is way better than doing Microsoft's crappy "Save as HTML" option in Word, and it's much better than posting a Word document itself.


"Save as HTML" does suck because it fills the document with bloat, but it is still better than PDF, which fills the web browser experience with bloat.

the connection between browser and Adobe Acrobat is irrevocably broken.  we need an innate PDF parser.  Gmail has one, implying it is not impossible to design.   why doesn't the firefox dev team come up with an inline PDF reader?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on May 01, 2012, 05:05:14 PM
Go look up Foxit. Much better than Acrobat Reader.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 05:09:56 PM
Quote from: realjd on May 01, 2012, 05:05:14 PM
Go look up Foxit. Much better than Acrobat Reader.

I had used it on a previous computer but I recall it still seizing up occasionally, and not significantly improving on the clumsy and extremely seamful interface inside the browser.

Flash is somewhat more seamless but it, too, has strange focus issues that jar the browser experience.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on May 01, 2012, 06:45:31 PM
I asked around at work and some other free ones my coworkers use are:
PDF-Xchange
Sumatra

And for what it's worth, the newest latest-and-greatest version of Reader is faster than the previous one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Takumi on May 01, 2012, 06:48:25 PM
My phone has a pretty good PDF reader (QuickOffice PDF) but it requires downloading the file first.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on May 04, 2012, 09:16:50 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnaturesrewardblog.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F02%2Fcalifornia-license-plate-34.jpg&hash=76d8edfde19da5803f8ce24bb4d6b921e4a135fb)
The California DMV has accepted this new agriculture plate that has recently surpassed the required 7,500 applications. It is due to be released next year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MrDisco99 on May 04, 2012, 09:44:34 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 01, 2012, 03:46:15 PM
the connection between browser and Adobe Acrobat is irrevocably broken.  we need an innate PDF parser.  Gmail has one, implying it is not impossible to design.   why doesn't the firefox dev team come up with an inline PDF reader?

I'm surprised to hear this is still a problem among Windows users.  Apple's Safari browser has had built-in PDF support for as long as I can remember using it.


On topic: I think the new MassDOT electric vehicle plates look like they spent about 2 minutes on design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on May 04, 2012, 10:28:51 PM
When anything surpasses the utter blandness of a Nebraska truck plate let me know.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 05, 2012, 12:28:43 AM
On Linux, Firefox will give me the typical "Open File/Save As" selector box, and if I select Open File, it opens in Okular, which is pretty great, but Linux-only AFAIK.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Central Avenue on May 05, 2012, 01:10:35 AM
Quote from: MrDisco99 on May 04, 2012, 09:44:34 PM
I'm surprised to hear this is still a problem among Windows users.  Apple's Safari browser has had built-in PDF support for as long as I can remember using it.

Google Chrome (which I use on Linux) has had a built-in PDF support for a few versions now, which seems to work rather well.

On Windows I prefer to use Firefox, but even there I don't bother with Adobe's nonsense; I use SumatraPDF which displays PDF files just as well but without the bloat, and includes a browser plugin.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 05, 2012, 12:44:52 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on May 04, 2012, 10:28:51 PM
When anything surpasses the utter blandness of a Nebraska truck plate let me know.

They may be bland, but I can instantly recognize them on the road.  For that reason, I say keep them as they are (except, aren't they flat-plate now?  OK, go back to stamping).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: brownpelican on May 05, 2012, 03:29:31 PM
I hate how Mississippi can allow you to get a specialty plate featuring an out-of-state college/university (I've seen several LSU  and Alabama plates), but Louisiana won't allow the same. I'd love to get a LA plate featuring JSU.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on May 05, 2012, 09:57:18 PM
Little ol' Pittsburg State becomes the first Kansas college to get a specialty plate in Missouri:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pittstate.edu%2Faudiences%2Falumni-friends%2Fimages%2Falumni-plates-banner.png&hash=b7e68dc1c026e1c59f0af31ecf2c43f20be2da55)

(IMO, Missouri's plates are a bit better looking.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on May 05, 2012, 10:53:22 PM
Quote from: MrDisco99 on May 04, 2012, 09:44:34 PM
I think the new MassDOT electric vehicle plates look like they spent about 2 minutes on design.

Not surprising, since there's no extra cost for them except the one-time $20 plate exchange fee.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 06, 2012, 12:03:35 AM
Quote from: apeman33 on May 05, 2012, 09:57:18 PM
Little ol' Pittsburg State becomes the first Kansas college to get a specialty plate in Missouri:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pittstate.edu%2Faudiences%2Falumni-friends%2Fimages%2Falumni-plates-banner.png&hash=b7e68dc1c026e1c59f0af31ecf2c43f20be2da55)

(IMO, Missouri's plates are a bit better looking.)

Not surprising, since Pittsburg's, what, ten miles from the MO line?

And the MO tag is a little better, mostly because the gorilla logo nearly crashes into the bottom of "KANSAS"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on May 07, 2012, 04:09:04 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 06, 2012, 12:03:35 AM
Quote from: apeman33 on May 05, 2012, 09:57:18 PM
Little ol' Pittsburg State becomes the first Kansas college to get a specialty plate in Missouri:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pittstate.edu%2Faudiences%2Falumni-friends%2Fimages%2Falumni-plates-banner.png&hash=b7e68dc1c026e1c59f0af31ecf2c43f20be2da55)

(IMO, Missouri's plates are a bit better looking.)

Not surprising, since Pittsburg's, what, ten miles from the MO line?

And the MO tag is a little better, mostly because the gorilla logo nearly crashes into the bottom of "KANSAS"

That Pitt State has its plate first is mildly surprising in that Kansas City has a fairly strong KU alumni base. Some feel it's stronger than Mizzou's. (And it's actually just four miles via K-126).

Also, the colors in the Kansas tag are the official school colors, crimson and gold, while the Missouri tag and the ad itself are in the colors the athletic teams use, red and "athletic gold" (which most people call yellow). There was a point where the women's basketball coach was going to go back to the darker colors but changed his mind when none of the other teams wanted to do so.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on May 07, 2012, 04:57:18 PM
This is sort of off-topic, but I was curious as to who here prefers the aesthetics of the EU license plates, which are fairly standardized and wider than they are tall.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 07, 2012, 06:52:03 PM
I do like the European size.  But my favorite, as far as dimensions go, is Chile.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on May 08, 2012, 12:38:31 AM
Quote from: Quillz on May 07, 2012, 04:57:18 PM
This is sort of off-topic, but I was curious as to who here prefers the aesthetics of the EU license plates, which are fairly standardized and wider than they are tall.

Me.  Simple and to the point, generally embossed, with no graphic bullshit.

And the front end of my car is designed with it in mind.  Plates with US dimensions make the car look buck-toothed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on May 08, 2012, 01:10:28 AM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on May 08, 2012, 12:38:31 AM
Simple and to the point, generally embossed, with no graphic bullshit.

Couldn't have said it better myself.  Although it would eliminate a revenue stream from the DMV.  I'd be okay with the current US size, just eliminate the unnecessary graphics.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 08, 2012, 06:41:15 AM
The only people I find that want Euro plates are people that think owning a 4 year old BMW is a "lifestyle".  If these were generally available, they would have no interest.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on May 08, 2012, 11:34:07 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 08, 2012, 01:10:28 AM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on May 08, 2012, 12:38:31 AM
Simple and to the point, generally embossed, with no graphic bullshit.

Couldn't have said it better myself.  Although it would eliminate a revenue stream from the DMV.  I'd be okay with the current US size, just eliminate the unnecessary graphics.

What revenue stream? Europeans pay registration fees just like we do.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on May 08, 2012, 11:42:55 PM
Quote from: realjd on May 08, 2012, 11:34:07 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 08, 2012, 01:10:28 AM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on May 08, 2012, 12:38:31 AM
Simple and to the point, generally embossed, with no graphic bullshit.

Couldn't have said it better myself.  Although it would eliminate a revenue stream from the DMV.  I'd be okay with the current US size, just eliminate the unnecessary graphics.

What revenue stream? Europeans pay registration fees just like we do.

I was referring to the dozens upon dozens of specialty plates most/all US DOT's have that carry additional "donations"/fees over and above the standard registration fee.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on May 09, 2012, 03:09:10 AM
I wish Illinois would do a retro re-issue.  I know they still have the capability to make a plate that looks JUST like the old ones, completely embossed and all, because of the current dealer plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 08, 2012, 11:42:55 PM
Quote from: realjd on May 08, 2012, 11:34:07 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 08, 2012, 01:10:28 AM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on May 08, 2012, 12:38:31 AM
Simple and to the point, generally embossed, with no graphic bullshit.

Couldn't have said it better myself.  Although it would eliminate a revenue stream from the DMV.  I'd be okay with the current US size, just eliminate the unnecessary graphics.

What revenue stream? Europeans pay registration fees just like we do.

I was referring to the dozens upon dozens of specialty plates most/all US DOT's have that carry additional "donations"/fees over and above the standard registration fee.

Our van has a breast cancer awareness license plate.  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.midwestcanceralliance.org%2Fimages%2Fdriventocure.gif&hash=f929bab27df4f719770cc41f1d879a39987abdf6)

We've had it for two years, parly because breast cancer runs in my wife's family, and partly because I think the current issue Kansas plates are ugly.

To get one, we donated some money to KU cancer research, then showed our receipt at the DMV.  KU got the extra money, the DMV got our normal registration fee.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 09, 2012, 11:40:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM

Our van has a breast cancer awareness license plate.  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.midwestcanceralliance.org%2Fimages%2Fdriventocure.gif&hash=f929bab27df4f719770cc41f1d879a39987abdf6)

which one is the current standard KS issue?  the one with the capitol building and wheat, or the one with the globe?  I like those both better than that cancer awareness plate.  that one just looks like it was hastily thrown together by an intern.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on May 09, 2012, 12:23:17 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 09, 2012, 11:40:24 AM
which one is the current standard KS issue?  the one with the capitol building and wheat, or the one with the globe?  I like those both better than that cancer awareness plate.  that one just looks like it was hastily thrown together by an intern.

The blue/white plate with the official state seal is the current issue: http://licenseplates.cc/story.php?id=292

Also:

Georgia 2012 general issue begins (http://licenseplates.cc/news/Georgia-2012-general-issue-begins)

QuoteGeorgia's new multicolored plate is available as of today, at tag offices around the state.

The plates are flat, produced with 3M's Digital License Plate technology.

Existing plates issued prior to December 1, 2003, will be replaced on renewal or transfer.

Plates issued after December 1, 2003 will be replaced starting next year.

QuoteThose wishing a more reserved appearance may opt for a plain white plate with "GEORGIA"  centered at the top and a peach centered in the background.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on May 09, 2012, 03:53:06 PM
Yuck!  I do not like that new Georgia plate at all.  It already had a strike against it for being flat, but beyond that it's far too busy.  If I lived in GA I'd definitely opt for the plain plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 05:00:05 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 09, 2012, 11:40:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM

Our van has a breast cancer awareness license plate.  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.midwestcanceralliance.org%2Fimages%2Fdriventocure.gif&hash=f929bab27df4f719770cc41f1d879a39987abdf6)

which one is the current standard KS issue?  the one with the capitol building and wheat, or the one with the globe?  I like those both better than that cancer awareness plate.  that one just looks like it was hastily thrown together by an intern.

What people around here sometimes refer to as the Flying Saucer Plate.  Ugly color for a plate, whatever you call that greyish blue.  I agree that the pink ribbon one isn't very pretty either, but at least it has some real color on it.  I miss the wheat plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 09, 2012, 05:01:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 05:00:05 PM
What people around here sometimes refer to as the Flying Saucer Plate.  Ugly color for a plate, whatever you call that greyish blue.  I agree that the pink ribbon one isn't very pretty either, but at least it has some real color on it.  I miss the wheat plates.

looks like it has too much color.  process magenta isn't very attractive in my opinion.  I use pure magenta (RGB 255 0 255) in my sign designs that I send to have manufactured as the backing to be cut away (shield shape, mounting hole, etc) because so far I've never had a sign that used process magenta as an actual print color.  blech!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on May 09, 2012, 07:02:27 PM
I have no problem with the current dimensions of American plates; it's what I've always known. And, I like plates with a distinctive design that doesn't obscure the number - Minnesota's and Colorado's standard designs are fine with me. While I prefer embossed, I can stomach a flat process plate as long as the font isn't that ugly generic 3M typeface. Some designs are way too busy though, such as the current and previous Texas designs that appear to try to fit as many elements into the design as possible (space shuttle! cowboy! western mountains!). Of New Mexico's plates, I prefer the older (but still issued, I think) red on yellow with the yucca. I don't care for the balloon plate as much because the numbers and letters are squeezed together, and the yellow on turquoise centennial plate isn't as readable.

I do not like black on white plates with little or nothing to provide a distinctive image for the state.

Side question: why issue an anniversary plate (centennial, sesquicentennial) in states where vehicles are issued essentially permanent plates? People are still driving around with California's 150 year anniversary on their plates 12 years after the event.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on May 09, 2012, 07:49:10 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 08, 2012, 11:42:55 PM
I was referring to the dozens upon dozens of specialty plates most/all US DOT's have that carry additional "donations"/fees over and above the standard registration fee.

At least in Florida, 100% of those donations go to the sponsoring organization. The state charges a $5 service fee for printing/handling the separate plate. It seems fair to me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on May 09, 2012, 07:52:41 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on May 09, 2012, 07:02:27 PM
Side question: why issue an anniversary plate (centennial, sesquicentennial) in states where vehicles are issued essentially permanent plates? People are still driving around with California's 150 year anniversary on their plates 12 years after the event.

Because if they operate like states such as Wisconsin, you have to place a formal request in order to receive new plates.  As part of a cost-saving measure, replacing faded or damaged plates is the responsibility of the vehicle owner.  There are plenty of Wisconsin Sesquicentennial plates still gracing the highways nearly 14 years later.   The Wisconsin DMV even put out a formal request a few months back for people with badly faded sesquicentennial plates to request replacement plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on May 09, 2012, 09:52:11 PM
*Incoming review from a license plate enthusiast*

In my opinion, the new Georgia plate don't seem really bad. It's actually pretty good. The fact that it's flat isn't that bad (I'm not a hater of flat plates). At least it's not in the generic 3M font (ex: Indiana, Texas) but instead uses the font that AL, MN, OK, SC, SD, and TN use. The design on the actual plate is better than the art we've had for the past year. I really like the colors on it. Also, one thing: the website is not there anymore.

As for the alternate version, it's just like the design that preceded this plate. Except with no website. I guess people with huge trucks would rather choose this plate as, I have read in some other forum, the graphic base would look "girly" on those trucks.

As for the serial, I'm not sure as to why Georgia decided to skip to the P series of plates than to continue on with the C plates that ended the old plate. I understand that the font for the flat plates are rather large, leaving no space in the serial. Just look at Arizona for an example.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM
To get one, we donated some money to KU cancer research, then showed our receipt at the DMV.  KU got the extra money, the DMV got our normal registration fee.

Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 07:52:35 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM
To get one, we donated some money to KU cancer research, then showed our receipt at the DMV.  KU got the extra money, the DMV got our normal registration fee.

Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on May 11, 2012, 10:06:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 07:52:35 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM
To get one, we donated some money to KU cancer research, then showed our receipt at the DMV.  KU got the extra money, the DMV got our normal registration fee.

Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

It is possible but you'd be fooling yourself if you said more than a tiny percentage of breast cancers are in men.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on May 11, 2012, 10:12:03 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 07:52:35 AM

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

What about Brian Piccolo?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 11:06:25 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 10:06:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 07:52:35 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM
To get one, we donated some money to KU cancer research, then showed our receipt at the DMV.  KU got the extra money, the DMV got our normal registration fee.

Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

It is possible but you'd be fooling yourself if you said more than a tiny percentage of breast cancers are in men.

If you re-read my comment, you'll notice I did not say that!


Quote from: elsmere241 on May 11, 2012, 10:12:03 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 07:52:35 AM

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

What about Brian Piccolo?

I'm not sure I know who that is (or was).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 11, 2012, 11:20:04 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM
To get one, we donated some money to KU cancer research, then showed our receipt at the DMV.  KU got the extra money, the DMV got our normal registration fee.

Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind.  

The breast cancer plate is a partnership between the University of Kansas endowment and the DMV.  As I said, the extra money goes to KU research, not the DMV.  So, I guess the question is this:  Is there a KU endowment for prostate cancer, and, if so, have they asked to partner with the DMV?  If not, then that would be why.

I think it would be totally awesome if the license plate said BOOBIES! at the bottom.  And, for colon cancer, well.....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 11, 2012, 03:47:28 PM
Quote

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

It is possible but you'd be fooling yourself if you said more than a tiny percentage of breast cancers are in men.
[/quote]

My state actually got sued over that.  We had a "non-income based" program (you got the benefit even if you made a million $$ a second and had health insurance) for breast cancer victims.    But the state would not serve this guy who had breast cancer.  He sued and won for sex discrimination.   IMHO, that was a right decision.

The figures are that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, 1 in 1000 men.    1 in 30 women will get cervical cancer, 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer, if you wondering.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on May 12, 2012, 03:05:58 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 11:06:25 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 10:06:51 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 07:52:35 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 09:28:36 AM
To get one, we donated some money to KU cancer research, then showed our receipt at the DMV.  KU got the extra money, the DMV got our normal registration fee.

Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

It is possible but you'd be fooling yourself if you said more than a tiny percentage of breast cancers are in men.

If you re-read my comment, you'll notice I did not say that!


Quote from: elsmere241 on May 11, 2012, 10:12:03 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 11, 2012, 07:52:35 AM

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

What about Brian Piccolo?

I'm not sure I know who that is (or was).

Running back for the Chicago Bears. Died of cancer in his prime. A movie was made about it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brian_Piccolo
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on May 12, 2012, 08:33:02 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 11, 2012, 03:47:28 PM
My state actually got sued over that.  We had a "non-income based" program (you got the benefit even if you made a million $$ a second and had health insurance) for breast cancer victims.    But the state would not serve this guy who had breast cancer.  He sued and won for sex discrimination.   IMHO, that was a right decision.

Yes, it was a no-brainer decision.  The fact that this guy had to go to court to get his benefits is more evidence that the whole Komen charity ad the anti-breast cancer movement is sexist.

Quote
The figures are that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, 1 in 1000 men.    1 in 30 women will get cervical cancer, 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer, if you wondering.

If you live to 80, you have something like a 90% chance of having an enlarged prostate.  Not everyone with an enlarged prostate gets cancer, but a significant number of them do.  Prostate cancer is something that hits close to home for me, and that's why I mentioned it in the first place.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on May 12, 2012, 09:36:06 PM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 

But breast cancer strikes the young much more often than does prostate cancer.  So when the cancer is fatal, on average breast cancer shortens lifespans more than prostate cancer.

Also, American culture obsesses more about breasts (especially female ones) than prostates.  And the breast cancer fundraisers are much better for guys to hang out with attractive women. :)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bugo on May 12, 2012, 10:55:42 PM
Quote from: oscar on May 12, 2012, 09:36:06 PM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 

But breast cancer strikes the young much more often than does prostate cancer.  So when the cancer is fatal, on average breast cancer shortens lifespans more than prostate cancer.

I'm in my late 30s and I have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate.  I don't know whether I have cancer or not, and I don't have insurance and can't afford a doctor.  I did have insurance when I went to the ER but I had just been laid off and now my insurance is gone.  What a great medical system we have in America.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on May 13, 2012, 04:12:50 AM
Quote from: bugo on May 12, 2012, 10:55:42 PM
Quote from: oscar on May 12, 2012, 09:36:06 PM
Quote from: bugo on May 11, 2012, 02:53:37 AM
Why isn't there a prostate cancer plate?  The obsession with breast cancer is sexist.  All cancer needs to be cured, not just one kind. 

But breast cancer strikes the young much more often than does prostate cancer.  So when the cancer is fatal, on average breast cancer shortens lifespans more than prostate cancer.

I'm in my late 30s and I have been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate.  I don't know whether I have cancer or not, and I don't have insurance and can't afford a doctor.  I did have insurance when I went to the ER but I had just been laid off and now my insurance is gone.  What a great medical system we have in America.

My company's insurance is one of those stoopid HRAs. The first $500 of expenses each year is 100-percent paid for, which sounds great. But then the next $2,000 is entirely on me. And since I never spend that much, it basically means I have health insurance for about three months a year. After that, that $250 vial of Symbicort has to go on a credit card. I pay $84 a month to, for all practical purposes, not have insurance for nine months every year. So even if you're on insurance, you might not be on insurance.

I might as well save the $2,184 a year and use it to pay off the credit cards I put my medicine on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on June 01, 2012, 10:48:29 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 11, 2012, 03:47:28 PM
Quote

Men can and do get breast cancer as well. Rod Roddy (the guy who used to say "come on down" on The Price Is Right) is probably the best-known male victim.

It is possible but you'd be fooling yourself if you said more than a tiny percentage of breast cancers are in men.

My state actually got sued over that.  We had a "non-income based" program (you got the benefit even if you made a million $$ a second and had health insurance) for breast cancer victims.    But the state would not serve this guy who had breast cancer.  He sued and won for sex discrimination.   IMHO, that was a right decision.

The figures are that 1 in 8 women will get breast cancer, 1 in 1000 men.    1 in 30 women will get cervical cancer, 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer, if you wondering.

[/quote]

And no women get prostate cancer!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swbrotha100 on July 11, 2012, 07:27:31 PM
Personally, I wouldn't mind seeing every state use their state nickname or slogan on their plates. Better than a website on some plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on July 16, 2012, 01:00:08 PM
Sweet Home Alabama or God Bless America on most car tags? (http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/07/sweet_home_alabama_or_god_bles.html)

QuoteFor the year beginning Oct. 1, 2010, and ending Sept. 30, 2011, about 880,294 Alabamians were driving around with a God Bless America tag on their vehicle. In that same time period, 2,923,475 state residents were driving with the Sweet Home Alabama tag.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Michael in Philly on July 16, 2012, 01:12:03 PM
^^Are they going to commit treason en masse secede again?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on July 16, 2012, 07:27:04 PM
Just saw on local TV news that Texas is going to start issuing old-school black-and-white plates in the ABC-1234 format.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftransportationblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2012%2F07%2FNew-License-Plate-TX1.jpg&hash=9699a54d084eabbc11df0098ddfb2cf3d3bdc54b)

Not a fan. I like the newest plates better than the circa-2008 plates I have now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on July 17, 2012, 02:10:56 AM
Why do they insist on retaining that stupid 3M font?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on July 17, 2012, 01:04:04 PM
The could've at least used the same flat fonts as AL, GA, MN, OK, SC, SD, and TN. It would look somewhat better. And, I'm pretty sure those new Texas plates come out next month.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: blawp on July 17, 2012, 01:20:09 PM
AZ has the best flat surface typeface.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on July 17, 2012, 06:44:01 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 16, 2012, 07:27:04 PM
Just saw on local TV news that Texas is going to start issuing old-school black-and-white plates in the ABC-1234 format.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftransportationblog.dallasnews.com%2Ffiles%2F2012%2F07%2FNew-License-Plate-TX1.jpg&hash=9699a54d084eabbc11df0098ddfb2cf3d3bdc54b)

Not a fan. I like the newest plates better than the circa-2008 plates I have now.
Does this example indicate that Texas will again use vowels in their license plate combinations? Not having to worry about potentially offensive words is the only FKN reason I can think of for this policy.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on July 18, 2012, 01:14:16 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 17, 2012, 06:44:01 PM
Does this example indicate that Texas will again use vowels in their license plate combinations? Not having to worry about potentially offensive words is the only FKN reason I can think of for this policy.

There's always WTF.  And if they have to take specific steps to avoid that and other vowelless profane letter combinations, they might as well use vowels anyway.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on July 18, 2012, 03:04:25 PM
Quote from: Alex on July 16, 2012, 01:00:08 PM
Sweet Home Alabama or God Bless America on most car tags? (http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2012/07/sweet_home_alabama_or_god_bles.html)

What was so wrong with "e pluribus unum"? Nobody smote us during all that time...but I suppose it's an option in the Sunshine State as well. (There's other catchy slogans such as "Dealer", "Apportioned", and "Trailer"). :)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on July 18, 2012, 03:54:47 PM
Quote from: vtk on July 18, 2012, 01:14:16 PM
There's always WTF.  And if they have to take specific steps to avoid that and other vowelless profane letter combinations, they might as well use vowels anyway.

I know NC issued the WTF series.  It was the current high when they switched to red characters from blue.  That didn't go so well and they returned back to blue mid Z series.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on July 21, 2012, 12:46:18 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 05:00:05 PM
What people around here sometimes refer to as the Flying Saucer Plate.  Ugly color for a plate, whatever you call that greyish blue.  I agree that the pink ribbon one isn't very pretty either, but at least it has some real color on it.  I miss the wheat plates.

Incidentally, there are still quite a few 2002 plates still in active circulation...

At the beginning of May, the title and registration offices across the state were shut down so that a new registration system could go live. The new system apparantly prints the decals on the fly. Instead of  a decal number, the renewal sticker has its assigned plate number thermal-printed on the decal itself, along with the expiration month. There is a small "KS 2013" at the top of the new stickers, but the decals themselves remain color coded (2012 is black on light green, 2013 is black on yellow)

Registration expiration is done on the basis of your last name. Thus, the Treasurer's office still processes some new registrations that have an initial expiration in 2012.

The transition to the new system, unfortunately, was very rough - The Johnson County DMV had to stop accepting new customers at 11 on some days, and there was quite a bit of overtime involved.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on July 21, 2012, 01:08:54 PM
Quote from: route56 on July 21, 2012, 12:46:18 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 09, 2012, 05:00:05 PM
What people around here sometimes refer to as the Flying Saucer Plate.  Ugly color for a plate, whatever you call that greyish blue.  I agree that the pink ribbon one isn't very pretty either, but at least it has some real color on it.  I miss the wheat plates.

Incidentally, there are still quite a few 2002 plates still in active circulation...

At the beginning of May, the title and registration offices across the state were shut down so that a new registration system could go live. The new system apparantly prints the decals on the fly. Instead of  a decal number, the renewal sticker has its assigned plate number thermal-printed on the decal itself, along with the expiration month. There is a small "KS 2013" at the top of the new stickers, but the decals themselves remain color coded (2012 is black on light green, 2013 is black on yellow)

Registration expiration is done on the basis of your last name. Thus, the Treasurer's office still processes some new registrations that have an initial expiration in 2012.

The transition to the new system, unfortunately, was very rough - The Johnson County DMV had to stop accepting new customers at 11 on some days, and there was quite a bit of overtime involved.
Does Kansas make you renew your plates in person, as opposed to by mail or on-line? That would be very inconvenient.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on July 21, 2012, 01:26:50 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 21, 2012, 01:08:54 PM
Does Kansas make you renew your plates in person, as opposed to by mail or on-line? That would be very inconvenient.

There is a renewal by web/mail option available.

I still have to take care of my car the old fashioned way. My battle cruiser dropped the transmission back in March. I finally got rid of it a bought a replacement. Once I've got the insurance card ready for "Little Red," I'll be making a beeline for Oskaloosa to officially transfer my "ROUTE56" vanity plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on July 21, 2012, 02:09:28 PM
I dislike the current Kansas vanity plate--it is a sunset plate and very derivative of a regular-issue Indiana plate design from about ten years ago.  Bring back the female buffalo!

I don't like the current regular-issue Kansas plate either; it is a lot worse than the one immediately preceding, which is a faded-out rendering of the state capitol which nevertheless has more color.  I don't think Kansas has had a good regular-issue plate since the wheat plates.

I also dislike Kansas' current practice of retiring the numbers that were issued prior to each changeover in license plate design.  The number pool is not deep enough to allow numbers to be wasted in this way, and Kansas has already had to change from letter group first to number group first because it has run out of available numbers with the letter group first.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on July 21, 2012, 02:29:49 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 21, 2012, 02:09:28 PM
I also dislike Kansas' current practice of retiring the numbers that were issued prior to each changeover in license plate design.  The number pool is not deep enough to allow numbers to be wasted in this way, and Kansas has already had to change from letter group first to number group first because it has run out of available numbers with the letter group first.

As I have mentioned, that practice seems to have ended with the adaptation of the new system. As mentioned above, there are still some 2002 plates still in circulation.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on July 21, 2012, 02:50:02 PM
Quote from: route56 on July 21, 2012, 12:46:18 AM
The transition to the new system, unfortunately, was very rough . . .

No kidding.  Our letter to renew was sent to where we lived two houses ago.  Fortunately, that also happens to be my parents' house, so they were able to hand it to us directly.

Quote from: route56 on July 21, 2012, 01:26:50 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 21, 2012, 01:08:54 PM
Does Kansas make you renew your plates in person, as opposed to by mail or on-line? That would be very inconvenient.

There is a renewal by web/mail option available.

This has become an important consideration for us lately.  Our car is almost nine years old now; meanwhile, we are looking at what steps need to be taken to move to México.  Registring/importing a car in México is a lot cheaper if it's at least ten years old, which means we've been thinking a lot about what kind of car we would buy next.  Not having to come to the DMV in Kansas every year would make keeping our car registered here more of an attractive option.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on July 21, 2012, 04:23:49 PM
Quote from: route56 on July 21, 2012, 02:29:49 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 21, 2012, 02:09:28 PMI also dislike Kansas' current practice of retiring the numbers that were issued prior to each changeover in license plate design.  The number pool is not deep enough to allow numbers to be wasted in this way, and Kansas has already had to change from letter group first to number group first because it has run out of available numbers with the letter group first.

As I have mentioned, that practice seems to have ended with the adoption of the new system. As mentioned above, there are still some 2002 plates still in circulation.

If the state is now allowing Capitol plates to remain with a vehicle until it is sold or transferred, then that amounts to a partial phasing-out of a system that arguably should never have been adopted in the first place.

In regard to renewal, we have always done ours by mail.  The Sedgwick County tag office is notorious for long queues and in fact has (or at any rate used to have) an old framed black-and-white photograph, taken in the 1960's, showing a queue trailing out of the tag office and wrapping around a block which showed signs of being cleared in anticipation "of the inner loop freeway" (which was cancelled in 1976).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: on_wisconsin on July 21, 2012, 08:38:10 PM
Here is a "only in Texas" plate:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmyplates.com%2Fimages%2Flarge%2Fauto.MightyFineBurgers.png&hash=415fdf30aac35ae357a86d5f4068dc305bfc6c1b)
:sombrero:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on July 24, 2012, 01:22:44 AM
I just did my tags today... officially transferred my "ROUTE56" vanity plate to my new vehicle ('98 Monte Carlo, 170k, engine and tranny good, looks very good for its age)

It took the person at the treasurer's office ~ 10-15 minutes to enter all the information and print my new decal (apparently done on a laser printer, the sticker is actually attached to my receipt)

Since I live in Jefferson county, there was no queue to speak of. ;)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on July 24, 2012, 05:45:15 AM
Came across a truck the other day with a "7XXXYYY" license plate in California, but I thought they were only up to the 6XXXYYY range? The truck itself looked pretty beat up and old, so I'm thinking they put a brand new license plate on an old car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on July 24, 2012, 06:12:14 AM
Quote from: Quillz on July 24, 2012, 05:45:15 AM
Came across a truck the other day with a "7XXXYYY" license plate in California, but I thought they were only up to the 6XXXYYY range? The truck itself looked pretty beat up and old, so I'm thinking they put a brand new license plate on an old car.

California may have an age limit on plates like Texas does (8 years). Or the truck came from out of state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on July 24, 2012, 10:06:15 AM
That's just a commercial vehicle plate. They have a different 0A00000 format (though now 00000A0) compared to the passenger plates. The commercial plates are currently in the 00000G1 series. Hope this answers your question.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on July 24, 2012, 10:41:58 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on July 21, 2012, 04:23:49 PM
The Sedgwick County tag office is notorious for long queues and in fact has (or at any rate used to have) an old framed black-and-white photograph, taken in the 1960's, showing a queue trailing out of the tag office and wrapping around a block which showed signs of being cleared in anticipation "of the inner loop freeway" (which was cancelled in 1976).

This is why I like the somewhat bizarre Oklahoma system of "tag agencies". In Oklahoma the DPS (Department of Public Safety) directly handles only driver testing and issuance of new driver licenses and state IDs. All other services are rendered by a private "tag agent"–plate registration and renewal, driver license renewal, and other such things. Just about every town has at least one (even tiny Goldsby, where I grew up, which doesn't even have a post office). There are several in Norman and probably at least a hundred in Oklahoma City. If the wait is too long, or the computers are down, you can just go to the next one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 24, 2012, 12:01:53 PM
Quote from: Quillz on July 24, 2012, 05:45:15 AM
Came across a truck the other day with a "7XXXYYY" license plate in California, but I thought they were only up to the 6XXXYYY range? The truck itself looked pretty beat up and old, so I'm thinking they put a brand new license plate on an old car.

most likely you saw, and misparsed, a commercial plate.  7X12345. 

highest I've seen for actual issue is 6WNx123 or so ... and CA would not issue a vanity which conflicts with any actual or planned numbering scheme.  after 9XXX123, the next issue is slated to be 123XXX1, so those are unavailable for vanity as well.

each first-letter set seems to last about 4 months, so we still have half of 6W, and all of 6X, 6Y, and 6Z to go.  I believe all of those will be used (except maybe 6ZZZ) so 7AAA is a little over a year away.

as a reference, 6TH and 6TK were issued in Sept and Oct of last year, respectively.  my car is a 6TH, registered 9/9/11.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on July 24, 2012, 11:55:38 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 24, 2012, 06:12:14 AM
Quote from: Quillz on July 24, 2012, 05:45:15 AM
Came across a truck the other day with a "7XXXYYY" license plate in California, but I thought they were only up to the 6XXXYYY range? The truck itself looked pretty beat up and old, so I'm thinking they put a brand new license plate on an old car.

California may have an age limit on plates like Texas does (8 years). Or the truck came from out of state.

I am sure that there is no age limit like that in CA.  I regularly see the Gold on Blue, Gold on Black, and even Black on Gold plates that are from the 1950's.  Even the embossed lettering state plates that were the predecessor to the current script lettering state that started during 150 year statehood anniversary, are over twelve years old now.  I think those date from before 2000.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on July 25, 2012, 12:05:44 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 24, 2012, 12:01:53 PM
Quote from: Quillz on July 24, 2012, 05:45:15 AM
Came across a truck the other day with a "7XXXYYY" license plate in California, but I thought they were only up to the 6XXXYYY range? The truck itself looked pretty beat up and old, so I'm thinking they put a brand new license plate on an old car.

most likely you saw, and misparsed, a commercial plate.  7X12345. 

highest I've seen for actual issue is 6WNx123 or so ... and CA would not issue a vanity which conflicts with any actual or planned numbering scheme.  after 9XXX123, the next issue is slated to be 123XXX1, so those are unavailable for vanity as well.

each first-letter set seems to last about 4 months, so we still have half of 6W, and all of 6X, 6Y, and 6Z to go.  I believe all of those will be used (except maybe 6ZZZ) so 7AAA is a little over a year away.

as a reference, 6TH and 6TK were issued in Sept and Oct of last year, respectively.  my car is a 6TH, registered 9/9/11.

Old cars get new plates all the time in California.  Especially if they are resold at a car lot or lose a front plate.

And as indicated above, you probably saw a commercial plate, which is standard issue for light pickups, and sometimes issued for SUVs.  Based on the plate being a 7X12345, it was likely issued 3 or 4 years ago.  Trucks and SUVs outsell cars here and the DMV blew past 7X12345 and 8X12345.  They are now on 12345X1.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 25, 2012, 11:47:01 AM
there is, indeed, no age limit on CA plates.  in fact, for particularly old model years, if you can acquire a pair of plates from that year, in good condition, you can display them.  this is called the Year of Model policy.  I see plates as old as the 1930s fairly regularly on the road, due to the mild weather and the prevalent car enthusiast culture.

I believe the YOM policy is 1964 or newer, but they are thinking about extending it to the early 80s.

one interesting (quite unofficial!) variant I saw was a 1960s WV van with a 6ABC123 plate.  the plates were black with yellow, echoing the car's model year.  I am pretty sure the owner just repainted a modern issue!  :-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: txstateends on July 26, 2012, 03:25:13 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dallasnews.com%2Fincoming%2F20120725-license-plate.jpg.ece%2FBINARY%2Fw620x413%2Flicense%2Bplate.JPG&hash=1a079f84b7179cb82bcb75b795bb3f45495a01b4)

http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20120725-old-look-is-new-again-with-latest-texas-license-plates.ece

Apparently, after only having the last style since 2009, TX has decided, as of now, to do a way-back rollback in design (or lack of  X-(  ).  Sorry, but whose bright idea was this??!!??  If it was so very difficult for the patrollers to see the plates all decked out, why did the majority JUST decide (in a state-wide contest) on the blue-skies-and-mountains look not too long ago??  >ugh<
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on July 26, 2012, 03:35:53 PM
Quote from: txstateends on July 26, 2012, 03:25:13 PM
http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20120725-old-look-is-new-again-with-latest-texas-license-plates.ece

Apparently, after only having the last style since 2009, TX has decided, as of now, to do a way-back rollback in design (or lack of  X-(  ).  Sorry, but whose bright idea was this??!!??  If it was so very difficult for the patrollers to see the plates all decked out, why did the majority JUST decide (in a state-wide contest) on the blue-skies-and-mountains look not too long ago??  >ugh<

I do recall the contest...goes to show you the population's preference was not the state's preference in the long run. Why bother.

This is pretty much a carbon copy of the old 80s design with the exception of the star and state slogan. Plain and boring made worse with, as Cullen put it, the stupid 3M font...

(https://www.aaroads.com/license_plates/thb/tx-ukk-206.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rawmustard on August 22, 2012, 12:08:43 PM
Two new "Pure Michigan" license plates were revealed today (http://www.freep.com/article/20120822/NEWS06/120822015/new-michigan-license-plates?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE). The white-on-blue one will eventually become the standard plate (available beginning in early 2013), while the Mackinac Bridge design will be available sometime thereafter. My take on it is that I'm tired of them thinking the tourism slogan needs to be put on everything. I'll only give up my "Spectacular Peninsulas" plate when they pry it from my cold dead hands.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcmsimg.freep.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcsi.dll%2Fbilde%3FSite%3DC4%26amp%3BDate%3D20120822%26amp%3BCategory%3DNEWS06%26amp%3BArtNo%3D120822015%26amp%3BRef%3DAR%26amp%3BMaxW%3D300%26amp%3BBorder%3D0%26amp%3BTwo-new-Pure-Michigan-license-plates-unveiled-today-do-you-like-them-&hash=8d536a609eee6158e2f9e37bae262ce3db7043f7)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 22, 2012, 06:01:18 PM
Quote from: Alex on July 26, 2012, 03:35:53 PM
stupid 3M font...

I just noticed today that US Government plates are 3M flats.  I was much saddened.

On a brighter note, I spotted a license plate from Durango in a parking lot in Wichita on Monday.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on August 22, 2012, 06:49:52 PM
I kind of like the new Michigan bridge plate.  Personally, I wish we had something as unique for Illinois.  But, alas, we have a barely definable head of Lincoln.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US12 on August 22, 2012, 06:59:45 PM
I miss that good old all Blue "Great Lakes State" plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on August 22, 2012, 07:24:00 PM
Quote from: Alex on July 26, 2012, 03:35:53 PM
Quote from: txstateends on July 26, 2012, 03:25:13 PM
http://www.dallasnews.com/incoming/20120725-old-look-is-new-again-with-latest-texas-license-plates.ece

Apparently, after only having the last style since 2009, TX has decided, as of now, to do a way-back rollback in design (or lack of  X-(  ).  Sorry, but whose bright idea was this??!!??  If it was so very difficult for the patrollers to see the plates all decked out, why did the majority JUST decide (in a state-wide contest) on the blue-skies-and-mountains look not too long ago??  >ugh<

I do recall the contest...goes to show you the population's preference was not the state's preference in the long run. Why bother.

This is pretty much a carbon copy of the old 80s design with the exception of the star and state slogan. Plain and boring made worse with, as Cullen put it, the stupid 3M font...

(https://www.aaroads.com/license_plates/thb/tx-ukk-206.jpg)
They're out. Yuk. I saw one in Creede CO last weekend. (Our RV park in South Fork was 99% Texas rigs). Answering my earlier question on the topic, they are still avoiding vowels, since the plates began with B.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on August 22, 2012, 07:53:39 PM
How about this stream of consciousness...all it's missing is a twitter tag.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbishopdan.com%2Fimages%2Fnewplate.jpg&hash=a1dfdaadbfa57a64032b444f7427d5bdb18b70fd)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on August 22, 2012, 09:30:42 PM
Ohio: "The Gateway State"...does that mean I'll try other states after that one?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on August 22, 2012, 11:59:59 PM
Quote from: US12 on August 22, 2012, 06:59:45 PM
I miss that good old all Blue "Great Lakes State" plate.

I don't.  License plates should have some design and an artistic flair, IMHO.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US12 on August 24, 2012, 11:18:42 AM
Quote from: Brandon on August 22, 2012, 11:59:59 PM
Quote from: US12 on August 22, 2012, 06:59:45 PM
I miss that good old all Blue "Great Lakes State" plate.

I don't.  License plates should have some design and an artistic flair, IMHO.
True, but the blue bar Michigan plate they replaced it with has no artistic flair. The new Pure Michigan one is slightly better than the Blue Bar.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on August 25, 2012, 05:22:53 AM
Quote from: formulanone on August 22, 2012, 09:30:42 PM
Ohio: "The Gateway State"...does that mean I'll try other states after that one?

That might change to Colorado this fall.  8)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on August 27, 2012, 07:52:36 PM
Quote from: rawmustard on August 22, 2012, 12:08:43 PM
Two new "Pure Michigan" license plates were revealed today (http://www.freep.com/article/20120822/NEWS06/120822015/new-michigan-license-plates?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CFRONTPAGE). The white-on-blue one will eventually become the standard plate (available beginning in early 2013), while the Mackinac Bridge design will be available sometime thereafter. My take on it is that I'm tired of them thinking the tourism slogan needs to be put on everything. I'll only give up my "Spectacular Peninsulas" plate when they pry it from my cold dead hands.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcmsimg.freep.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcsi.dll%2Fbilde%3FSite%3DC4%26amp%3BDate%3D20120822%26amp%3BCategory%3DNEWS06%26amp%3BArtNo%3D120822015%26amp%3BRef%3DAR%26amp%3BMaxW%3D300%26amp%3BBorder%3D0%26amp%3BTwo-new-Pure-Michigan-license-plates-unveiled-today-do-you-like-them-&hash=8d536a609eee6158e2f9e37bae262ce3db7043f7)
Now that's a return to good plate design for that state! Nice.
Quote from: formulanone on August 22, 2012, 09:30:42 PM
Ohio: "The Gateway State"...does that mean I'll try other states after that one?
If you or someone you know has tried Ohio, we are here to help. It IS possible to get yourself off Ohio for good.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 27, 2012, 07:59:37 PM
why "Pure Michigan"?  what's wrong with just "Michigan"?

though I suppose it beats "myFlorida.gov" for state motto.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 28, 2012, 06:04:45 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 27, 2012, 07:59:37 PM
why "Pure Michigan"?  what's wrong with just "Michigan"?

Maybe there are separate ones for Detroit.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 28, 2012, 06:06:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 28, 2012, 06:04:45 PM


Maybe there are separate ones for Detroit.

probably.  we just haven't spotted any of the approximately twelve that they'd need to issue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 28, 2012, 08:57:34 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 28, 2012, 06:06:32 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 28, 2012, 06:04:45 PM


Maybe there are separate ones for Detroit.

probably.  we just haven't spotted any of the approximately twelve that they'd need to issue.

Sorry, one of us apparently went over the other's head, though I'm not sure which is which.
I meant that Detroit would get Michigan plates, whereas the rest of the state would get Pure Michigan plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 28, 2012, 09:07:08 PM
the joke was, there are only 12 people left in Detroit who can afford to register a vehicle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 28, 2012, 10:12:20 PM
OK.  So it was over my head.  I was kind of guessing it was mine.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on August 29, 2012, 04:40:00 AM
Only accept the highest Michigan purity standards. Countless lives have been ruined by the use of impure Michigan.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on August 29, 2012, 07:01:08 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2012, 04:40:00 AM
Only accept the highest Michigan purity standards. Countless lives have been ruined by the use of impure Michigan.

Around here, it's easier to Just Say No to Michigan.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on August 29, 2012, 07:06:24 AM
Quote from: vtk on August 29, 2012, 07:01:08 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2012, 04:40:00 AM
Only accept the highest Michigan purity standards. Countless lives have been ruined by the use of impure Michigan.

Around here, it's easier to Just Say No to Michigan.

At least Michigan has a 70 MPH speed limit. Last time I was in Ohio it was 65 the whole way :ded:

And just in case you didn't hate me yet–I visited Ann Arbor and thought it was lovely
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on August 29, 2012, 07:44:21 PM
Ann Arbor is a whore.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Mr. Matté on August 29, 2012, 08:35:06 PM
Quote from: 6a on August 29, 2012, 07:44:21 PM
Ann Arbor is a whore.

And the "Ste." in Sault Ste. Marie? Means "slute."
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on August 29, 2012, 08:39:44 PM
Quote from: 6a on August 29, 2012, 07:44:21 PM
Ann Arbor is a whore.

So is Columbus, but who's counting?

Go Green, Go White.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 29, 2012, 08:48:23 PM
why all the hate against Ann Arbor?  last time I was there it was a pretty reasonable place.

for a really shitty Michigan city, try Flint or Saginaw.  for Ohio, try Youngstown or Akron.  plenty of shitholes in both states!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on August 29, 2012, 09:03:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2012, 07:06:24 AM
At least Michigan has a 70 MPH speed limit. Last time I was in Ohio it was 65 the whole way :ded:

The Turnpike is 70 MPH now.  There has been sporadic talk of introducing 70 MPH on other rural Interstates, but the political support isn't quite there.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on August 29, 2012, 11:45:20 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 29, 2012, 08:48:23 PM
why all the hate against Ann Arbor?  last time I was there it was a pretty reasonable place.

It's a Big Ten thing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on August 30, 2012, 02:08:34 AM
Quote from: vtk on August 29, 2012, 09:03:21 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 29, 2012, 07:06:24 AM
At least Michigan has a 70 MPH speed limit. Last time I was in Ohio it was 65 the whole way :ded:

The Turnpike is 70 MPH now.  There has been sporadic talk of introducing 70 MPH on other rural Interstates, but the political support isn't quite there.

The only time I was in Ohio I was taking I-70 across, so the Turnpike speed limit wouldn't help much...

Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 29, 2012, 08:48:23 PM
why all the hate against Ann Arbor?  last time I was there it was a pretty reasonable place.

for a really shitty Michigan city, try Flint or Saginaw.  for Ohio, try Youngstown or Akron.  plenty of shitholes in both states!

Eh. Sports. I personally don't care for sports so any like/dislike I have of a place is on its own merits, more or less. I had a really good time in Ann Arbor because it was so much different than any sort of town I'd visited before, so there was a lot of stuff to see and experience. Ann Arbor also had a distinct 'feel' to it, something that is absent in a lot of places. (Has anyone ever felt all that strongly about, say, Des Moines?)

Sports would say that I am required to hate Austin, Texas with a blinding passion, but from what I've read of it, it seems like it would also be rather interesting. I'll reserve judgement on it for when I finally get down there. (I believe residents of Austin are supposed to hate Norman as well. They are probably more justified in doing so than we are to hate them. As far as I can tell Austin is everything Norman is not.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on August 30, 2012, 10:52:52 AM
This morning I was behind a car with what I assume is the current-style Nebraska plate, similar to what's shown below.

I was wondering if anyone knows the purpose of the barcode seen at the bottom right (below the final digit of the plate number). I've seen those on plates in Mexico as well (and a Mexican plate I saw here in Virginia earlier this summer), but this is the first time I recall having seen one on a US plate. I should mention I tend not to notice license plates unless I see something new that catches my eye. Living in the DC area you see so many out-of-area plates that you sort of become desensitized to them unless you see something really unusual, like that Mexican plate or the Puerto Rico or Guam plates I've seen a few times.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DI4979409673717695%26amp%3Bpid%3D1.8%26amp%3Bw%3D246%26amp%3Bh%3D119%26amp%3Bc%3D7%26amp%3Brs%3D1&hash=5322239e8cf0417212b1e72712b0e8fe607b2247)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 30, 2012, 12:41:24 PM
... Norman?

not Oklahoma City or even Tulsa?

Norman has a population of just over 100,000.  why would Austin bother hating what is really a suburb of OKC?

also, they'd probably hate DFW or Houston because the cultures of those two places are radically different as well.  most similar to Austin in my opinion is San Antonio.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on August 30, 2012, 01:46:15 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 30, 2012, 10:52:52 AM
This morning I was behind a car with what I assume is the current-style Nebraska plate, similar to what's shown below.

I was wondering if anyone knows the purpose of the barcode seen at the bottom right (below the final digit of the plate number). I've seen those on plates in Mexico as well (and a Mexican plate I saw here in Virginia earlier this summer), but this is the first time I recall having seen one on a US plate. I should mention I tend not to notice license plates unless I see something new that catches my eye. Living in the DC area you see so many out-of-area plates that you sort of become desensitized to them unless you see something really unusual, like that Mexican plate or the Puerto Rico or Guam plates I've seen a few times.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fts4.mm.bing.net%2Fth%3Fid%3DI4979409673717695%26amp%3Bpid%3D1.8%26amp%3Bw%3D246%26amp%3Bh%3D119%26amp%3Bc%3D7%26amp%3Brs%3D1&hash=5322239e8cf0417212b1e72712b0e8fe607b2247)

Many of the newer Colorado plates have little barcodes on them as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 30, 2012, 01:56:14 PM
clearly they are to identify people, so they can be placed in the right cattle car to ship them off to the right FEMA camp.

even more horrifying - is that Clearview on the digits of that Nebraska plate??
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2012, 02:36:35 PM
It's the mark of the beast.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on August 30, 2012, 03:02:27 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 30, 2012, 01:46:15 PM


Many of the newer Colorado plates have little barcodes on them as well.
Which ones? Certainly not the standard embossed plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on August 30, 2012, 03:12:05 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on August 30, 2012, 03:02:27 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on August 30, 2012, 01:46:15 PM


Many of the newer Colorado plates have little barcodes on them as well.
Which ones? Certainly not the standard embossed plates.

I should have clarified:  Many of the newer *non*-embossed plates.  (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.worldlicenceplates.com%2Fjpglps%2FUS_COXX_OT.jpg&hash=47f9efd8f46128ab374853832e6567a15db4f425)

The barcodes are on the lower right.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on August 30, 2012, 03:37:48 PM
It's interesting in that screen shot to see that some of the pre-2000 (current) series flat process plates had them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on August 30, 2012, 04:15:48 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on August 30, 2012, 10:52:52 AM
This morning I was behind a car with what I assume is the current-style Nebraska plate, similar to what's shown below.

I was wondering if anyone knows the purpose of the barcode seen at the bottom right (below the final digit of the plate number). I've seen those on plates in Mexico as well (and a Mexican plate I saw here in Virginia earlier this summer), but this is the first time I recall having seen one on a US plate.

Not sure what the barcode stores, but any flat 3M plate has them. I first noticed these with an earlier issue of Indiana license plates. Then I noticed that every Mexican state license plate has them as well. Basically if the tag is flat, expect to find one.

And to clarify your assumption, that is the current Nebraska passenger vehicle issue. They debuted last year. From Licenseplates.cc (http://licenseplates.cc/story.php?id=396):

QuoteMay 4, 2009 – Nebraska's next general-issue license plate features the state bird, the Meadowlark, and the state flower, the Goldenrod.

The new design, announced May 22, was chosen via an online poll.

Beginning in 2011, motorists will receive these new plates when their existing plates come up for renewal.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 30, 2012, 05:59:38 PM
Quote from: Alex on August 30, 2012, 04:15:48 PM
Not sure what the barcode stores, but any flat 3M plate has them. I first noticed these with an earlier issue of Indiana license plates. Then I noticed that every Mexican state license plate has them as well. Basically if the tag is flat, expect to find one.

Ones to check which I'm not sure have barcodes:
DC, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on August 30, 2012, 06:40:14 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 30, 2012, 05:59:38 PM
Quote from: Alex on August 30, 2012, 04:15:48 PM
Not sure what the barcode stores, but any flat 3M plate has them. I first noticed these with an earlier issue of Indiana license plates. Then I noticed that every Mexican state license plate has them as well. Basically if the tag is flat, expect to find one.

Ones to check which I'm not sure have barcodes:
DC, Montana, South Dakota, Wyoming
None of those states' flats have barcodes on them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Central Avenue on August 31, 2012, 05:36:18 PM
Quote from: 6a on August 22, 2012, 07:53:39 PM
How about this stream of consciousness...all it's missing is a twitter tag.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbishopdan.com%2Fimages%2Fnewplate.jpg&hash=a1dfdaadbfa57a64032b444f7427d5bdb18b70fd)

Here's the final version, now that all the slogans (if you can call them that) have been voted on:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FIZrII.png&hash=643346e4d8f8ffb7c17c7e766b0b49af5a55bac4)

I notice that from the earlier mock-up to the final design, they switched from Gotham to Myriad. Not sure I'm a fan of that decision; I think Gotham captures the aesthetic they were going for much better than Myriad does.

I do like one other change, though: the red banner now goes all the way across the top.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Takumi on August 31, 2012, 06:13:44 PM
It looks like the final design has more slogans.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on August 31, 2012, 07:29:24 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 30, 2012, 12:41:24 PM
... Norman?

not Oklahoma City or even Tulsa?

Norman has a population of just over 100,000.  why would Austin bother hating what is really a suburb of OKC?


it's college football season
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on August 31, 2012, 10:05:26 PM
Isn't that a Word Cloud?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on September 01, 2012, 11:35:39 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on August 30, 2012, 12:41:24 PM
... Norman?

not Oklahoma City or even Tulsa?

Norman has a population of just over 100,000.  why would Austin bother hating what is really a suburb of OKC?

also, they'd probably hate DFW or Houston because the cultures of those two places are radically different as well.  most similar to Austin in my opinion is San Antonio.


Yeah, it's sports again. Norman having OU and Austin having the University of Texas.

We got "Ann Arbor is a whore" a couple pages back and that city has around the same population.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: doorknob60 on September 05, 2012, 01:25:49 AM
Not quite on topic, but my immature mind found this amusing:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrONUZ.jpg&hash=ba5208da08077cbece2ec9fda7fdcfe1a2415285)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on September 05, 2012, 01:49:14 AM
Quote from: doorknob60 on September 05, 2012, 01:25:49 AM
Not quite on topic, but my immature mind found this amusing:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrONUZ.jpg&hash=ba5208da08077cbece2ec9fda7fdcfe1a2415285)

I think my mind took that a couple steps too far into "wrong" territory...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on September 06, 2012, 06:17:22 PM
Michigan is also updating its license plate that benefits the US Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. Like the previous one it is replacing, it costs and extra $35 to initially purchase, with $25 of that fee funding the USOEC. Renewals are an extra $10/year with the entire fee being going to the USOEC. The center is one of four in the US, but the only one attached to a university.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fcmsimg.detnews.com%2Fapps%2Fpbcsi.dll%2Fbilde%3FSite%3DC3%26amp%3BDate%3D20120906%26amp%3BCategory%3DMETRO05%26amp%3BArtNo%3D209060410%26amp%3BRef%3DAR%26amp%3BProfile%3D1361%26amp%3BMaxW%3D640%26amp%3BBorder%3D0%26amp%3BMichigan-offering-new-Olympics-license-plate&hash=88d6c4deb5da386200fb499ab18097d2c5b7cf2a)
Michigan offering new Olympics license plate (http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120906/METRO05/209060410/1361/Michigan-offering-new-"Olympics-license-plate)" The Detroit News. Associated Press. September 6, 2012.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: allniter89 on September 06, 2012, 08:20:21 PM
Quote from: doorknob60 on September 05, 2012, 01:25:49 AM
Not quite on topic, but my immature mind found this amusing:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FrONUZ.jpg&hash=ba5208da08077cbece2ec9fda7fdcfe1a2415285)
and on a school bus yet.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 06, 2012, 08:49:16 PM
that's nothing compared to this ...

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/w15855.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on September 17, 2012, 04:13:53 PM
Well, I can tell that I am on the losing side of history on this comment, but I really dislike the flat 3M plates!  Saw a truck plate from NE the other day and it looked like something that came out of a high school metal shop!  Fake.  Nor can you see any of the digits if there's a bright light at an oblique angle.  And I especially HATE the 3M font!  At least states like TN and MN seem to use a decent font that make their flat plates seem acceptable.  But what NV and AZ did to their formerly attractive plates was atrocious.   They went from being really attractive as embossed plates to uggggggly as flat ones.

Given that prerequisite, I don't like the new Texas tags.  Were they embossed, they'd look crisp, simple and clean.  However, in flat 3M form, they are sure to look amateurish and boring.

Lastly, all cars should have 2 license plates.  Almost every other country in the world requires that (aside from a couple of Canadian provinces), the reason being that you often need to see the registration number from the front.  States that only issue one are being cheapskates and most charge you just as much as they would have if they stayed with 2 plates. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on September 17, 2012, 05:07:57 PM
QuoteBut what NV and AZ did to their formerly attractive plates was atrocious.   They went from being really attractive as embossed plates to uggggggly as flat ones.

I feel like Arizona did a really good job with the transition to flat plate. See Idaho for an example of a clusterfuck.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on September 17, 2012, 06:55:17 PM
Quote from: corco on September 17, 2012, 05:07:57 PM
QuoteBut what NV and AZ did to their formerly attractive plates was atrocious.   They went from being really attractive as embossed plates to uggggggly as flat ones.

I feel like Arizona did a really good job with the transition to flat plate. See Idaho for an example of a clusterfuck.
I agree. Almost any embossed plate beats any of the flat plates. Those states that have retained a distinctive font on the flat plates, though, certainly beat the butt-ugly 3M generic font (bu3Mgf, for short). At least Nebraska has gone to a unique font on its new plates that looks pretty good, and those plates that Colorado does issue using the digital process such as special issue or vanity plates, duplicate the embossed letterset closely.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on September 18, 2012, 10:05:52 AM
Quote from: corco on September 17, 2012, 05:07:57 PM
QuoteBut what NV and AZ did to their formerly attractive plates was atrocious.   They went from being really attractive as embossed plates to uggggggly as flat ones.

I feel like Arizona did a really good job with the transition to flat plate. See Idaho for an example of a clusterfuck.

If you look at the embossed AZ plates and compare with the new flat plates, it's no contest.  The flat plates are not nearly as attractive, nor do the letters stand out nearly as well.  The same is true of Nevada's plates, which have an even uglier font.  Fact is, it's hard to get the digits to stand out on a flat plate and, when they use that horrible 3M font, it just looks awful.

And yes, I agree, Idaho's plates now officially look like crap.  Interestingly, WY does (or at least did) offer you the option of an embossed plate for a nominal fee.  These are supposedly made in Colorado and they look a lot better than the flat ones.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 18, 2012, 02:29:32 PM
While I generally dislike flat plates, Tennessee's flat plates look great.  I don't think that issue was ever issued as an embossed plate, though, to make the same kind of comparison.

Most countries' plates are flat plates, aren't they?

Regarding front plates, I think it would save me some police stops in México.  Some officers seem to be looking for cars without license plates, so our car is immediately suspect.  In June, I was specifically asked by an officer where my front license plate was; I explained that my state doesn't issue them, and he was satisfied with that answer.  It's a good thing he believed me, since I also didn't have my vehicle paperwork in the car at the time (oops).

However....when, exactly, does one need to see the registration number from the front?  I can't think of a time I've needed to.  If two plates would cost me more than one plate, then I'd rather save the money and spend seven seconds walking to the back of my car should the need ever arise.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on September 18, 2012, 09:05:28 PM
Quote from: Central Avenue on August 31, 2012, 05:36:18 PM

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FIZrII.png&hash=643346e4d8f8ffb7c17c7e766b0b49af5a55bac4)

I do like one other change, though: the red banner now goes all the way across the top.

I still say that banner would look better if it were in the shape of the Erie shoreline.  Have you seen the new 30-day tags here?  They have an orange background that resembles this design, but I haven't been able to get a closeup.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on September 18, 2012, 09:40:55 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on September 17, 2012, 04:13:53 PM

Lastly, all cars should have 2 license plates.  Almost every other country in the world requires that (aside from a couple of Canadian provinces), the reason being that you often need to see the registration number from the front.  States that only issue one are being cheapskates and most charge you just as much as they would have if they stayed with 2 plates. 
License plates cost next to nothing to produce. What you're paying for is a registration tax, which varies greatly by state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on September 19, 2012, 01:06:21 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 18, 2012, 02:29:32 PMHowever....when, exactly, does one need to see the registration number from the front?  I can't think of a time I've needed to.

A front license plate increases the chances you can report at least a partial plate to the police if a stranger attempts to kill you by running you down with a car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on September 19, 2012, 05:37:02 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on September 18, 2012, 10:05:52 AM
Quote from: corco on September 17, 2012, 05:07:57 PM
QuoteBut what NV and AZ did to their formerly attractive plates was atrocious.   They went from being really attractive as embossed plates to uggggggly as flat ones.

I feel like Arizona did a really good job with the transition to flat plate. See Idaho for an example of a clusterfuck.

If you look at the embossed AZ plates and compare with the new flat plates, it's no contest.  The flat plates are not nearly as attractive, nor do the letters stand out nearly as well.  The same is true of Nevada's plates, which have an even uglier font. 

Definitely have to agree on the Nevada plate font.

I find it ironic that Nevada DMV currently has a "circa 1982" specialty plate, which intends to mimic the plain white-on-blue style of the license plates issued at that time. This was something that was to appeal to long-time residents for the novelty of having the old-style plates (any actual blue plates issued before 1983 are still street legal if in good condition, so seeing those on cars is typically a status symbol that the driver/owner is a native Nevadan).  Shortly after they started offering this old style plate, Nevada went to the flat plates, so now the style meant to mimic the past has nothing but the ugly font on a blue field. It's horrible cause they look nothing like the 1982 style now, but some people still get them...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 19, 2012, 09:14:56 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on September 19, 2012, 01:06:21 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 18, 2012, 02:29:32 PMHowever....when, exactly, does one need to see the registration number from the front?  I can't think of a time I've needed to.

A front license plate increases the chances you can report at least a partial plate to the police if a stranger attempts to kill you by running you down with a car.

Not to be snarky, but that's somehow never come up thus far in my life, nor (as far as I know) in the life of anybody I know.  So I am hesitant to say it's worth it to require front plates for that reason.

As an aside, and not to derail the topic at hand, I had a boss who was cycling in Massachusetts one time, and had a car see how close it could get to his bicycle while passing him.  They misjudged and clipped his pedal, and he did a face plant into a granite wall.  After getting back on his bike, he continued down the hill to the police station (I don't know if he waited for the light to turn green), pulled a paint chip out of his pedal, and said they should look for a red Fiero with a piece of paint missing from the right side.  They caught the guys, no license plate number needed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on September 19, 2012, 11:45:53 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 18, 2012, 02:29:32 PM
Most countries' plates are flat plates, aren't they?

Some are, but the majority are - in some form - embossed.  The best-known "flat" plate country has to be the UK; but most of mainland Europe has embossed plates.  Australia and New Zealand also have embossed plates as do China and Japan.   I can't think of any Latin American countries that have flat plates and all of the aforementioned regions require cars to have two plates. 

Flat plates are seen in certain Caribbean island nations (generally former British territories) and in some very small or poor nations that don't have the demand nor the money to emboss a license plate.   The largest 'flat plate' nation that I can think of is India, though there is such a variety of plates on the road that it can be hard to know what is legit and what is not.  Typical of their disorganization, I guess.   Almost all are flat though.   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on September 23, 2012, 07:25:37 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on September 06, 2012, 08:49:16 PM
that's nothing compared to this ...

(//www.aaroads.com/shields/blog/photos/w15855.jpg)

My hometown team, the Finney County Blues, used to play them during summer American Legion baseball.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on September 28, 2012, 10:16:48 AM
This is a late reporting, but sometime this year California got a new baseplate.  Wait for it....the new plate added the website for the DMV! Wow, cutting edge, right?

It looked like it happened around the 6Uxx series.   I find myself wishing the state would bring back the sunset plates.  My personal favorites.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on September 28, 2012, 10:19:36 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 28, 2012, 10:16:48 AM
I find myself wishing the state would bring back the sunset plates.  My personal favorites.

:clap:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 28, 2012, 12:31:34 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 28, 2012, 10:16:48 AM
This is a late reporting, but sometime this year California got a new baseplate.  Wait for it....the new plate added the website for the DMV! Wow, cutting edge, right?

It looked like it happened around the 6Uxx series.   I find myself wishing the state would bring back the sunset plates.  My personal favorites.

cutoff is 6TPV vs. 6TPW but we are not sure yet if it was the exact 999/000 transition or not.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on October 10, 2012, 10:02:19 AM
TOLLROADSnews: Florida to get more readable license plates (http://www.tollroadsnews.com/node/6224)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ftollroadsnews.com%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fu2%2F2012%2F1210091new.gif&hash=f13078c4dd5d693e401e99d18b63fc76bf4957e3)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on October 10, 2012, 12:19:59 PM
anything but Myspace.com ... err, Myflorida.com
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on October 10, 2012, 12:21:31 PM
No more A55 RGY...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on October 10, 2012, 12:32:16 PM
That's just one potential design. The full set of potential designs is here:

http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20121010/NEWS01/310100043/Florida-may-hit-road-new-license-plates?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home (http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20121010/NEWS01/310100043/Florida-may-hit-road-new-license-plates?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CHome)

I'm disappointed. You'd think that they could come up with something better than those.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on October 10, 2012, 02:08:32 PM
Quote from: realjd on October 10, 2012, 12:32:16 PM
That's just one potential design. The full set of potential designs is here:

http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20121010/NEWS01/310100043/Florida-may-hit-road-new-license-plates?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home

I'm disappointed. You'd think that they could come up with something better than those.

And they're going to be flat.  Likely with that dreadful 3M font.  So another disappointment there.  Too bad.....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on October 10, 2012, 04:48:39 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on October 10, 2012, 02:08:32 PM
Quote from: realjd on October 10, 2012, 12:32:16 PM
That's just one potential design. The full set of potential designs is here:

http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20121010/NEWS01/310100043/Florida-may-hit-road-new-license-plates?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home

I'm disappointed. You'd think that they could come up with something better than those.

And they're going to be flat.  Likely with that dreadful 3M font.  So another disappointment there.  Too bad.....

I like the county name too... looks like that is out
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on October 10, 2012, 06:58:48 PM
Quote from: realjd on October 10, 2012, 12:32:16 PM
That's just one potential design. The full set of potential designs is here:

http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20121010/NEWS01/310100043/Florida-may-hit-road-new-license-plates?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home

I'm disappointed. You'd think that they could come up with something better than those.

Agree, these are boring and the black lettering is a change from the green or red used on all the previous designs (except for some specialties).  :thumbdown:

Quote from: StogieGuy7 on October 10, 2012, 02:08:32 PM

And they're going to be flat.  Likely with that dreadful 3M font.  So another disappointment there.  Too bad.....

I have not seen a single 3M font based plate I liked. Major ugh...

Quote from: jwolfer on October 10, 2012, 04:48:39 PM

I like the county name too... looks like that is out

Ditto for me, the county name is great and its fun to see who is from out of the area or better realize you are in a different county from where you live by all of the different county name tags then you are accustomed.. Plus I have been trying to collect one tag from each county for years, and now that collection will truly be of historical nature.  :-/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on October 10, 2012, 09:24:45 PM
Disappointment from me on an upcoming flat Florida plate; then again, I suppose it was only a matter of time. On the other hand, I prefer a minimalist plate design...the orange blossom in the center is too busy, and blocks out other characters. The header's wording is all sorts of annoying and pointless (most people are going to go to Google for their  municipal/county/state needs).

Never liked the county stampings, to be honest: All it does is show followers/cops that "you're not from around here".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on October 10, 2012, 09:52:37 PM
I would agree, those new designs are quite disappointing. On the plus side, they are pretty legible. And at least the website is gone. Though I guess Florida is taking the Ontario format and put it backwards (Ontario uses an AAAA-000 format whereas these new ones use 000 AAAA)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SteveG1988 on October 10, 2012, 09:55:41 PM
I like how Florida has to redesign their plates for toll road cameras, yet NJ has been using the same fonts since 1959, and except for 1979-1992, the same color scheme.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Faid-911.jpg&hash=27cc2b412904f62029a37782af41b818e981c76e)

1959

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2F249-laj.jpg&hash=74761677756082932b4717b1e4babe54b34d7c40)

1979

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Fw55-bwl.jpg&hash=34fdfa3ab0209117fed77c8efe7bc16b7558bb38)
1993-Now. Reflective but still the basic color scheme.

Will FL require people to change like NY did when the statue of liberty plate was replaced by the empire state, and the aborted replacement of that with the yellow plate, which cost you money when you renewed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on October 10, 2012, 10:51:18 PM
They were probably losing out on that vaunted 99.9%* catch ratio, since the 95%* wasn't good enough. I've seen the photos taken by toll cameras, and they're quite legible, even in black & white.

* Completely made-up statistics, but then again, work money into stats and you have** your answer.

** This is also not proven, but it sounds good.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on October 11, 2012, 12:49:48 AM
And the thing about NJ is that except for 0/O , each figure is distinguishable. Sure, 1/I is probably not from the resolution of a traffic camera. But why change something that's not broken?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swbrotha100 on October 11, 2012, 01:12:57 AM
If this has been mentioned before, I apologize.

I would like to see the states have simpler designs on their standard plates. The plate number (and maybe the state name) should be legible. Have all the vanity or specialized plates have the variety of designs. Therefore, people who want stuff that's more unique pay a little more for that kind of plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on October 11, 2012, 07:19:34 AM
I don't really care for any of the proposed Florida plates.  Prefer more orange and less green. 

In any event, as long as states have 1000 different alternate plates with entire dioramic displays, allow plate frames that cover state names, and Photo Block spray (which works great) is legal, tag based tolling is not a good idea. 

BTW, how the heck do you tell the difference between a Georgia University of Florida plate and a Florida University of Florida plate?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on October 11, 2012, 09:34:31 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on October 10, 2012, 09:52:37 PM
I would agree, those new designs are quite disappointing. On the plus side, they are pretty legible. And at least the website is gone. Though I guess Florida is taking the Ontario format and put it backwards (Ontario uses an AAAA-000 format whereas these new ones use 000 AAAA)

They appear legible on your computer.  However, flat plates are - on the whole - NOT as legible as the stamped plates are.  At the wrong angle, light can be reflected off of the plate, rendering it illegible.  Furthermore, bends in the plate can have the same effect.   Although they are just as easily read from directly behind as embossed plates, it's the angles that are a problem.  They're also easier to cover up or alter. 

All in all, this rush to cheap-o flat plates is a big mistake.  There were excellent reasons why license plates have been embossed for the past 75+ years.  Because it works. 

And, by the way, the 3M font SUCKS!  It just makes a crap design crappier.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on October 11, 2012, 10:04:57 AM
By the way, the font seen on that plate isn't the default 3M font seen in states such as Idaho and Texas. It looks too curved to be the squarish, compressed 3M font.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on October 11, 2012, 10:42:19 AM
It's Futura Condensed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on October 11, 2012, 11:02:28 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on October 11, 2012, 07:19:34 AM
I don't really care for any of the proposed Florida plates.  Prefer more orange and less green. 
The orange is what makes it unreadable though.  I like to notice which states vehicles are from when I'm driving, and before I knew that Florida = orange, I would be at risk of an accident every time one passed because you have to squint very closely to see anything on the plate other than the orange.  If they're nearly illegible to humans, imagine how hard it must be for cameras!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on October 11, 2012, 11:09:07 AM
Indiana is unveiling its new license plate for the next five years.

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121011/NEWS07/121019915

It's a design celebrating the bicentennial of Indiana. With the new In God We Trust plates that were released last year, this means you'll be seeing a lot of white on the back of Indiana cars the next few years. For the plate itself, it's alright I guess, at least there is no website.

Interesting, the space for the county sticker (both number and name) is not present, I am going to assume that there will be a county number sticker in the bottom right corner to conform to all the other license plates (including IGWT.) And for me that would mean that I get to have fun guessing what counties the cars are from again, instead of just having the answer out there for me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on October 11, 2012, 12:23:28 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on October 10, 2012, 02:08:32 PM
Quote from: realjd on October 10, 2012, 12:32:16 PM
That's just one potential design. The full set of potential designs is here:

http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20121010/NEWS01/310100043/Florida-may-hit-road-new-license-plates?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home

I'm disappointed. You'd think that they could come up with something better than those.

And they're going to be flat.  Likely with that dreadful 3M font.  So another disappointment there.  Too bad.....

If they are going for readability, I'd hope they'd put some thought into the font and consider choices other than 3M.  The preview on the website is not 3M.  Let's hope that indicates they are actually considering the font shown, rather than a liberty taken by the graphic designer preparing the preview.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SteveG1988 on October 11, 2012, 03:18:46 PM
New Jersey is experimenting with flat plates. I have the semi standard logo plate, the cheap one that cost 20 bucks for life, versus 50 bucks one time fee plus 10 bucks a year.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Fgs-0000.jpg&hash=f5808f142cce50a37e5789148f78dcccbc9b937d)
it is still embossed

Now the new "sports" series

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Frm89ab.jpg&hash=5478d1d896d98d017117a729bed5df88cf7ff62f)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on October 13, 2012, 12:01:12 AM
The one thing I hate about the NJ plate is that, to me, the color is extremely reminiscent of pee...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on October 13, 2012, 08:48:05 AM
West Virginia's sequicentenial (150th) plate.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/governortomblin/8054271110/in/photostream (http://www.flickr.com/photos/governortomblin/8054271110/in/photostream)

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on October 13, 2012, 03:19:57 PM
That looks really pretty! Basically, it's a mix of the current Kansas plates and the old WV plates with the state outline. I hope it's not flat...

Speaking of WV, I wonder what the reasoning is for the stickers being printed on the plate itself. I wonder how it gets renewed...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on October 13, 2012, 09:18:54 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on October 13, 2012, 03:19:57 PM
I hope it's not flat...

Speaking of WV, I wonder what the reasoning is for the stickers being printed on the plate itself. I wonder how it gets renewed...

Its flat.  Second "flat" WV plate after the "Friends of Coal" one.  As to the sticker, that is the way WV has done it for a very long time.  If you get a new plate that exps. in 2014, then it will have a faux sticker in the corner for 2014 that is really just printed on the plate.  You just cover it with real stickers from then on.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SteveG1988 on October 14, 2012, 04:04:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 13, 2012, 12:01:12 AM
The one thing I hate about the NJ plate is that, to me, the color is extremely reminiscent of pee...

It is one of the state colors, Buff. same basic color as the state flag.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on October 16, 2012, 11:33:45 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on October 11, 2012, 03:18:46 PM
Now the new "sports" series

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Frm89ab.jpg&hash=5478d1d896d98d017117a729bed5df88cf7ff62f)

Steve A., you planning to get one of these ;) If not, I'm sure Danno would want one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on October 17, 2012, 04:31:48 PM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on October 14, 2012, 04:04:03 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on October 13, 2012, 12:01:12 AM
The one thing I hate about the NJ plate is that, to me, the color is extremely reminiscent of pee...

It is one of the state colors, Buff. same basic color as the state flag.

I actually liked the old (very old) NJ plates - where New Jersey was spelled as "N J".  The buff color on those was very similar to the type of buff/beige that early 70's GM cars, such as the Buick Skylark, offered.  Simple yet elegant. 

The newer ones try to be fancy with the color being more "vibrant" and fading from top to bottom.  In the end, they end up being the color of pee.  The classic plates didn't look like that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: realjd on October 24, 2012, 07:59:40 AM
Apparently the plan for Florida to update their plates was a thinly veiled attempt to privatize the manufacturing and distribution of license plates in our state; knowing our governor, I'm sure the contract was going to go no-bid to a company he part owns or to a buddy's company. The local county tax collectors found out and complained enough that they're putting the plan on hold for now.

http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20121024/NEWS01/310240017/Florida-puts-brakes-license-plate-plan?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Home
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on October 30, 2012, 08:49:48 AM
Quote from: realjd on October 24, 2012, 07:59:40 AM
Apparently the plan for Florida to update their plates was a thinly veiled attempt to privatize the manufacturing and distribution of license plates in our state; knowing our governor, I'm sure the contract was going to go no-bid to a company he part owns or to a buddy's company. The local county tax collectors found out and complained enough that they're putting the plan on hold for now.

I don't buy the statement of "saving money"; you can't get any cheaper labor than local inmates (they generally want to work, and get paid very minimally)...Win-win.

So, this is how Rick Scott gets people back to work. How's that coming along?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on December 03, 2012, 04:23:00 PM
Voting begins for new Florida license plate design (http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/article/284115/250/Voting-begins-for-new-FL-license-plate-design)

In my opinion all four choices are bland and the switch to flat lettering garners a huge :thumbdown: Can we have a "none of the above, try something else" option?

Can we drop the orange already too? So many of the orange groves are now cookie cutter subdivisions anyway. Maybe we could just have a House silhouette for the letter A instead of a cross-section of an orange.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NE2 on December 03, 2012, 06:04:27 PM
Goodbye A55()RGY.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on December 19, 2012, 03:12:57 PM
So after the online poll for the new Florida license plates, this (http://www.news-press.com/viewart/20121218/NEWS01/121218029/Floridians-select-proposed-license-plate-design) was the result.

The winner was the plain "green bars" plate. It is expected to start production in 2014.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on December 19, 2012, 03:52:21 PM
The News-Press article noted:  "The Florida Department of Motor Vehicles wants to replace the existing standard plates, calling them difficult for red light and toll booth cameras to read. That's because they have raised lettering and an image of oranges and orange blossoms in the middle of each tag, and characters such as V and Y, B and 8, 5 and S and Q and O get confused."

Simple solution:  Use the German license plate font.  From Wikipedia:

"Modern German plates use a typeface called FE-Schrift ("fälschungserschwerende Schrift", tamper-hindering script). It is designed so that the O cannot be painted to look like a Q, and vice versa; nor can the P be painted to resemble an R, among other changes. This typeface can also more easily be read by optical character recognition software for automatic number plate recognition than the old DIN 1451 script."

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fcommons%2F3%2F30%2FFE-Schrift.svg&hash=f4360b5a7f9512189b6db59d1a739afbf0ccbbe4)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on December 19, 2012, 04:21:23 PM
Quote from: tdindy88 on October 11, 2012, 11:09:07 AM
Indiana is unveiling its new license plate for the next five years.

http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20121011/NEWS07/121019915

It's a design celebrating the bicentennial of Indiana.
The color scheme, particularly the lower-part, looks too similar to PA's current plates.

Quote from: StogieGuy7 on October 11, 2012, 09:34:31 AMHowever, flat plates are - on the whole - NOT as legible as the stamped plates are.  At the wrong angle, light can be reflected off of the plate, rendering it illegible.  Furthermore, bends in the plate can have the same effect.   Although they are just as easily read from directly behind as embossed plates, it's the angles that are a problem.  They're also easier to cover up or alter. 

All in all, this rush to cheap-o flat plates is a big mistake.  There were excellent reasons why license plates have been embossed for the past 75+ years.  Because it works.
Tell that to Delaware, they've been using flat plates for decades.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2012, 04:29:09 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 19, 2012, 03:52:21 PM
Simple solution:  Use the German license plate font.  From Wikipedia:

I have a feeling most of us could agree on another solution....  ;-)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on December 20, 2012, 04:32:39 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2012, 04:29:09 PM

I have a feeling most of us could agree on another solution....  ;-)

not use "O" and "I"?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on December 20, 2012, 05:09:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2012, 04:29:09 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 19, 2012, 03:52:21 PM
Simple solution:  Use the German license plate font.  From Wikipedia:

I have a feeling most of us could agree on another solution....  ;-)
Personally, I'd look forward to seeing U.S. license plates with umlauted vowels.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Doctor Whom on December 20, 2012, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on December 20, 2012, 05:09:38 PMPersonally, I'd look forward to seeing U.S. license plates with umlauted vowels.
Heavy-metal fans would have a field day ordering vanity tags.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Sanctimoniously on December 20, 2012, 08:42:42 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwhatirealized.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F06%2Fspinal-tap.jpg&hash=3486e193805d92756875164c510ee504ebe782e0)

. . .These go to eleven.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on December 20, 2012, 10:59:35 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on December 20, 2012, 05:09:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2012, 04:29:09 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on December 19, 2012, 03:52:21 PM
Simple solution:  Use the German license plate font.  From Wikipedia:

I have a feeling most of us could agree on another solution....  ;-)
Personally, I'd look forward to seeing U.S. license plates with umlauted vowels.

Ã,,LPSRDÅ 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2012, 11:13:29 PM
Not at ALL what I was thinking.....  :-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kurumi on December 21, 2012, 11:58:57 AM
For California plate geeks: non-commercial auto series is going to turn over fairly soon, to 7xxxnnn. We drove a 6YNSnnn loaner car down to LA a few weeks ago. Haven't seen a 6Z yet.

(I'm still driving a late 4 (2002) while our corporate parking lot is mostly 6's)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on December 21, 2012, 12:10:38 PM
MÖTLCRÜ

Pronounced Muhtley Creuh. Actually, more like a French U at the end, the one that most English speakers are unable to pronounce. So much for bands with gratuitious umlauts in their names.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on December 21, 2012, 12:10:56 PM
YNS beats the highest I've seen: YNC.  I'm always on the lookout for this kind of thing.

in a related bit, I managed to photograph 2014 registration sticker number 408.  the second one I spotted was number 2xxxx.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on December 21, 2012, 04:26:24 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on December 21, 2012, 12:10:38 PM
MÖTLCRÜ

Pronounced Muhtley Creuh. Actually, more like a French U at the end, the one that most English speakers are unable to pronounce.
It's actually easy. Make your mouth like an EEEEE and then try to say OOOO with it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on December 21, 2012, 04:52:31 PM
That reminds me of a story I heard. When Motley Crue was touring Europe when they debuted, they were in Germany and the crowd was chanting, roughly, "Mertley Cree! Mertley Cree!"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 22, 2012, 01:59:07 PM
Quote from: Steve on December 21, 2012, 04:26:24 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on December 21, 2012, 12:10:38 PM
MÖTLCRÜ

Pronounced Muhtley Creuh. Actually, more like a French U at the end, the one that most English speakers are unable to pronounce.
It's actually easy. Make your mouth like an EEEEE and then try to say OOOO with it.

I always do the opposite:  shape my mouth like OO but say the sound EE.  Interesting....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on December 22, 2012, 02:57:21 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on December 19, 2012, 04:21:23 PM
Tell that to Delaware, they've been using flat plates for decades.

Ummmm, that one tiny state (which has long had lackluster license plates to go with its lackluster scenery) has done this for decades does not mean that their way is better than what everyone else has been doing for decades.  The laws of physics are what they are and light shining from certain angles will still cause more glare from a flat plate than it would from an embossed plate.   

Flat = cheap.  And you get what you pay for. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on December 31, 2012, 03:27:05 PM
Quote from: Alex on December 03, 2012, 04:23:00 PM
Voting begins for new Florida license plate design (http://www.wtsp.com/news/topstories/article/284115/250/Voting-begins-for-new-FL-license-plate-design)

In my opinion all four choices are bland and the switch to flat lettering garners a huge :thumbdown: Can we have a "none of the above, try something else" option?

Can we drop the orange already too? So many of the orange groves are now cookie cutter subdivisions anyway. Maybe we could just have a House silhouette for the letter A instead of a cross-section of an orange.

I'm gonna miss the county names. Florida has had county identifiers since at least the 1930s.  People don't like the county showing where they are from, but many of the same people paranoid for privacy will keep dealer advertisements, have stickers with their kids name and what ever sport the kid plays, stick figures shwoign the number of people and pets in the family etc... Not to mention if someone wants to find you, its not too difficult to find you based on the tag number.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on January 13, 2013, 12:03:08 AM
Quote from: kurumi on December 21, 2012, 11:58:57 AM
For California plate geeks: non-commercial auto series is going to turn over fairly soon, to 7xxxnnn. We drove a 6YNSnnn loaner car down to LA a few weeks ago. Haven't seen a 6Z yet.
6ZAU541 is the highest one I've seen (the License Plate News (http://www.licenseplates.cc/) CA high is mine). My prediction is by at least February that we reach the 7AAA000 series.

In other news, West Virginia has started issuing their (optional) sesquicentennial plates and Indiana their bicentennial plates. Both are flat.
West Virginia:                    Indiana:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.licenseplates.cc%2Fimages%2Fwv_sesqui.jpg&hash=f5090d61273827eafb9975909c2ecfb97b5229c1)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.licenseplates.cc%2Fimages%2Fin_bicentennial.jpg&hash=4093cda8dcdc015fb47e6d01bceef25bc8faf6f2)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jp the roadgeek on January 13, 2013, 12:17:24 AM
CT will start offering 7 digit vanity plates later this year

http://articles.courant.com/2012-09-26/business/hc-dmv-vanity-plates-20120926_1_vanity-plates-standard-plates-characters (http://articles.courant.com/2012-09-26/business/hc-dmv-vanity-plates-20120926_1_vanity-plates-standard-plates-characters)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 14, 2013, 09:56:17 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on January 13, 2013, 12:03:08 AM
West Virginia has started issuing their (optional) sesquicentennial plates and Indiana their bicentennial plates. Both are flat.
West Virginia:                    Indiana:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.licenseplates.cc%2Fimages%2Fwv_sesqui.jpg&hash=f5090d61273827eafb9975909c2ecfb97b5229c1)(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.licenseplates.cc%2Fimages%2Fin_bicentennial.jpg&hash=4093cda8dcdc015fb47e6d01bceef25bc8faf6f2)

I really like the West Virginia one.  It has a graphic base, but the graphics are very muted, which is what I prefer.  The letters at the beginning, though, are way too small (or maybe narrow is the right word.

BUT.  I've also noticed that a design that looks good to me on the computer screen doesn't necessarily look as good on an actual car.  Puebla (2006 era) (http://www.15q.net/mex/puemex3.jpg) is a perfect example of one that used to be my favorite–until I saw it on an actual car, and it looked much more plain and cheap in real life.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 14, 2013, 10:07:18 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on January 13, 2013, 12:03:08 AM
6ZAU541 is the highest one I've seen (the License Plate News (http://www.licenseplates.cc/) CA high is mine). My prediction is by at least February that we reach the 7AAA000 series.

just spotted 6ZBZ007 yesterday.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on January 14, 2013, 10:10:45 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 14, 2013, 10:07:18 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on January 13, 2013, 12:03:08 AM
6ZAU541 is the highest one I've seen (the License Plate News (http://www.licenseplates.cc/) CA high is mine). My prediction is by at least February that we reach the 7AAA000 series.

just spotted 6ZBZ007 yesterday.

Would you mind if I post that as a high on License Plate News? (Unless you got an account of your own...)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 14, 2013, 10:22:55 AM
go for it.  but I don't have a photo
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on January 15, 2013, 12:50:23 PM
Arkansas isn't that far away from a 7-character plate (for the first time since 1968). They exhausted the AAA000 series in 1996 and are already in the S's on the current 000AAA series. Vanity plates are already 7 characters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 15, 2013, 04:12:30 PM
I highly suspect Arkansas would switch formats before going to 7 digits, following Missouri's example.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on January 16, 2013, 10:04:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2013, 04:12:30 PM
I highly suspect Arkansas would switch formats before going to 7 digits, following Missouri's example.

Delaware already has a letter + six digits (counting the stacked "PC" as one letter).  I don't know what they'll do when the all-number plates get to 999,999 - and I'm seeing some plates in the 990,000 range.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on January 16, 2013, 11:20:56 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on January 16, 2013, 10:04:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2013, 04:12:30 PM
I highly suspect Arkansas would switch formats before going to 7 digits, following Missouri's example.

Delaware already has a letter + six digits (counting the stacked "PC" as one letter).  I don't know what they'll do when the all-number plates get to 999,999 - and I'm seeing some plates in the 990,000 range.
Doesn't Delaware recycle numbers that have been "retired"? I have wondered how a state that hasn't had a general plate reissuance since 1942 can issue number-only plates for so long. My information comes from the license plate collector site www.15q.net. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on January 17, 2013, 09:23:35 AM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 16, 2013, 11:20:56 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on January 16, 2013, 10:04:02 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2013, 04:12:30 PM
I highly suspect Arkansas would switch formats before going to 7 digits, following Missouri's example.

Delaware already has a letter + six digits (counting the stacked "PC" as one letter).  I don't know what they'll do when the all-number plates get to 999,999 - and I'm seeing some plates in the 990,000 range.
Doesn't Delaware recycle numbers that have been "retired"? I have wondered how a state that hasn't had a general plate reissuance since 1942 can issue number-only plates for so long. My information comes from the license plate collector site www.15q.net. 
Yes they do, after a number's plate has been expired for a few years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
Found out through Daniel Faigin's cahighways.org site that the California DMV has launched the California Legacy License Plate program (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm) where car owners can pre-order vintage California plates (black-on-yellow, yellow-on-black and yellow-on-blue)...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapps.dmv.ca.gov%2Flegacy_plates%2Flegacy_index_banner.jpg&hash=447e0336c6666cacb9abcf8f66b7492e8262dd1c)

From what I gather, the vintage plates are being treated as a specialty plate which means an annual fee will apply.  Vintage plates will be issued if the DMV receives at least 7,500 orders by January 1st, 2015.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 02:07:30 PM
Quote from: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
Found out through Daniel Faigin's cahighways.org site that the California DMV has launched the California Legacy License Plate program (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm) where car owners can pre-order vintage California plates (black-on-yellow, yellow-on-black and yellow-on-blue)...

but not the classic sunset plate?  damn.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:15:12 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 02:07:30 PM
but not the classic sunset plate?  damn.
As much as I liked the classic sunset plate, if I had to pay extra for a specialty plate, I would rather go with one of these...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.ca.gov%2Fimageserver%2Fdmv%2Fimages%2Felp%2FartsT_150.jpg&hash=5911799a5009fc409236b6b055e2fae2285441f2) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.ca.gov%2Fimageserver%2Fdmv%2Fimages%2Felp%2FyosemiteT_150.jpg&hash=9830942867db5ebbac80a0872536437fc4952752) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.ca.gov%2Fimageserver%2Fdmv%2Fimages%2Felp%2Fwhaletail_150.jpg&hash=5ceea047e69161d3dc9b74910460f80c58b1aaf7)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on January 17, 2013, 02:18:05 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 02:07:30 PM
Quote from: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
Found out through Daniel Faigin's cahighways.org site that the California DMV has launched the California Legacy License Plate program (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm) where car owners can pre-order vintage California plates (black-on-yellow, yellow-on-black and yellow-on-blue)...

but not the classic sunset plate?  damn.
That is not an exact replica of the 1956 black on yellow plate (which, I think, was the first time in the U.S. a plate with the ABC 123 sequence was issued). That original plate had a raised black area on the upper right with the number 56 and slots for a metal renewal tab like that used on the previous edition. The first and subsequent renewal years, though, used a sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Doctor Whom on January 17, 2013, 05:09:52 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 17, 2013, 02:18:05 PMThat is not an exact replica of the 1956 black on yellow plate (which, I think, was the first time in the U.S. a plate with the ABC 123 sequence was issued). That original plate had a raised black area on the upper right with the number 56 and slots for a metal renewal tab like that used on the previous edition. The first and subsequent renewal years, though, used a sticker.
The linked site says that the legacy plates will not be exact replicas of the original license plates because of both modern production technology and current law on reflectorization.  It also says that the final design will differ from what is shown.  Besides, I suppose that the DMV had to make room for month and year stickers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 06:59:42 PM
Quote from: Doctor Whom on January 17, 2013, 05:09:52 PM
The linked site says that the legacy plates will not be exact replicas of the original license plates because of both modern production technology and current law on reflectorization.  It also says that the final design will differ from what is shown.  Besides, I suppose that the DMV had to make room for month and year stickers.

I don't remember what year the first reflective-sheeting plates came out in CA for general use*.  It may be 1984 (sunset plates, Olympics, etc) because IIRC even the blue/yellow is non-reflective.

as for the month and year stickers; I believe every plate since 1963 (black with yellow text) has room to fit the modern layout easily.

* factoid: 1956 was the first year of reflective plates in CA.  beaded Scotchlite sheeting, yellow with black text - for police cars only.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on January 17, 2013, 07:12:02 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 06:59:42 PM
Quote from: Doctor Whom on January 17, 2013, 05:09:52 PM
The linked site says that the legacy plates will not be exact replicas of the original license plates because of both modern production technology and current law on reflectorization.  It also says that the final design will differ from what is shown.  Besides, I suppose that the DMV had to make room for month and year stickers.

I don't remember what year the first reflective-sheeting plates came out in CA for general use*.  It may be 1984 (sunset plates, Olympics, etc) because IIRC even the blue/yellow is non-reflective.

as for the month and year stickers; I believe every plate since 1963 (black with yellow text) has room to fit the modern layout easily.

* factoid: 1956 was the first year of reflective plates in CA.  beaded Scotchlite sheeting, yellow with black text - for police cars only.
Yes, the 1963 plates, which were designed to accommodate stickers instead of them being an afterthought as in 1956, had two sticker wells. Alternate year stickers were put on opposite sides until the state adopted year-around registration. I wonder how the black plate will be made retroreflective. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 07:21:57 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 17, 2013, 07:12:02 PMI wonder how the black plate will be made retroreflective.

that's an interesting question from a manufacturing perspective.  the flip answer is "it won't be; black is rarely made retroreflective".  however, right now I believe plates are made with a layer of retroreflective sheeting, and the embossing is roll-coated with non-reflective ink.  this works well for positive-contrast applications like the current white plate with dark blue lettering, but it will not work for either the black/yellow or blue/yellow historic plate.

screen-printing in a way which aligns with the embossing is prohibitively expensive, so the only option I am thinking is to roll-coat the embossing with opaque paint and then a layer of reflective beading.  holy 1950s technology, Batman!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on January 17, 2013, 07:27:36 PM
Quote from: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
Found out through Daniel Faigin's cahighways.org site that the California DMV has launched the California Legacy License Plate program (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm) where car owners can pre-order vintage California plates (black-on-yellow, yellow-on-black and yellow-on-blue)...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapps.dmv.ca.gov%2Flegacy_plates%2Flegacy_index_banner.jpg&hash=447e0336c6666cacb9abcf8f66b7492e8262dd1c)

I like these.  Especially the yellow-on-black and yellow-on-blue.

Quote from: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:15:12 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.ca.gov%2Fimageserver%2Fdmv%2Fimages%2Felp%2FartsT_150.jpg&hash=5911799a5009fc409236b6b055e2fae2285441f2)

I also like this one, and some of the similar California issues.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on January 17, 2013, 07:33:49 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 07:21:57 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 17, 2013, 07:12:02 PMI wonder how the black plate will be made retroreflective.

that's an interesting question from a manufacturing perspective.  the flip answer is "it won't be; black is rarely made retroreflective".  however, right now I believe plates are made with a layer of retroreflective sheeting, and the embossing is roll-coated with non-reflective ink.  this works well for positive-contrast applications like the current white plate with dark blue lettering, but it will not work for either the black/yellow or blue/yellow historic plate.

screen-printing in a way which aligns with the embossing is prohibitively expensive, so the only option I am thinking is to roll-coat the embossing with opaque paint and then a layer of reflective beading.  holy 1950s technology, Batman!

Thank you for the informed comments on this.

Does California use convict labor (like so many other states) to manufacture license plates?

If the answer is yes, then the more labor-intensive (1950s) method might not be so bad, right?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 07:34:41 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on January 17, 2013, 07:33:49 PM
Thank you for the informed comments on this.

Does California use convict labor (like so many other states) to manufacture license plates?

If the answer is yes, then the more labor-intensive (1950s) method might not be so bad, right?

I believe they do.

now I wonder how other states have made negative-contrast retroreflective license plates.  there's gotta be an option I am failing to consider.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on January 17, 2013, 08:14:50 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 07:34:41 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on January 17, 2013, 07:33:49 PM
Thank you for the informed comments on this.

Does California use convict labor (like so many other states) to manufacture license plates?

If the answer is yes, then the more labor-intensive (1950s) method might not be so bad, right?

I believe they do.

now I wonder how other states have made negative-contrast retroreflective license plates.  there's gotta be an option I am failing to consider.

Maryland (and, Virginia, I believe) have never issued a tag like that since going to retroreflective tags. 

Virginia does issue a white-on-black antique set of tags like this one (I don't think it is retroreflective): (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dmv.virginia.gov%2Fimages%2Fthumbnails%2Fantiqveh_tn.jpg&hash=d629c02701c73a83a233b9fb3a6201584d046fa3)

But before retroreflecitve tags became common in the 1970's, both did. In many years, Virginia had white-on-black, and Maryland had variations, including white-on-blue (those were used in many years), yellow-on-black (like the classic California tags discussed above) and black-on-yellow.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on January 17, 2013, 10:54:57 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 17, 2013, 07:34:41 PM
now I wonder how other states have made negative-contrast retroreflective license plates.  there's gotta be an option I am failing to consider.

The only newer ones that I know of are these special Kentucky "Friends of Coal" license plates: (Image from Plateshack Y2K)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FKentucky2%2Fky2011coal.jpg&hash=d934666371ac76aefc42aeabae82bcbc57ef57f4)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on January 18, 2013, 12:12:51 AM
I thought "positive contrast" was light text on dark background, and "negative contrast" dark text on light background.

Anyway, I imagine a couple of ways reflective white text on a colored background, or light colored text on a black background, can be done without beads as a last step.  The first visible layer is reflective in the lighter color.  Then the whole plate is painted in the darker color (translucent if not black), then a chemical is rollcoated to remove the dark color from the embossed letters.  Or, the first visible layer is reflective in the lighter color, then a chemical mask is rollcoated on the embossed letters which prevents the darker color from adhering when it's applied to the entire plate; then the mask is washed off with another chemical. 

...I've seen almost every episode of How It's Made.  And now I'm trying to think of a way UV-hardening might be used in license plate production...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Kacie Jane on January 18, 2013, 02:42:07 AM
Quote from: vtk on January 18, 2013, 12:12:51 AM
I thought "positive contrast" was light text on dark background, and "negative contrast" dark text on light background.

Whenever I make a reference to one phrase or the other, I always have to look it up to make sure I'm using the correct one.  Without looking it up, I don't have a clue whether you're correct or not, and I'm convinced my chances of guessing correctly are worse than 50/50.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 18, 2013, 09:30:07 AM
Quote from: vtk on January 18, 2013, 12:12:51 AM
I thought "positive contrast" was light text on dark background, and "negative contrast" dark text on light background.

I always have to guess as well. 

QuoteAnyway, I imagine a couple of ways reflective white text on a colored background, or light colored text on a black background, can be done without beads as a last step.  The first visible layer is reflective in the lighter color.  Then the whole plate is painted in the darker color (translucent if not black), then a chemical is rollcoated to remove the dark color from the embossed letters.  Or, the first visible layer is reflective in the lighter color, then a chemical mask is rollcoated on the embossed letters which prevents the darker color from adhering when it's applied to the entire plate; then the mask is washed off with another chemical. 

...I've seen almost every episode of How It's Made.  And now I'm trying to think of a way UV-hardening might be used in license plate production...

I had no idea about those manufacturing processes; thank you for the info!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on January 18, 2013, 03:33:41 PM
Mnemonic: positive contrast is light on dark because you can positively use Clearview in those instances.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 18, 2013, 03:48:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 18, 2013, 03:33:41 PM
Mnemonic: positive contrast is light on dark because you can positively use Clearview in those instances.

yes, but I think of Clearview negatively, so there goes that...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 18, 2013, 03:57:33 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 18, 2013, 03:48:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on January 18, 2013, 03:33:41 PM
Mnemonic: positive contrast is light on dark because you can positively use Clearview in those instances.

yes, but I think of Clearview negatively, so there goes that...

But you think of it even more negatively when it's used in negative contrast, right?

Right?

No?  Well, shoot..
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on January 18, 2013, 05:16:59 PM
If I'm reading that PDF form correctly, we won't be able to get those vintage license plates until after 2015?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on January 23, 2013, 06:08:20 AM
WV is going "flat" for all plates:

http://www.dailymail.com/Business/201301200122 (http://www.dailymail.com/Business/201301200122)

And also abandoning the fundamentally stupid numbering system.  Since 1973 the state has used a system of:

*L NNNN which was exhaused and replaced by *LL NNN which is now also close to exhaustion.  The * is either 1-9 or N O or D indicating the month of expiration, which, of course, limits the number of possible combinations greatly, and requires the DMV to keep 12 sets of plates on hand.  New series will simply be NNN LLL with expiration indicated on a sticker, like most states.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 23, 2013, 09:21:45 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on January 23, 2013, 06:08:20 AM
WV is going "flat" for all plates:

http://www.dailymail.com/Business/201301200122 (http://www.dailymail.com/Business/201301200122)

And also abandoning the fundamentally stupid numbering system.  Since 1973 the state has used a system of:

*L NNNN which was exhaused and replaced by *LL NNN which is now also close to exhaustion.  The * is either 1-9 or N O or D indicating the month of expiration, which, of course, limits the number of possible combinations greatly, and requires the DMV to keep 12 sets of plates on hand.  New series will simply be NNN LLL with expiration indicated on a sticker, like most states.

Including the month of expiration as part of the serial number necessarily limits the number of possible combinations, so I think it was a dumb idea in and of itself.  It basically held several million "normal" serial numbers captive (someone will probably correct me in my math).

Regarding flat plates:  I've said it before, but flat plates can look decent, but they hardly ever do.  The only flat plate, IMO, that turned out really well is Tennessee (http://www.15q.net/us5/tn12.jpg).  Some of the others have turned out less-than-total-crap, but would still look better embossed.  Nevada's (http://www.15q.net/us3/nv07.jpg) doesn't even look real; if I were a police officer in a foreign country and saw a car with one, I'd likely accuse the driver of having forged a license plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 23, 2013, 09:47:13 AM
flat plates innately aren't a problem; it's that horrid font that they seem to be using across many states these days.  the Nevada example has it, for instance.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on January 23, 2013, 10:28:38 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on January 23, 2013, 09:47:13 AM
flat plates innately aren't a problem; it's that horrid font that they seem to be using across many states these days.  the Nevada example has it, for instance.

Hey, but at least there's alternate flat plate fonts. There's the alternate 3M fonts (the better ones) used by Georgia and Minnesota. Arizona and Nebraska both use flat fonts unique only to those states. The there's states like New York and Washington that uses flat plate fonts on their specialty plates that replicate the embossed font.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on January 24, 2013, 07:01:18 PM
Still not sure if I want to get yellow on black or yellow on blue. I like the look of the former, but my family had an old station wagon when I was little that had the yellow on blue and thus it makes me a bit nostalgic.

But more importantly, I might very well have a different car in 2015. I will be able to transfer this plate from my current car to a potential new one, right? I'd imagine it'd just be a matter of changing the VIN with the DMV. But that sounds too simple to be true.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on January 24, 2013, 07:54:56 PM
So according to License Plate News, Arizona has now reached the BAA0000 series after five years in the AAA0000 series. That'd sure be weird to look at (so will the 7AAA000 CA plates)...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on January 25, 2013, 04:11:27 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on January 24, 2013, 07:54:56 PM
So according to License Plate News, Arizona has now reached the BAA0000 series after five years in the AAA0000 series. That'd sure be weird to look at (so will the 7AAA000 CA plates)...

we're getting there.  6ZGZ904.  you can report it on that site if ya want.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: doogie1303 on January 28, 2013, 11:08:20 PM
RI switched from a AA-000 style numbers to all numbers 000-000 a few years back. They claimed that they ran out of numbers (with AA-000 style you only get 676,000 combinations) and thats why they switched to all numbers, but it doesn't make much sense. All they needed to do was add another letter and they would have more than enough new plate numbers.

With 6-digit numbers only you get 1,000,000 combinations where as with numeric/alphanumberic combinations like AAA-000, you get 17,576,000 combinations.

All numbers I think is kinda boring, considering that at one time in RI, the two letters in your plate number would have been your initials.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2013, 10:09:37 AM
Well, if they run out of 123-456 numbers, it's not like they can't still switch to ABC-123 at a later date.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on January 29, 2013, 08:28:11 PM
Ohio may require replacement of license plates after 7 years of use

http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2013/01/29/oh--ohio-license-plates.html

This would wipe out the gold-gradient and bicentennial plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on January 29, 2013, 09:55:54 PM
Quote from: vtk on January 29, 2013, 08:28:11 PM
Ohio may require replacement of license plates after 7 years of use

http://www.10tv.com/content/stories/2013/01/29/oh--ohio-license-plates.html

This would wipe out the gold-gradient and bicentennial plates.

So even if your Ohio license plate is in near-mint condition after 7 years, you still have to get a new plate -- for the cost of $10 above the price of your annual registration.  In other words, "let's find a subliminal way to get more money out of our taxpayers".

What about those people owning antique/collectors cars who can legally use a vintage plate from the year of their car's make & model, or the one time "collector's car" plate for vehicles over 25 years old??

If Ohio is hurting that much for cash, then they should do like other states and base the annual license plate fees on the weight & age of the car instead of $xx.00 + $10-$20 more the local municipality of residence wants to add to it? 

I used to pay about $45.00/year to renew my plates where I lived in Ohio, out here in Colorado, my last renewal was $250.00 for that stinkin little sticker!!!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on January 30, 2013, 02:08:15 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on January 29, 2013, 09:55:54 PM
So even if your Ohio license plate is in near-mint condition after 7 years, you still have to get a new plate -- for the cost of $10 above the price of your annual registration.  In other words, "let's find a subliminal way to get more money out of our taxpayers".

IIRC the article mentions something about this coming out of budget discussions, so I don't think they're trying to cover up that motivating factor.  But I have numerous times seen Ohio plates that are rusting or delaminating and becoming unreadible.  Relying on car owners to voluntarily order replacement plates as needed isn't reliable, apparently.

Quote from: thenetwork on January 29, 2013, 09:55:54 PM
What about those people owning antique/collectors cars who can legally use a vintage plate from the year of their car's make & model, or the one time "collector's car" plate for vehicles over 25 years old??

I would imagine vintage plates would still be allowed (as long as the number is readable).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on January 30, 2013, 11:13:48 AM
Quote from: vtk on January 30, 2013, 02:08:15 AM
Relying on car owners to voluntarily order replacement plates as needed isn't reliable, apparently.
Then tell police officers to DO THEIR JOBS for once.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on February 19, 2013, 09:10:52 PM
Quote from: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
Found out through Daniel Faigin's cahighways.org site that the California DMV has launched the California Legacy License Plate program (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm) where car owners can pre-order vintage California plates (black-on-yellow, yellow-on-black and yellow-on-blue)...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapps.dmv.ca.gov%2Flegacy_plates%2Flegacy_index_banner.jpg&hash=447e0336c6666cacb9abcf8f66b7492e8262dd1c)

From what I gather, the vintage plates are being treated as a specialty plate which means an annual fee will apply.  Vintage plates will be issued if the DMV receives at least 7,500 orders by January 1st, 2015.

Every state needs to do this.  I'd be first in line to pick one up.  I HATE graphic plates, but I believe I've expressed that plenty in this thread.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on February 21, 2013, 09:46:29 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 23, 2013, 09:21:45 AM
Regarding flat plates:  I've said it before, but flat plates can look decent, but they hardly ever do.  The only flat plate, IMO, that turned out really well is Tennessee (http://www.15q.net/us5/tn12.jpg).  Some of the others have turned out less-than-total-crap, but would still look better embossed.  Nevada's (http://www.15q.net/us3/nv07.jpg) doesn't even look real; if I were a police officer in a foreign country and saw a car with one, I'd likely accuse the driver of having forged a license plate.

Agreed!  Nevada's plate is a real shame because this design was initially embossed and looked rather sharp.  Then they came out with the flat version, which looks like crap. 

Tennessee's flat plate does look pretty good; but that design would look better still if it was embossed.

Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on January 23, 2013, 10:28:38 AM
Hey, but at least there's alternate flat plate fonts. There's the alternate 3M fonts (the better ones) used by Georgia and Minnesota. Arizona and Nebraska both use flat fonts unique only to those states. The there's states like New York and Washington that uses flat plate fonts on their specialty plates that replicate the embossed font.

Minnesota's new plates really wimped out with the same background design, but changing the (now flat) digits from blue to black.  It's another example where the older embossed version is superior. 

As for Nebraska: their truck and trailer plates (which are black and white) look incredibly fake.  Their plates are thin to begin with, and combine that with the cheap-looking font in black and white and it looks like something that was whipped up by a used car dealer.

One of the biggest lies out there about flat plates is that they increase visibility.  That's a steaming pile of bullshit.  When seen from certain angles, opaque light actually reflects off of any flat plate, creating glare and rendering it illegible.  And, from the other angles, there's NO advantage in having flat letters versus embossed as long as both plates are fully reflective.  The embossed plates are better.  In addition to being far more attractive.

Face it, flat plates are blighting our highways for one reason only: because they're cheap to make.  Not that motorists save any money; it all goes into state coffers.  And inmates have less to do. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 21, 2013, 01:04:04 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on February 21, 2013, 09:46:29 AM
Face it, flat plates are blighting our highways for one reason only: because they're cheap to make.  Not that motorists save any money; it all goes into state coffers.

It is possible that, were a state to have stayed with embossed plates, the price for registration would have gone up rather than stayed the same–or gone up more than it did, if it did.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on February 21, 2013, 02:13:35 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on February 21, 2013, 09:46:29 AM
Face it, flat plates are blighting our highways for one reason only: because they're cheap to make.  Not that motorists save any money; it all goes into state coffers.  And inmates have less to do. 

They also tout that they're typically more readable by red-light and toll cameras which issue tickets. Which means more revenue generation, and essentially does nothing for the end-user.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on February 21, 2013, 03:01:48 PM
I actually feel like Oklahoma's current flat plate is miles better than the one it replaced, though part of that is probably due to me getting sick of the previous design after having had to stare at it for 20 years, and not caring for Oklahoma's embossed font. (The flat plate uses Series C digits and some kind of squared-off variant of Series C letters).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on February 21, 2013, 03:18:54 PM
Oklahoma's plate isn't bad at all
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on February 22, 2013, 07:15:51 AM
Question:

Just got back from West Palm Beach.  Rented a car from Hertz.  Every car on the Hertz lot was registered in Blount County, Tennessee.  Another brand was using Davidson County.  Another Indiana.  Another Louisiana.  On the freeway, there were enough Blount County, Tennessee plates that one would have though one was in Knoxville.

Howcome Florida puts up with this?  In my state, the local rental car franchisees have to keep a %age registered in-state (for example the local Enterprise covers most of WV, and small parts of KY and OH, with WV comprising about 80% of its business, so 80% of the cars are plated in WV, etc).  Obviously these cars were delivered directly to the rental agency and have never been north of Daytona Beach. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on February 22, 2013, 12:06:43 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on February 22, 2013, 07:15:51 AM
Question:

Just got back from West Palm Beach.  Rented a car from Hertz.  Every car on the Hertz lot was registered in Blount County, Tennessee.  Another brand was using Davidson County.  Another Indiana.  Another Louisiana.  On the freeway, there were enough Blount County, Tennessee plates that one would have though one was in Knoxville.

How come Florida puts up with this?

I rent from Avis a lot, and they essentially do the same thing; I guess it boils down to a few things:

Some counties/states are just cheaper than others to register vehicles. Other places seem to have large airport-based lots for pooling together a lot of vehicles, and distribute them to areas as needed (Florida needs lots of rentals between Thanksgiving to Easter/Passover, or shortages during the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy). You also get one-way rentals; so it's not terribly uncommon to see a vehicle on a rental lot with a plate from a state that's 1000+ miles away. If the demand increases for a type of car, or a replacement car is needed, they'll distribute them as needed...after all, a car that isn't being rented is just a company expense that generates no revenue.

Florida is one of those places that also attracts lots of tourism, so out-of-state plates aren't very unusual, although something from Alaska or Hawaii on Floridian soil are rare (but not impossible, especially in the car biz) finds. I'd imagine that most rental car agencies don't have roots in Florida, anyhow; they probably don't care much if the company isn't incorporated in Florida. That's not to say I haven't had rental cars in Florida with Florida license plates, but I don't think they have such restrictions.

Blount County, TN does seem to be a popular one with rental registrations, with Shelby County, TN being another one that seems to be oddly popular nearly anywhere I travel in The South. On the other hand, I've had Florida plates on rentals in Arkansas and Georgia, so...[shrugs]
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on February 22, 2013, 12:22:18 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on February 21, 2013, 03:01:48 PM
I actually feel like Oklahoma's current flat plate is miles better than the one it replaced, though part of that is probably due to me getting sick of the previous design after having had to stare at it for 20 years, and not caring for Oklahoma's embossed font. (The flat plate uses Series C digits and some kind of squared-off variant of Series C letters).
I really like the design of the Oklahoma plate, but having the graphic on one side results in all six characters being pushed together without a space. Like New Mexico's balloon plate, this inhibits readability. Also, although the flat letterset used by Oklahoma isn't bad as those go, it is hard to distinguish among letters D, O and Q.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: D-Dey65 on February 22, 2013, 12:29:06 PM
Quote from: myosh_tino on January 17, 2013, 02:05:55 PM
Found out through Daniel Faigin's cahighways.org site that the California DMV has launched the California Legacy License Plate program (http://www.dmv.ca.gov/legacyplates/index.htm) where car owners can pre-order vintage California plates (black-on-yellow, yellow-on-black and yellow-on-blue)...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fapps.dmv.ca.gov%2Flegacy_plates%2Flegacy_index_banner.jpg&hash=447e0336c6666cacb9abcf8f66b7492e8262dd1c)

From what I gather, the vintage plates are being treated as a specialty plate which means an annual fee will apply.  Vintage plates will be issued if the DMV receives at least 7,500 orders by January 1st, 2015.
Antique car collectors are going to sweep these up like gang-busters, if they haven't already.


Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on February 22, 2013, 05:55:55 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on February 22, 2013, 07:15:51 AM
Question:

Just got back from West Palm Beach.  Rented a car from Hertz.  Every car on the Hertz lot was registered in Blount County, Tennessee.  Another brand was using Davidson County.  Another Indiana.  Another Louisiana.  On the freeway, there were enough Blount County, Tennessee plates that one would have though one was in Knoxville.

Howcome Florida puts up with this?  In my state, the local rental car franchisees have to keep a %age registered in-state (for example the local Enterprise covers most of WV, and small parts of KY and OH, with WV comprising about 80% of its business, so 80% of the cars are plated in WV, etc).  Obviously these cars were delivered directly to the rental agency and have never been north of Daytona Beach. 

Back when Florida had counties on all the tags, and after Florida went away from the LEASE for the county name;  Lots of rental cars were from Manatee and Duval County for some reason.  I assumed it was for registration. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on February 22, 2013, 09:01:12 PM
Speaking of License Plates for rental cars, I know that in some parts of the country, states and/or rental car companies try their best to mask rental cars so as to either reduce the amount of break-ins or damage to a rental car.

Meanwhile, Colorado rental cars which get their plates in-state are sitting ducks -- All Colorado "Rental Car" license plates are a Red-on-White version of the standard issue Green-On-White plates. 

Colorado Rental Car = mostly out-of-area travelers = always lots of good stuff in the car & trunk for thieves! :no:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on February 22, 2013, 09:13:11 PM
That bled into eastern Wyoming too, where virtually all rentals had Colorado red and white plates. (I'm pretty sure eastern Wyoming rental car agencies just accumulated all their cars from one way rentals from Denver)

Interestingly, a couple years ago when my folks flew into Denver to come to my graduation in Laramie, they rented an Aveo from National that had regular green and white plates, but that's the only known rental car I've ever seen with green Colorado tags.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 03:30:11 AM
Some smaller counties in NY used the county abbreviation (for example, YT-XXXX, was Yates County.) This was in the 1980's and early '90's that I know of. Of course, this numbering system would never work in a populated area. I think the locals liked the knowledge they lived in an area that could manage this.

Are there any states beside NY that allow 8 character vanity plates?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on February 23, 2013, 09:45:21 AM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 03:30:11 AM

Are there any states beside NY that allow 8 character vanity plates?
North Carolina does
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on February 23, 2013, 09:50:27 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 22, 2013, 09:01:12 PM
Speaking of License Plates for rental cars, I know that in some parts of the country, states and/or rental car companies try their best to mask rental cars so as to either reduce the amount of break-ins or damage to a rental car.

Meanwhile, Colorado rental cars which get their plates in-state are sitting ducks -- All Colorado "Rental Car" license plates are a Red-on-White version of the standard issue Green-On-White plates. 

Colorado Rental Car = mostly out-of-area travelers = always lots of good stuff in the car & trunk for thieves! :no:
Those are fleet plates (vertical stacked FLT in front of the serial), which are not confined to rental cars. The electric utility I work for has a service center lot full of trucks and fleet vehicles, all bearing those plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on February 23, 2013, 11:41:16 AM
Quote from: Big John on February 23, 2013, 09:45:21 AM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 03:30:11 AM

Are there any states beside NY that allow 8 character vanity plates?
North Carolina does
Ontario does too.

Nevada is now issuing these new sesquicentennial plates for its 150th anniversary next year. In my opinion, they're a bit too crowded...
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.cmgdigital.com%2Fshared%2Flt%2Flt_cache%2Fthumbnail%2F960%2Fimg%2Fphotos%2F2013%2F02%2F21%2F60%2F2d%2FNV_The_Silver_State_LicensePlate.jpg&hash=08b8c10c871231b31ad665dc161cbb8f37aff058)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 02:02:31 PM
This thread is too long for me to read it all at one time, so pardon me if this is redundant.

I find it interesting that Mexico issues a license plate, and a window decal that is identical. The vehicle must have both the license plate mounted, and the (presumably non-removable) decal visible in the rear-facing glass. I guess there must be lots of chicanery going on in Mexico with license plate swapping and borrowing. Aside from emission/safety/registration stickers, are there any US states that require something like this?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on February 23, 2013, 02:15:00 PM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 02:02:31 PM
This thread is too long for me to read it all at one time, so pardon me if this is redundant.

I find it interesting that Mexico issues a license plate, and a window decal that is identical. The vehicle must have both the license plate mounted, and the (presumably non-removable) decal visible in the rear-facing glass. I guess there must be lots of chicanery going on in Mexico with license plate swapping and borrowing. Aside from emission/safety/registration stickers, are there any US states that require something like this?

The city of Philadelphia tried this for a brief time in lieu of plate stickers to combat sticker theft.  It didn't last long.  I seem to remember complaints of profiling by the police when they were traveling outside of the city.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 23, 2013, 02:45:03 PM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 02:02:31 PM
I find it interesting that Mexico issues a license plate, and a window decal that is identical. The vehicle must have both the license plate mounted, and the (presumably non-removable) decal visible in the rear-facing glass. I guess there must be lots of chicanery going on in Mexico with license plate swapping and borrowing. Aside from emission/safety/registration stickers, are there any US states that require something like this?

It also makes it fun to see cars that are more than about ten years old, because you get to see the design of all the previous license plate issues for that state for the past several years:  in most cases, at least, the design of the sticker is basically the same as the plates themselves.

For example, here's a picture of my two sons playing in the back of an old clunker this past summer.  Notice the stickers on the left side of the window.  From top to bottom, those are the license plate designs for the state of Coahuila for the 2001 series, the 1998 issue, what I think was a mid-1990s issue, and then the 2010 issue to the right of those.  (I'm not sure why there's no 2003 issue sticker.)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1092.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi410%2Fkphoger%2FMexTags_zps68a6f3f2.png&hash=ccc41a626625ea915a7ea40fa49c8dc72cb786f7)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on February 23, 2013, 11:34:25 PM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 02:02:31 PM
This thread is too long for me to read it all at one time, so pardon me if this is redundant.

I find it interesting that Mexico issues a license plate, and a window decal that is identical. The vehicle must have both the license plate mounted, and the (presumably non-removable) decal visible in the rear-facing glass. I guess there must be lots of chicanery going on in Mexico with license plate swapping and borrowing. Aside from emission/safety/registration stickers, are there any US states that require something like this?

Not one of the 50 states, but it does have the authority to issue license plates - the District of Columbia has been doing this for quite a few years now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on February 24, 2013, 03:39:35 AM
Interesting. When I visit DC, I generally stay in Alexandria, take the Metro into town, and generally stick to the National Mall or other touristy areas. The majority of the rest of the city is pretty repulsive to me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on February 24, 2013, 07:22:30 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 23, 2013, 02:45:03 PM
Aside from emission/safety/registration stickers, are there any US states that require something like this?

IIRC, didn't Kentucky used to require one to post a proof of insurance sticker in the back window, back years ago?

And, not technically "emission/safety/registration", some Virginia towns and counties have a wheel tax sticker that goes right next to the (weirdly placed) state inspection sticker. 

Which brings up another question from my recent trip to Florida.  Florida plate renewals are a yellow sticker with black writing in the form of "8-13" etc, that goes on the plate, much like most states.  Saw several cars with a sticker, about 5 x 5, on the back window of the form of:

NOW

(picture of a renewal sticker M-YY)

FLORIDA

with the plate having a sticker that read the same month in the previous year (i.e. expired). 

No idea what that was about.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on February 24, 2013, 12:52:07 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on February 24, 2013, 07:22:30 AM
And, not technically "emission/safety/registration", some Virginia towns and counties have a wheel tax sticker that goes right next to the (weirdly placed) state inspection sticker. 

It used to be that every county and every city and town in the Commonwealth (there might have been a very few exceptions) issued a square local registration sticker next to the safety inspection sticker on the lower edge of the windshield in the middle.   Virginia local governments used to extract an annual (and hefty) personal property tax based on the value of the vehicle as determined by the local tax assessor.  Now that tax is a small remnant of what it once was for most automobiles and light trucks (but owners of heavier vehicles still have to pay it), many local governments have stopped issuing the stickers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on February 24, 2013, 12:54:13 PM
Quote from: djsinco on February 24, 2013, 03:39:35 AM
Interesting. When I visit DC, I generally stay in Alexandria, take the Metro into town, and generally stick to the National Mall or other touristy areas. The majority of the rest of the city is pretty repulsive to me.

I am not especially a fan of D.C. and its politics (I have lived in its close-in or distant suburbs nearly all my life), but there are some areas of the city that I rather like (though parking is almost always problematic, even in the many neighborhoods of the city that are very suburban in appearance).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on February 24, 2013, 03:16:42 PM
via licenseplates.cc:
Gray orders license plate change: "˜District of Columbia' instead of "˜Washington D.C.' (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-wire/post/gray-orders-license-plate-change-district-of-columbia-instead-of-washington-dc/2013/02/22/359b968a-7d20-11e2-82e8-61a46c2cde3d_blog.html)

QuoteOn Friday, Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) published a new mayoral order changing the city's license plates from "Washington D.C."  to the "District of Columbia."  The name change means the city's "taxation without representation"  license plates will be redesigned.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Molandfreak on February 24, 2013, 03:26:03 PM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 03:30:11 AM
Are there any states beside NY that allow 8 character vanity plates?
http://www.american-number-plate.com/Editor/assets/OUTATIME-car.jpg  :bigass:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on February 24, 2013, 04:19:15 PM
Quote from: Alex on February 24, 2013, 03:16:42 PM
via licenseplates.cc:
Gray orders license plate change: "˜District of Columbia' instead of "˜Washington D.C.' (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/dc-wire/post/gray-orders-license-plate-change-district-of-columbia-instead-of-washington-dc/2013/02/22/359b968a-7d20-11e2-82e8-61a46c2cde3d_blog.html)

QuoteOn Friday, Mayor Vincent C. Gray (D) published a new mayoral order changing the city's license plates from "Washington D.C."  to the "District of Columbia."  The name change means the city's "taxation without representation"  license plates will be redesigned.

You beat me to it.

Years ago, the District of Columbia's longtime black-on-reflective white tags did not mention "Washington" at all, just "District of Columbia."

Examples here (http://www.dcplates.net/Base1968.htm).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on February 25, 2013, 10:08:02 AM
Quote from: djsinco on February 23, 2013, 03:30:11 AM
Are there any states beside NY that allow 8 character vanity plates?

Florida does, starting around 2003-04.

Even though there was previously room for an 8th character, it couldn't be used for anything other than a hyphen.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on March 08, 2013, 08:59:41 PM
Iowa changes the sequence on license plates (http://qctimes.com/news/local/ask-the-times/iowa-changes-the-sequence-on-license-plates/article_a6ec4bce-86bf-11e2-ada3-0019bb2963f4.html)

QuoteTracy Bramble from the Iowa Department of Transportation explains that the previous arrangement of three numbers followed by three letters used on Iowa license plates reached the maximum possible combination last summer. Newly issued plates that are not personalized use a reverse sequence of three letters, followed by three numbers.

QuoteThe basic design stays the same. The DOT already had changed the color of the numbers and letters on newly issued plates from dark blue to black on standard plates and specialty plates that have the blue and white background. It did not affect specialty plates that use a special color as part of their design, such as collegiate and firefighter plates.

Changing the characters to black increased the contrast with the background, made them easier to read, and also makes plate production more consistent and cost-effective, Bramble said.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jp the roadgeek on March 08, 2013, 09:35:33 PM
Looks like the CT DMV gas taken a side in the rivalry  :biggrin:

http://www.redsoxfoundation.org/programs/CT-License-Plates.aspx
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on March 23, 2013, 11:54:49 PM
While I still have yet to see one out on the road, License Plate News has confirmed plates in the 7AAA000 series. The current high is 7AAG016. Those plates are gonna look weird...

It took 5 years and about 8 months for the 6AAA000 series to run out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on April 02, 2013, 10:49:16 AM
QuoteWhile I still have yet to see one out on the road, License Plate News has confirmed plates in the 7AAA000 series. The current high is 7AAG016. Those plates are gonna look weird...

It took 5 years and about 8 months for the 6AAA000 series to run out.

D'oh! I just got plates for my new car and got a "late" 6 series.  Would've been cool to have a 7 series.  Oh well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on April 02, 2013, 12:44:18 PM
I saw this courtesy of licenseplates.cc.  Does anybody know if Florida is actually planning on using 3 numbers and 4 letters for the new format?  That makes for a lot of possible combinations, one that likely lasts decades.  IIRC, only Ontario is issuing a similar format right now, and they just got to the "B" series after what? A decade?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.licenseplates.cc%2Fimages%2Ffl_proposed_2.png&hash=1de0f14555efc0fcda5caa56668dadb27865eb32)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 02, 2013, 12:49:03 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on March 23, 2013, 11:54:49 PM
While I still have yet to see one out on the road, License Plate News has confirmed plates in the 7AAA000 series. The current high is 7AAG016. Those plates are gonna look weird...

It took 5 years and about 8 months for the 6AAA000 series to run out.

I have a photo of 7ABF080.  Scott Broady spotted it in San Francisco.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on April 02, 2013, 01:54:37 PM
I saw one of these the other day on a pizza delivery car :paranoid:... Not sure what to think


(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZKApYHGrJ-I/UVsadzYVxMI/AAAAAAAACN4/5O6QsmCxwXI/s349/ia+plate.PNG)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 02, 2013, 02:45:28 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on April 02, 2013, 12:44:18 PM
I saw this courtesy of licenseplates.cc.  Does anybody know if Florida is actually planning on using 3 numbers and 4 letters for the new format?  That makes for a lot of possible combinations, one that likely lasts decades.  IIRC, only Ontario is issuing a similar format right now, and they just got to the "B" series after what? A decade?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.licenseplates.cc%2Fimages%2Ffl_proposed_2.png&hash=1de0f14555efc0fcda5caa56668dadb27865eb32)

Yes, this is Florida's current series.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 02, 2013, 04:31:23 PM
Quote from: djsinco on April 02, 2013, 01:54:37 PM
I saw one of these the other day on a pizza delivery car :paranoid:... Not sure what to think


(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZKApYHGrJ-I/UVsadzYVxMI/AAAAAAAACN4/5O6QsmCxwXI/s349/ia+plate.PNG)


A flat tire on that car might encourage racist jokes....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 02, 2013, 05:33:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 02, 2013, 04:31:23 PM

A flat tire on that car might encourage racist jokes....

I don't get it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on April 02, 2013, 07:19:21 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 02, 2013, 05:33:15 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 02, 2013, 04:31:23 PM

A flat tire on that car might encourage racist jokes....

I don't get it.

Neither do I.  Must be a "Jersey Shore" thing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 02, 2013, 07:35:19 PM
Oh, heavens.....   See #1. (http://morticom.com/jokesitalian.htm)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 02, 2013, 07:42:59 PM
Quote from: djsinco on April 02, 2013, 01:54:37 PM
I saw one of these the other day on a pizza delivery car :paranoid:... Not sure what to think


(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-ZKApYHGrJ-I/UVsadzYVxMI/AAAAAAAACN4/5O6QsmCxwXI/s349/ia+plate.PNG)

will Colorado issue them for any ethnicity or affiliation?  I want an Alan-American plate.  how many signatures do I need to put together?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NE2 on April 02, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 02, 2013, 07:42:59 PM
I want an Alan-American plate.  how many signatures do I need to put together?
All you need is a bit of white-out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 02, 2013, 08:39:42 PM
Quote from: NE2 on April 02, 2013, 08:27:19 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 02, 2013, 07:42:59 PM
I want an Alan-American plate.  how many signatures do I need to put together?
All you need is a bit of white-out.

I was imagining him turning in a paper chain to some government office.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 03, 2013, 06:06:55 AM
Teddy Roosevelt said

QuoteThere is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all.
This is just as true of the man who puts "native"  before the hyphen as of the man who puts German or Irish or English or French before the hyphen. Americanism is a matter of the spirit and of the soul. Our allegiance must be purely to the United States. We must unsparingly condemn any man who holds any other allegiance.
But if he is heartily and singly loyal to this Republic, then no matter where he was born, he is just as good an American as any one else.
The one absolutely certain way of bringing this nation to ruin, of preventing all possibility of its continuing to be a nation at all, would be to permit it to become a tangle of squabbling nationalities, an intricate knot of German-Americans, Irish-Americans, English- Americans, French-Americans, Scandinavian- Americans, or Italian-Americans, each preserving its separate nationality, each at heart feeling more sympathy with Europeans of that nationality than with the other citizens of the American Republic.
The men who do not become Americans and nothing else are hyphenated Americans; and there ought to be no room for them in this country. The man who calls himself an American citizen and who yet shows by his actions that he is primarily the citizen of a foreign land, plays a thoroughly mischievous part in the life of our body politic. He has no place here; and the sooner he returns to the land to which he feels his real heart-allegiance, the better it will be for every good American.

Yep.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 03, 2013, 10:19:25 AM
At the risk of totally derailing this thread.....

I'm not too concerned about being a "good" American or even "not an American at all".  I've never understood the notion that one must be wholeheartedly allegiant to one nation alone.  Besides which, an Italian American's (TR would be happy that I omitted the hyphen) fealty may very will be to America alone, yet he retains the label because he's proud of his family, heritage, and cultural traditions; to suggest that he do otherwise even smacks of cruelty.  But, more to my original point, who cares if a person is loyal to two nations?




Back on the topic of license plate news.....

I just came across this on the LicensePlates.cc website:

Quote from: http://www.licenseplates.cc/story.php?headline=Euro-size-plates-in-Puerto-Rico
Jan 20, 2013 – Puerto Rico motorists now have the option to use Euro-size license plates measuring approximately 20¾ x 4½ inches.

The optional plate series was proposed in 2011 (see www.dtop.gov.pr/noticias.asp?cnt_id=1188), and the plates are now being issued in the "I" series, as shown here.

The yellow band at the left contains the island's current tourism slogan, "Puerto Rico does it better," in English at the top and in Spanish at the bottom ("Puerto Rico lo hace mejor").

The blue dot within the yellow band contains the message "Llévalos contigo siempre: Valores," or "Always take your values with you"--a motivational message being promoted in various public venues around the island.


Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 03, 2013, 10:21:18 AM
Quote

The yellow band at the left contains the island's current tourism slogan, "Puerto Rico does it better," in English at the top and in Spanish at the bottom ("Puerto Rico lo hace mejor").

The blue dot within the yellow band contains the message "Llévalos contigo siempre: Valores," or "Always take your values with you"--a motivational message being promoted in various public venues around the island.

I see potential here for at least six more catchphrases.

(seriously, is there any other jurisdiction which has more than one on their plates?)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 03, 2013, 11:34:47 AM
Well, as far as I can think of right now, Ohio is soon to have a plate made up entirely of slogans in its design. There was already a discussion on that plate on this thread.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 03, 2013, 02:14:47 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 03, 2013, 10:19:25 AM
At the risk of totally derailing this thread.....

I'm not too concerned about being a "good" American or even "not an American at all".  I've never understood the notion that one must be wholeheartedly allegiant to one nation alone.  Besides which, an Italian American's (TR would be happy that I omitted the hyphen) fealty may very will be to America alone, yet he retains the label because he's proud of his family, heritage, and cultural traditions; to suggest that he do otherwise even smacks of cruelty.  But, more to my original point, who cares if a person is loyal to two nations?

I'm a proud citizen of Earth.  Future developments in interplanetary travel and/or communication may prompt me to further generalize that statement.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 03, 2013, 02:25:36 PM
I'll be a proud citizen of Earth until such time as I see another planet's society to compare ours to.  At which time, I'll decide whether to be proud or not.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 03, 2013, 02:29:35 PM
Alanland neither has, nor does not lack, Kardashians.

thus, I am a proud Alan-Alanlandian.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 07, 2013, 10:25:44 PM
I might be a license plate collector, but there is one thing concerning license plates that I don't really understand, and that is the stickers. What I mean is that all the month stickers are jacked up compared to when the plate was actually produced. For example, yesterday, I was out on the road and I saw a 6YOJnnn plate that had May 2014 stickers. Now I'm confused about this because the late 6Y series was issued in December and May obviously hasn't come yet. Any explanations for this?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on April 07, 2013, 10:29:25 PM
Yeah, date of production has nothing to do with date of issue. Say I'm DMV location x- I order 1,000 license plates numbered 1-1000. Halfway through DMV location x running out of license plates, DMV location y orders 1000 plates numbered 1001-2000. License plate 502 will probably get issued by DMV x at the same time as license plate 1002 is issued by DMV y.

The late 6Y series probably reached your area in late December, but maybe the DMV in, say, Redding had them as early as last May.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 07, 2013, 10:48:45 PM
I was going to say the owner's birthday is in May, but I guess that's not the way they do it everywhere...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on April 07, 2013, 10:53:35 PM
QuoteI was going to say the owner's birthday is in May, but I guess that's not the way they do it everywhere...

Whoa, vehicle registration expiration is tied to birthdays in some states? That seems like a privacy issue.

Speaking of that though, in response to CentralCARoadgeek's question- California is a state where the license plate stays with the car, not the owner, right? So if I have a car and trade it in, maybe I could transfer my registration to a new plate and have five months or so left on my registration, resulting in a weirdly monthed sticker?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: brad2971 on April 07, 2013, 11:04:30 PM
Quote from: corco on April 07, 2013, 10:53:35 PM
QuoteI was going to say the owner's birthday is in May, but I guess that's not the way they do it everywhere…

Whoa, vehicle registration expiration is tied to birthdays in some states? That seems like a privacy issue.

Speaking of that though, in response to CentralCARoadgeek's question- California is a state where the license plate stays with the car, not the owner, right? So if I have a car and trade it in, maybe I could transfer my registration to a new plate and have five months or so left on my registration, resulting in a weirdly monthed sticker?

South Dakota was the last state (in 2008) to set up a system in which the license plates stay with the OWNER, not the CAR. SD would likely have not made that change if LEOs from out of state weren't bothering SD's citizens about previously owned cars that still have the SD plates on them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on April 07, 2013, 11:14:01 PM
I never understood plates staying with cars- I guess it saves waste. I bought a Dodge Colt in Tacoma WA that hadn't been registered in a couple years but still had license plates on it and they just reactivated the old plates when I went to register.

On the flip side, when I got my Jeep Liberty from my uncle who passed away in Idaho which is an owner-owned plate state, we had to discard his plate and put my plate on it, even though he obviously wasn't going to be using the plate for anything.

From what I understand, Arizona recently switched from the license plates staying with the car to with the owner too- I just moved from down there and when I signed a Ford Escort over to my parents (who do the snowbird thing and registered it in AZ), they had to get new plates.

But if I were selling a car in a non-family transfer, I'd want to have the rights to the license plate and the time left on the registration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on April 07, 2013, 11:37:56 PM
Quote from: corco on April 07, 2013, 10:53:35 PM
QuoteI was going to say the owner's birthday is in May, but I guess that's not the way they do it everywhere...

Whoa, vehicle registration expiration is tied to birthdays in some states? That seems like a privacy issue.

Georgia does it, with registrations expiring exactly on the birthday rather than the end of the month.  They also impose ad-valorem taxes on the renewal fees, so it is called a "Birthday Tax" by residents.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 08, 2013, 11:31:10 AM
I don't really like the whole "plates stay with owner idea" myself.  If I see old plates, I expect the car to be old too.  Likewise, If I see new plates, I expect the car to be shiny and new.  Plus I would really like to not be stuck with empire gold plates for my car when I graduate college.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 08, 2013, 11:39:21 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 07, 2013, 10:25:44 PM
I might be a license plate collector, but there is one thing concerning license plates that I don't really understand, and that is the stickers. What I mean is that all the month stickers are jacked up compared to when the plate was actually produced. For example, yesterday, I was out on the road and I saw a 6YOJnnn plate that had May 2014 stickers. Now I'm confused about this because the late 6Y series was issued in December and May obviously hasn't come yet. Any explanations for this?

the other explanation is that the car's plates were damaged or stolen.  a new plate is issued, but the month of registration expiry is unchanged.

I saw an August 2013 6ZVTxxx plate the other day.  6ZVT was definitely not out in August 2012, so the replacement plate is the most logical explanation in my case, and a possibility in yours.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 08, 2013, 11:43:04 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 02, 2013, 12:49:03 PM


I have a photo of 7ABF080.  Scott Broady spotted it in San Francisco.

I have a photo I took myself of 7ACT366, and spotted 7ADDxxx on Saturday but did not bother taking a picture.  apart from the first digit being "7", the plates are unchanged from the 6 series.

in other news, I did spot 8Z99993 the other day, which is just 7 shy of the Big Flip (CA commercial going from 1A23456 to 23456A1). 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 08, 2013, 04:17:34 PM
I recently found out that, in Kansas, if you have several months left on your registration when you trade in your car, you can get credit back for your "lost" money.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on April 08, 2013, 04:43:46 PM
Quote from: vtk on April 07, 2013, 10:48:45 PM
I was going to say the owner's birthday is in May, but I guess that's not the way they do it everywhere...

In Illinois, the expiration date at the end of the month has to do with when you first got your plates whether you bought your first car, or moved in from out-of-state.  Then you keep your plates and transfer them from vehicle to vehicle as you buy and sell them.  The plates are supposed to be replaced every so often, so no old plates on old cars.  Just old numbers with long-time residents.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on April 08, 2013, 07:26:00 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 08, 2013, 11:31:10 AM
I don't really like the whole "plates stay with owner idea" myself.  If I see old plates, I expect the car to be old too.  Likewise, If I see new plates, I expect the car to be shiny and new.  Plus I would really like to not be stuck with empire gold plates for my car when I graduate college.
You never HAVE to, but it's a nice option. Especially for those of us with customized plates...
Quote from: corco on April 07, 2013, 10:53:35 PM
QuoteI was going to say the owner's birthday is in May, but I guess that's not the way they do it everywhere...

Whoa, vehicle registration expiration is tied to birthdays in some states? That seems like a privacy issue.

So now that I know the owner is born in May, I can steal his bank account, no?
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 03, 2013, 10:21:18 AM
Quote

The yellow band at the left contains the island's current tourism slogan, "Puerto Rico does it better," in English at the top and in Spanish at the bottom ("Puerto Rico lo hace mejor").

The blue dot within the yellow band contains the message "Llévalos contigo siempre: Valores," or "Always take your values with you"--a motivational message being promoted in various public venues around the island.

I see potential here for at least six more catchphrases.

(seriously, is there any other jurisdiction which has more than one on their plates?)
Didn't DC have "TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION" as a choice instead of a different slogan?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on April 15, 2013, 06:48:20 PM
Eh, it's not so bad.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbishopdan.com%2Fimages%2Fnewtag.jpg&hash=a3973d82d91a617fb217b17c14e1360aa3ab552a)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 15, 2013, 07:00:18 PM
'Tis nice there! Thanks for getting a picture of it! Now for a picture of the Arizona BAA0000 plates...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 15, 2013, 07:02:52 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 15, 2013, 07:00:18 PM
Now for a picture of the Arizona BAA0000 plates...

I've seen one. looks just like you would expect.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on April 15, 2013, 07:16:12 PM
That's the best looking Ohio plate than the red/white/blue Heart of it All! plate. The last one looked like it could be any plains state, the sunburst was generic and looked too much like an Idaho plate from a distance, the bicentennial was generic, and gold isn't an Ohio color. That plate is distinctly Ohio colors (though it could use some blue)...just wish they would have put something other than the website on the bottom.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 15, 2013, 07:40:29 PM
I wonder about the website craze.  has anyone ever decided, upon seeing a website advertised on a license plate, to go check it out when they were next at home?  (or, good grief, immediately while driving!)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on April 15, 2013, 07:44:29 PM
Quote from: 6a on April 15, 2013, 06:48:20 PM
Eh, it's not so bad.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbishopdan.com%2Fimages%2Fnewtag.jpg&hash=a3973d82d91a617fb217b17c14e1360aa3ab552a)
And it is a good raised characters, unlike the flat hideous 3M font shown on page 14 of this thread
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on April 15, 2013, 07:46:17 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 15, 2013, 07:40:29 PM
I wonder about the website craze.  has anyone ever decided, upon seeing a website advertised on a license plate, to go check it out when they were next at home?  (or, good grief, immediately while driving!)
Georgia removed the website from their new plated issued last year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 15, 2013, 08:54:27 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 15, 2013, 07:00:18 PM
Now for a picture of the Arizona BAA0000 plates...

Baa




Quote from: 6a on April 15, 2013, 06:48:20 PM

Eh, it's not so bad.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbishopdan.com%2Fimages%2Fnewtag.jpg&hash=a3973d82d91a617fb217b17c14e1360aa3ab552a)

Agreed, that looks much better than what we all thought it was going to.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NE2 on April 15, 2013, 09:04:39 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 15, 2013, 07:00:18 PM
Now for a picture of the Alanland BAA0000 plates...
Anyone?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: stormwatch7721 on April 15, 2013, 09:29:45 PM
Is that a sticker on the left that has the county name, 6a?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 15, 2013, 09:35:20 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on April 15, 2013, 09:29:45 PM
Is that a sticker on the left that has the county name, 6a?

yep.  Franklin County.  not sure how that came to be County #25 in the official registry.  Alphabetical?

btw, if you click on an image that the forum has resized, it restores it to the original size.  at that size, the Franklin becomes quite visible.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: stormwatch7721 on April 15, 2013, 09:38:33 PM
Thanks for the answer, agentsteel53. I don't remember Ohio nor any other state doing sticker-based counties. When I lived in Ohio as a kid,
the county name was in the center.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 15, 2013, 09:45:41 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 15, 2013, 09:35:20 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on April 15, 2013, 09:29:45 PM
Is that a sticker on the left that has the county name, 6a?

yep.  Franklin County.  not sure how that came to be County #25 in the official registry.  Alphabetical?

Alphabetical it is.  Also, now we know 6a's birthday.  (Or, at least, the birthday of whoever owns that car...)

Also also, I noticed the 8 is misaligned.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on April 15, 2013, 09:47:39 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on April 15, 2013, 09:38:33 PM
Thanks for the answer, agentsteel53. I don't remember Ohio nor any other state doing sticker-based counties. When I lived in Ohio as a kid,
the county name was in the center.

Indiana's been doing sticker-based county stickers for at least a few years on the specality plates and the new general license plate now features them as well, they only use the county number which, like Ohio is done alphabetically. The previous plate featured the county name on the top and the majority of the plates before that featured the county number as a part of the license plate number. Though I may have to correct myself on that one (I am days away from getting the new plate myself) but it appears that the numbers are now put on the plates directly without the sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 15, 2013, 09:57:33 PM
Quote from: vtk on April 15, 2013, 09:45:41 PM
Alphabetical it is.  Also, now we know 6a's birthday.  (Or, at least, the birthday of whoever owns that car...)

I assume it is November 4.

what does the "3 11" mean on the yellow sticker?  the remainder of the codes, I can figure out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 15, 2013, 10:08:24 PM
Quote from: NE2 on April 15, 2013, 09:04:39 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 15, 2013, 07:00:18 PM
Now for a picture of the Alanland BAA0000 plates...
Anyone?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1092.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi410%2Fkphoger%2Fal_lp_zps59e88df0.png&hash=95070a8f63aa7fb83313b530c52b8e3ae88a4255)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Molandfreak on April 15, 2013, 10:53:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 15, 2013, 10:08:24 PM
Quote from: NE2 on April 15, 2013, 09:04:39 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 15, 2013, 07:00:18 PM
Now for a picture of the Alanland BAA0000 plates...
Anyone?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1092.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi410%2Fkphoger%2Fal_lp_zps59e88df0.png&hash=95070a8f63aa7fb83313b530c52b8e3ae88a4255)
No. 112 is standard where the 307 is, and 19 is standard where the 4 is :no:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 15, 2013, 11:01:39 PM
plate envy...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on April 16, 2013, 06:55:04 AM
Quote from: vtk on April 15, 2013, 09:45:41 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 15, 2013, 09:35:20 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on April 15, 2013, 09:29:45 PM
Is that a sticker on the left that has the county name, 6a?

yep.  Franklin County.  not sure how that came to be County #25 in the official registry.  Alphabetical?

Alphabetical it is.  Also, now we know 6a's birthday.  (Or, at least, the birthday of whoever owns that car...)

Also also, I noticed the 8 is misaligned.

Now I expect presents...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 16, 2013, 10:03:57 AM
So if you live in a state with birthday expiration, does that mean that if you register a car the day before your birthday, you pay the full fee for one day?  :-o How is that in any way equitable?  If you register on any day other than your birthday, you get penalized, not to mention revealing identifying information to anyone who happens to pass by your car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 16, 2013, 10:25:10 AM
I think you can get a 13-month registration for that purpose, or a pro-rated registration for the remainder of the year (if it's less than 6 months), or just register for the year that starts on your next (soon-upcoming) birthday and don't drive till then... One of those is probably true, but I find it difficult to remember BMV rules.

Or, much more commonly, you've just sold a car, and you can transfer the plates and registration for that one to the car you just bought.

I heard once that decades ago, vehicle registration was done in either June or December, depending on which half of the alphabet your last name was in.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 16, 2013, 12:58:23 PM
Quote from: vtk on April 16, 2013, 10:25:10 AM
I think you can get a 13-month registration for that purpose, or a pro-rated registration for the remainder of the year (if it's less than 6 months), or just register for the year that starts on your next (soon-upcoming) birthday and don't drive till then... One of those is probably true, but I find it difficult to remember BMV rules.

Or, much more commonly, you've just sold a car, and you can transfer the plates and registration for that one to the car you just bought.

I heard once that decades ago, vehicle registration was done in either June or December, depending on which half of the alphabet your last name was in.

what is the advantage of the birthday system, over the system used in many other states, where the registration is set to the purchase date of a new car, or a car brought in from out of state and immediately sold?  (that's how CA does it.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 16, 2013, 02:33:20 PM
Well, the DMV already has my birthday of file; everything else might change–vehicle info, address, phone number–but my birthday will stay the same.  Plus, I see a logical connection in states where the plate stays with the person, not the car:  one's birthday is more logically related to the person himself, whereas the purchase date is more logically related to the vehicle.

Who knows...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on April 16, 2013, 04:01:33 PM
Kind of odd, but my plate actually has the date listed as being one day off from my own birthday (they only mark the 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th of each month) but that is merely a coincidence.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on April 16, 2013, 05:59:35 PM
You're also more likely to remember to renew your plate if it comes on your birthday/end of your birth month. My car's tag expires in November, somehow, which has nothing to do with either when I bought it or when my birthday is (my guess is that it was originally plated in November).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 16, 2013, 08:12:51 PM
Ohio sends out renewal reminders about 90 days in advance.  And I still managed to forget to renew my registration last year until it was 5 months overdue and I got pulled over for it...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 16, 2013, 08:27:05 PM
Doesn't Ohio offer the owner the option to buy a 1 OR 2-year sticker renewal??

Anybody know the breakdown of states that do flat, jurisdictional rates for license plates vs. states which charge rates based on age &/or weight of the vehicle?

I know Ohio is jurisdictional - based (when I used to live there, the annual renewal rate in the city where I resided was $45/yr), while Colorado is age & weight-based.  (Paid damn near $425 for my current car's first year plate, now down to about $250).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on April 16, 2013, 08:54:58 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 16, 2013, 08:27:05 PM
Doesn't Ohio offer the owner the option to buy a 1 OR 2-year sticker renewal??

Anybody know the breakdown of states that do flat, jurisdictional rates for license plates vs. states which charge rates based on age &/or weight of the vehicle?

I know Ohio is jurisdictional - based (when I used to live there, the annual renewal rate in the city where I resided was $45/yr), while Colorado is age & weight-based.  (Paid damn near $425 for my current car's first year plate, now down to about $250).

Actually, passenger car registration in CO is based upon current value. This is determined by DMV using their own arbitrary reference manual. If you buy a brand new $100,000 Mercedes, the initial year registration will cost (for example) $4,000.00 or so. The following years renewal it will drop to (again, my number for illustration purposes,) $2,800.00. Similar to a depreciation table, over the course of 5-7 years, (as far as I can guess,) the fee will eventually level off to say, $500.00 or so.

I believe weight is only a factor in truck licensing. CO is an expensive state for vehicle registration, however, it is considered a property tax and is thus deductible...

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 16, 2013, 09:10:24 PM
Quote from: djsinco on April 16, 2013, 08:54:58 PM

Actually, passenger car registration in CO is based upon current value. This is determined by DMV using their own arbitrary reference manual. If you buy a brand new $100,000 Mercedes, the initial year registration will cost (for example) $4,000.00 or so. The following years renewal it will drop to (again, my number for illustration purposes,) $2,800.00. Similar to a depreciation table, over the course of 5-7 years, (as far as I can guess,) the fee will eventually level off to say, $500.00 or so.

I believe weight is only a factor in truck licensing. CO is an expensive state for vehicle registration, however, it is considered a property tax and is thus deductible...


That's why I hate plate renewals here in CO -- you can never predict how much your tags will cost from year to year...

...which also can explain why there are a lot of people still driving 60's-70's era VW Bugs in Colorado. ;-)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 16, 2013, 09:50:53 PM
the fee levels off to 500?

damn, and I thought California had ornery high prices; but my registration renewal was $83 last year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 17, 2013, 12:20:16 AM
Yes, Ohio offers 2-year vehicle registration, I think that's a relatively recent offering.

And the birthday of the owner is revealed by looking at the expiration date on the registration sticker; it's the same date.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 17, 2013, 12:26:07 AM
Colorado is now up to ZSA-400.  They are about ready to go back to AAA-000 and reissue plate numbers that are inactive, at least that's what I thought what I heard here a while back.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on April 17, 2013, 12:53:47 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 17, 2013, 12:26:07 AM
Colorado is now up to ZSA-400.  They are about ready to go back to AAA-000 and reissue plate numbers that are inactive, at least that's what I thought what I heard here a while back.
According to License Plate News, CO will issue plates with "Q" (AQA, QAQ, etc.) in any position after 999-ZZZ is reached.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 17, 2013, 12:42:56 PM
why are they so reluctant to go to 7 digits?  Massachusetts is, as well.  a new set of dies and gears can be had for a couple thousand dollars.  probably less expensive than poring through the records to see which plates are unused, and then manually setting the press every time.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on April 17, 2013, 12:54:50 PM
Quote from: vtk on April 16, 2013, 08:12:51 PM
Ohio sends out renewal reminders about 90 days in advance.  And I still managed to forget to renew my registration last year until it was 5 months overdue and I got pulled over for it...

The Illinois Secretary of State does the same thing.  Yet, some people are still oblivious.

Of course, there's also the municipal vehicle tax stickers for your windshield if your municipality has such a vehicle tax (mine does not).  That's on a different date set by the municipality's fiscal year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 17, 2013, 03:08:40 PM
Ohio allows municipalities to add a tax up to $20 annually which is paid at the same time as vehicle registration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on April 17, 2013, 06:15:57 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 16, 2013, 10:03:57 AM
So if you live in a state with birthday expiration, does that mean that if you register a car the day before your birthday, you pay the full fee for one day?  :-o How is that in any way equitable?  If you register on any day other than your birthday, you get penalized, not to mention revealing identifying information to anyone who happens to pass by your car.

It is prorated.  If someone really wants to get all your personal information you all they have to do it get your tag number, its not that difficult to find a way to look it up.  Here is Florida some people do not like having the county name on their tag, because they dont want people knowing where they live.  Then they will put the annoying stick figure families or their kids sports along with the name.  Not to mention bumper stickers with whatever they are into.  ( Soon however we will no longer have the county name.)

Before the birthday expiration came into play in Florida, all tags expired on June 30 so it was crazy in the County Tax Collectors office at the end of June.  I have my wifes grandfathers tags from Indiana from 1960 until he stopped driving in 2005.  It is interesting to see how the tags changed every year.  Same in Florida. New design/color scheme at every reissue
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 17, 2013, 06:46:27 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on April 17, 2013, 06:15:57 PMThen they will put the annoying stick figure families or their kids sports along with the name.

and don't forget "my sweetie poo is a shiny whiny super-starrific meteor boiler rocket propelled vomitus at McAlanlandford School for the Easily Indoctrinated"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on April 17, 2013, 07:17:52 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on April 15, 2013, 09:38:33 PM
Thanks for the answer, agentsteel53. I don't remember Ohio nor any other state doing sticker-based counties.

Kansas has had a county code sticker for 25 years now....

Also, in Kansas, the registration expires based on your last name. For instance, as my last name begins with "K," my tags expire on July 31.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 17, 2013, 10:08:51 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on April 17, 2013, 12:53:47 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 17, 2013, 12:26:07 AM
Colorado is now up to ZSA-400.  They are about ready to go back to AAA-000 and reissue plate numbers that are inactive, at least that's what I thought what I heard here a while back.
According to License Plate News, CO will issue plates with "Q" (AQA, QAQ, etc.) in any position after 999-ZZZ is reached.
According to licenseplates.cc, the next round of in Colorado will be nnn-XXQ, then nnn-XQX, finally nnn-QXX (if you follow my wildcards). Then they will issue available combinations in the AAA-nnn and following series. I have seen as low as xxx-ZZV on a special issue (i.e., flat) plate. My new car was issued a ZDW- plate this month. I am curious to see the "Q", since not using it up until now is because the state was not confident it could be distinguished from O.
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 17, 2013, 12:42:56 PM
why are they so reluctant to go to 7 digits?  Massachusetts is, as well.  a new set of dies and gears can be had for a couple thousand dollars.  probably less expensive than poring through the records to see which plates are unused, and then manually setting the press every time.
I presume you mean Colorado? They need to stay with a six-character plate because, first, the current scheme uses the same pool of combinations for all plates, and special issue plates have a logo in the center representing the topic of the special issue; and second, non-auto or truck plates are generally issued a plate with a stacked code (like TRL or FLT) in the first position. Neither of these could be accommodated with seven characters. And, because all letters including I and O (and soon Q) are used in all positions in the letter sequence, using a mixed letter/number sequence would restrict where those potentially ambiguous letters could be used. So, thankfully, no Missouri-type scrambled sequences.

The existing ABC-123 type plates were first issued in the mid-1980s, and there aren't very many left. Also, I can't speak for areas like Denver, but in Pueblo County the letter combinations used for ABC-123 sequence plates were not duplicated when the state went to ABC-1234 sequence plates. So, if this is true throughout the state, then there are a number of three-letter sequences available to use without potential duplication. Otherwise, will the state look for individual existing plates that would be duplicated in the new sequence and pull them, or will they avoid all three-letter sequences potentially still in use with three numbers? Or, wait until the plates reach the county offices and then the counties won't issue individual plates because of an existing duplication?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 17, 2013, 10:18:43 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 17, 2013, 10:08:51 PMwhen the state went to ABC-1234 sequence plates

so Colorado has used 7 digit plates ... and they went back?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on April 17, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 17, 2013, 10:18:43 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 17, 2013, 10:08:51 PMwhen the state went to ABC-1234 sequence plates

so Colorado has used 7 digit plates ... and they went back?

That is correct, we went from 7 to 6. This is a backwards state in so many ways. In the 1980's, I had a CO plate (similar to) SJH-3119. Now it is something like 622-PGH.
I also remember that they started the current cycle right around the Y2K era. Early in 2000, I saw new plates with AAA-105, etc...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on April 17, 2013, 11:58:05 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 17, 2013, 10:18:43 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 17, 2013, 10:08:51 PMwhen the state went to ABC-1234 sequence plates

so Colorado has used 7 digit plates ... and they went back?
NJ went back partway through the only 7-digit series ever used.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 18, 2013, 01:00:21 AM
Ohio started 7-digit plates around 1999-ish when the gold design appeared, then went back to 6 digits for the Bicentennial series, then resumed 7-digits afterwards.

On the gold plates, the spelled-out county name across the bottom was actually a decal, aka a sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 18, 2013, 03:29:52 AM
Quote from: Steve on April 17, 2013, 11:58:05 PM
NJ went back partway through the only 7-digit series ever used.
Actually quite early on.  7 character plates in NJ were only issued from AAA1000 to ADJ9999.  No spaces, no dashes.  Any registrants who keep them valid are allowed to continue to display them, but they are no longer being issued sequentially.  Police agencies complained that they were hard to read in the field.  From my personal observations, I agree that they are a bit hard to read on the road.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 18, 2013, 10:00:01 AM
Quote from: djsinco on April 17, 2013, 10:28:15 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 17, 2013, 10:18:43 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 17, 2013, 10:08:51 PMwhen the state went to ABC-1234 sequence plates

so Colorado has used 7 digit plates ... and they went back?

That is correct, we went from 7 to 6. This is a backwards state in so many ways. In the 1980's, I had a CO plate (similar to) SJH-3119. Now it is something like 622-PGH.
I also remember that they started the current cycle right around the Y2K era. Early in 2000, I saw new plates with AAA-105, etc...
Up until 2000, the letter sequence on Colorado plates was assigned by county. First they used two letters with four numbers, then three-three and finally three-four. Because of the use of county blocks, some counties ran out while others never came close to using their allocations. This caused premature exhaustion of available numbers. That is why the state went to a previously unused three number-three letter combination, with no county allocation. Also, they ceased using various letter-number combinations for the multitude of plate types and special plates, instead drawing from the same pool. The original intent was to call in all the older plates within a couple of years but this never happened due, I think, to budget issues. Thus the current situation of having to reissue plates using a sequence that has some active plates in it. (And for the reasons I cited above, the combination is not flexible). I'm suprised they haven't at least called in the old ABC-123 plates, and I would guess that if you try to transfer one to a new vehicle you won't be able to do it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 18, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Wow, that 7th digit sure makes the sequence last longer.  NY started it's last sequence around 1999/2000 (with a mandatory plate change from the previous numbering scheme).  We're still decades away from finishing it.  It takes about three years for a leading letter to change, and we only just started G a few months ago!

We also use a separate numbering scheme for commercial/dealer plates rather than giving them reserved codes on the general scheme.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 18, 2013, 04:59:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Wow, that 7th digit sure makes the sequence last longer.  NY started it's last sequence around 1999/2000 (with a mandatory plate change from the previous numbering scheme).  We're still decades away from finishing it.  It takes about three years for a leading letter to change, and we only just started G a few months ago!

We also use a separate numbering scheme for commercial/dealer plates rather than giving them reserved codes on the general scheme.
New York does have a letter series reserved for out of state temporaries...Z.  ZAA-1000 to ZZZ-9999
Originally AAA-ABZ series was saved for out of state temps.  Regular issue 7 character plates began at ACA-1000.  When all the Axx temps were used up, NY switched to the Z series.  The highest series I've seen is ZDK
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on April 18, 2013, 06:01:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Wow, that 7th digit sure makes the sequence last longer.

indeed.  even California, which has the most car registrations out of any state, has quite a ways to go before exhausting its 7-digit plates.  residentials have the 7ABC123, 8ABC123, and perhaps even 9ABC123 (don't think that is reserved for anything else) before they can flip over to start with 123ABC1, etc.

commercial plates just flipped over (8Z99999 was followed by 00000A1; 9A12345 is reserved for power units - the tractor half of a tractor-trailer).  so they will likely get to 99999Z8 before passengers need a redo, but even that is likely 30 years in the future. 

I'm not sure what is planned for after 99999Z8 and 999ZZZ9.  possibly a run over unused combinations in the same pattern (0A12345 and 12345A0 will be available), or some completely unused letter-number patterns may be opened up.  out of the 99* combinations of 0 to 3 letters, sufficiently many are available that I am too lazy to figure out the exact amount. 

* 7c0 + 7c1 + 7c2 + 7c3 = 1 + 7 + 21 + 70 = 99
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 18, 2013, 08:59:10 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 18, 2013, 06:01:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Wow, that 7th digit sure makes the sequence last longer.

indeed.  even California, which has the most car registrations out of any state, has quite a ways to go before exhausting its 7-digit plates.  residentials have the 7ABC123, 8ABC123, and perhaps even 9ABC123 (don't think that is reserved for anything else) before they can flip over to start with 123ABC1, etc.

commercial plates just flipped over (8Z99999 was followed by 00000A1; 9A12345 is reserved for power units - the tractor half of a tractor-trailer).  so they will likely get to 99999Z8 before passengers need a redo, but even that is likely 30 years in the future. 

I'm not sure what is planned for after 99999Z8 and 999ZZZ9.  possibly a run over unused combinations in the same pattern (0A12345 and 12345A0 will be available), or some completely unused letter-number patterns may be opened up.  out of the 99* combinations of 0 to 3 letters, sufficiently many are available that I am too lazy to figure out the exact amount. 

* 7c0 + 7c1 + 7c2 + 7c3 = 1 + 7 + 21 + 70 = 99
By that time license plates will be old school. Cops will have an info-beam that will positively identify all vehicles and their owner.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 19, 2013, 11:32:18 AM
Quote from: signalman on April 18, 2013, 04:59:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Wow, that 7th digit sure makes the sequence last longer.  NY started it's last sequence around 1999/2000 (with a mandatory plate change from the previous numbering scheme).  We're still decades away from finishing it.  It takes about three years for a leading letter to change, and we only just started G a few months ago!

We also use a separate numbering scheme for commercial/dealer plates rather than giving them reserved codes on the general scheme.
New York does have a letter series reserved for out of state temporaries...Z.  ZAA-1000 to ZZZ-9999
Originally AAA-ABZ series was saved for out of state temps.  Regular issue 7 character plates began at ACA-1000.  When all the Axx temps were used up, NY switched to the Z series.  The highest series I've seen is ZDK

Never seen a Z series myself.  Axx was general plates before the switch to 7 digits (mine's APD) so it must have changed before then.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 19, 2013, 03:34:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 19, 2013, 11:32:18 AM
Never seen a Z series myself. 
You'd have to look at temporaries.  New York only issues temps to non-residents who buy a vehicle from a dealer in NY.  If you are a resident, you leave the dealer with NY plates on your vehicle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 19, 2013, 06:34:19 PM
Ohio is one step closer to seeing "Superplates" by summer...Happy 75th, Superman!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoresay.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2012%2F11%2Fohio-superman-licenses-plate.jpg&hash=7dfb2f0a951addfbf6e7b194ba4c1ac4c0869e28)

http://www.cleveland.com/comic-books/index.ssf/2013/04/superman_license_plate_package.html#incart_river_default#incart_m-rpt-2
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on April 19, 2013, 07:11:08 PM
Forgive me, as I am far from an expert on Superman, but I thought he was born on Krypton. Also, did he not live in Metropolis, and hasn't the city of that name in IL claimed him as their own?

Ohio, really?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 19, 2013, 07:56:32 PM
I think the original creators of the character were living in Cleveland at the time or something.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: djsinco on April 20, 2013, 03:37:51 AM
I believe they modeled the skyline visible through the windows of the TV show after Cleveland, and threw in some other clues pointing to the city I call "The Mistake on the Lake." It was referenced as being in the midwest; but personally I always thought of it more like Chicago.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on April 20, 2013, 10:34:08 PM
Apparently, Metropolis was originally based on Toronto - either Siegel or Schuster (don't remember which) was from there.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 20, 2013, 11:10:20 PM
Quote from: djsinco on April 20, 2013, 03:37:51 AM
I believe they modeled the skyline visible through the windows of the TV show after Cleveland, and threw in some other clues pointing to the city I call "The Mistake on the Lake." It was referenced as being in the midwest; but personally I always thought of it more like Chicago.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-YINiORSN-0g%2FTl7uAarpQII%2FAAAAAAAACzo%2FcW_SONP6xDk%2Fs1600%2FCleveland%252B-%252BBell%252BBuilding%252B-%252Bpossible%252Binspiration%252Bfor%252BDaily%252BPlanet.bmp&hash=bd137c7e129920d22c85695e2239b1e1c66df6ee)

This was the building (The Ohio Bell/Ameritech/SBC Building) in Cleveland that was the basis for the Daily Planet building...Just a block or so away from Progressive Field and The Quicken Loans Arena.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swbrotha100 on April 22, 2013, 03:57:02 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 18, 2013, 03:29:52 AM
Quote from: Steve on April 17, 2013, 11:58:05 PM
NJ went back partway through the only 7-digit series ever used.
Actually quite early on.  7 character plates in NJ were only issued from AAA1000 to ADJ9999.  No spaces, no dashes.  Any registrants who keep them valid are allowed to continue to display them, but they are no longer being issued sequentially.  Police agencies complained that they were hard to read in the field.  From my personal observations, I agree that they are a bit hard to read on the road.

I wonder if NJ personalized plates with 7 characters are difficult to read also. I always figured that someday NJ would eventually figure out a way to issue standard 7 character plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on April 22, 2013, 06:34:40 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on April 22, 2013, 03:57:02 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 18, 2013, 03:29:52 AM
Quote from: Steve on April 17, 2013, 11:58:05 PM
NJ went back partway through the only 7-digit series ever used.
Actually quite early on.  7 character plates in NJ were only issued from AAA1000 to ADJ9999.  No spaces, no dashes.  Any registrants who keep them valid are allowed to continue to display them, but they are no longer being issued sequentially.  Police agencies complained that they were hard to read in the field.  From my personal observations, I agree that they are a bit hard to read on the road.

I wonder if NJ personalized plates with 7 characters are difficult to read also. I always figured that someday NJ would eventually figure out a way to issue standard 7 character plates.
It's really not that tough to read, says someone with a 7 character plate. I have no idea what the griping is about, but staring at my wall o' plates, I see that NY has a narrower font, both in stroke width and letter width. So that's probably the solution.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 22, 2013, 06:59:46 PM
Quote from: Steve on April 22, 2013, 06:34:40 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on April 22, 2013, 03:57:02 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 18, 2013, 03:29:52 AM
Quote from: Steve on April 17, 2013, 11:58:05 PM
NJ went back partway through the only 7-digit series ever used.
Actually quite early on.  7 character plates in NJ were only issued from AAA1000 to ADJ9999.  No spaces, no dashes.  Any registrants who keep them valid are allowed to continue to display them, but they are no longer being issued sequentially.  Police agencies complained that they were hard to read in the field.  From my personal observations, I agree that they are a bit hard to read on the road.

I wonder if NJ personalized plates with 7 characters are difficult to read also. I always figured that someday NJ would eventually figure out a way to issue standard 7 character plates.
It's really not that tough to read, says someone with a 7 character plate. I have no idea what the griping is about, but staring at my wall o' plates, I see that NY has a narrower font, both in stroke width and letter width. So that's probably the solution.
That most definitely is the solution.  Narrower dies need to be used in order to incorporate a dash or NJ map to break up the letters and numbers on regular issue passenger and non passenger plates.  I agree that on personalized plates I've never had an issue with reading the plate itself.  Trying to figure out the message it's trying to convey can be a whole nother story.  Some can be quite creative.  I think the coolest one I've seen from NJ (and I'm not sure how it snuck through Trenton)  FUKLUZN.  It was on some Japanese sports car, I forget which one.  I assume he was going for fuck losing the race.  As far as NJ going to narrower dies, don't hold your breath.  NJ was still using wider 6 character dies up until 1990 or so when they first played with 7 character dies.  I have two test plates from when Trenton first messed with 7 character dies in my collection...1234567 and ABCDEFG.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 22, 2013, 08:53:39 PM
Every now and then I see a bible-thumpy plate.  One of these days I'll see someone who had to spell it G-ZU5 or something because more obvious spellings were taken.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on April 22, 2013, 09:11:50 PM
Quote from: vtk on April 22, 2013, 08:53:39 PM
Every now and then I see a bible-thumpy plate.  One of these days I'll see someone who had to spell it G-ZU5 or something because more obvious spellings were taken.

Bible-thumpy plate...from the west perhaps? Too bad the IGWT plates are ABC123 (or AB123) over in Indiana.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 22, 2013, 10:37:57 PM
Quote from: djsinco on April 19, 2013, 07:11:08 PM
Forgive me, as I am far from an expert on Superman, but I thought he was born on Krypton. Also, did he not live in Metropolis, and hasn't the city of that name in IL claimed him as their own?

Ohio, really?

I've seen the Superman statue in front of the Metropolis, IL, courthouse many times.  Or in front of the jail, depending on your point of reference.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrewkbrown on May 17, 2013, 09:55:01 AM
Saw a new Ohio license plate for the first time in Arlington, VA today. From a car-length, it resembled a diplomatic plate, which I initially thought it was, since it's more apt to see diplomatic plates than a new Ohio standard issue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Bruce on May 18, 2013, 05:30:05 PM
Washington State will be offering new Seahawks and Sounders license plates for $40 beginning January 1, 2014, with proceeds going to three local charities.

Source (http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seahawks-Sounders-license-plates-coming-in-2014-207952531.html) - Announcement Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhqsio0h3kg)

Here are the actual plates themselves:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seahawks.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fimported%2FSEA%2FarticleImages%2Fevents%2F2013%2FLicensePlates%2F130517-plates-600.jpg&hash=05eee08318cbcd32268153b282654e9f8e5938a7) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soundersfc.com%2F%7E%2Fmedia%2Fcc9751c2bae44c92aa39ae4c116064b5.ashx%3Fw%3D591%26amp%3Bh%3D296&hash=205fe2336c1d6c75bcf21b0d6c7c9c2e19905210)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2013, 06:31:09 PM
Those designs look more appropriate for soda/pop cans than license plates.  Sorry, they're just a bit too "slick" for my liking.  (And hopefully they'll change the font in real life.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PurdueBill on May 18, 2013, 10:32:24 PM
Quote from: andrewkbrown on May 17, 2013, 09:55:01 AM
Saw a new Ohio license plate for the first time in Arlington, VA today. From a car-length, it resembled a diplomatic plate, which I initially thought it was, since it's more apt to see diplomatic plates than a new Ohio standard issue.

It has taken no time to see a lot of new-style plates around here; I don't recall previous new designs seeming to appear so fast.  It is interesting that right now there are still people with the white/gold plates, Bicentennial AA11AA format plates, red/white/blue plates, Beautiful Ohio plates, and now the tag cloud plates.  I thought I had read somewhere once that only two designs at a time were to be in circulation (e.g., the last ABC 123 white plates on the road were retired when the Bicentennial plate became the standard issue), but evidently not. 

It is good to see that stock tag cloud plates are still stamped; so far Ohio hasn't gone totally flat.  Ohio hung on to button copy long after most states abandoned it; maybe it will stick with stamped plates for as long as it can too?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on May 19, 2013, 01:46:48 PM
You forgot the "sunburst" plate.  I've still got one of those...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrewkbrown on May 19, 2013, 06:11:25 PM
My former private ambulance company in Cincinnati was still running "Heart of it All" EMS vehicle plates on several of their trucks as late as 2009. How they were able to continue renewing them I don't know, as I had read that "Heart of it All" plates were obsolete and unable to be renewed with the issuance of the Bicentennial plates beginning in 2001-2002.

Most plates had rusted completely through, and had a mountain of renewal stickers 1/2 inch thick. Once again, I have no clue how they were able to keep the plates for so long, especially since each ambulance had a yearly physical inspection inside and outside of the vehicle by the Ohio Medical Transportation Board, and license plates were one of the inspection check-offs.

The "Heart of it All" plates were finally replaced in the summer of 2009 with the then current "Sunburst" EMS vehicle plates.   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PurdueBill on May 19, 2013, 09:07:40 PM
Quote from: vtk on May 19, 2013, 01:46:48 PM
You forgot the "sunburst" plate.  I've still got one of those...

The red/white/blue one after the bicentennial and before Beautiful Ohio?  I forgot to call it Sunburst, but then again the state forgot to make the Sunburst plate actually look like anything resembling a sunburst except on close inspection.  :P
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on May 19, 2013, 09:25:12 PM
I'm glad they did away with the sunburst plate-from any sort of distance it looks like an Idaho plate, and when those plates came out I was traveling back and forth from Idaho to Ohio with reasonable frequency and it just really blew my mind.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on May 20, 2013, 05:29:04 AM
I recently saw a Texas plate that very much reminded me of Ohio's old "The Heart Of It All" plate.  I'm guessing it's the standard, but I don't see Texas plates often...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Perfxion on May 22, 2013, 06:40:17 AM
Texas current standing plate is white with black lettering, but really plain. If you want anything different, you only have about 120+ official options.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on May 23, 2013, 06:40:27 PM
I have finally seen my first "Q" on a Colorado plate. As previously discussed, Colorado didn't use this letter because an acceptable design distinguishable from letter "O" hadn't been developed. It's now issuing all three-letter sequences with "Q" (probably not using FUQ) before reversing the letter-number sequence. I expected to see a California-like character, where the O was shortened and an exaggerated tail placed under it. Instead (and I will have to look closer as I see them in parking lots) it seems the standard O may have been ever so slightly shrunk and a relatively small tail put through the lower right corner.

This trivial little tale comes with a "Life happens while you're roadgeeking" lesson. I was returning from a work trip in a company vehicle and several vehicles in front of me saw the trailer bearing this plate along I-25 in Pueblo in the 2-mile distance between where I got on and was getting off to return to the office. I tried to get up closer to the trailer but was also aware that afternoon traffic was heavy and my exit was approaching, so I didn't push it. Then just as I got within one car of the trailer...BOOM

The trailer blew a tire. Big time. The tire came off the rim and traveled down the freeway - I expected it to jump the concrete median but fortunately it didn't. I braked hard and headed for the shoulder until I could track the debris trail. Now, if I had several miles to go on the freeway, I might have been more aggressive in trying to catch up to it. Gotta be careful out there, folks.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 26, 2013, 07:26:47 PM
If you're able to come by one, you might offer to sell it to the owner of <www.15q.net>.  He collects Q license plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 26, 2013, 07:49:42 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on May 23, 2013, 06:40:27 PM
I have finally seen my first "Q" on a Colorado plate. As previously discussed, Colorado didn't use this letter because an acceptable design distinguishable from letter "O" hadn't been developed. It's now issuing all three-letter sequences with "Q" (probably not using FUQ) before reversing the letter-number sequence. I expected to see a California-like character, where the O was shortened and an exaggerated tail placed under it. Instead (and I will have to look closer as I see them in parking lots) it seems the standard O may have been ever so slightly shrunk and a relatively small tail put through the lower right corner.

that's probably gonna become indistinguishable when you place a frame over the plate, as people seem to really like doing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on May 27, 2013, 06:29:09 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 26, 2013, 07:49:42 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on May 23, 2013, 06:40:27 PM
I have finally seen my first "Q" on a Colorado plate. As previously discussed, Colorado didn't use this letter because an acceptable design distinguishable from letter "O" hadn't been developed. It's now issuing all three-letter sequences with "Q" (probably not using FUQ) before reversing the letter-number sequence. I expected to see a California-like character, where the O was shortened and an exaggerated tail placed under it. Instead (and I will have to look closer as I see them in parking lots) it seems the standard O may have been ever so slightly shrunk and a relatively small tail put through the lower right corner.

that's probably gonna become indistinguishable when you place a frame over the plate, as people seem to really like doing.
Kit at licenseplates.cc saw one the same day and same series. I don't think you can cover any part of the embossed characters with any frame I've seen. A lot of dealer-issued plate frames cover much of COLORADO and part of the registration sticker. The right and bottom of the O were moved inward to accommodate the slash within the 2-5/8" X 1-1/4" dimension for the characters. Too bad that wasn't AOQ so you could compare the 0, O and Q in the same place.

Here is the photo Kit took.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Ffarm6.staticflickr.com%2F5345%2F8859289913_4793026a28.jpg&hash=4e94f268ba12bad2f7d4af8b2340577a4408e123)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on June 16, 2013, 04:19:49 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on April 18, 2013, 08:59:10 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on April 18, 2013, 06:01:07 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 18, 2013, 11:09:13 AM
Wow, that 7th digit sure makes the sequence last longer.

indeed.  even California, which has the most car registrations out of any state, has quite a ways to go before exhausting its 7-digit plates.  residentials have the 7ABC123, 8ABC123, and perhaps even 9ABC123 (don't think that is reserved for anything else) before they can flip over to start with 123ABC1, etc.

commercial plates just flipped over (8Z99999 was followed by 00000A1; 9A12345 is reserved for power units - the tractor half of a tractor-trailer).  so they will likely get to 99999Z8 before passengers need a redo, but even that is likely 30 years in the future. 

I'm not sure what is planned for after 99999Z8 and 999ZZZ9.  possibly a run over unused combinations in the same pattern (0A12345 and 12345A0 will be available), or some completely unused letter-number patterns may be opened up.  out of the 99* combinations of 0 to 3 letters, sufficiently many are available that I am too lazy to figure out the exact amount. 

* 7c0 + 7c1 + 7c2 + 7c3 = 1 + 7 + 21 + 70 = 99
By that time license plates will be old school. Cops will have an info-beam that will positively identify all vehicles and their owner.

They already use this technology in Texas. DPS and some local agencies use scanners that can read the bar codes on your registration and inspection stickers on the fly. (A well-placed speck of mud across the bar code will confound the scanner, however.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: adt1982 on June 16, 2013, 10:08:15 PM
I noticed that Illinois has reached the S123456 series for car plates.  They've used nearly every other letter in the alphabet, albeit not in order.  U, V, W, and Z haven't been used, but U is used on state vehicles, so it is out. 

I wonder what they will do after they've exhausted all of these?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on June 25, 2013, 11:23:57 AM
Quote from: adt1982 on June 16, 2013, 10:08:15 PM
I noticed that Illinois has reached the S123456 series for car plates.  They've used nearly every other letter in the alphabet, albeit not in order.  U, V, W, and Z haven't been used, but U is used on state vehicles, so it is out. 

I wonder what they will do after they've exhausted all of these?

Seeing how our current design has been in use since 2001, we'll probably get a redesign, and in keeping with current trends, they will probably end up being lousy flat plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Crazy Volvo Guy on June 25, 2013, 11:25:14 AM
I'm still waiting on states to offer at least euro-sized plates, if not full-blown euro-style plates.  Seeing how my wagon has the full exterior euro-spec treatment, I'd be first in line to get a set.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on June 25, 2013, 12:27:28 PM
Quote from: Crazy Volvo Guy on June 25, 2013, 11:25:14 AM
I'm still waiting on states to offer at least euro-sized plates, if not full-blown euro-style plates.  Seeing how my wagon has the full exterior euro-spec treatment, I'd be first in line to get a set.

I don't think that states are going to go for that, especially with more and more electronic reading of plates.  having them all conform to a single size makes the software a lot simpler.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: sp_redelectric on June 25, 2013, 03:57:56 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on June 25, 2013, 12:27:28 PM
I don't think that states are going to go for that, especially with more and more electronic reading of plates.  having them all conform to a single size makes the software a lot simpler.

What about motorcycle plates?  They are significantly smaller...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on July 15, 2013, 02:32:09 PM
According to License Plate News, Nevada has passed 999-YZZ and went on to the 000-LDE series, because the 1986 Nevada plates ended at 000-LDD. Nevada plates were originally speculated to go through combinations with the letter I, O, and Q.

Note that Nevada isn't using the Z series because they were originally supposed to be Dealer plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: iwishiwascanadian on July 15, 2013, 05:44:29 PM
I've noticed that Connecticut has changed their license plate format.  It's been 123-AAA for as long as I can remember but now its 1ABCD2 with no spaces or anything.  I'm not fond of it at all. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on July 17, 2013, 05:24:41 PM
I just saw one of these for the first time the other day (the serial was longer, I think), and I think they're beautiful.  I must say, it's probably the only plate that can make the back end of a grey Buick look good.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.forestry.ok.gov%2FWebsites%2Fforestry%2FImages%2FTrees%2520Make%2520a%2520Difference%2520License%2520Plate.bmp&hash=edf67787fc2e374acae05469206563f6df70c995)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 17, 2013, 08:10:39 PM
awesome background.  what's with the shit font?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on July 17, 2013, 10:07:08 PM
I think I had an "info-beam" comment above.

http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2013/07/17/196914/privacy-group-warns-against-california.html#.UedMim1cX2A

"California license plates could get a high-tech makeover with a digital screen and wireless capabilities as part of a Senate bill making its way through the Legislature.

Senate Bill 806 authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to create a pilot program at no cost to the state with as many as 160,000 cars testing the digital plates patented by San Francisco-based Smart Plate Mobile. The state hopes the technology will improve efficiencies in vehicle registrations and potentially save the DMV some of the $20 million spent each year in postage for renewals.

Privacy advocates say the approach could leave motorists vulnerable to government surveillance by undoing a Supreme Court ruling that required authorities to obtain search warrants before using vehicle tracking devices..,."

There is some reference in here to selling advertisements. Great...I need to get the license number of the hit and run driver ahead of me and his plate is running a Cialis commercial.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 17, 2013, 10:22:16 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 17, 2013, 10:07:08 PMI need to get the license number of the hit and run driver ahead of me and his plate is running a Cialis commercial.

"911, what is your emergency?"
"I just saw someone get run over by a huge dick."
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on July 17, 2013, 10:40:11 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 17, 2013, 10:22:16 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 17, 2013, 10:07:08 PMI need to get the license number of the hit and run driver ahead of me and his plate is running a Cialis commercial.

"911, what is your emergency?"
"I just saw someone get run over by a huge dick."
...[like all pharma commercials]..."In slow motion!"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ChoralScholar on July 17, 2013, 10:57:46 PM
I've been pretty pleased with the selection of special plates in Arkansas.  I have Teacher Plates and my wife has Susan G Komen Plates.  They have one for nearly every college and university in Arkansas as well as a ton of other stuff.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfa.arkansas.gov%2Foffices%2FmotorVehicle%2FplateImages%2Feducation_book_sm.jpg&hash=0750bebc9a683936fac5c129458ccfc00e368540)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dfa.arkansas.gov%2Foffices%2FmotorVehicle%2FplateImages%2Fbreast_cancer_sm.jpg&hash=c568f3ce78e62d74f9d384d1898f50d56371913c)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on July 17, 2013, 11:58:33 PM
Quote from: Bruce on May 18, 2013, 05:30:05 PM
Washington State will be offering new Seahawks and Sounders license plates for $40 beginning January 1, 2014, with proceeds going to three local charities.

Source (http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seahawks-Sounders-license-plates-coming-in-2014-207952531.html) - Announcement Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhqsio0h3kg)

Here are the actual plates themselves:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seahawks.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fimported%2FSEA%2FarticleImages%2Fevents%2F2013%2FLicensePlates%2F130517-plates-600.jpg&hash=05eee08318cbcd32268153b282654e9f8e5938a7) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soundersfc.com%2F%7E%2Fmedia%2Fcc9751c2bae44c92aa39ae4c116064b5.ashx%3Fw%3D591%26amp%3Bh%3D296&hash=205fe2336c1d6c75bcf21b0d6c7c9c2e19905210)


WASHINGTON in Arial and the number in Helvetica?? :barf:

Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 17, 2013, 08:10:39 PM
awesome background.  what's with the shit font?

Typical Oklahoma plates use Series C digits with some sort of squared-off font for the letters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TEG24601 on July 18, 2013, 12:41:35 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 17, 2013, 11:58:33 PM
Quote from: Bruce on May 18, 2013, 05:30:05 PM
Washington State will be offering new Seahawks and Sounders license plates for $40 beginning January 1, 2014, with proceeds going to three local charities.

Source (http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seahawks-Sounders-license-plates-coming-in-2014-207952531.html) - Announcement Video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhqsio0h3kg)

Here are the actual plates themselves:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seahawks.com%2Fassets%2Fimages%2Fimported%2FSEA%2FarticleImages%2Fevents%2F2013%2FLicensePlates%2F130517-plates-600.jpg&hash=05eee08318cbcd32268153b282654e9f8e5938a7) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.soundersfc.com%2F%7E%2Fmedia%2Fcc9751c2bae44c92aa39ae4c116064b5.ashx%3Fw%3D591%26amp%3Bh%3D296&hash=205fe2336c1d6c75bcf21b0d6c7c9c2e19905210)


WASHINGTON in Arial and the number in Helvetica?? :barf:

Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 17, 2013, 08:10:39 PM
awesome background.  what's with the shit font?

Typical Oklahoma plates use Series C digits with some sort of squared-off font for the letters.

It is the new, more legible fonts that WSDOL has been using on the newer printed (instead of stamped) plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on July 18, 2013, 12:37:39 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on July 17, 2013, 11:58:33 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on July 17, 2013, 08:10:39 PM
awesome background.  what's with the shit font?

Typical Oklahoma plates use Series C digits with some sort of squared-off font for the letters.

that must just be the mockup, then.  I know the fonts you refer to on the actual plates; hopefully these new ones will use those fonts as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Takumi on July 20, 2013, 07:03:43 AM
A bill has been introduced into Virginia legislation to require only a rear plate. Here's hoping it passes.
http://www.insidenova.com/news/local/northernva/state-bill-calls-for-one-license-plate-instead-of-two/article_754d9eaa-5493-11e2-9568-0019bb2963f4.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: maplestar on July 20, 2013, 09:07:38 AM
Quote from: Takumi on July 20, 2013, 07:03:43 AM
A bill has been introduced into Virginia legislation to require only a rear plate. Here's hoping it passes.
http://www.insidenova.com/news/local/northernva/state-bill-calls-for-one-license-plate-instead-of-two/article_754d9eaa-5493-11e2-9568-0019bb2963f4.html

I'm guessing it won't, since the article is dated January 1st and the year's General Assembly session has finished already.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on July 28, 2013, 04:17:07 PM
Prince Edward Island will be doing a general reissue in September to these new license plates.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cbc.ca%2Fgfx%2Fimages%2Fnews%2Ftopstories%2F2013%2F07%2F05%2Fpe-hi-new-licence-plate-8col.jpg&hash=9cb538326c418416e8f378aaf1a19e2537282487)

This will replace all current PEI plate types on the road, with many older plates suffering legibility problems.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on August 27, 2013, 11:24:29 AM
'Sweet Home Alabama' license plates to be phased out on Jan. 1 (http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/08/sweet_home_alabama_license_pla.html#incart_river)

The new general issue starting on January 1, 2014:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgick.al.com%2Fhome%2Fbama-media%2Fpgmain%2Fimg%2Falphotos%2Fphoto%2F2013%2F08%2F-b2e37a1d436fa543.jpg&hash=755da78c86df81004ed9a2c5723abc066e436f45)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on August 27, 2013, 12:44:52 PM
Quote from: Alex on August 27, 2013, 11:24:29 AM
'Sweet Home Alabama' license plates to be phased out on Jan. 1 (http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/08/sweet_home_alabama_license_pla.html#incart_river)

I'll be of two minds when I go to register my car soon; I kind of like the current plate, but the new one looks nice too.

Although, it appears the example above is slightly harder to read from a distance.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on August 27, 2013, 05:46:48 PM
Quote from: Alex on August 27, 2013, 11:24:29 AM
'Sweet Home Alabama' license plates to be phased out on Jan. 1 (http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/08/sweet_home_alabama_license_pla.html#incart_river)

The new general issue starting on January 1, 2014:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgick.al.com%2Fhome%2Fbama-media%2Fpgmain%2Fimg%2Falphotos%2Fphoto%2F2013%2F08%2F-b2e37a1d436fa543.jpg&hash=755da78c86df81004ed9a2c5723abc066e436f45)

isnt there another song that mentions Alabama that can be incorporated?  will there still be county codes
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on August 28, 2013, 11:35:48 PM
It was announced late last week that Wisconsin's sesquicentennial license plates (1998) and red character standard issue plates should be nearly gone from Wisconsin highways by the end of next year: Official DMV notice (with images) (http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/vehicles/plates/reissuance/sesq-redltr.htm)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on August 29, 2013, 08:43:27 AM
Michigan's latest specialty plate featuring the Mackinac Bridge, announced some time ago, finally goes on sale today:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130829/METRO05/308290051/Mighty-Mac-license-plate-gets-makeover

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fimages%2Fsos%2FBridge-Plate_432239_7.jpg&hash=ea243304afde3642e3d575f9656e96eb6dfe8e1a)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on August 29, 2013, 11:07:33 AM
I call shenanigans on the angle of the sun. That would have to be a sunset near winter solstice to be even close, and then wouldn't the straits be frozen?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on August 29, 2013, 12:23:12 PM
Quote from: vtk on August 29, 2013, 11:07:33 AM
I call shenanigans on the angle of the sun. That would have to be a sunset near winter solstice to be even close, and then wouldn't the straits be frozen?

anticipation of global warming.  there should probably be a gator in that drawing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on August 29, 2013, 03:22:47 PM
Another pedantic nitpick: if the sky is bright orange, the water not appear blue. It would be a dimmer shade of the same orange hue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alps on September 02, 2013, 11:28:39 AM
Quote from: vtk on August 29, 2013, 03:22:47 PM
Another pedantic nitpick: if the sky is bright orange, the water not appear blue. It would be a dimmer shade of the same orange hue.
Anticipation of pollution.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on September 02, 2013, 11:49:44 AM
Quote from: Steve on September 02, 2013, 11:28:39 AM
Quote from: vtk on August 29, 2013, 03:22:47 PM
Another pedantic nitpick: if the sky is bright orange, the water not appear blue. It would be a dimmer shade of the same orange hue.
Anticipation of pollution.

a thin sheen of some oil on the water surface that causes orange light to reflect blue?  eek; I thought "the eastern seaboard going underwater" and "piranhas in Baffin Bay" was bad enough...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on September 04, 2013, 12:40:46 AM
KNX Radio: Bill Would Let Calif. Test Digital License Plates (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2013/09/03/bill-would-let-calif-test-digital-license-plates/)

QuoteState officials could set up a pilot program to test digital license plates under a bill advancing through the Legislature.

QuoteThe Assembly approved SB806 by Democratic Sen. Ben Hueso of San Diego, which would authorize the Department of Motor Vehicles to evaluate alternative license plates and registration cards.

QuoteA legislative analysis of the bill says replacing current plates and registration cards with wireless devices could reduce processing and mailing costs. Privacy advocates have raised concerns that digital plates could allow government officials to track motorists.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on September 04, 2013, 04:35:37 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on September 04, 2013, 12:40:46 AMPrivacy advocates have raised concerns that digital plates could allow government officials to track motorists.

Gotta love it.  With all the myriad methods available to track motorists now, they're all bent out of shape about one more.  That ship sailed years ago.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MDOTFanFB on September 12, 2013, 03:24:34 PM
Quote from: catch22 on August 29, 2013, 08:43:27 AM
Michigan's latest specialty plate featuring the Mackinac Bridge, announced some time ago, finally goes on sale today:

http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130829/METRO05/308290051/Mighty-Mac-license-plate-gets-makeover

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fimages%2Fsos%2FBridge-Plate_432239_7.jpg&hash=ea243304afde3642e3d575f9656e96eb6dfe8e1a)


Well, it took two weeks, but one has been finally sighted out in the wild, starting out in the "AAA-(random three-digit number)" series, similar to the old blue plates in 2005 when Michigan started that combo. I wasn't expecting it at all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on October 15, 2013, 10:57:25 AM
A bill is working its way through the Michigan legislature to "age out" plates after 10 years and to explore a "digital plate printing method."

Detroit Free Press link:  http://www.freep.com/article/20131015/NEWS06/310150075/Michigan-bill-requires-replacement-of-old-license-plates
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: KEVIN_224 on November 06, 2013, 07:06:05 PM
Quote from: iwishiwascanadian on July 15, 2013, 05:44:29 PM
I've noticed that Connecticut has changed their license plate format.  It's been 123-AAA for as long as I can remember but now its 1ABCD2 with no spaces or anything.  I'm not fond of it at all. 

At least you don't have this Connecticut plate:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfEwSJ4Z.jpg&hash=04c9a076a8ea293016ac95db5d1fb3114a994426)

Yes, it's very real. My brother saw it in the lot of his work place! :D

On a side note, Connecticut finally allows 7-digit plates, but only if it's a vanity plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on November 09, 2013, 07:29:22 AM
With a 1ABCD2 format, that'll last for a good while before it's time for seven digits. I suspect you probably went a lead letter a year with the 123AAA, judging by the size of the state. Replacing 10 digits with 26 alphas will extend this series out accordingly.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dr Frankenstein on January 30, 2014, 02:56:13 PM
Sylvain Gaudreault, the Minister of Transportation of Québec, announced today that the province may start emitting vanity plates by September 2015.

Until then, I think that they're the only state in North America not offering them. Correct me if I'm wrong.

(English)
http://www.montrealgazette.com/news/Quebec+allow+drivers+vanity+license+plates/9450168/story.html
(French)
http://www.lapresse.ca/le-quotidien/actualites/201401/30/01-4734028-immatriculations-personnalisees-au-quebec.php

EDIT: Added article in English.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on January 30, 2014, 03:02:20 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on November 06, 2013, 07:06:05 PM

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfEwSJ4Z.jpg&hash=04c9a076a8ea293016ac95db5d1fb3114a994426)

Yes, it's very real. My brother saw it in the lot of his work place! :D

"Preserve The Sound" :-D

Quote from: jwolfer on August 27, 2013, 05:46:48 PM
Quote from: Alex on August 27, 2013, 11:24:29 AM
'Sweet Home Alabama' license plates to be phased out on Jan. 1 (http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/08/sweet_home_alabama_license_pla.html#incart_river)

The new general issue starting on January 1, 2014:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimgick.al.com%2Fhome%2Fbama-media%2Fpgmain%2Fimg%2Falphotos%2Fphoto%2F2013%2F08%2F-b2e37a1d436fa543.jpg&hash=755da78c86df81004ed9a2c5723abc066e436f45)

isnt there another song that mentions Alabama that can be incorporated?  will there still be county codes

Seen three of these so far, and it seems the traditional county codes are intact.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on January 30, 2014, 03:04:18 PM
Quote from: Dr Frankenstein on January 30, 2014, 02:56:13 PM
Sylvain Gaudreault, the Minister of Transportation of Québec, announced today that the province may start emitting vanity plates by September 2015.

Until then, I think that they're the only state in North America not offering them. Correct me if I'm wrong.

(In French only for now; the announcement was about an hour ago)
http://www.lapresse.ca/le-quotidien/actualites/201401/30/01-4734028-immatriculations-personnalisees-au-quebec.php

Wyoming barely does. Personalized plates still have the county number and bucking horse, so you're only allowed four characters. They must be pretty rare, I think. I had intended to tell you that Wyoming didn't allow them, because I don't recall ever seeing one in two years of living in Wyoming and 11 years of living in surrounding states.

https://www.dot.state.wy.us/home/titles_plates_registration/specialty_plates/Prestige_Plates.default.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: doogie1303 on January 31, 2014, 03:57:45 PM
Quote from: KEVIN_224 on November 06, 2013, 07:06:05 PM
Quote from: iwishiwascanadian on July 15, 2013, 05:44:29 PM
I've noticed that Connecticut has changed their license plate format.  It's been 123-AAA for as long as I can remember but now its 1ABCD2 with no spaces or anything.  I'm not fond of it at all. 

At least you don't have this Connecticut plate:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FfEwSJ4Z.jpg&hash=04c9a076a8ea293016ac95db5d1fb3114a994426)

Yes, it's very real. My brother saw it in the lot of his work place! :D

On a side note, Connecticut finally allows 7-digit plates, but only if it's a vanity plate.

I've seen FAP 1 in RI, my friend and I laughed ... but on a side are you sure about the 7-digit vanity restriction? I'm pretty sure I remember seeing some 7-digit vanity plates back in the 80's when they switched from the older AB-1234 style to the 123-ABC format.

If I can remember right from when I still lived there, the 6-digit restriction was for the specialty "preserve the sound" plates due to the fact they couldn't fit more than 6-digits with the lighthouse on the plate.

We have a similar situation in RI with the "Plum Beach Lighthouse" plates, except we are restricted to only 5-digits on the plate!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 04, 2014, 05:47:04 PM

From the UW Office of News and Information... (http://www.washington.edu/news/2013/11/26/redesigned-purple-uw-license-plates-now-available/)

"The newly designed University of Washington vehicle license plate is now available for sale from the state Department of Licensing. The new Husky plate design features a bold gold block "W"  on a solid purple background."

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fengage.washington.edu%2Fimages%2Fcontent%2Fpagebuilder%2Fplate22611.jpg&hash=97b7105c9a182d8cfcf3796c8e4d1e10ab0476af)

TO

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dol.wa.gov%2Fimages%2FUWplate.png&hash=1f1b22a3d32a9ac3fa5cbddf9e50afdbb01e2d32)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on February 07, 2014, 05:55:52 PM
QuoteWashington State will be offering new Seahawks and Sounders license plates for $40 beginning January 1, 2014, with proceeds going to three local charities.

Bet with the Super Bowl win, one of these sells VERY well this year!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NJRoadfan on April 22, 2014, 11:12:16 PM
New Jersey is switching to "flat" digital plates across the board. They should be appearing on the road when the rest of the stamped plate inventory runs out. At least they don't seem to be using that terrible default 3M font on the plates. I'll miss the unique squared off dies NJ used though.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/About/MVC_Advisory_2014-04.pdf
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 23, 2014, 01:56:57 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 22, 2014, 11:12:16 PM
New Jersey is switching to "flat" digital plates across the board. They should be appearing on the road when the rest of the stamped plate inventory runs out. At least they don't seem to be using that terrible default 3M font on the plates. I'll miss the unique squared off dies NJ used though.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/About/MVC_Advisory_2014-04.pdf

In the press release, it talks about a security mark. Do you know what that is?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 23, 2014, 02:05:40 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 23, 2014, 01:56:57 PM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 22, 2014, 11:12:16 PM
New Jersey is switching to "flat" digital plates across the board. They should be appearing on the road when the rest of the stamped plate inventory runs out. At least they don't seem to be using that terrible default 3M font on the plates. I'll miss the unique squared off dies NJ used though.

http://www.state.nj.us/mvc/pdf/About/MVC_Advisory_2014-04.pdf

In the press release, it talks about a security mark. Do you know what that is?

Depending on the lighting and angle when you look at the plate, there's a security mark that runs down at or near the center of the newer tags. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NJRoadfan on April 23, 2014, 05:45:49 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 23, 2014, 01:56:57 PM
In the press release, it talks about a security mark. Do you know what that is?

Its the 3M "Ensure Virtual Security Thread" that is seen on many state's plates.

http://barfety.com/of-license-plates-and-double-helix-strands/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 25, 2014, 07:37:58 AM
Quote from: NJRoadfan on April 23, 2014, 05:45:49 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on April 23, 2014, 01:56:57 PM
In the press release, it talks about a security mark. Do you know what that is?

Its the 3M "Ensure Virtual Security Thread" that is seen on many state's plates.

http://barfety.com/of-license-plates-and-double-helix-strands/

I think I've seen that on Kansas plates...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ski-man on April 25, 2014, 01:30:32 PM
Wyoming plates have those as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tidecat on April 25, 2014, 08:57:19 PM
Kentucky and Missouri are double helix states as well-their plates are basically identical.

I actually did see a Nevada plate that read "10JQKA" once on I-5 in Northern California - that was long before the days of cell phone cameras, though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Takumi on May 15, 2014, 04:22:48 PM
Ohio issues a brightly colored plate for DUI offenders (NSFW)
http://dougdemuro.jalopnik.com/ohio-issues-bright-yellow-license-plates-to-shame-dui-o-1576928319/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on May 15, 2014, 04:38:00 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 15, 2014, 04:22:48 PM
Ohio issues a brightly colored plate for DUI offenders (NSFW)
http://dougdemuro.jalopnik.com/ohio-issues-bright-yellow-license-plates-to-shame-dui-o-1576928319/

It's hard to take that guy's opinions seriously. Everytime an argument or bit of evidence is presented, it's embellished like a standup comedy routine.

Anyway, his main point seems to be that we shouldn't publicly mark people for "one little mistake" because of the resulting unfair stigma. But perhaps the better solution is to work to lessen that stigma.  You don't accomplish that by encouraging the stigmatized to hide.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 15, 2014, 05:44:25 PM
Quote from: vtk on May 15, 2014, 04:38:00 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 15, 2014, 04:22:48 PM
Ohio issues a brightly colored plate for DUI offenders (NSFW)
http://dougdemuro.jalopnik.com/ohio-issues-bright-yellow-license-plates-to-shame-dui-o-1576928319/

[H]is main point seems to be that we shouldn't publicly mark people for "one little mistake" because of the resulting unfair stigma. But perhaps the better solution is to work to lessen that stigma.  You don't accomplish that by encouraging the stigmatized to hide.

It seems like we are creating an issue where there doesn't need to be one. What exactly would this license plate solve? Is it contributing to society in a positive manner? Does it make it easier for cops to identify their new targets? Would John Doe drive out of his way to avoid DUI Dan? Would it prevent future DUIs? Would people no longer associate with you because you had a DUI once? Simply, the negatives far outweigh the positives.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 05:49:17 PM
Quote from: vtk on May 15, 2014, 04:38:00 PMBut perhaps the better solution is to work to lessen that stigma. 

on the contrary, I'd love to have it raised.  drunk driving isn't a mistake; it's a conscious choice.  we've made great strides against everything from public littering to homophobia.  drunk driving would be well served to go the way of the three-martini lunch.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 05:52:09 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 05:44:25 PMDoes it make it easier for cops to identify their new targets?

hey, black people could use a break.

QuoteWould John Doe drive out of his way to avoid DUI Dan?

that's actually a good public safety point.  I'd avoid DUI Dan because he's Distracted Donna, or Texting Ted, or Putting-on-Makeup Pat, i.e. his behaviors while driving make it obvious that being a safe road user is not his main priority.  the license plate wouldn't be relevant to me; but I can see myself avoiding Must-Get-Far-Away-From-DUI-Dan Mike.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 15, 2014, 05:58:10 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 05:49:17 PM
on the contrary, I'd love to have it raised.  drunk driving isn't a mistake; it's a conscious choice.  we've made great strides against everything from public littering to homophobia.  drunk driving would be well served to go the way of the three-martini lunch.

Much like Gun-free zones and shootings, these license plates won't stop DUIs from occurring. Drunk driving is terrible, but this isn't the solution.

Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 05:52:09 PM
the license plate wouldn't be relevant to me; but I can see myself avoiding Must-Get-Far-Away-From-DUI-Dan Mike.

Precisely. And that would be my concern. They'll feel like people are consciously avoiding them, and then they'll just commit suicide fall into a deep depression because no one wants to associate with an apparent drunk (not where I'm from, at least).

Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 05:52:09 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 05:44:25 PMDoes it make it easier for cops to identify their new targets?

hey, black people could use a break.

Nevermind, you win.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on May 15, 2014, 05:58:34 PM

Quote from: Takumi on May 15, 2014, 04:22:48 PM
Ohio issues a brightly colored plate for DUI offenders (NSFW)
http://dougdemuro.jalopnik.com/ohio-issues-bright-yellow-license-plates-to-shame-dui-o-1576928319/

We've done that since the late 60s, I believe.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 06:20:19 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 05:58:10 PM
Precisely. And that would be my concern. They'll feel like people are consciously avoiding them, and then they'll just commit suicide fall into a deep depression because no one wants to associate with an apparent drunk (not where I'm from, at least).

I mean on the road.  if people are staying out of my way and I am staying out of theirs, then I am the farthest thing away from deep depression.  thus, my concern is Vehicle A sees that Vehicle B (moving innocuously in the rightmost lane at 60mph) has the yellow plate; so Vehicle A violently swerves left and causes me to have to slam on my brakes to avoid him.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 15, 2014, 06:52:29 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 06:20:19 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 05:58:10 PM
Precisely. And that would be my concern. They'll feel like people are consciously avoiding them, and then they'll just commit suicide fall into a deep depression because no one wants to associate with an apparent drunk (not where I'm from, at least).

I mean on the road.  if people are staying out of my way and I am staying out of theirs, then I am the farthest thing away from deep depression.  thus, my concern is Vehicle A sees that Vehicle B (moving innocuously in the rightmost lane at 60mph) has the yellow plate; so Vehicle A violently swerves left and causes me to have to slam on my brakes to avoid him.

My concern with the whole depression thing is when it extends to places like parking lots. A far fetched example indeed, but lets say you hook with a girl (or guy...not sure of your homophobic sexual preference) at a bar (ironic? I think not). You have a great time and decide to head back to your place. You two walk outside and he/she sees your car with the yellow license plate. Most likely, this won't cause an issue. But in some cases, this person could potentially end whatever relationship you have established thus far because of their...zero tolerance policy?

If this same situation continues to occur, DUI Dan will certainly become Depressed Dan. And we don't want to cause suicides.

Again, I know this is far fetched. Just take it for what it's worth.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 07:41:26 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 06:52:29 PMnot sure of your homophobic sexual preference

generally straight.  hopefully not homophobic.  I had thought "we've made great strides against everything from public littering to homophobia." would clearly identify where my beliefs lie.  apparently not?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 15, 2014, 07:44:20 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 07:41:26 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 06:52:29 PMnot sure of your homophobic sexual preference

generally straight.  hopefully not homophobic.  I had thought "we've made great strides against everything from public littering to homophobia." would clearly identify where my beliefs lie.  apparently not?

That was part of a sentence I took 95% out. Forgot to delete "homophobic". Just "sexual preference" was what was supposed to be left.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 07:53:36 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 07:44:20 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 07:41:26 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 06:52:29 PMnot sure of your homophobic sexual preference

generally straight.  hopefully not homophobic.  I had thought "we've made great strides against everything from public littering to homophobia." would clearly identify where my beliefs lie.  apparently not?

That was part of a sentence I took 95% out. Forgot to delete "homophobic". Just "sexual preference" was what was supposed to be left.

ha!  out, out, damn typos.

I think my wife would be quite upset if I were picking up people of any gender at the local bar.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 15, 2014, 08:04:54 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 07:53:36 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 07:44:20 PM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 07:41:26 PM
Quote from: jake on May 15, 2014, 06:52:29 PMnot sure of your homophobic sexual preference

generally straight.  hopefully not homophobic.  I had thought "we've made great strides against everything from public littering to homophobia." would clearly identify where my beliefs lie.  apparently not?

That was part of a sentence I took 95% out. Forgot to delete "homophobic". Just "sexual preference" was what was supposed to be left.

ha!  out, out, damn typos.

I think my wife would be quite upset if I were picking up people of any gender at the local bar.

Oh good. I didn't offend you. Did I ever mention that people with more than 4000 posts genuinely frighten me? Can't anger them...they are the people you need to be on the good side with. I thought I almost lost the original Jake.

And yeah, I bet she would!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 08:30:57 PM
ha ha you may offend me as you see fit!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on May 16, 2014, 12:04:21 AM
Is the plate for life?  I can digest this a little easier if it's temporary (a few years?) for first offenders, maybe graduated to permanent at stages beyond that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on May 16, 2014, 01:59:27 AM
Quote from: agentsteel53 on May 15, 2014, 05:49:17 PM
Quote from: vtk on May 15, 2014, 04:38:00 PMBut perhaps the better solution is to work to lessen that stigma. 

on the contrary, I'd love to have it raised.  drunk driving isn't a mistake; it's a conscious choice.  we've made great strides against everything from public littering to homophobia.  drunk driving would be well served to go the way of the three-martini lunch.

I meant that comment to be taken as operating within the assertion by the blogger that a DUI is "one little mistake" and nothing more.  I actually think it's a big problem.  Either way, the blogger's logic is flawed.

How about this: purchase and consumption of alcohol should require an alcohol license.  Such a license would be trivial to obtain; take a brief test, pay a nominal fee, sit for a photo.  If you drive drunk, or otherwise risk injury or death to others due to alcohol intoxication, your alcohol license is suspended or revoked, in addition to whatever license may have been required for the thing you were doing drunk.  I think for some people this would be a more effective deterrant than the threat of losing one's driving license alone.

Anyway, I believe the point of the license plate is closely related to the driver's restricted driving privileges.  I've heard these drivers are only allowed to drive between home and work.  If such a vehicle is seen on the road outside of typical commuting hours, an officer may have "reasonable suspicion" to interrogate the driver to determine if he's violating the restrictions.  Of course, I recognize this can be problematic if the driver's job isn't a 9—5 office or industrial position.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 16, 2014, 02:18:44 AM
An "alcohol license" would be a minor inconvenience at best. Give your friend a $20, have him stock up on beer, drink at home. You just couldn't go to bars.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on May 16, 2014, 10:30:57 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 16, 2014, 02:18:44 AM
An "alcohol license" would be a minor inconvenience at best. Give your friend a $20, have him stock up on beer, drink at home. You just couldn't go to bars.

And such a scheme would be just as illegal as buying beer for minors.  It would help, anyway.  A friend of mine recently failed to prevent her sister from driving home from a bar totally shitfaced.   Fortunately she made it home alive.

Oh yeah, and the privilege to park a car at a bar should be contingent on designating a driver who will not be allowed to drink at that bar...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on May 16, 2014, 01:13:09 PM
Quote from: vtk on May 15, 2014, 04:38:00 PM
Quote from: Takumi on May 15, 2014, 04:22:48 PMOhio issues a brightly colored plate for DUI offenders (NSFW)

http://dougdemuro.jalopnik.com/ohio-issues-bright-yellow-license-plates-to-shame-dui-o-1576928319/

It's hard to take that guy's opinions seriously. Everytime an argument or bit of evidence is presented, it's embellished like a standup comedy routine.

Anyway, his main point seems to be that we shouldn't publicly mark people for "one little mistake" because of the resulting unfair stigma. But perhaps the better solution is to work to lessen that stigma.  You don't accomplish that by encouraging the stigmatized to hide.

Agreed re. the embellishments--they are distracting.

Ohio is not the first state to introduce a DUI plate; Iowa has one, or used to have one (a not particularly well-referenced article suggests it has now been phased out (http://www.lifesafer.com/blog/dui-scarlet-letter-license-plate/)).

Before getting into the whole question of whether society should approach problem drinkers behind the wheel with a hard or soft edge, which leads too quickly to questions of personal preference that are unlikely to be resolved on a rational basis, I would much rather know this:  do DUI plates lead to a clear and statistically significant reduction in DUI arrests or injuries and fatalities due to DUI?  In terms of these measures of effectiveness and of cost, how does it compare with other steps that can be taken, such as vehicle impoundment (allowed in Washington) or mandatory installation of an ignition interlock?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on May 16, 2014, 01:31:29 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on May 16, 2014, 12:04:21 AM
... I can digest this a little easier if it's temporary (a few years?) for first offenders, maybe graduated to permanent at stages beyond that.

Sounds like a bureaucratic nightmare...or a new reason to issue a ticket.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on June 06, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
KNX Radio: Retro Calif. License Plates Returning To The Road (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/06/retro-calif-license-plates-returning-to-the-road/)

QuoteCalifornia's classic black and yellow license plates are making a comeback thanks to a local assemblyman.

QuoteRep. Mike Gatto (D-Los Angeles) gathered the 7,500 applications need to launch the return of the plates in record time.

QuoteThe plates were first issued to California vehicles from 1963 to 1969.

QuoteAs part of the Legacy License Plate Program, yellow plates with black lettering and blue plates with yellow lettering will also be available.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 06, 2014, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 06, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
KNX Radio: Retro Calif. License Plates Returning To The Road (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/06/retro-calif-license-plates-returning-to-the-road/)

QuoteThe plates were first issued to California vehicles from 1963 to 1969.

QuoteAs part of the Legacy License Plate Program, yellow plates with black lettering and blue plates with yellow lettering will also be available.

Are they going to require the car to be a collector's vehicle? If not, that's awesome. Makes customizing a car that much cooler.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: briantroutman on June 06, 2014, 03:45:55 PM
Quote from: jake on June 06, 2014, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 06, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
KNX Radio: Retro Calif. License Plates Returning To The Road (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/06/retro-calif-license-plates-returning-to-the-road/)

Are they going to require the car to be a collector's vehicle? If not, that's awesome. Makes customizing a car that much cooler.

This sucks. I think one of the most interesting things about California license plates is that the plates stay with the car and become a part of its history. You walk through a parking lot today and see an original, untouched  '63 Volkswagen Beetle with the same yellow-on-black plate that was bolted on at Chick Iverson VW the day it was first sold. And when I first heard of this program, I thought it would be great that someone restoring an old '64 1/2 Mustang or a '71 Plymouth Valiant would be able to get an authentic plate for the year of the car.

But there's absolutely no controls over which cars get what plates. Some idiot can an iconic '60s plate for his "sweet"  '97 Eagle Talon...?! Destroys the mystique of the old plates, in my opinion.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 06, 2014, 03:49:33 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 06, 2014, 03:45:55 PM
Quote from: jake on June 06, 2014, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 06, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
KNX Radio: Retro Calif. License Plates Returning To The Road (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/06/retro-calif-license-plates-returning-to-the-road/)

Are they going to require the car to be a collector's vehicle? If not, that's awesome. Makes customizing a car that much cooler.

This sucks. I think one of the most interesting things about California license plates is that the plates stay with the car and become a part of its history. You walk through a parking lot today and see an original, untouched  '63 Volkswagen Beetle with the same yellow-on-black plate that was bolted on at Chick Iverson VW the day it was first sold. And when I first heard of this program, I thought it would be great that someone restoring an old '64 1/2 Mustang or a '71 Plymouth Valiant would be able to get an authentic plate for the year of the car.

But there's absolutely no controls over which cars get what plates. Some idiot can an iconic '60s plate for his "sweet"  '97 Eagle Talon...?! Destroys the mystique of the old plates, in my opinion.

I didn't really think about that. Good point, however.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 06, 2014, 11:34:39 PM
^^^ I somewhat agree with you but,

I am going to buy a yellow on black plate for my 2007 Mustang, because it is very similar looking to a 1969 Mustang
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 07, 2014, 12:40:03 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 06, 2014, 11:34:39 PM
^^^ I somewhat agree with you but,

I am going to buy a yellow on black plate for my 2007 Mustang, because it is very similar looking to a 1969 Mustang

I would imagine there's a large number of people with retro-looking cars (like the present gen Challenger and Camaro, maybe even Mustang) that will opt for the classic plates, just so they can be sure everyone else knows they are having a midlife crisis.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 07, 2014, 01:41:49 PM
^^^
Really?  Is that why I am doing this?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 07, 2014, 01:44:26 PM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 07, 2014, 01:41:49 PM
^^^
Really?  Is that why I am doing this?

:-D  I'm joking.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on June 07, 2014, 05:46:00 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on December 10, 2011, 05:35:51 PM
Quote from: Hot Rod Hootenanny on December 09, 2011, 04:11:15 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on December 09, 2011, 02:04:10 PM
So what are the new Ohio plates supposed to look like or is it unveiled yet?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bmv.ohio.gov%2Fvote2.jpg&hash=b4dbe3c9ce7e36adad05a3f4855b43c4d34c5081)


I saw the new Ohio license plate for the first time in Colorado the other day...Well, sort of:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FOhio4%2Foh2013temp.jpg&hash=40b3c6f7c42a8744f0a78b63a4dd247ddb713bc6)

I have never seen such a fancy temporary tag before.  Prior to the latest permanent OH tags, their temp tags looked something like this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2F0%2F02%2F2001_OH_temporary_tag.jpg&hash=8f799dde9e879a2c45846035cc516c555483eaa6)



Oh wow. That is a not a bad license plate at all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SteveG1988 on June 12, 2014, 05:40:12 PM
In april 2014 Nj started issuing flat license plates for regular bases.

Before:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Fl12-eds.jpg&hash=3b2b69e2c65d146e718b4a2b29001094d0f44104)
After:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmoini.net%2Fnjplates%2Fa40-eff.jpg&hash=e6db66f2a5d27533e656f43ff5bd979cd1c899a7)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on June 12, 2014, 05:48:10 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 06, 2014, 03:45:55 PM
Quote from: jake on June 06, 2014, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 06, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
KNX Radio: Retro Calif. License Plates Returning To The Road (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/06/retro-calif-license-plates-returning-to-the-road/)

Are they going to require the car to be a collector's vehicle? If not, that's awesome. Makes customizing a car that much cooler.

This sucks. I think one of the most interesting things about California license plates is that the plates stay with the car and become a part of its history.

That's not interesting IMHO, that's just old, illegible, and rusty.  The plates should stay with the owner, IMHO, and be changed out every 5 to 10 years or so to keep them legible and reflective.  It's kind of fun to see a new car with an old number (AAA ###) and an old car with a new number (A ### ###).  You know when they 1) got their plates, and 2) bought the car or moved into the state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 12, 2014, 06:01:54 PM
Quote from: Brandon on June 12, 2014, 05:48:10 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 06, 2014, 03:45:55 PM
Quote from: jake on June 06, 2014, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 06, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
KNX Radio: Retro Calif. License Plates Returning To The Road (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/06/retro-calif-license-plates-returning-to-the-road/)

Are they going to require the car to be a collector's vehicle? If not, that's awesome. Makes customizing a car that much cooler.

This sucks. I think one of the most interesting things about California license plates is that the plates stay with the car and become a part of its history.

That's not interesting IMHO, that's just old, illegible, and rusty.  The plates should stay with the owner, IMHO, and be changed out every 5 to 10 years or so to keep them legible and reflective.  It's kind of fun to see a new car with an old number (AAA ###) and an old car with a new number (A ### ###).  You know when they 1) got their plates, and 2) bought the car or moved into the state.

I'm admittedly getting tired of suggesting a more...Limey approach, but why not just keep the same license plate the whole length of the vehicle? There would have to be some adjustments in taxes because I am fully aware that registration renewal is a major source of income.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on June 12, 2014, 08:59:50 PM
Quote from: Brandon on June 12, 2014, 05:48:10 PM
That's not interesting IMHO, that's just old, illegible, and rusty.  The plates should stay with the owner, IMHO, and be changed out every 5 to 10 years or so to keep them legible and reflective.  It's kind of fun to see a new car with an old number (AAA ###) and an old car with a new number (A ### ###).  You know when they 1) got their plates, and 2) bought the car or moved into the state.
IMO brand new plates on an old car (and vice-versa) just looks plain wrong.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on June 12, 2014, 09:01:57 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 12, 2014, 08:59:50 PM
Quote from: Brandon on June 12, 2014, 05:48:10 PM
That's not interesting IMHO, that's just old, illegible, and rusty.  The plates should stay with the owner, IMHO, and be changed out every 5 to 10 years or so to keep them legible and reflective.  It's kind of fun to see a new car with an old number (AAA ###) and an old car with a new number (A ### ###).  You know when they 1) got their plates, and 2) bought the car or moved into the state.
IMO brand new plates on an old car (and vice-versa) just looks plain wrong.

Arizona switched from the California model to the normal model a few years ago, so you see random brand new cars with 1980s license plates now that had been on the owner's old car until they sold it. It looks really weird.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on June 12, 2014, 10:09:53 PM
Here's one I'd never seen before. Spotted this morning.....in Bonita Springs, Florida.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FRoad%2520sign%2520pictures%2F86C90F0A-EB74-43AE-A18C-639C3D91033B_zpsusp6lrau.jpg&hash=8d0b5044c311d40f5950e1407a68f7c7d1c36768)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on June 14, 2014, 10:29:21 PM
Quote from: jake on June 12, 2014, 06:01:54 PM
Quote from: Brandon on June 12, 2014, 05:48:10 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on June 06, 2014, 03:45:55 PM
Quote from: jake on June 06, 2014, 03:24:25 PM
Quote from: cpzilliacus on June 06, 2014, 01:14:49 PM
KNX Radio: Retro Calif. License Plates Returning To The Road (http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/06/06/retro-calif-license-plates-returning-to-the-road/)

Are they going to require the car to be a collector's vehicle? If not, that's awesome. Makes customizing a car that much cooler.

This sucks. I think one of the most interesting things about California license plates is that the plates stay with the car and become a part of its history.

That's not interesting IMHO, that's just old, illegible, and rusty.  The plates should stay with the owner, IMHO, and be changed out every 5 to 10 years or so to keep them legible and reflective.  It's kind of fun to see a new car with an old number (AAA ###) and an old car with a new number (A ### ###).  You know when they 1) got their plates, and 2) bought the car or moved into the state.

I'm admittedly getting tired of suggesting a more...Limey approach, but why not just keep the same license plate the whole length of the vehicle? There would have to be some adjustments in taxes because I am fully aware that registration renewal is a major source of income.

I'll politely disagree, and you'll understand when you buy a car and get title and registration as to why keeping your plates is far superior.  You paid for that registration, not the guy you're selling the car to, and you should continue to use that registration instead of having to pay a new fee for a new one.  A transfer fee is far cheaper than a new registration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on June 15, 2014, 02:35:50 AM
I'm having trouble understanding what the fuss is about. In Ohio you pay an annual registration fee.  You pay that same fee every year, for each car you own.  When you buy a car, I don't think it matters whether you reuse the plate from a car you've recently sold, or if you let the BMV hand you a new plate from the top of their stack.  (License plates and registration don't stay with the car that's changing ownership.)  Usually, a car that isn't with its first owner will be older than its license plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 11:37:44 AM
Quote from: Brandon on June 14, 2014, 10:29:21 PM
I'll politely disagree, and you'll understand when you buy a car and get title and registration as to why keeping your plates is far superior.  You paid for that registration, not the guy you're selling the car to, and you should continue to use that registration instead of having to pay a new fee for a new one.  A transfer fee is far cheaper than a new registration.
That assumes you sell the car.  I keep cars until they die.

Plus old rusted out plates on a shiny new car just looks UGLY.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on June 15, 2014, 01:52:10 PM
I have watched many episodes of Parking Wars, and never quite understood how some people's cars in Philadelphia could be booted & towed for having too many unpaid tickets.  Now I get it.  PA's "plate stays with the car" law can really screw some law-abiding citizens who buy used cars from people who disregard the law.  Is there a way for people buying used cars to see in advance what tickets (if any) are attached to the car?  And do those unsuspecting buyers have any good clear recourse in suing the previous owner?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on June 15, 2014, 01:58:36 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 11:37:44 AM
Quote from: Brandon on June 14, 2014, 10:29:21 PM
I'll politely disagree, and you'll understand when you buy a car and get title and registration as to why keeping your plates is far superior.  You paid for that registration, not the guy you're selling the car to, and you should continue to use that registration instead of having to pay a new fee for a new one.  A transfer fee is far cheaper than a new registration.
That assumes you sell the car.  I keep cars until they die.

Plus old rusted out plates on a shiny new car just looks UGLY.

In Virginia you can have your same old plate number re-issued on a new pair of plates (there's probably a fee). My mother has had the same plate number since 1980, but my dad got her new standard-issue plates with the same number a few years back because the old ones were just beat-up and worn-looking and he didn't want to put them on her new car. It kind of looks funny because current-issue Virginia plates use three letters and four numbers (such as ABC-1234) but her plate number date to the three-and-three era (such as HPK-280). Her having new plates with the old number makes it look like she has inexplicable personalized plates.

I assume other states would allow the same thing. After all, plates can get damaged.

If you sell your car to someone from out of state, the DMV will issue temporary plates and a "transfer permit."

The only times I've bought a used car through a private transaction the plate thing was not an issue because both times I knew the seller quite well and I kept the old plates on the car until I'd been to the DMV.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on June 15, 2014, 04:02:02 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 11:37:44 AM
Quote from: Brandon on June 14, 2014, 10:29:21 PM
I'll politely disagree, and you'll understand when you buy a car and get title and registration as to why keeping your plates is far superior.  You paid for that registration, not the guy you're selling the car to, and you should continue to use that registration instead of having to pay a new fee for a new one.  A transfer fee is far cheaper than a new registration.
That assumes you sell the car.  I keep cars until they die.

Plus old rusted out plates on a shiny new car just looks UGLY.

If your state changes plates every so often (every five to ten years or so), it's a non-issue.  You are required to change them to the new design.  They are not ever supposed to get rusty.  The recent Illinois ones had a bad batch (2001 through 2003) that are under recall and they can and will be swapped out for free.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: froggie on June 15, 2014, 05:59:32 PM
In Vermont, the bill that Gov. Shumlin signed last Thursday banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving included a provision under which vehicle owners can keep their "Vermont Strong" front license plates on their vehicles until 6/30/2016.  Previously, the Vermont Strong plates were to expire at the end of this month.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on June 15, 2014, 07:42:46 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 11:37:44 AM
Quote from: Brandon on June 14, 2014, 10:29:21 PM
I'll politely disagree, and you'll understand when you buy a car and get title and registration as to why keeping your plates is far superior.  You paid for that registration, not the guy you're selling the car to, and you should continue to use that registration instead of having to pay a new fee for a new one.  A transfer fee is far cheaper than a new registration.
That assumes you sell the car.  I keep cars until they die.

Plus old rusted out plates on a shiny new car just looks UGLY.

The length of time between car purchase and car "death" (really, a non-event except in the case if destruction) can vary greatly.  Some cars last three years, some a dozen. 

I keep my old plates because, really, who the hell cares what my license plates look like?  One less detail to bother with in an already overcomplicated transaction. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: Brandon on June 15, 2014, 04:02:02 PM
If your state changes plates every so often (every five to ten years or so), it's a non-issue.  You are required to change them to the new design.  They are not ever supposed to get rusty.  The recent Illinois ones had a bad batch (2001 through 2003) that are under recall and they can and will be swapped out for free.
New York hasn't required anyone to change plates ever since the liberty plates were replaced by the Empire (blue) plates in the late 90s.  When the plates on my car were replaced (due to transferring the title from Mom to me), the old ones had rust around the screw holes (in fact, the front screws had to be replaced entirely), and the old front plate was slightly bent around the edges and had salt corrosion dulling the paint.  The state wanted to force everyone to switch to the Empire Gold plates (for a $25 fee, even more to keep the same plate number), but was forced to back down, in part because the new plates are so ugly.

Quote from: Pete from Boston on June 15, 2014, 07:42:46 PM
I keep my old plates because, really, who the hell cares what my license plates look like?  One less detail to bother with in an already overcomplicated transaction. 
You don't care about what the exterior of your car looks like?  Plates are a part of that.

Quote from: thenetwork on June 15, 2014, 01:52:10 PM
I have watched many episodes of Parking Wars, and never quite understood how some people's cars in Philadelphia could be booted & towed for having too many unpaid tickets.  Now I get it.  PA's "plate stays with the car" law can really screw some law-abiding citizens who buy used cars from people who disregard the law.  Is there a way for people buying used cars to see in advance what tickets (if any) are attached to the car?  And do those unsuspecting buyers have any good clear recourse in suing the previous owner?
I don't understand it either.  The state knows when you change cars.  They should switch the tickets to the new car.
Title: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on June 15, 2014, 08:35:19 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on June 15, 2014, 07:42:46 PM
I keep my old plates because, really, who the hell cares what my license plates look like?  One less detail to bother with in an already overcomplicated transaction. 
You don't care about what the exterior of your car looks like?  Plates are a part of that.

I'm glad that I keep something 18 years old in very good working order and able to carry an inordinate amount of crap around daily.  Given all that, it looks pretty damn good.  So no, I don't care what the plates look like as long as they pass inspection.  Driving through snowbanks pretty much mashes the front one up every year, so it's a lost cause anyway.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on June 15, 2014, 08:59:40 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: Brandon on June 15, 2014, 04:02:02 PM
If your state changes plates every so often (every five to ten years or so), it's a non-issue.  You are required to change them to the new design.  They are not ever supposed to get rusty.  The recent Illinois ones had a bad batch (2001 through 2003) that are under recall and they can and will be swapped out for free.
New York hasn't required anyone to change plates ever since the liberty plates were replaced by the Empire (blue) plates in the late 90s.  When the plates on my car were replaced (due to transferring the title from Mom to me), the old ones had rust around the screw holes (in fact, the front screws had to be replaced entirely), and the old front plate was slightly bent around the edges and had salt corrosion dulling the paint.  The state wanted to force everyone to switch to the Empire Gold plates (for a $25 fee, even more to keep the same plate number), but was forced to back down, in part because the new plates are so ugly.

Illinois does require you to change plates when the new ones are issued.  It's amazing that a state like New York does not.  There should be one type of standard plate (other than supporting this or that charity/school or the upgrade like the bridge plate in Michigan) for the state (HTF does California keep track with all the old, rusty types of plates they have!?!).  Any older plates should be removed and replaced.  They lose their reflectivity after a while and can no longer be seen adequately at night.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on June 15, 2014, 11:38:46 PM

Quote from: froggie on June 15, 2014, 05:59:32 PM
In Vermont, the bill that Gov. Shumlin signed last Thursday banning the use of handheld cell phones while driving included a provision under which vehicle owners can keep their "Vermont Strong" front license plates on their vehicles until 6/30/2016.  Previously, the Vermont Strong plates were to expire at the end of this month.

Contrast this with Massachusetts, where pre-1987 plates can be passed down in families and are exempt from the current front-plate requirement.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 16, 2014, 01:32:44 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 15, 2014, 08:26:00 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on June 15, 2014, 01:52:10 PM
I have watched many episodes of Parking Wars, and never quite understood how some people's cars in Philadelphia could be booted & towed for having too many unpaid tickets.  Now I get it.  PA's "plate stays with the car" law can really screw some law-abiding citizens who buy used cars from people who disregard the law.  Is there a way for people buying used cars to see in advance what tickets (if any) are attached to the car?  And do those unsuspecting buyers have any good clear recourse in suing the previous owner?
I don't understand it either.  The state knows when you change cars.  They should switch the tickets to the new car.

They might know when you change cars, but they aren't necessarily sure that you received the ticket. What if the car wasn't in your possession when the parking infraction was given? They can't (in Washington) automatically assume the registered owner is responsible. You can just say it wasn't you and -- POOF -- ticket tossed.

Also, the new car didn't receive the tickets, so it would seem strange to transfer the tickets to the car that didn't recieve them. I know the logic is there, but the implementation sounds messy.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on June 16, 2014, 02:14:44 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on June 15, 2014, 01:52:10 PM
I have watched many episodes of Parking Wars, and never quite understood how some people's cars in Philadelphia could be booted & towed for having too many unpaid tickets.
Philly isn't the only city that does such.  IIRC, the boot was originally referred to as the Denver Boot due to that's where the practice of booting a car for multiple unpaid parking tickets originated decades ago.

Quote from: thenetwork on June 15, 2014, 01:52:10 PMNow I get it.  PA's "plate stays with the car" law can really screw some law-abiding citizens who buy used cars from people who disregard the law.  Is there a way for people buying used cars to see in advance what tickets (if any) are attached to the car?  And do those unsuspecting buyers have any good clear recourse in suing the previous owner?
As one who has had 5 vehicles registered in PA (not too far from Philly) over the last 23 years; I am going to respectfully say that the above-statement has some serious holes in it and is absolutely untrue.

Fact: If one buys a used car, be it from a dealer or a private sale, and needs/wants a PA plate (vs. transferring the buyer's existing PA plate to the newly-purchased vehicle); the plate & registration number is a brand new registration & plate complete w/a little T (for Temporary) sticker placed where the standard registration sticker would go (upper-left corner).  That being the case; the above scenario simply can not nor does not happen.  The registration/plate either stays with the owner or is invalidated/expired by PennDOT when it is not renewed. 

Given that Parking Wars is a "reality" TV show that thrives on sensationalism and confrontations for ratings; something tells me that the described situation is likely scripted for shock & awe.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Mr_Northside on June 16, 2014, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on June 16, 2014, 02:14:44 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on June 15, 2014, 01:52:10 PMNow I get it.  PA's "plate stays with the car" law can really screw some law-abiding citizens who buy used cars from people who disregard the law.  Is there a way for people buying used cars to see in advance what tickets (if any) are attached to the car?  And do those unsuspecting buyers have any good clear recourse in suing the previous owner?
As one who has had 5 vehicles registered in PA (not too far from Philly) over the last 23 years; I am going to respectfully say that the above-statement has some serious holes in it and is absolutely untrue.

Fact: If one buys a used car, be it from a dealer or a private sale, and needs/wants a PA plate (vs. transferring the buyer's existing PA plate to the newly-purchased vehicle); the plate & registration number is a brand new registration & plate complete w/a little T (for Temporary) sticker placed where the standard registration sticker would go (upper-left corner).  That being the case; the above scenario simply can not nor does not happen.  The registration/plate either stays with the owner or is invalidated/expired by PennDOT when it is not renewed. 

Yeah... I was kind of wondering what this "Plate stays with the car" law was in reference to.  All 4 of my used cars (from both dealers & individuals) came with new plates and registration as well.   If there is some sort of "plate stays with the car" as an allowable option, I don't know who would want to do it - even to save money - for the kind of reason being discussed.  It is possible to transfer your old plate to your "new" car, but the one time I was hoping to do that I didn't have necessary documents with me (either the registration and/or title).

Also, for the last couple of years, instead of a "T" sticker on the plate, you have to display some information in your rear-windshield until your registration comes thru.  (at least back in 2006)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NJRoadfan on June 16, 2014, 04:11:08 PM
NJ will issue replacement plates for any current number you may have for a fee. So there are plenty of numbers that were issued in the blue plate era that are on the current base. Back in 1992 when they released the current base, they allowed one to swap out to the new plates with the same number for free for a limited time.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 16, 2014, 04:23:33 PM
Quote from: Mr_Northside on June 16, 2014, 03:55:07 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on June 16, 2014, 02:14:44 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on June 15, 2014, 01:52:10 PMNow I get it.  PA's "plate stays with the car" law can really screw some law-abiding citizens who buy used cars from people who disregard the law.  Is there a way for people buying used cars to see in advance what tickets (if any) are attached to the car?  And do those unsuspecting buyers have any good clear recourse in suing the previous owner?
As one who has had 5 vehicles registered in PA (not too far from Philly) over the last 23 years; I am going to respectfully say that the above-statement has some serious holes in it and is absolutely untrue.

Fact: If one buys a used car, be it from a dealer or a private sale, and needs/wants a PA plate (vs. transferring the buyer's existing PA plate to the newly-purchased vehicle); the plate & registration number is a brand new registration & plate complete w/a little T (for Temporary) sticker placed where the standard registration sticker would go (upper-left corner).  That being the case; the above scenario simply can not nor does not happen.  The registration/plate either stays with the owner or is invalidated/expired by PennDOT when it is not renewed. 

Yeah... I was kind of wondering what this "Plate stays with the car" law was in reference to.  All 4 of my used cars (from both dealers & individuals) came with new plates and registration as well.   If there is some sort of "plate stays with the car" as an allowable option, I don't know who would want to do it - even to save money - for the kind of reason being discussed.  It is possible to transfer your old plate to your "new" car, but the one time I was hoping to do that I didn't have necessary documents with me (either the registration and/or title).

When I purchased my first car (private purchase), the title was transferred to me and the plate did not change. This occurred in Washington. As I remember, "certified" used cars purchased at dealers do not have plates and need to be registered at the local licencing office. However, there are occasions where used car lots have the old plates and those end up getting transferred to the new owner in place of a fresh title. I'm not quite sure what the law is in regards to this, however, I know my car has had the same plate for three owners.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on June 16, 2014, 04:25:55 PM
Quote from: Mr_Northside on June 16, 2014, 03:55:07 PMAlso, for the last couple of years, instead of a "T" sticker on the plate, you have to display some information in your rear-windshield until your registration comes thru.  (at least back in 2006)
Now that I think of it; when I bought my Mustang back in August of 2007; it came with a temporary display for the rear window.  That was the last time I purchased a vehicle and/or got a new plate.  My previous vehicle purchase that also warranted a new plate (where I live, I can't park my current/old vehicle without a plate on it (I was selling the car vs. trading it in), hence why I did not do a registration transfer) was back in Nov. of '96 and had the T sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on June 16, 2014, 04:40:01 PM
Quote from: jake on June 16, 2014, 04:23:33 PMWhen I purchased my first car (private purchase), the title was transferred to me and the plate did not change. This occurred in Washington. As I remember, "certified" used cars purchased at dealers do not have plates and need to be registered at the local licencing office. However, there are occasions where used car lots have the old plates and those end up getting transferred to the new owner in place of a fresh title. I'm not quite sure what the law is in regards to this, however, I know my car has had the same plate for three owners.
The 2nd car I purchased, back in Sept. of 1993, from a private individual and we just went to a tag place and bought a new registration/plate.

I find the above-situation you're describing legally questionable at best; outright shady/illegal at worst.   Transferring the same plate from owner-to-owner (that aren't even family members) long-term is not a good idea IMHO; unless such a provision is intended to be used as a temporary means of transferring the vehicle over to the new owner until new plates can be secured (at a tag agency, AAA or where-ever).  In most instances, the tag agency will need to see the vehicle to verify the VIN and one can't drive the vehicle to the place without a valid plate/tag on it.

IIRC, in MA; one can temporary place an active license plate on a car (privided that the registration number is indeed their own) and drive it for 2 to 3 days prior to going to the RMV and finalizing the paperwork and either transferring the existing registration to the different vehicle (if it was purchase for a trade-in) or a new plate altogether.  Note: such was true through the 90s; I'm sure if it's still valid/current.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 16, 2014, 04:57:57 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on June 16, 2014, 04:40:01 PM
Quote from: jake on June 16, 2014, 04:23:33 PMWhen I purchased my first car (private purchase), the title was transferred to me and the plate did not change. This occurred in Washington. As I remember, "certified" used cars purchased at dealers do not have plates and need to be registered at the local licencing office. However, there are occasions where used car lots have the old plates and those end up getting transferred to the new owner in place of a fresh title. I'm not quite sure what the law is in regards to this, however, I know my car has had the same plate for three owners.
The 2nd car I purchased, back in Sept. of 1993, from a private individual and we just went to a tag place and bought a new registration/plate.

I find the above-situation you're describing legally questionable at best; outright shady/illegal at worst.   Transferring the same plate from owner-to-owner (that aren't even family members) long-term is not a good idea IMHO; unless such a provision is intended to be used as a temporary means of transferring the vehicle over to the new owner until new plates can be secured (at a tag agency, AAA or where-ever).  In most instances, the tag agency will need to see the vehicle to verify the VIN and one can't drive the vehicle to the place without a valid plate/tag on it.

IIRC, in MA; one can temporary place an active license plate on a car (privided that the registration number is indeed their own) and drive it for 2 to 3 days prior to going to the RMV and finalizing the paperwork and either transferring the existing registration to the different vehicle (if it was purchase for a trade-in) or a new plate altogether.  Note: such was true through the 90s; I'm sure if it's still valid/current.

From what I've read and seen, the only reason you get new plates in Washington is when the 7 year lifespan ends, when the are damaged, or if they are stolen.

Also, I did a little looking around my house and what I've previously described is wrong. I got a new title, but the plate number was transferred to me. Sorry for the confusion.  :-D  The car I drive was the first used car my family had ever purchased, so the whole process was mind blowing and rather confusing.

Oh, and I still have the registration from the previous owner. Probably should throw that away?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on June 29, 2014, 01:24:02 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on June 16, 2014, 04:40:01 PMIIRC, in MA; one can temporary place an active license plate on a car (privided that the registration number is indeed their own) and drive it for 2 to 3 days prior to going to the RMV and finalizing the paperwork and either transferring the existing registration to the different vehicle (if it was purchase for a trade-in) or a new plate altogether.  Note: such was true through the 90s; I'm sure if it's still valid/current.

Correct.  Three business days.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on July 15, 2014, 05:56:40 PM
Probably long-since asked (and admittedly not "news")–what's the motivation for putting county names on plates in some states?  Simply an excuse for police to try the "Long ways from home, ain't ya?" routine?

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on July 16, 2014, 07:01:25 AM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on July 15, 2014, 05:56:40 PM
Probably long-since asked (and admittedly not "news")–what's the motivation for putting county names on plates in some states?  Simply an excuse for police to try the "Long ways from home, ain't ya?" routine?



At least in some of those states, the county has a role in the process.  For example, in Kentucky the elected County Clerk and elected Circuit Clerk split the DL and tag process between them (I never can remember which is which) rather than dealing with a state run DMV office for both as in most states.  Similar in Tennessee.

In others the registration includes a county tax that varies greatly from place to place.

But, yes, I think mostly it is just to identify people "not from around here".  You will not that it is mostly states where the local culture will vary greatly among regions.

Playing lists, I count Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Kansas, Indiana, Mississippi, and Florida as spelling out the county name in full on standard plates.  Ohio went from that to a sticker with each county numbered a few years ago.  Alabama and Nebraska indicate the county in the number itself in some way, while Virginia has a county or city tax sticker that goes next to its (weirdly and distractingly in the milddle of the windshield) inspection sticker.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on July 16, 2014, 08:58:58 AM
^^ You can add Iowa to the list of plates with a county name sticker on them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 09:42:04 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on July 16, 2014, 07:01:25 AM
.... while Virginia has a county or city tax sticker that goes next to its (weirdly and distractingly in the milddle of the windshield) inspection sticker.

Many counties and cities have done away with the county sticker. Here in Fairfax County we pay the fee for the sticker (they call it a "county registration fee") but we no longer have to display a sticker. For the first few years after they stopped issuing them, I kept my old county stickers on my cars so that if I drove into the City of Alexandria they'd see I was from Fairfax County and not give me a ticket for not having the decal, since Alexandria continued to require the city decal (and they still do).

The inspection sticker isn't distracting at all if you're used to it. Since I've always had Virginia plates, the vast majority of my driving has been in cars with the Virginia inspection sticker. I've never noticed it at all. The sticker that WAS found to be distracting, and was discontinued, was in the very early 1980s there was an emissions inspection decal that was to go on the lower left (driver's side) corner of the windshield. That was quickly scrapped. Emissions results are now sent electronically to the DMV.

But anyway, returning to the question of license plates with the county name: So I gather in those states if you move to another county, you have to get new license plates. Can you get the same plate number re-issued with the new county name or do they divide that up as well (no doubt this may vary by state, unless you have a personalized tag)? How about if you get a non-county design, such as the standard-design Florida plate that says "Sunshine State" instead of the county name?

It just seems far more complicated and costly than it needs to be to issue county-specific license plates as the standard. The Virginia county sticker system is a lot cheaper and easier because you just scrape off the sticker and put on a new one if your jurisdiction(s) require them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on July 16, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
^^ In GA, if you switch counties, you just get a new county sticker to put on your plate.  If you don't want to have your county shown you can instead show your religious affirmation by placing a "In God We Trust" sticker over the county name.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on July 16, 2014, 11:00:26 AM

Quote from: Big John on July 16, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
^^ In GA, if you switch counties, you just get a new county sticker to put on your plate.  If you don't want to have your county shown you can instead show your religious affirmation by placing a "In God We Trust" sticker over the county name.

Florida does the same - I'm not sure if you can still pick "Sunshine State" in place of your county, either.

Slightly off topic, I bought a new plate upon moving to Alabama ten months ago. Instead of keeping my perfectly good "old style" plate, they want everyone to get new ones before the year is out. At least I can keep our old ones, but it's wasteful nonsense.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 11:02:51 AM
Quote from: formulanone on July 16, 2014, 11:00:26 AM

Quote from: Big John on July 16, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
^^ In GA, if you switch counties, you just get a new county sticker to put on your plate.  If you don't want to have your county shown you can instead show your religious affirmation by placing a "In God We Trust" sticker over the county name.

Florida does the same - I'm not sure if you can still pick "Sunshine State" in place of your county, either.

....

Wait, I don't follow here. Florida plates I've seen with the county name pretty much always have the county name embossed in the plate as raised characters (so, for example, if your plate had raised characters for plate number "ABC-123," underneath that on the bottom edge it might have raised characters reading, say, "BREVARD"). Are you saying if you move to another county they just give you a sticker to apply over the embossed county name? It's the embossed nature of it that had me puzzled and thinking you'd have to get new plates issued.


Edited to add: From what I found on the Florida DMV's website (or whatever they call their DMV....a Google search led me there), you can still get "Sunshine State." See brochure: http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/tagbrochure.pdf  But it doesn't answer my question about moving to a different county if you get the county-name plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on July 16, 2014, 11:06:44 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 09:42:04 AM
But anyway, returning to the question of license plates with the county name: So I gather in those states if you move to another county, you have to get new license plates. Can you get the same plate number re-issued with the new county name or do they divide that up as well (no doubt this may vary by state, unless you have a personalized tag)? How about if you get a non-county design, such as the standard-design Florida plate that says "Sunshine State" instead of the county name?

I think in Ohio you can just wait until your birthday to renew your registration in the new county, then you get new county stickers to place atop the old ones on your existing license plate.  (Even the spelled-out county name was a sticker in Ohio, at least in the gold-gradient era.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on July 16, 2014, 11:15:36 AM
Quote from: formulanone on July 16, 2014, 11:00:26 AM

Quote from: Big John on July 16, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
^^ In GA, if you switch counties, you just get a new county sticker to put on your plate.  If you don't want to have your county shown you can instead show your religious affirmation by placing a "In God We Trust" sticker over the county name.

Florida does the same - I'm not sure if you can still pick "Sunshine State" in place of your county, either.

Slightly off topic, I bought a new plate upon moving to Alabama ten months ago. Instead of keeping my perfectly good "old style" plate, they want everyone to get new ones before the year is out. At least I can keep our old ones, but it's wasteful nonsense.

Florida used to have the very popular "Lease County".

We've had to switch out plates in some states (such as Illinois) for a long time now when a new design comes out.  Usually the reflectivity on the old ones is gone.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jeffandnicole on July 16, 2014, 11:30:37 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 09:42:04 AM
The sticker that WAS found to be distracting (in Virginia), and was discontinued, was in the very early 1980s there was an emissions inspection decal that was to go on the lower left (driver's side) corner of the windshield. That was quickly scrapped.

Since this is where many states with inspection stickers places their inspection sticker, how was it determined to be distracting?  It's so low and out of the way I never even give it a second thought.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 11:40:00 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on July 16, 2014, 11:30:37 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 09:42:04 AM
The sticker that WAS found to be distracting (in Virginia), and was discontinued, was in the very early 1980s there was an emissions inspection decal that was to go on the lower left (driver's side) corner of the windshield. That was quickly scrapped.

Since this is where many states with inspection stickers places their inspection sticker, how was it determined to be distracting?  It's so low and out of the way I never even give it a second thought.

I don't remember, but I assume it was for the same reason I don't find the Virginia inspection sticker distracting but "SP Cook" does–people weren't used to it and kept noticing it out of the corner of their eye, whereas we're used to the inspection sticker. Of course, that begs the question of why the Commonwealth didn't just tell everyone to piss off because they'd get used to it soon enough.

(Edited to add: I just tried to find the information online and failed, but I did find the emissions inspection program–which applies only to certain counties and cities–was instituted in 1982, the same year when the safety inspection was changed from twice a year to the current once a year. So the decal I'm recalling would have been issued around that time. I know it was long gone by 1989, when I first got a driver's license.)
Title: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on July 16, 2014, 01:29:23 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 11:02:51 AM
But it doesn't answer my question about moving to a different county if you get the county-name plate.

I've moved to different counties within Florida; there was no requirement to get new plates because the county was different.


Quote from: Brandon on July 16, 2014, 11:15:36 AM
Florida used to have the very popular "Lease County".

We also had "Restricted", "Permanent Trailer", and my favorite..."Indefinite" counties. That last one is tough to clinch. ;)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 01:30:48 PM
Quote from: formulanone on July 16, 2014, 01:29:23 PM

Quote from: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 11:02:51 AM
But it doesn't answer my question about moving to a different county if you get the county-name plate.

I've moved to different counties within Florida; there was no requirement to get new plates because the county was different.

We also had "Restricted", "Permanent Trailer", and my favorite "Indefinite" counties... ;)

Thanks. That then raises the next question: Why have county-name plates if they don't necessarily reflect the county in which you live?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on July 16, 2014, 01:35:18 PM
Well, I suppose the yearly registration sticker probably included a county fee, or some portion of it went to your county of residence. Just a guess...not sure.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on July 16, 2014, 04:54:49 PM

Quote from: vtk on July 16, 2014, 11:06:44 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 09:42:04 AM
But anyway, returning to the question of license plates with the county name: So I gather in those states if you move to another county, you have to get new license plates. Can you get the same plate number re-issued with the new county name or do they divide that up as well (no doubt this may vary by state, unless you have a personalized tag)? How about if you get a non-county design, such as the standard-design Florida plate that says "Sunshine State" instead of the county name?

I think in Ohio you can just wait until your birthday to renew your registration in the new county, then you get new county stickers to place atop the old ones on your existing license plate.  (Even the spelled-out county name was a sticker in Ohio, at least in the gold-gradient era.)
Also, since ohio can't be bothered to replace any of the old plates, you'll sometimes see an old gold plate with the county name AND the new white-on-red number on the same plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on July 16, 2014, 09:09:17 PM
Some counties in NY (downstate) have an additional tax on the registration fee yet we don't display the county name on the regular plates.  I'm very glad we don't have that.  If you're clinching a road in a bad part of town, you do NOT want your license plates to say you're not from the area!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on July 16, 2014, 10:06:24 PM
There are still quite a few Colorado plates with the county name embossed on them in the wild.  Not sure when or for how long these were issued, but the "periwinkle"-colored plates have a different Colorado logo than the current state plate logo.  I would love to get a set of these plates on my car. :biggrin:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumbs2.ebaystatic.com%2Fd%2Fl225%2Fm%2FmE-q5jVXazssyRmwtv_0ZrQ.jpg&hash=0ef11b0cc00ed83f9698d9c3c2b9c06e9de1c2e5)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on July 17, 2014, 01:35:04 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on July 16, 2014, 10:06:24 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumbs2.ebaystatic.com%2Fd%2Fl225%2Fm%2FmE-q5jVXazssyRmwtv_0ZrQ.jpg&hash=0ef11b0cc00ed83f9698d9c3c2b9c06e9de1c2e5)

I usually don't like older plates but I really adore that one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on July 18, 2014, 02:57:57 AM
Nevada has county taxes as part of vehicle registrations (which vary by county, with bigger counties even having supplemental government services taxes that also vary), but no sticker or county name on the license plate. Our old standard plate numbering scheme (phased out prior to 1982) used letters in the plate number to identify counties--Clark County (where Vegas is located) clearly made that sequence inefficient years ago.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on July 18, 2014, 03:20:57 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on July 16, 2014, 07:01:25 AM
Playing lists, I count Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Kansas, Indiana, Mississippi, and Florida as spelling out the county name in full on standard plates.

Kansas does not spell the county name in full. Instead, it uses a two-letter county code sticker in the corner of its plates (Wyandotte County is WY, Johnson is JO, Sedgwick is SG, etc.)

Prior to the Oklahoma license plate refresh in 2007, the county was encoded in the license plate number by virtue of particular alpha ranges being reserved for counties. This was by no means straightforward; while some of the codes, like MLA through MLD for McClain County, made sense, but others less so, like pretty much every three-letter string starting with X for Oklahoma County. The current plate uses sequential codes, but law enforcement complained about the loss of county information, so new plates issued now have a Kansas-style county code printed on the date sticker (instead of "DEC" a Cleveland County plate will say "12 CL"). As of yet, I have not found a definitive list online of the new county codes, though they seem to follow the old ones somewhat (McClain is now ML).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tdindy88 on July 18, 2014, 08:41:31 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on July 16, 2014, 07:01:25 AM

Playing lists, I count Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Kansas, Indiana, Mississippi, and Florida as spelling out the county name in full on standard plates.  Ohio went from that to a sticker with each county numbered a few years ago.  Alabama and Nebraska indicate the county in the number itself in some way, while Virginia has a county or city tax sticker that goes next to its (weirdly and distractingly in the milddle of the windshield) inspection sticker.



You can count Indiana OUT of that list. We did have the county name along with the number for five years on the previous plates, but the new plates (which everyone must get every five years) only features the county number in the corner (printed on the plate, not a sticker.) All specialty plates and the always "popular" In God We Trust plates feature the county number in the same location. You have to know the code to figure out where the vehicle is from. I hail from 49.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ski-man on July 18, 2014, 05:18:14 PM
Wyoming does not spell out the county name but does use the county number before the bucking cowboy figure on all plates. Fun to drive through the state and see where evryone is from, or if you see them out of state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on July 19, 2014, 02:15:04 AM
I lived in Oklahoma before sequential numbering. I remember Lawton got the letter U.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on July 25, 2014, 04:53:09 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on July 16, 2014, 10:06:24 PM
There are still quite a few Colorado plates with the county name embossed on them in the wild.  Not sure when or for how long these were issued, but the "periwinkle"-colored plates have a different Colorado logo than the current state plate logo.  I would love to get a set of these plates on my car. :biggrin:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fthumbs2.ebaystatic.com%2Fd%2Fl225%2Fm%2FmE-q5jVXazssyRmwtv_0ZrQ.jpg&hash=0ef11b0cc00ed83f9698d9c3c2b9c06e9de1c2e5)
Issued in the late 1990s, those were the second iteration of the "designer" plate replaced by the current design in 2001. The original design was a six-character version with the colors reversed (blue on white). In addition to bearing the county name, the two letters were also drawn from the two-letter county-letters combination list; i.e., JB is an El Paso County license combination from the pre-2001 issued plates. Ironically, the plates from that series issued to trucks had only one letter, which did not correspond to any pre-existing list of letter combinations issued to counties, but at the bottom it only said "TRUCK". Thus, you couldn't tell what county a truck was from using the old county-letter combination lists.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on July 26, 2014, 01:04:12 AM
You're correct those truck plates didn't follow the existing county system, but there was a very basic system in place.  What blows my mind is some counties were allocated 50 truck plates!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimg.tapatalk.com%2Fd%2F14%2F07%2F26%2Fuja4utan.jpg&hash=821cede3dcab48e49bef649c41d34e6a71f7db54)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on August 29, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
New look for 'Dull-aware' license plate? (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2014/08/29/new-look-delaware-license-plate/14800449/)

QuoteThe Delaware license plate might get a makeover, ending its record as the longest-running plate design in the country.

QuoteThe Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has no timeline or mandate for the project, and a decision on whether to go through with a facelift is likely months away.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 30, 2014, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: Alex on August 29, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
New look for 'Dull-aware' license plate? (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2014/08/29/new-look-delaware-license-plate/14800449/)

QuoteThe Delaware license plate might get a makeover, ending its record as the longest-running plate design in the country.

QuoteThe Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has no timeline or mandate for the project, and a decision on whether to go through with a facelift is likely months away.

Very sad to hear of its replacement...I've always admired the simplicity of Delaware's license plates. Definitely a favorite of mine, right behind the new Ohio plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on August 30, 2014, 01:19:05 AM
Not particularly "news", but I've just posted elsewhere in this forum some of my photos of new and old Nunavut and Northwest Territories plates (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=13360.0).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on October 11, 2014, 05:55:54 PM
After only one year, Michigan has revised its Mackinac Bridge speciality plate after complaints about legibility in dim light conditions:

http://fox17online.com/2014/10/09/state-switches-color-of-text-on-bridge-plate/

The old white-character design is just about impossible to read at night if the plate has any dirt on it at all.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fimages%2Fsos%2FBridge-Plate_432239_7.jpg&hash=ea243304afde3642e3d575f9656e96eb6dfe8e1a)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on October 11, 2014, 07:20:56 PM
Quote from: catch22 on October 11, 2014, 05:55:54 PM
After only one year, Michigan has revised its Mackinac Bridge speciality plate after complaints about legibility in dim light conditions:

http://fox17online.com/2014/10/09/state-switches-color-of-text-on-bridge-plate/

The old white-character design is just about impossible to read at night if the plate has any dirt on it at all.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.michigan.gov%2Fimages%2Fsos%2FBridge-Plate_432239_7.jpg&hash=ea243304afde3642e3d575f9656e96eb6dfe8e1a)

I've only seen one of these out in the field since the state began issuing them.  I figured there were going to be readability issues with the previous design.  I have the ones with the white serial on my vehicles, and it's easy to tell when I am being followed by law enforcement.  They get up close and turn on high beams or spotlight so they can read it.  The police chief of my small town has stated publicly that he hates that design.  I think the new design screams, "welcome to New Jersey!"   :eyebrow:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Molandfreak on October 11, 2014, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: jake on August 30, 2014, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: Alex on August 29, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
New look for 'Dull-aware' license plate? (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2014/08/29/new-look-delaware-license-plate/14800449/)

QuoteThe Delaware license plate might get a makeover, ending its record as the longest-running plate design in the country.

QuoteThe Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has no timeline or mandate for the project, and a decision on whether to go through with a facelift is likely months away.

Very sad to hear of its replacement...I've always admired the simplicity of Delaware's license plates. Definitely a favorite of mine, right behind the new Ohio plates.
Yuck! Seriously? You probably like the white circle and white square state route shields, too. :P
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on October 11, 2014, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Molandfreak on October 11, 2014, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: jake on August 30, 2014, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: Alex on August 29, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
New look for 'Dull-aware' license plate? (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2014/08/29/new-look-delaware-license-plate/14800449/)

QuoteThe Delaware license plate might get a makeover, ending its record as the longest-running plate design in the country.

QuoteThe Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has no timeline or mandate for the project, and a decision on whether to go through with a facelift is likely months away.

Very sad to hear of its replacement...I've always admired the simplicity of Delaware's license plates. Definitely a favorite of mine, right behind the new Ohio plates.
Yuck! Seriously? You probably like the white circle and white square state route shields, too. :P

It's simple and iconic, way better than the generic screen printed plates most states have that could pretty much identify any state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on October 13, 2014, 04:50:24 AM
Quote from: corco on October 11, 2014, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Molandfreak on October 11, 2014, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: jake on August 30, 2014, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: Alex on August 29, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
New look for 'Dull-aware' license plate? (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2014/08/29/new-look-delaware-license-plate/14800449/)

QuoteThe Delaware license plate might get a makeover, ending its record as the longest-running plate design in the country.

QuoteThe Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has no timeline or mandate for the project, and a decision on whether to go through with a facelift is likely months away.

Very sad to hear of its replacement...I've always admired the simplicity of Delaware's license plates. Definitely a favorite of mine, right behind the new Ohio plates.

Yuck! Seriously? You probably like the white circle and white square state route shields, too. :P

It's simple and iconic, way better than the generic screen printed plates most states have that could pretty much identify any state.

Yeah, it's a simple, timeless design, like nothing else available anymore. All these over-designed license plates nowadays, they're way too complicated and eventually become difficult to read (like the above Michigan plate). Delaware's, on the other hand, have great contrasting colors that I'm sure are easy to read from a distance.

I'm definitely a fan of European plates, if only because they're dead simple and get the point across quickly.

And yes, for the record, I do like square route shields (though they should have round corners). :)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on October 13, 2014, 02:56:24 PM
Quote from: jake on October 13, 2014, 04:50:24 AM
Quote from: corco on October 11, 2014, 08:33:49 PM
Quote from: Molandfreak on October 11, 2014, 08:07:03 PM
Quote from: jake on August 30, 2014, 12:50:13 AM
Quote from: Alex on August 29, 2014, 08:35:00 PM
New look for 'Dull-aware' license plate? (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/traffic/2014/08/29/new-look-delaware-license-plate/14800449/)

QuoteThe Delaware license plate might get a makeover, ending its record as the longest-running plate design in the country.

QuoteThe Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles has no timeline or mandate for the project, and a decision on whether to go through with a facelift is likely months away.

Very sad to hear of its replacement...I've always admired the simplicity of Delaware's license plates. Definitely a favorite of mine, right behind the new Ohio plates.

Yuck! Seriously? You probably like the white circle and white square state route shields, too. :P

It's simple and iconic, way better than the generic screen printed plates most states have that could pretty much identify any state.

Yeah, it's a simple, timeless design, like nothing else available anymore. All these over-designed license plates nowadays, they're way too complicated and eventually become difficult to read (like the above Michigan plate). Delaware's, on the other hand, have great contrasting colors that I'm sure are easy to read from a distance.

I'm definitely a fan of European plates, if only because they're dead simple and get the point across quickly.

And yes, for the record, I do like square route shields (though they should have round corners). :)
You'd love NY's Empire Gold plates; there's nothing distinctive about them other than the NY state outline character (which is treated like a letter/number) in the middle of the plate number.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: stormwatch7721 on October 13, 2014, 04:06:17 PM
I saw on a Florida road one time that had a license plate looked like this: AB-12-34. Can anyone explain what the number is for?
Title: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on October 13, 2014, 06:53:41 PM
Quote from: stormwatch7721 on October 13, 2014, 04:06:17 PM
I saw on a Florida road one time that had a license plate looked like this: AB-12-34. Can anyone explain what the number is for?

Probably a personal plate; most issues have no dashes or only one space by default, but they can be specified for vanity purposes.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on October 13, 2014, 09:02:51 PM
Quote from: vdeane on October 13, 2014, 02:56:24 PMYou'd love NY's Empire Gold plates

You would be punctilious in assuming that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on October 14, 2014, 08:20:42 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on July 16, 2014, 11:02:51 AM
Quote from: formulanone on July 16, 2014, 11:00:26 AM

Quote from: Big John on July 16, 2014, 09:49:51 AM
^^ In GA, if you switch counties, you just get a new county sticker to put on your plate.  If you don't want to have your county shown you can instead show your religious affirmation by placing a "In God We Trust" sticker over the county name.

Florida does the same - I'm not sure if you can still pick "Sunshine State" in place of your county, either.

....

Wait, I don't follow here. Florida plates I've seen with the county name pretty much always have the county name embossed in the plate as raised characters (so, for example, if your plate had raised characters for plate number "ABC-123," underneath that on the bottom edge it might have raised characters reading, say, "BREVARD"). Are you saying if you move to another county they just give you a sticker to apply over the embossed county name? It's the embossed nature of it that had me puzzled and thinking you'd have to get new plates issued.


Edited to add: From what I found on the Florida DMV's website (or whatever they call their DMV....a Google search led me there), you can still get "Sunshine State." See brochure: http://www.flhsmv.gov/html/tagbrochure.pdf  But it doesn't answer my question about moving to a different county if you get the county-name plate.
You can go to any tax collector office in the state of Florida to renew your tags. The county you go to will send the money to your home county. You have the option to choose county name, sunshine state or in God we trust. Miami-Dade does not have county name tags anymore. If you opt for the county name it will be for whatever county you are in.  I live in Clay County and St Johns has a tax collector office open 1 Saturday a month.. Very convenient if you work Monday-friday so we have St John's tags on one car. Renewals don't require new county name tags issued. We used to live in Duval and still have Duval tags. I think at one point in time after moving a new tag was issued but no longer. Also if both dealer goes to tax collector you get tags from wherever they go
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on October 20, 2014, 09:29:51 AM
Rhode Island has unveiled a new design for their general plates:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.providencejournal.com%2Fincoming%2F20141017-dmvplates_ad_3_46s0twuse.jpg.ece%2FBINARY%2Fw620x413%2FDMVplates_AD_3_46S0TWUSE.JPG&hash=f1bdf45855d927181d88ddd9136dff9f193cee1e)

Looks a bit similar to Vermont's plates, but the blue in these plates makes them distant enough from Vermont.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on October 20, 2014, 10:34:20 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on October 20, 2014, 09:29:51 AM
Rhode Island has unveiled a new design for their general plates:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.providencejournal.com%2Fincoming%2F20141017-dmvplates_ad_3_46s0twuse.jpg.ece%2FBINARY%2Fw620x413%2FDMVplates_AD_3_46S0TWUSE.JPG&hash=f1bdf45855d927181d88ddd9136dff9f193cee1e)

Looks a bit similar to Vermont's plates, but the blue in these plates makes them distant enough from Vermont.
That color scheme reminds me a little bit of the old CT plates (dark blue w/white lettering).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on October 23, 2014, 10:34:44 PM
Florida was supposed to get new tags this year. I know they were canceled or delayed but there seems to be a news blackout on the  issue
Title: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on November 19, 2014, 06:47:23 PM
Hot damn!  I just saw a shiny, perfect, convincingly new Massachusetts green-on-white plate!  It was a low number, just a single 2016 sticker, unblemished in any way, with simply the embossed "MASSACHUSETTS" and the number.  No front plate, as is the case with green plates.  I tried to get a pic (I was stopped in traffic next to them) but the light was bad so there's no discerning its pristine condition. 

WTF?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadman on November 19, 2014, 07:26:56 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on November 19, 2014, 06:47:23 PM
Hot damn!  I just saw a shiny, perfect, convincingly new Massachusetts green-on-white plate!  It was a low number, just a single 2016 sticker, unblemished in any way, with simply the embossed "MASSACHUSETTS" and the number.  No front plate, as is the case with green plates.  I tried to get a pic (I was stopped in traffic next to them) but the light was bad so there's no discerning its pristine condition. 

WTF?

Believe it or not, I've actually heard of people restoring their green on white plates to pristine condition.  As I noted in my previous posting, this is so they can keep their registration number.  May not seem like a big deal to most people, but if you've had the same registration since 1976 (first year of single white on green plates) and would have to give it up if you turned the plates in, I could see doing that.  Also, a faded or worn plate is an automatic fail on Massachusetts state inspection, so that might be another incentive.

Just my two cents here.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on November 19, 2014, 07:42:47 PM
This was on my mental list of potential explanations (just above "lousy attempt at undercover cop disguise").

It being a low number plate, and with those having the odd following they do, it's as reasonable possibility as I can think of.

Somewhere I have a photo of a green or red plate with clearly non-standard lettering (wrong character width, not terrible but clearly different enough that it stood out after a lifetime of seeing the correct ones).  I wonder if it was a fabrication so someone could retain their old plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on November 20, 2014, 12:20:06 AM
What happened to Florida having new general issue tags. I saw a news story about it being canceled due to some problems with vendor being chosen in place of the prisons. But I can jot find any more information. Anyone have insight
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on November 20, 2014, 06:54:51 PM
Not sure how accurate this (http://www.nbcmiami.com/news/Floridians-Make-Their-Choice-for-New-License-Plate-Design-184088921.html) is, since it's almost two years old.

Perhaps they're trying to find a vendor in which nobody in office is directly related to... :rolleyes:

Quote from: NBC 6 Miami
The agency initially wanted to outsource the manufacture and distribution of the tags, now made in state prisons and distributed by county tax collectors, to a private vendor to cut costs.

The department's executive director, Julie Jones, dropped that idea and said it was because of pressure from the tax collectors and two Cabinet members, Attorney General Pam Bondi and Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater.

You can order SAMPLE plates in Florida for $28 each. Didn't know that!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on November 21, 2014, 08:54:53 AM
Quote from: roadman on November 19, 2014, 07:26:56 PMBelieve it or not, I've actually heard of people restoring their green on white plates to pristine condition.  As I noted in my previous posting, this is so they can keep their registration number.  May not seem like a big deal to most people, but if you've had the same registration since 1976 (first year of single white on green plates) and would have to give it up if you turned the plates in, I could see doing that.  Also, a faded or worn plate is an automatic fail on Massachusetts state inspection, so that might be another incentive.
My mother has had her green MA plate since 1992 (that may have been the last year the RMV issued that design) and it's still in very good shape.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on January 20, 2015, 09:34:49 AM
New animal welfare license plate ready for the road [Delaware] (http://www.delawareonline.com/story/life/2015/01/20/new-animal-welfare-license-plate-ready-road/21971883/)

QuoteThe newly resigned animal welfare license plate gives animal lovers a way to publically demonstrate their passion for animals and support the state's spay and neuter initiatives.

The plate sells for $50 at the Delaware Division of Motor Vehicles, with $35 of each sale going to the Animal Welfare License Plate Fund.

QuoteThe plate was designed by Delaware artist Andy Lendway, who won the Delaware Division of Public Health's Office of Animal Welfare (OAW) First State Paw Draw Contest.

This isn't the first license plate contest Lendway has won. Several years ago the free-lance illustrator and artist, designed the farm lands plate. His resume also includes designing the Kraft barbecue sauce label and includes clients ranging from "TV Guide" to the National Hockey League and KISS.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on April 12, 2015, 10:33:11 PM
I'm seeing a lot of five-digit, all-numerical license plates in Massachusetts lately.  Do these denote something in particular, or is this part of the natural progression of number sequences?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 12, 2015, 11:31:27 PM
I believe five-numeral plates in Massachusetts would all be reserve plates, meaning a person gets to keep his long-time license plate number even when new plate formats come out. Strange that you would start seeing a lot of them all of a sudden.

Perhaps someone who actually lives there could correct me if I'm wrong.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on April 14, 2015, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 12, 2015, 11:31:27 PM
I believe five-numeral plates in Massachusetts would all be reserve plates, meaning a person gets to keep his long-time license plate number even when new plate formats come out. Strange that you would start seeing a lot of them all of a sudden.

Perhaps someone who actually lives there could correct me if I'm wrong.

No need, you are correct.  Plates with five characters are "reserved" and plates with less than five characters are issued periodically by lottery, but are also "reserved."  They will maintain their registration numbers if the Commonwealth decides to issue new plates, and can be deeded or left in wills.

The "low-number" plate in Pete's example would be re-issued with the same registration number in the current "Spirit of America" series if it didn't pass inspection at some point.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on April 14, 2015, 03:11:19 PM
Interesting.  I have seen at least five five-numbers plates in the past month or so.  Could be dumb luck.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on April 14, 2015, 03:13:54 PM
Quote from: roadman on November 19, 2014, 07:26:56 PM
Believe it or not, I've actually heard of people restoring their green on white plates to pristine condition.

As have I.  I've also seen some attempts with, let's say, less than stellar results.  I saw one a few days ago where the white was a flat paint without any reflectivity.  The correct white paint is, I believe, what some used to call "metal-flake."
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 15, 2015, 10:32:37 PM
Got my first look at the new Kansas sunflower vanity plate. I like it very much!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shermancounty.org%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Ffield%2Fimage%2FSunflower%2520Plate.jpg&hash=06255f3159e86ca97502bedac1e67635f146cb6a)

It looks better in real life. Especially on the sweet sports car it was on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on April 16, 2015, 04:06:40 AM
Are they going to be limited to just five characters or is the idea that plates that have five characters or fewer offset to the right so the sunflower is visible? I ask partly because if I ever got a personalized plate, I know what I want and that word, if available, has six letters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 16, 2015, 08:39:21 AM
I don't remember the exact serial number I saw (just the full words it intended to convey), but it had to be at least six letters. So I'd say it must be full format, just like previous ones. I can only assume the mockup was done like that so the viewer could see the flower in full.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on April 16, 2015, 03:05:03 PM
I've seen a few of the new vanity plates floating around. Yes, I do believe the vanity plate text is centered and embossed (as opposed to a screened "flat" plate)

/me should be getting a call from the county treasurer's office soon about re-upping on his "ROUTE56" vanity plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on April 21, 2015, 03:42:52 PM
This place seems to be the best fit for this question.

Is Texas the only state that doesn't apply stickers to its license plates?  I actually think the windshield decal is a good idea.  Was it meant to prevent people from stealing stickers? (I usually cross the ones on my plate with an exacto befor applying)

The drawback I imagine is that it's harder for law enforcement to detect expired plates if behind a car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 21, 2015, 04:56:06 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on April 21, 2015, 03:42:52 PM
This place seems to be the best fit for this question.

Is Texas the only state that doesn't apply stickers to its license plates?  I actually think the windshield decal is a good idea.  Was it meant to prevent people from stealing stickers? (I usually cross the ones on my plate with an exacto befor applying)

The drawback I imagine is that it's harder for law enforcement to detect expired plates if behind a car.
No.  My home state of New Jersey no longer uses plate stickers, neither does New York nor Connecticut.  DC stopped issuing plate stickers too, while not a state, they do have vehicle registrations.  They are the only 4 that are coming to mind off the top of my head, but I'm sure there are a couple others.  As for law enforcement, they can run a plate through their on board computer quite quickly and determine whether it's valid or not.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 21, 2015, 09:00:21 PM
As a lifelong resident of a state that uses windshield stickers, how do plate stickers not become an issue?  I can't imagine they can easily be removed, the roadway dust/grime that invariably gets on the plate would make new stickers harder to stick on, and putting stickers on top of each other is ugly and would likely make for a large "tower" very quickly.

Windshield stickers also allow the state to scrimp on cost.  The NY registration stickers have no more adhesive than those "I voted" stickers that people get at the polls and have been known to fall off once and a while.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on April 21, 2015, 10:20:42 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 21, 2015, 09:00:21 PM
As a lifelong resident of a state that uses windshield stickers, how do plate stickers not become an issue?  I can't imagine they can easily be removed

No need to remove them.

Quotethe roadway dust/grime that invariably gets on the plate would make new stickers harder to stick on

I dampen a paper towel and wipe off said grime with one swipe before applying the new sticker.

Quoteand putting stickers on top of each other is ugly and would likely make for a large "tower" very quickly.

Not really.  Ours are renewed every two years.  I just put the new one atop the old, and have had maybe five of these stacked on one plate without issue.  The glue is pretty good, and the sticker is thin.

QuoteWindshield stickers also allow the state to scrimp on cost.  The NY registration stickers have no more adhesive than those "I voted" stickers that people get at the polls and have been known to fall off once and a while.

Our inspection stickers go in the window.  I've never had a station change it without leaving a mess of residual glue and paper.  I've goo-goned/scraped this off, but more than a little effort in this regard endangers the new sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kkt on April 22, 2015, 01:20:55 PM
Washington uses stickers.  We don't take the old ones off, just stick the new ones on top.  Washington requires new license plates every seven years or whenever the vehicle is sold, so the stack doesn't get too high.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on April 22, 2015, 01:43:21 PM

Quote from: vdeane on April 21, 2015, 09:00:21 PM
putting stickers on top of each other is ugly and would likely make for a large "tower" very quickly.

You mean like this? :D

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.tapatalk-cdn.com%2F15%2F04%2F22%2Ff14687d9e378bbfcbfe58fb8159c155c.jpg&hash=a0f4218172ef5f3a56c253e73e0319a479734170)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: gonealookin on April 22, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
Our specialty plate options in Nevada (http://www.dmvnv.com/platescharitable.htm) have shied away from any political issues.  However, some of our current legislators think we should have a "Protect the Second Amendment" plate option.  The bill was written by the same state senator who wrote the 85 mph (now 80 mph) bill, has passed the Senate and in fact both bills are before the Assembly Transportation Committee at a meeting tomorrow.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.imgur.com%2FaU7mfOR.jpg&hash=dfafe1c01ae40fd2e83dff5af9037c73d9ac015a)

I'm neutral on gun politics and don't intend to start any argument over that.  It does seem to me that the people who would like to express this sentiment on their vehicles are not that likely to be willing to pay the voluntary annual tax to do so when a bumper sticker would accomplish the same purpose, so if the bill becomes law we'll see whether this plate has any traction.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on April 22, 2015, 02:32:29 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on April 22, 2015, 02:15:43 PM
It does seem to me that the people who would like to express this sentiment on their vehicles are not that likely to be willing to pay the voluntary annual tax to do so when a bumper sticker would accomplish the same purpose, so if the bill becomes law we'll see whether this plate has any traction.

Agreed. NRA stickers seem easy enough to get if that's what you want to communicate -- I've gotten free ones unsolicited, even though I'm not a member. And the plate design is underwhelming, with the brown "Battle Born" image hard to make out against the blue/dark blue background, with the background design itself also hard to make out (though a plain background of one of those colors would work for me).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on April 22, 2015, 05:38:18 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 21, 2015, 09:00:21 PM
As a lifelong resident of a state that uses windshield stickers, how do plate stickers not become an issue?  I can't imagine they can easily be removed, the roadway dust/grime that invariably gets on the plate would make new stickers harder to stick on, and putting stickers on top of each other is ugly and would likely make for a large "tower" very quickly.

Windshield stickers also allow the state to scrimp on cost.  The NY registration stickers have no more adhesive than those "I voted" stickers that people get at the polls and have been known to fall off once and a while.

Illinois uses plate stickers (one, for the rear plate only - ours is a backward state with front and rear plates).  They're relatively thin, very sticky stickers.  As Pete From Boston put it, we wipe the grime away with a wet paper towel and then apply the sticker.  If the stack of stickers should become too tall, we just was a scraper to remove some of them.

The only windshield stickers are vehicle tax stickers put out annually by some (not all) municipalities, most famously Chicago.  These go in the lower right hand corner of the windshield, and some vehicles have quite an amazing display of them with several from years past.  These stickers are also very sticky and do not fall off the windshield during the year they are required.  They do peel off eventually, like a couple of years after being applied.  My municipality (Joliet) got rid of these stickers about 20 years ago.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on April 22, 2015, 06:10:05 PM
PA uses plates stickers for registration renewals yearly.  Until roughly a decade ago, the month on the plate sticker had to match the month on the windshield inspection sticker(s)*.

*Several counties require two inspection sitckers: one for the safety inspection (that is required in every county), the other is for emissions inspection (that's required in several but not all counties).

For many years (mostly prior to 2000 before every plate was replaced with the first-generation white/blue/yellow design), it was not uncommon to see plates in Philadelphia and the adjacent suburbs with either corners cut off or even an entire section due to thieves obtaining plate stickers.  The older-style blue plates that had the indent for the plate sticker located at the lower-left corner.  A vehicle that had bumper-mounted rear plates were the ones most targeted.

Sticker stealing/plate vandalism became such an epidemic during the late 90s that many city officials (including then-Police Commissioner Jim Timoney) petitioned PennDOT & Harrisburg to abolish the plate stickers altogether & have the safety inspection sticker double as a registration sticker. 

Their response: any vehicle registered in Philadelphia had the option to receive yellow Post-it-style tags (showing the plate number and expiration month & year in black) that would be placed on the lower-left corner of the rear window instead of the conventional plate sticker. 

Such a solution created 2 problems:

1.  The stickers wouldn't stay on the rear window for too long.

2.  Many Philadelphia motorists complained that the stickers unfairly targeted & even profiled them (by suburban police officers).

Needless to say, the Post-It style stickers for the rear-window only lasted for a year-and-a-half; despite the number of sticker thefts/plate vandalism declining during that period. 

With the newer-design plates (that first rolled out in 2000) having the indentation for the registration sticker located on the upper-left corner (which made it harder for thieves/vandals to quickly get at); the problem wasn't as rampant as it once was.

In terms of placement of the yearly stickers are concerned (PA's oldest standard/commercial/truck/vanity plates on the road are now 15 years old, PA's Wildlife owl plate (from the mid-90s) is now the oldest plate on the road): over the course of time, many would either place the new sticker on top of the old or rotate the sticker placement at every corner.  Some would even place stickers towards the center of the plate.

Typically, I just remove the old sticker and place the new one at the same spot.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on April 25, 2015, 03:25:45 AM
Quote from: apeman33 on April 16, 2015, 04:06:40 AM
Are they going to be limited to just five characters or is the idea that plates that have five characters or fewer offset to the right so the sunflower is visible? I ask partly because if I ever got a personalized plate, I know what I want and that word, if available, has six letters.

Let me guess...APEMAN? :P

I like that Kansas plate better than the current base.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 25, 2015, 09:26:43 AM
The whole "thieves take stickers" built up over the years meme seems to bubble up in local media from time to time.  My state uses stickers and I have seen plenty of stacks like the one 6a posts.  It is one of those much ado about nothing deals.  Yes, a thief can, with some effort cut the sticker stack off and glue it onto his expired or stolen plate.  Or just steal the plate itself, which make more sense.  In either event, the DMV will issue you a new plate for free or a nominal charge, and the thief plate number will show up as bogus in the computer and he will not have the backup registration card if pulled over.

In my state, the DMV will just issue you a new plate at renewal time if you just ask at no charge.  I get one every couple years, since city parking ticket computers do not update.   

WV, BTW, prints a faux sticker on new plates.  For example, next year's sticker is green.  But if you get a new plate, the corner where the sticker goes is already green with a 2016.  Part of the plate. 

The "cop target people with some indication of being from out of town" deal bubbles up too.  County name states, places where the suburbs are in another state (currently popular in DC), dealer logos, political stickers, and other local indicia.  My experience is that traffic cops divide the world into themselves and their victims, and make no further distinctions.  All are scum.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 25, 2015, 11:55:55 AM
I take a razor and remove the stack of stickers off my plates when they reach 4 or 5 in thickness. I'm amazed at how careless people are at applying the new registrations, putting them over the month sticker or on the top right or left of the plate instead of the lower right, which is clearly indicated on the instructions on the envelope the sticker comes in.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 25, 2015, 12:23:23 PM
I slightly stagger mine so that I can see the different colors from over the years.  Colorado seems to have a 4-year color cycle (not necessarily in this order): Red, Orange, Teal and Yellow.

I don't think the cops look too much at the yearly sticker as they do the overall plate if they are checking plates for validity.  There is probably more instances of wrong plate on wrong car than bogus/no sticker on plate for right car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on April 25, 2015, 01:34:17 PM
Or you could be like my idiot neighbor and put the sticker on the tinted plastic covering over the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on April 25, 2015, 03:17:43 PM
Several years back, the media around here were running stories about thieves who had taken a tin snips and cut out the year sticker, then affix it to their car. Like that wouldn't be obvious to a competent LEO. :rolleyes:

I'll shave mine off once they reach about 4 deep. A tin snips or an allen wrench is the only way a thief will make off with my plate. I hate the rust stain trails that develop from the cheap screws that usually come with a car, so I've swapped them to stainless steel. Since they were in the neighboring bin and didn't cost any extra I opted for the allen headed screws.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SteveG1988 on April 25, 2015, 03:49:46 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnjplates.moini.net%2Fstickers%212.jpg&hash=1fd35ff36aa1e30dca3872d53378c6ec8704a401)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fnjplates.moini.net%2Fstickers2.jpg&hash=a435c594fe9c574e12d8ab6e40fd52f88cc4bc6d)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on April 26, 2015, 04:29:47 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 21, 2015, 09:00:21 PM
As a lifelong resident of a state that uses windshield stickers, how do plate stickers not become an issue?  I can't imagine they can easily be removed, the roadway dust/grime that invariably gets on the plate would make new stickers harder to stick on, and putting stickers on top of each other is ugly and would likely make for a large "tower" very quickly.

Many years ago, due to stories in the news about theft of the registration stickers, I adopted the practice of meticulously peeling off the old sticker every year before applying the new sticker (and also scoring the sticker so it couldn't come off in one piece, as a deterrent to would-be thieves). My understanding was that layering the stickers made it easier to tear off the current sticker, as opposed to if the sticker was directly adhered to the plate.

Since then, the stickers have changed so that they are super sticky and virtually impossible to tear off in one piece–but I keep to my old practice anyway out of habit. I also use this time to make a yearly check of my plates to clean them off and make sure they still look good.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on April 28, 2015, 12:18:47 PM
Wasn't sticker theft an issue in Missouri, prompting the state to put the "well" for the stickers in the middle of the plate?  Always thought that was strange placement.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on April 28, 2015, 01:46:22 PM
A lot of stickers of this kind have slits or score lines preventing them from being removed in one or even a couple of pieces. I can't recall if ours have this, but it is a common feature to prevent theft and reuse.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on April 30, 2015, 12:28:08 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 25, 2015, 09:26:43 AM
The whole "thieves take stickers" built up over the years meme seems to bubble up in local media from time to time.  My state uses stickers and I have seen plenty of stacks like the one 6a posts.  It is one of those much ado about nothing deals.  Yes, a thief can, with some effort cut the sticker stack off and glue it onto his expired or stolen plate.  Or just steal the plate itself, which make more sense.  In either event, the DMV will issue you a new plate for free or a nominal charge, and the thief plate number will show up as bogus in the computer and he will not have the backup registration card if pulled over.

In my state, the DMV will just issue you a new plate at renewal time if you just ask at no charge.  I get one every couple years, since city parking ticket computers do not update.   

WV, BTW, prints a faux sticker on new plates.  For example, next year's sticker is green.  But if you get a new plate, the corner where the sticker goes is already green with a 2016.  Part of the plate. 

The "cop target people with some indication of being from out of town" deal bubbles up too.  County name states, places where the suburbs are in another state (currently popular in DC), dealer logos, political stickers, and other local indicia.  My experience is that traffic cops divide the world into themselves and their victims, and make no further distinctions.  All are scum.
I think it's funny the same type of person  who does not want county name on tag here in Florida will have bumper stickers, stick families and their kids name and sports all indicated on their car.  And then sharining their entire lives on social media.

Sort of related, tags are always pixelated on TV now, even boat registration numbers. If some stalker is gonna take the time to find your information From your tag. They already have looked you up on Facebook, gone to property appraisers website to find your home.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 30, 2015, 07:00:59 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on April 30, 2015, 12:28:08 AM

I think it's funny the same type of person  who does not want county name on tag here in Florida will have bumper stickers, stick families and their kids name and sports all indicated on their car. 


Work made me go to a "personal safety" class a couple of years ago.  Lot of it was common sense, lot of it was BS, but one thing they said that I had not considered was about the stick families.  Don't do it.  You are giving out too much information.  And generally identifying Mom's car (as opposed to Dad's). If not giving away the names of your kids.  And, probably where they will be at a certain time (Ashlee 8 mentioned in the softball logo will probably be waiting for you to pick her up at the softball field).   Also bad is anything that identifies the driver as a single female, such as the "whatever state/college Girl" stickers or school logos in pink.   Also "branch of service Wife".  Probably means husband is not home for long periods that can probably be figured out in most area with a little work. 

Just keep your car, especially female's cars, as generic as possible. 

As to bumper stickers, I maintain that 95% of people with more than 3 bumper stickers are generally nuts.  Either politically or religiously, or both, in one direction or the other.  In any event, first, be courteous and take the election stickers off, win or lose, by December 1.  And why make yourself a target?  Maybe the cop on random tax duty isn't so random?  Maybe he targets people with democrat stickers, or Clemson fans, or Mets fans, or people with Jesus fishes, or people with those "gay" equal sign stickers, or whatever.   Or maybe you have a breakdown in the hood and they don't like your candidate's plan to take away their life of idle.   Just keep it under your hat.


Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The Nature Boy on April 30, 2015, 12:09:48 PM
I have a Boston Red Sox sticker on my car. I just hope I never run afoul of any angry Yankees fans.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on April 30, 2015, 12:29:24 PM

Quote from: SP Cook on April 30, 2015, 07:00:59 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on April 30, 2015, 12:28:08 AM

I think it's funny the same type of person  who does not want county name on tag here in Florida will have bumper stickers, stick families and their kids name and sports all indicated on their car. 


Work made me go to a "personal safety" class a couple of years ago.  Lot of it was common sense, lot of it was BS, but one thing they said that I had not considered was about the stick families.  Don't do it.  You are giving out too much information.  And generally identifying Mom's car (as opposed to Dad's). If not giving away the names of your kids.  And, probably where they will be at a certain time (Ashlee 8 mentioned in the softball logo will probably be waiting for you to pick her up at the softball field).   Also bad is anything that identifies the driver as a single female, such as the "whatever state/college Girl" stickers or school logos in pink.   Also "branch of service Wife".  Probably means husband is not home for long periods that can probably be figured out in most area with a little work. 

Just keep your car, especially female's cars, as generic as possible. 

As to bumper stickers, I maintain that 95% of people with more than 3 bumper stickers are generally nuts.  Either politically or religiously, or both, in one direction or the other.  In any event, first, be courteous and take the election stickers off, win or lose, by December 1.  And why make yourself a target?  Maybe the cop on random tax duty isn't so random?  Maybe he targets people with democrat stickers, or Clemson fans, or Mets fans, or people with Jesus fishes, or people with those "gay" equal sign stickers, or whatever.   Or maybe you have a breakdown in the hood and they don't like your candidate's plan to take away their life of idle.   Just keep it under your hat.

I agree–one needn't carry oneself as if continually compelled to inject one's political bent into everything.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on May 02, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FMiscellaneousNovember2012075.jpg&hash=e377eb308b26901a8e60b94505f0ec6513cd4a53)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on May 02, 2015, 10:21:27 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on May 02, 2015, 11:04:44 AM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FMiscellaneousNovember2012075.jpg&hash=e377eb308b26901a8e60b94505f0ec6513cd4a53)
I've seen this one on a few vehicles.  While I wouldn't put it (or any stickers for that matter) on my window, I think it's great.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Atomica on May 03, 2015, 01:43:04 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on April 28, 2015, 12:18:47 PM
Wasn't sticker theft an issue in Missouri, prompting the state to put the "well" for the stickers in the middle of the plate?  Always thought that was strange placement.

Yes, and now your new stickers are generally placed in the centre of the plate - with the licence plate number printed on the stickers if you attend to your registration in time.  Otherwise you get a year sticker telling you when your plate registration expires - you can get a two-year renewal after you have had the car for two years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: sandiaman on May 28, 2015, 06:55:48 PM
In New Mexico,  it is legal  to use the same plate  to pile on annual stickers. Some are from the mid 90's (the balloon style plate) and many are barely legible. The owner is  required to pay for a new plate if the car is ticketed for an illegible plate.  This is not right, the state  should not  allow any plate to extend over ten years, that is the shelf life of the average plate.  We have three general  plates in current use  now   (not counting vanity plates), red on gray, red on yellow and the newest , yellow on turquoise.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 29, 2015, 01:03:28 PM
Quote from: sandiaman on May 28, 2015, 06:55:48 PM
In New Mexico,  it is legal  to use the same plate  to pile on annual stickers. Some are from the mid 90's (the balloon style plate) and many are barely legible. The owner is  required to pay for a new plate if the car is ticketed for an illegible plate.  This is not right, the state  should not  allow any plate to extend over ten years, that is the shelf life of the average plate.  We have three general  plates in current use  now   (not counting vanity plates), red on gray, red on yellow and the newest , yellow on turquoise.

Re: plates over 10 years.  Come to California.  I think any plate from the mid 50s through today is technically still valid. :-)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on May 29, 2015, 06:58:22 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.

Michigan does.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on May 29, 2015, 06:59:26 PM
Georgia does
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on May 29, 2015, 07:08:01 PM
I want to say that Ohio kind of did.  If you got your tags renewed by mail, your renewal sticker would have the plate number -- if you renewed in person at the license bureau, it would be a generic sticker number.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: allniter89 on May 29, 2015, 09:38:50 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.
Florida does
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: gonealookin on May 30, 2015, 07:17:11 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 29, 2015, 01:03:28 PM
Quote from: sandiaman on May 28, 2015, 06:55:48 PM
In New Mexico,  it is legal  to use the same plate  to pile on annual stickers. Some are from the mid 90's (the balloon style plate) and many are barely legible. The owner is  required to pay for a new plate if the car is ticketed for an illegible plate.  This is not right, the state  should not  allow any plate to extend over ten years, that is the shelf life of the average plate.  We have three general  plates in current use  now   (not counting vanity plates), red on gray, red on yellow and the newest , yellow on turquoise.

Re: plates over 10 years.  Come to California.  I think any plate from the mid 50s through today is technically still valid. :-)

Nevada's Assembly has passed AB 484 (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/78th2015/Bill/2226/Overview), which would require that the DMV reissue license plates every 8 years.  Because of the additional fee required at the time of reissuance, this bill requires a 2/3 vote in both the Assembly and Senate to become law.  It squeaked by in the Assembly (actually it didn't get 2/3 on the first vote, but it came up for a second vote and got 2 more Ayes), no idea what might happen in the Senate or on the Governor's desk, but we'll know soon because the legislative session is just about over.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mvak36 on May 30, 2015, 11:42:41 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.

Missouri does (at least I'm pretty sure they do. I remember seeing it on a friend's license plate).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: slorydn1 on June 02, 2015, 01:39:52 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.

NC does.

Oh and effective as of this week, NC is doing away with the dual sticker (1 for month, 1 for year) in favor of a single sticker system (month/year on one). I haven't seen any yet but we have been instructed to place them in the upper right hand corner of the tag.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on June 02, 2015, 05:05:56 PM
Quote from: Pete from Boston on April 30, 2015, 12:29:24 PM

Quote from: SP Cook on April 30, 2015, 07:00:59 AM
Quote from: jwolfer on April 30, 2015, 12:28:08 AM

I think it's funny the same type of person  who does not want county name on tag here in Florida will have bumper stickers, stick families and their kids name and sports all indicated on their car. 


Work made me go to a "personal safety" class a couple of years ago.  Lot of it was common sense, lot of it was BS, but one thing they said that I had not considered was about the stick families.  Don't do it.  You are giving out too much information.  And generally identifying Mom's car (as opposed to Dad's). If not giving away the names of your kids.  And, probably where they will be at a certain time (Ashlee 8 mentioned in the softball logo will probably be waiting for you to pick her up at the softball field).   Also bad is anything that identifies the driver as a single female, such as the "whatever state/college Girl" stickers or school logos in pink.   Also "branch of service Wife".  Probably means husband is not home for long periods that can probably be figured out in most area with a little work. 

Just keep your car, especially female's cars, as generic as possible. 

As to bumper stickers, I maintain that 95% of people with more than 3 bumper stickers are generally nuts.  Either politically or religiously, or both, in one direction or the other.  In any event, first, be courteous and take the election stickers off, win or lose, by December 1.  And why make yourself a target?  Maybe the cop on random tax duty isn't so random?  Maybe he targets people with democrat stickers, or Clemson fans, or Mets fans, or people with Jesus fishes, or people with those "gay" equal sign stickers, or whatever.   Or maybe you have a breakdown in the hood and they don't like your candidate's plan to take away their life of idle.   Just keep it under your hat.

I agree–one needn't carry oneself as if continually compelled to inject one's political bent into everything.
There will still be the "creative" people who put the sticker wherever they want
Quote from: The Nature Boy on April 30, 2015, 12:09:48 PM
I have a Boston Red Sox sticker on my car. I just hope I never run afoul of any angry Yankees fans.

Quote from: allniter89 on May 29, 2015, 09:38:50 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.
Florida does

Quote from: slorydn1 on June 02, 2015, 01:39:52 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.

NC does.

Oh and effective as of this week, NC is doing away with the dual sticker (1 for month, 1 for year) in favor of a single sticker system (month/year on one). I haven't seen any yet but we have been instructed to place them in the upper right hand corner of the tag.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on June 03, 2015, 04:18:45 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 29, 2015, 07:08:01 PM
I want to say that Ohio kind of did.  If you got your tags renewed by mail, your renewal sticker would have the plate number -- if you renewed in person at the license bureau, it would be a generic sticker number.

Actually, renewing in person, one gets a sticker with the plate number and exact expiration date. (I'd post a photo of my shiny new sticker but I don't have an easy way to upload photos directly from this device.) Apparently they print them on demand. Only the county stickers come on big pre-printed rolls.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on June 03, 2015, 04:31:36 PM
Quote from: catch22 on May 29, 2015, 06:58:22 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.

Michigan does.

Illinois does this as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on June 03, 2015, 05:29:54 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.
MA and PA do not.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on June 03, 2015, 06:49:51 PM
Quote from: vtk on June 03, 2015, 04:18:45 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 29, 2015, 07:08:01 PM
I want to say that Ohio kind of did.  If you got your tags renewed by mail, your renewal sticker would have the plate number -- if you renewed in person at the license bureau, it would be a generic sticker number.

Actually, renewing in person, one gets a sticker with the plate number and exact expiration date. (I'd post a photo of my shiny new sticker but I don't have an easy way to upload photos directly from this device.) Apparently they print them on demand. Only the county stickers come on big pre-printed rolls.

OK, that might have changed from the olden days 10+ years ago when I last had plates from there.

BTW, in the days when the county stickers were spelled out in full and you would affix them to the bottom center of the plate, the spacing between letters would vary (Erie vs Montgomery Co., for example).  My county had too much space between letters, IMO, so I used to splice my county stickers to make the spacing look neater.  I also put a Chief Wahoo sticker over the state imprint which divided the letters and numbers, since I was an Indians fan. Never had any problems.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on June 03, 2015, 07:44:02 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on June 03, 2015, 05:29:54 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on May 29, 2015, 06:50:35 PM
How many states print the license plate number on the registration sticker? I know both Arizona and Texas do this.
MA and PA do not.
WI does not either
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The Nature Boy on June 03, 2015, 11:30:39 PM
I wonder if CT drivers with pre-07 plates ever get pulled by overzealous out of state cops who see a 2007 registration sticker and jump to the conclusion that someone has a REALLY out of date plate.....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on June 04, 2015, 06:42:40 AM
Oklahoma stickers have a serial number on them unrelated to the plate number. The stickers come on big sheets with perhaps 25 stickers on them, and the tag agent detaches one sticker for you and logs the sticker number in their computer.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: democraticnole on June 04, 2015, 10:56:24 PM
I'm new to the site and haven't read through the whole thread (did read first couple of pages), but I'm surprised by how much bitching some people do about the front license plate. Pretty much the entire world uses front and black plates and 31/50 states do, taking up the vast majority of the U.S. population do so. When growing up for several years, I don't remember anyone's lives being negatively impacted because of a front license plate. I wish Florida had front and back plates.

I was reminded about the safety side of having front plates about 11 years ago when driving on 95 in Broward County. There was a car passing cars in the breakdown lane next to the center jersey barrier. This car proceeded to do it to the car behind me, which caused this car to swerve left, then right, then back left again and slammed into the jersey barrier at 70 mph, crushing the vehicle. The car passing then immediately got over to the right and exited. Because he had no front plate, I was unable to report that to FHP when I called in the accident.

There's also the revenue side of the equation. As much of the country unfortunately forgets history and embraces toll roads, having front plates greatly increases the likelihood of collecting the toll revenue. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute did a study on this. Colorado estimated that 34% of their tolls would be lost on E-470 without front plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 05, 2015, 10:28:28 AM
The "rest of the world"  does lots of stupid crap.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

37.25% of the population lives in a state with the enlightened logic to only have rear plates.  Thus less than 2/3rds is far less than "the vast majority".

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

Collecting of tolls by plate recognition is a stupid way to collect tolls.  Hire some toll takers and get an ez pass like system.  Places that won't do that deserve to be cheated.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

There is no study that front plates have any positive effect on law enforcement.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: democraticnole on June 05, 2015, 11:37:29 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 05, 2015, 10:28:28 AM
The "rest of the world"  does lots of stupid crap.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

37.25% of the population lives in a state with the enlightened logic to only have rear plates.  Thus less than 2/3rds is far less than "the vast majority".

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

Collecting of tolls by plate recognition is a stupid way to collect tolls.  Hire some toll takers and get an ez pass like system.  Places that won't do that deserve to be cheated.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

There is no study that front plates have any positive effect on law enforcement.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.
How does the front plate really ruin the look of the car? I could maybe let that argument slide for some kind of really expensive sports car like a Ferrari, but 99.9% of the cars it really makes no difference on. The TTI study also gets into this as well. Advertising in the US typically shows vehicles without the front plate, while elsewhere in the world, such as Europe, the front plate bracket has to be shown in the advertising. If you saw car ads with the front plate bracket, you probably wouldn't even notice a difference.

Take a visit to frontplate.org. They have some information on some of the numbers. Police reports indicate that front plates helps with 20% of their cases involving a motor vehicle.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 05, 2015, 01:05:44 PM
frontplate.org belongs to 3M. 

WHICH MAKES THE PLATES. 

Thus, if the states that represent the 37.5% population that are currently enlightened can be fooled into this unneeded expense, 3M stands to make $$.   This is just a variant on the common "astroturf" move by a big company.

As to the rediculious idea that unneeded front plates do not ruin  the looks of cars, you probably need an eye test.   Front plates are ugly.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swbrotha100 on June 05, 2015, 01:19:28 PM
How often have states changed from a one-plate state to a two-plate state? Or vice versa?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: democraticnole on June 05, 2015, 02:15:05 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 05, 2015, 01:05:44 PM
frontplate.org belongs to 3M. 

WHICH MAKES THE PLATES. 

Thus, if the states that represent the 37.5% population that are currently enlightened can be fooled into this unneeded expense, 3M stands to make $$.   This is just a variant on the common "astroturf" move by a big company.

As to the rediculious idea that unneeded front plates do not ruin  the looks of cars, you probably need an eye test.   Front plates are ugly.

Just because 3M happens to have an incentive in advocating for the plates doesn't mean that the arguments themselves are not valid.

We can agree to disagree on the aesthetics of it. I could show you numerous cars where I don't think it's an issue. You do however illustrate the passion that some people have about the issue. It's always surprised me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: myosh_tino on June 05, 2015, 03:13:00 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on June 05, 2015, 10:28:28 AM
Collecting of tolls by plate recognition is a stupid way to collect tolls.  Hire some toll takers and get an ez pass like system.  Places that won't do that deserve to be cheated.

Not sure about the EZPass system(s) but the only way California's FasTrak system does toll enforcement is by capturing a license plate using a camera and sending the registered owner a toll violation notice.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on June 05, 2015, 03:55:10 PM
Quote from: swbrotha100 on June 05, 2015, 01:19:28 PM
How often have states changed from a one-plate state to a two-plate state? Or vice versa?
Circa 1977, when MA introduced the white & green plate (some of which are still around) it went from 2-plates to just the rear plate (standard registrations only; commerical & vanity plates still required 2-plates).

When the current Spirit of America design was introduced about a decade later (first for the commerical plates, then the vanity plates, then the standard plates); it reinstated the 2-plate requirement for standard registrations when issued that plate design.  Apparently, law enforcement complained about the single, rear only, plates.  They claimed that such hindered their being able to indentify vehicle owners.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pete from Boston on June 05, 2015, 04:31:41 PM

Quote from: SP Cook on June 05, 2015, 10:28:28 AM
The "rest of the world"  does lots of stupid crap.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

37.25% of the population lives in a state with the enlightened logic to only have rear plates.  Thus less than 2/3rds is far less than "the vast majority".

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

Collecting of tolls by plate recognition is a stupid way to collect tolls.  Hire some toll takers and get an ez pass like system.  Places that won't do that deserve to be cheated.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

There is no study that front plates have any positive effect on law enforcement.

Front plates are ugly and ruin the looks of most cars.

Most reasonable people go their whole lives without one whit of care about the appearance of front plates. 

Most reasonable people go their whole lives without one whit of care about the appearance of front plates. 

Most reasonable people go their whole lives without one whit of care about the appearance of front plates. 

Most reasonable people go their whole lives without one whit of care about the appearance of front plates. 

(I figure there's something I don't know about repeating my opinion four times making the point better.)

States that have toll collectors deserve to have a full complement of elevator operators and surrender operator-unassisted telephoning, with all the associated costs.  Toll collectors are all but obsolete and anyone that isn't a compulsive contrarian knows it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on June 05, 2015, 11:04:17 PM
What about rust?  By having holes in the front bumper, it's easier for moisture to get trapped.  When we switched the registration on my old Accord from Mom's name to mine and had to swap the plates, the bolts for the front plates were so rusted that they literally snapped in half when removed.  The front plate was also slightly warped and the paint had noticeable signs of corrosion.  Guess that's what happens when a car has the same plates for 13 years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Buffaboy on June 05, 2015, 11:23:07 PM

Quote from: vdeane on June 05, 2015, 11:04:17 PM
What about rust?  By having holes in the front bumper, it's easier for moisture to get trapped.  When we switched the registration on my old Accord from Mom's name to mine and had to swap the plates, the bolts for the front plates were so rusted that they literally snapped in half when removed.  The front plate was also slightly warped and the paint had noticeable signs of corrosion.  Guess that's what happens when a car has the same plates for 13 years.

That's right. My plates were the previous gen NY plates and had experienced letter peeling, so I took it in for the new throwback plates. It turned my 2003 Nissan into a fresh looking car.

BTW,  why can't New York vehicles drive without a front plate?


iPhone
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:53:24 AM
Michigan dropped a front plate requirement on April 1, 1981, and when the venerable blue and white plates debuted in 1983, they weren't issued in pairs.

We now have a requirement starting this year to get new plates every 10 years after issue. That means my current plate I received in 2007 will have to be replaced in 2017, regardless of its condition. Of course I take good care of my plate, so it will be far from worn out or unreflective when it is forced into retirement. I only hope they continue to issue that design in 2 years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:58:12 AM
Do any other states have the option to allow the reuse of vintage plates on collector cars? Michigan allows the owner of a collector car to register an original plate from the same year as the model year of the vehicle, so long as it qualifies as an antique (26 years old). The car can't be used for daily transportation. So if my father still had his first car, a 1963 Chevy Impala, and if he had his original 1963 plates, he could use one of them on the car as long the plate was in good condition. People here even have old plates repainted so that they can be reused.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 06, 2015, 06:59:54 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:58:12 AM
Do any other states have the option to allow the reuse of vintage plates on collector cars?

WV switched from a new plate every year to the current system of renewal stickers in 1972.  If you have a car older than a 72, and you can obtain a plate from the year the car was made (does not have to have any previous thing to do with the car, just buy it from some collector) you can register it and use it.  You will be given a letter from the DMV to show to the police.  Cost is the same as any personalized plate. 

The current numbering scheme, adopted in 73 is about exhausted.  When it is and those plates are all replaced, the same policy will apply to any car 30 year old.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: steviep24 on June 06, 2015, 07:01:45 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:58:12 AM
Do any other states have the option to allow the reuse of vintage plates on collector cars? Michigan allows the owner of a collector car to register an original plate from the same year as the model year of the vehicle, so long as it qualifies as an antique (26 years old). The car can't be used for daily transportation. So if my father still had his first car, a 1963 Chevy Impala, and if he had his original 1963 plates, he could use one of them on the car as long the plate was in good condition. People here even have old plates repainted so that they can be reused.
New York does.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on June 06, 2015, 09:08:11 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:58:12 AM
Do any other states have the option to allow the reuse of vintage plates on collector cars? Michigan allows the owner of a collector car to register an original plate from the same year as the model year of the vehicle, so long as it qualifies as an antique (26 years old). The car can't be used for daily transportation. So if my father still had his first car, a 1963 Chevy Impala, and if he had his original 1963 plates, he could use one of them on the car as long the plate was in good condition. People here even have old plates repainted so that they can be reused.

Massachusetts allows it, but IIRC the plates cannot be restored.  They're called YOM (Year of Manufacture) plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Doctor Whom on June 06, 2015, 10:17:47 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:58:12 AMDo any other states have the option to allow the reuse of vintage plates on collector cars?
Virginia allows that. If you want to use the car as a daily driver, as opposed to accepting the restrictions that come with antique registration, you still need to display current month and year stickers on the vintage plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on June 06, 2015, 07:08:36 PM
Toll-by-plate doesn't have to require front license plates.  Just mount the cameras where they can capture the rear of the vehicle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The Nature Boy on June 10, 2015, 11:21:09 AM
Quote from: vdeane on June 05, 2015, 11:04:17 PM
What about rust?  By having holes in the front bumper, it's easier for moisture to get trapped.  When we switched the registration on my old Accord from Mom's name to mine and had to swap the plates, the bolts for the front plates were so rusted that they literally snapped in half when removed.  The front plate was also slightly warped and the paint had noticeable signs of corrosion.  Guess that's what happens when a car has the same plates for 13 years.

When I bought my new car, I asked the dealer to put a front license plate bracket on the front of my car to avoid this problem. There are still holes in my front bumper (which sucks) but at least there's a plastic backing to my front plate so I can minimize paint damage to the car itself.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: gonealookin on June 11, 2015, 12:14:41 PM
Both bills relating to license plates which came up in the 2015 Nevada Legislature passed and have now been signed by the governor:  SB 229, creating a new specialty plate (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2350.msg2059763#msg2059763) which allows the vehicle owner to express a "Protect the Second Amendment" sentiment via the license plate, and AB 484, which provides that a set of plates has a lifespan of eight years and must be turned into the DMV for reissuance at the end of that period.

I haven't seen any urgent need for the second one.  If my plates still look fine after eight years, it irritates me that I need an interaction with the DMV and payment of some reissuance fee to boot just because an arbitrary time period has expired.  I guess it does eliminate the stacked-decal problem discussed above.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on June 11, 2015, 09:22:32 PM

Quote from: gonealookin on June 11, 2015, 12:14:41 PM
Both bills relating to license plates which came up in the 2015 Nevada Legislature passed and have now been signed by the governor:  SB 229, creating a new specialty plate (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2350.msg2059763#msg2059763) which allows the vehicle owner to express a "Protect the Second Amendment" sentiment via the license plate, and AB 484, which provides that a set of plates has a lifespan of eight years and must be turned into the DMV for reissuance at the end of that period.

I haven't seen any urgent need for the second one.  If my plates still look fine after eight years, it irritates me that I need an interaction with the DMV and payment of some reissuance fee to boot just because an arbitrary time period has expired.  I guess it does eliminate the stacked-decal problem discussed above.

People sell plates (and stickers) on eBay. It's a problem for those of us who legitimately collect plates, but those out to make a buck don't care.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on June 18, 2015, 04:40:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 15, 2015, 10:32:37 PM
Got my first look at the new Kansas sunflower vanity plate. I like it very much!

It looks better in real life. Especially on the sweet sports car it was on.

Quote from: apeman33 on April 16, 2015, 04:06:40 AM
Are they going to be limited to just five characters or is the idea that plates that have five characters or fewer offset to the right so the sunflower is visible? I ask partly because if I ever got a personalized plate, I know what I want and that word, if available, has six letters.

Quote from: route56 on April 16, 2015, 03:05:03 PM
/me should be getting a call from the county treasurer's office soon about re-upping on his "ROUTE56" vanity plate.

Picked up my new Vanity plate on Tuesday, with the full seven characters:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.route56.com%2Fhighways%2Fplates%2FROUTE56-16.jpg&hash=fd35ed75fe4b757e8f1a5032cdfe1b3a598072f9)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 18, 2015, 08:02:25 PM
Quote from: route56 on June 18, 2015, 04:40:21 PM
Picked up my new Vanity plate on Tuesday, with the full seven characters:

I love how some states still emboss personalized licence plates. They look so much better (though, in the future, I suspect embossing to be (entirely) replaced by some retro-reflective surface. I guess embossing is akin to button copy -- looks cool and has great readability but, technically, not the best option available).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: slorydn1 on June 19, 2015, 11:32:52 AM
I'm really like NC's normal plate (yeah mine are personalized but they are the same format as the regular plates).


(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi703.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww34%2Fslorydn1%2FMustang%2520Pics%2F20140320_143409_zpsc756fcf5.jpg&hash=d2c3f9e42f716a1e451060af24641796c33feb76)



(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi703.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fww34%2Fslorydn1%2FMustang%2520Pics%2F20140320_143422_zps44da98f6.jpg&hash=e4d54f47bb96a783458aeb8823426c2af6afe7c8)
Then again, I really loved the 1976 Michigan plates, too. My dad kept a set in a box for many years, but somehow misplaced them about 10 years ago. My wife and I have been tearing the attic apart looking for them but I cant find them anywhere.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swbrotha100 on June 23, 2015, 10:26:01 PM
California's black license plates are back:

http://www.latimes.com/business/autos/la-fi-hy-california-black-license-plates-20150622-story.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Duke87 on June 23, 2015, 11:22:39 PM
Quote from: vdeane on June 05, 2015, 11:04:17 PM
What about rust?  By having holes in the front bumper, it's easier for moisture to get trapped.  When we switched the registration on my old Accord from Mom's name to mine and had to swap the plates, the bolts for the front plates were so rusted that they literally snapped in half when removed.  The front plate was also slightly warped and the paint had noticeable signs of corrosion.  Guess that's what happens when a car has the same plates for 13 years.

My front plate is mounted on a plastic bracket, not the bumper itself. Meanwhile the bumper itself is made of some composite plasticlike material, not metal, so what rust?

As for warping, I've had two Connecticut plates curl outward after a couple months with no frame around them. In both cases this only happened to the rear plate. I'm at a loss as to what physical mechanism causes this. Meanwhile, my current front New York plate has no backing on the bottom half and received a permanent warping this past winter when I bonked it with a snow shovel while digging my car out.

Quote from: The Nature Boy on June 03, 2015, 11:30:39 PM
I wonder if CT drivers with pre-07 plates ever get pulled by overzealous out of state cops who see a 2007 registration sticker and jump to the conclusion that someone has a REALLY out of date plate.....

My father had plates with a 2007 sticker on them up until last summer and never had a problem.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadman on June 24, 2015, 12:24:27 PM
I see this intense hatred of front license plates on a couple of car forums I hang out on as well.  I'm still trying to wrap my head around why some people consider this such a huge issue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on June 24, 2015, 12:47:40 PM
Quote from: roadman on June 24, 2015, 12:24:27 PM
I see this intense hatred of front license plates on a couple of car forums I hang out on as well.  I'm still trying to wrap my head around why some people consider this such a huge issue.
Many probably either have or want to place some type of novelty plate (example: my US Route 66 plates I have on both my cars) on the front or work (or have worked) at places that sell such. 

In states that require both front-and-rear plates for vehicles; there's a lot less demand (i.e. business) for such novelty plates (unless someone drills/tinkers with their front bumper to accomodate such).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on June 24, 2015, 12:55:16 PM
I was driving behind a car from Oregon the other day, and noticed the first three numbers were 666.

Not sure if I ever saw that combination used on California plates.  I know the DMV won't issue obscene or even possibly obscene letter combinations (KKK, ASS, FUK, etc.) but are there states that maybe don't issue 666?  I can imagine that more than a few people wouldn't want those seeing them being slid across the counter at the DMV.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 24, 2015, 11:44:29 PM
I live in CA and I see 666 used on plates all the time
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on June 25, 2015, 09:44:55 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 24, 2015, 11:44:29 PM
I live in CA and I see 666 used on plates all the time

Guess I never paid that close of attention until now.  Curious if some states avoid that combo. Maybe bible belt states?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SSOWorld on June 25, 2015, 10:15:11 AM
Is California the only one I know of that allows the use of symbols on plates?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on June 25, 2015, 10:34:15 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 25, 2015, 10:15:11 AM
Is California the only one I know of that allows the use of symbols on plates?

I believe so.  I haven't seen it used by any other state yet.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 25, 2015, 10:39:20 AM
Quote from: SSOWorld on June 25, 2015, 10:15:11 AM
Is California the only one I know of that allows the use of symbols on plates?

Only you can answer as to what you know.

Sorry.

Anyway, Virginia allows - and & .  North Carolina allows & # (  ) + $ / = * ? @ ' - , ! : .  (( and )).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 25, 2015, 11:57:28 PM
Those are just special characters of the ascii character set. The OP was referring to the way CA uses a special  symbol as part of the number. An example is the hand in the kid license plate. It is on every kid license plate
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on June 26, 2015, 01:49:47 AM
Quote from: route56 on June 18, 2015, 04:40:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 15, 2015, 10:32:37 PM
Got my first look at the new Kansas sunflower vanity plate. I like it very much!

It looks better in real life. Especially on the sweet sports car it was on.

Quote from: apeman33 on April 16, 2015, 04:06:40 AM
Are they going to be limited to just five characters or is the idea that plates that have five characters or fewer offset to the right so the sunflower is visible? I ask partly because if I ever got a personalized plate, I know what I want and that word, if available, has six letters.

Quote from: route56 on April 16, 2015, 03:05:03 PM
/me should be getting a call from the county treasurer's office soon about re-upping on his "ROUTE56" vanity plate.

Picked up my new Vanity plate on Tuesday, with the full seven characters:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.route56.com%2Fhighways%2Fplates%2FROUTE56-16.jpg&hash=fd35ed75fe4b757e8f1a5032cdfe1b3a598072f9)

The new Kansas plate looks awesome, but the county sticker has got to go. 

Other than being required by law, what purpose does it serve?  One would think that information would be available to law enforcement officials, since they would be the only ones with a need to know which county any given motorist is from.  In my state, your county is coded on the registration form, and is shown on the officer's computer.  When I lived in Ohio, they implemented the spelled-out county name stickers, and used that as a reason to charge 50 cents each for them.  Is it just a money-grab then,  or is there something else I don't understand here?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on June 26, 2015, 09:52:42 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 25, 2015, 11:57:28 PM
Those are just special characters of the ascii character set. The OP was referring to the way CA uses a special  symbol as part of the number. An example is the hand in the kid license plate. It is on every kid license plate

Sorry. 

How do they work with that?  Like if somebody got a ticket, would the meter maid write out "hand" or draw a hand or what?  Or what would you say  over the radio ?  I am in pursuit of a blue Toyota, California plate "HAND, ocean adam 5 7 delta 7".   And how would you do a data base search?  Would not a search for "hand" as the first character show up as just H?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:27:02 PM
I think that the other characters in the plate make it unique enough to be identifed
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:31:21 PM
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp

The info on the kid one is near the bottom of the page
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:32:08 PM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:31:21 PM
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp

The info on the kid one is near the bottom of the page

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:33:23 PM
Sorry I dont know how to do this on a phone
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:37:13 PM


http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp

(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:38:52 PM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:37:13 PM
ath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp]
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcm%5Bemoji14)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:39:23 PM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:38:52 PM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:37:13 PM
ath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp]
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&url=wcm%5Bemoji14)
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&url=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:41:36 PM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:37:13 PM



(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 26, 2015, 10:43:28 PM
I give up
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on June 26, 2015, 11:07:55 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 05, 2015, 11:23:07 PMwhy can't New York vehicles drive without a front plate?

Because it's the law.

NY Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 402:

1. (a) No person shall operate, drive or park a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state unless such vehicle shall have a distinctive number assigned to it by the commissioner and a set of number plates issued by the commissioner with a number and other identification matter if any, corresponding to that of the certificate of registration conspicuously displayed, one on the front and one on the rear of such vehicle, each securely fastened so as to prevent the same from swinging and placed, whenever reasonably possible, not higher than forty-eight inches and not lower than twelve inches from the ground; provided, however, that in any registration year for which only one number plate is issued, such number plate shall constitute a set of number plates for the time in which such use is authorized, shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle and none shall be displayed on its front, except in case of a tractor, when such number plate shall be displayed on the front of the vehicle and none shall be displayed on its rear.
...
8. The violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more than two hundred dollars.

Source:  http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/VAT/IV/14/402
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on June 27, 2015, 12:21:08 AM
I think Kendancy was trying to paste a url that looks almost like this:

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&url=wcm:path:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp

but the iPhone autocorrected it by changing "url" to "urile" and something maybe like ":​p" to "[Emoji​14]" and maybe one or more other substitutions.  I don't think my best guess is quite right because I get the same generic page no matter what comes after &url=...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:51:11 AM
I was trying to link to CA specialty license plates to show S P Cook the kid plate
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:58:55 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:51:11 AM
I was trying to link to CA specialty license plates to show S P Cook the kid plate
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 03:00:00 AM
Oops did it again
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 03:02:54 AM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:58:55 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:51:11 AM
I was trying to link to CA specialty license plates to show S P Cook the kid plate
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 03:03:30 AM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:58:55 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:51:11 AM
I was trying to link to CA specialty license plates to show S P Cook the kid plate
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 03:04:20 AM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:58:55 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:51:11 AM
I was trying to link to CA specialty license plates to show S P Cook the kid plate
http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 03:05:37 AM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:58:55 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:51:11 AM
I was trying to link to CA specialty license plates to show S P Cook the kid plate

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp
(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp)

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 03:06:59 AM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 03:05:37 AM


Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:58:55 AM
Quote from: kendancy66 on June 27, 2015, 02:51:11 AM
I was trying to link to CA specialty license plates to show S P Cook the kid plate



(http://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?1dmy&urile=wcmath:/dmv_content_en/dmv/online/elp/elp)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Buffaboy on June 27, 2015, 06:08:08 AM

Quote from: SidS1045 on June 26, 2015, 11:07:55 PM
Quote from: Buffaboy on June 05, 2015, 11:23:07 PMwhy can't New York vehicles drive without a front plate?

Because it's the law.

NY Vehicle and Traffic Law, Section 402:

1. (a) No person shall operate, drive or park a motor vehicle on the public highways of this state unless such vehicle shall have a distinctive number assigned to it by the commissioner and a set of number plates issued by the commissioner with a number and other identification matter if any, corresponding to that of the certificate of registration conspicuously displayed, one on the front and one on the rear of such vehicle, each securely fastened so as to prevent the same from swinging and placed, whenever reasonably possible, not higher than forty-eight inches and not lower than twelve inches from the ground; provided, however, that in any registration year for which only one number plate is issued, such number plate shall constitute a set of number plates for the time in which such use is authorized, shall be displayed on the rear of the vehicle and none shall be displayed on its front, except in case of a tractor, when such number plate shall be displayed on the front of the vehicle and none shall be displayed on its rear.
...
8. The violation of this section shall be punishable by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more than two hundred dollars.

Source:  http://codes.lp.findlaw.com/nycode/VAT/IV/14/402

That's interesting, didn't know that exact law.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on June 28, 2015, 05:37:06 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on June 11, 2015, 12:14:41 PM
Both bills relating to license plates which came up in the 2015 Nevada Legislature passed and have now been signed by the governor:  SB 229, creating a new specialty plate (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=2350.msg2059763#msg2059763) which allows the vehicle owner to express a "Protect the Second Amendment" sentiment via the license plate, and AB 484, which provides that a set of plates has a lifespan of eight years and must be turned into the DMV for reissuance at the end of that period.

I haven't seen any urgent need for the second one.  If my plates still look fine after eight years, it irritates me that I need an interaction with the DMV and payment of some reissuance fee to boot just because an arbitrary time period has expired.  I guess it does eliminate the stacked-decal problem discussed above.

Gonealookin, thanks for posting this. I haven't read through this thread in a while, and hadn't heard anything about these bills during the session or in the other Nevada transportation venues I frequent. In many cases, plate reflectivity/degradation appears to be a non-issue. But I have seen some badly faded plates out there. So perhaps this is a good thing...?


I had to read up on this. The last plate re-issue dictated by the legislature started around 2001 for the 2002 registration year–that coincided with the transition from the silver "Bighorn Sheep" plate to the current "Sunset" standard plate. But that re-issue only affected people with standard license plates on the bighorn sheep design; all specialty plate designs and any simple blue plates issued prior to 1/1/1982 were exempt.

Reading up on AB 484, the new law appears to apply to ALL active plates with a few narrowly-defined exceptions. (Redesigned plates are prohibited from being reissued, without the plateholder's consent, to registrants with: plates issued prior to 1/1/1982 [blue plates], plates commemorating Nevada's 125th & 150th anniversary as a state, and [surprisingly] the UNR & UNLV collegiate plates–although the collegiate plates may be explained by the fact that both of these have been redesigned since 2010.) I interpreted the law to mean that special plates that are no longer issued by the DMV (due to not enough registrations) are required to be reissued every 8 years...wonder how that will work.


My only hope with this is, hopefully the standard Nevada plate will get a redesign soon to go along with the reissue. I hate the current Sunset plate. Maybe a reintroduction of the Bighorn Sheep design, colorized–actually, the current look of Nevada's driver's licenses is very similar to the old bighorn sheep plate and looks quite awesome (hint, hint, DMV...).


One other thing I found interesting while reading up on this: According to a statement from the DMV (listed as an exhibit on the AB 484 information page (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/78th2015/Bill/2226/Overview)), this rolling reissue of license plates is apparently in the interest of "public safety". That document also lists another change coming (possibly concurrently), also in the interest of public safety: a return to embossed license plates!  :clap: :clap: :clap:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on July 07, 2015, 02:34:56 AM
How does an embossed license plate improve public safety?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on July 07, 2015, 06:33:18 AM
Quote from: Quillz on July 07, 2015, 02:34:56 AM
How does an embossed license plate improve public safety?

I think the theory is that a flat plate can be more easily changed.  You could turn a 3 to an 8 with a Sharpie marker, for example.  For that matter, a nice color printer could probably produce a serviceable replica of the entire plate.   An embossed plate, not so much.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Purgatory On Wheels on July 07, 2015, 08:32:29 AM
After seeing more and more states moving to flat plates, it's good to see a state considering a return to embossed,  Flat plates have never looked right to me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on July 08, 2015, 12:47:18 AM
Quote from: Quillz on July 07, 2015, 02:34:56 AM
How does an embossed license plate improve public safety?

In addition to the better reason SP Cook cited, there's the secondary advantage that at least the numbers on an embossed plate are somewhat legible to a cop, if the plate is covered in mud or heavy dust (as my rear plate was a few days ago after a few hundred miles of driving on wet, unpaved secondary roads). Of course, the cop would still have to get one finger dirty to uncover the state/province name; or he could look at the front plate if there is one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on July 08, 2015, 06:25:40 AM
Quote from: oscar on July 08, 2015, 12:47:18 AM
..., if the plate is covered in mud or heavy dust

I think that is why the Mexicans do what they do.  Mexico has US sized plates, but the renewal sticker is a replica of the plate, about the size of a motorcycle plate, which they stick to the back window.  Even if the plate is totally dirty, the sticker can still be read.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on July 14, 2015, 06:53:09 AM
NC motorists will now have the choice of the long in the tooth "First In Flight" or the immediate predecessor slogan of "First In Freedom" on the standard plate.

http://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/vehicle/plates/FirstFreedomPlate.html (http://www.ncdot.gov/dmv/vehicle/plates/FirstFreedomPlate.html)

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DandyDan on August 27, 2015, 05:03:38 AM
Just curious, when exactly did Nebraska come out with  license plates that have "THE BEEF STATE" as a slogan?  I know that's an old slogan they used, but they now have a design that is similar to the Union Pacific plates my dad has on his pickup, or the Creighton University plates one of my coworkers has.  I just saw one yesterday when I was out and about.  I suspect they may be more popular in central and western Nebraska.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on September 02, 2015, 10:57:29 PM
In Colorado news:

As of about 3-4 months ago, Colorado has finally exhausted the 123-ABC series of plates. The series was extended by issuing every combination with one or more of the previously unused letter "Q" in it, so 001-AAQ to 999-ZZQ were produced in alphabetical sequence. Now the state is issuing plates with the ABC-123 sequence. Except, instead of starting with AAA, for reasons not fully understood, they started with QAA. According to licenseplates.cc, there was apparently a miscommunication between the Department of Revenue (which orders production of and issues the plates) and the Department of Corrections (which produces the plates). So, there are now plates on the road beginning with Q##-nnn and even R##-nnn.

Remains to be seen if they continue on through the alphabet with S, T and so on, or if they revert to the A series as was originally intended. I should note that some of the ABC-123 plates issued from 1983 to 1993 are still in circulation. The new plates are supposed to avoid any existing combinations still out there. Those old plates have worn quite well, compared to the new retroreflective 2000 series plates, which often fade and delaminate after years of sun exposure. Since plates stay with the owner, if you had one issued then, it could still be displayed on a vehicle now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 02, 2015, 11:06:05 PM
I'm surprised they didn't jump ship to 7-digit plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on September 03, 2015, 04:59:13 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2015, 11:06:05 PM
I'm surprised they didn't jump ship to 7-digit plates.
Two reasons not. First, there are already plates issued 1993-1999 on the road that have the sequence ABC1234. Since the letters were tied to particular counties, a few locations were running out of combinations, so the state switched to the 123ABC pattern where the letters are not itied to any particular county. There may have also been exhaustion of other types of plates which used different letter/number combinations, such as trucks or trailers. Second, all plates are issued from the same combination pool, and so different types of plates are differentiated by a stacked code to the left of the serial. So, a trailer has a vertical TRL on the plate. This takes a space that would be required to accommodate a seventh digit.

After the current plate design was introduced, the old plates were supposed to be called in but never were. So, there are plates on the road that were originally issued as far back as 1977. Some of those very old plates are in surprisingly good condition.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on September 03, 2015, 01:06:33 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on September 03, 2015, 04:59:13 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 02, 2015, 11:06:05 PM
I'm surprised they didn't jump ship to 7-digit plates.
Two reasons not. First, there are already plates issued 1993-1999 on the road that have the sequence ABC1234. Since the letters were tied to particular counties, a few locations were running out of combinations, so the state switched to the 123ABC pattern where the letters are not itied to any particular county. There may have also been exhaustion of other types of plates which used different letter/number combinations, such as trucks or trailers. Second, all plates are issued from the same combination pool, and so different types of plates are differentiated by a stacked code to the left of the serial. So, a trailer has a vertical TRL on the plate. This takes a space that would be required to accommodate a seventh digit.

After the current plate design was introduced, the old plates were supposed to be called in but never were. So, there are plates on the road that were originally issued as far back as 1977. Some of those very old plates are in surprisingly good condition.
When NY switched to 7 digit plates, we did a wholesale plate redesign and made the old plates illegal to use.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swbrotha100 on September 03, 2015, 03:54:39 PM
How many states use 7 digits or 7 characters on their standard plate? I've found it interesting when certain high-population states go to great lengths to avoid them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on September 03, 2015, 04:18:28 PM
Off the top of my head:

California
Arizona
Texas
New York
Georgia
North Carolina
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Michigan
Illinois


I know I'm missing a few, but there is a count of 10 to get us started.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on September 03, 2015, 04:44:35 PM
^^

Washington
Virginia
Alabama (uses different mix)
Ontario (uses 4 letters and 3 digits)
Connecticut?  wiki says they just switched to a 2 letter 5 digit format.
Idaho
Montana
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on September 04, 2015, 10:44:11 AM
Delaware - eight if you count the P over C as two characters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on September 04, 2015, 01:10:21 PM
Quote from: Big John on September 03, 2015, 04:44:35 PM
^^

Washington
Virginia
Alabama (uses different mix)
Ontario (uses 4 letters and 3 digits)
Connecticut?  wiki says they just switched to a 2 letter 5 digit format.
Idaho
Montana


Ontario should be able to issue plates longer than any other jurisdiction you mentioned.  In the AAAA-000 format, they extend the available combinations by a factor of 26 (roughly).  They can probably issue for a century without running low.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on September 06, 2015, 05:52:26 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 04, 2015, 01:10:21 PM
Quote from: Big John on September 03, 2015, 04:44:35 PM
^^

Washington
Virginia
Alabama (uses different mix)
Ontario (uses 4 letters and 3 digits)
Connecticut?  wiki says they just switched to a 2 letter 5 digit format.
Idaho
Montana


Ontario should be able to issue plates longer than any other jurisdiction you mentioned.  In the AAAA-000 format, they extend the available combinations by a factor of 26 (roughly).  They can probably issue for a century without running low.
Although with 4 letters more words can be spelled. More forbidden combos.  It would be cool to have SHIT 123 as your tag
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on September 08, 2015, 06:39:25 PM
You could avoid stuff like that by mixing up the letter combination, so it's something like 12SH3IT. Or simply skip over the offensive combos like they do now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on September 09, 2015, 05:04:37 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on September 03, 2015, 04:18:28 PMPennsylvania
PA switched over to 7 digits sometime circa 1992-93.  The first PA plate I received in January of 1991 still had 6 digits (it had a YNY prefix).  The 2nd plate I received after buying a 2nd car in September of 1993 contained 7 digits (it had an ALH prefix).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on September 14, 2015, 09:28:38 PM
I think I've noticed a double helix watermark in the retroreflective background of Kansas and Kentucky plates. What's with that?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on September 14, 2015, 11:26:29 PM
Quote from: vtk on September 14, 2015, 09:28:38 PM
I think I've noticed a double helix watermark in the retroreflective background of Kansas and Kentucky plates. What's with that?

Not sure, but the more recent Colorado plates have that watermark as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on September 14, 2015, 11:30:00 PM
I think the watermarks are there to detect counter-fitting as a proactive move.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on September 15, 2015, 09:07:21 AM
Quote from: vtk on September 14, 2015, 09:28:38 PM
I think I've noticed a double helix watermark in the retroreflective background of Kansas and Kentucky plates. What's with that?

It's a security feature provided by the manufacturer (3M).

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Motor_Vehicle_Services_Systems/Motor_Vehicle_Industry_Solutions/product_catalog/reflective-license-plate/license-plate-security-feature/?PC_Z7_U00M8B1A00PAD0A0C2MU390MG0000000_nid=90G94ZV31LbeMWDVM6RXWXgl
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on September 15, 2015, 11:14:16 AM
Quote from: catch22 on September 15, 2015, 09:07:21 AM
Quote from: vtk on September 14, 2015, 09:28:38 PM
I think I've noticed a double helix watermark in the retroreflective background of Kansas and Kentucky plates. What's with that?

It's a security feature provided by the manufacturer (3M).

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Motor_Vehicle_Services_Systems/Motor_Vehicle_Industry_Solutions/product_catalog/reflective-license-plate/license-plate-security-feature/?PC_Z7_U00M8B1A00PAD0A0C2MU390MG0000000_nid=90G94ZV31LbeMWDVM6RXWXgl
Massachusetts has had similar watermarks (a circle with the shape of the state inside with the fabrication year enclosed in the state shape) since the Spirit of America plates first rolled out.  Even the final green-on-white plates (my mother's early 90s plate) had such.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: gonealookin on September 18, 2015, 04:43:04 PM
Quote from: roadfro on June 28, 2015, 05:37:06 PM
One other thing I found interesting while reading up on this: According to a statement from the DMV (listed as an exhibit on the AB 484 information page (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/78th2015/Bill/2226/Overview)), this rolling reissue of license plates is apparently in the interest of "public safety". That document also lists another change coming (possibly concurrently), also in the interest of public safety: a return to embossed license plates!  :clap: :clap: :clap:

I've seen a couple of Nevada's new raised-lettering plates which are being phased in, as discussed in this Review-Journal piece. (http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/road-warrior/thin-font-nevada-license-plates-arent-fakes) (unfortunately, the image at the top of that article is of a Sesquicentennial plate and is unrelated to what the writer is discussing).  The most notable thing about the new plates is the very narrow font of the lettering; I almost want to call it "Kate Moss font".  The little state shape in between digits 3 and 4, replacing the old round dot, is a nice little touch.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on September 19, 2015, 08:52:55 AM
The Courant is announcing that Connecticut is abandoning its current 1AB-CD2 license plate number series for the seven-character pattern AB-12345.  The change is partly in recognition that the DMV can now handle seven-character plates, and partly because the pattern used was "too hard to remember".

Story (may be paywalled): http://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-license-plates-0919-20150918-story.html

CT exhausted the 123-ABC series a couple of years ago.  There was a brief period of time where private cars drew from the Combination series before moving to 1ABCD2, with a quick change to 1AB-CD2 when LEO's complained about the plates being too hard to read without a dot.

The leading line of the Courant article:  "Twenty million license plate combinations down the drain".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on September 19, 2015, 04:20:31 PM
If they're changing because the pattern is too hard to remember, why not use ABC-1234?  I would think that would be easier to remember than AB-12345.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PaulRAnderson on September 19, 2015, 08:33:59 PM
I agree that the series without the dot was much harder to read than the earlier 123-ABC series.  All the characters seemed squashed in the middle of the plate.

I have seen one of the new AB-12345 series in the wild.

Paul
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on September 20, 2015, 10:30:38 AM
Quote from: catch22 on September 15, 2015, 09:07:21 AM
Quote from: vtk on September 14, 2015, 09:28:38 PM
I think I've noticed a double helix watermark in the retroreflective background of Kansas and Kentucky plates. What's with that?

It's a security feature provided by the manufacturer (3M).

http://solutions.3m.com/wps/portal/3M/en_US/NA_Motor_Vehicle_Services_Systems/Motor_Vehicle_Industry_Solutions/product_catalog/reflective-license-plate/license-plate-security-feature/?PC_Z7_U00M8B1A00PAD0A0C2MU390MG0000000_nid=90G94ZV31LbeMWDVM6RXWXgl

I just noticed the helix watermark on the most-recent issue of the Arizona plates with the "purple cactus" desert scene.  At night, the watermark blends right in, looking like smoke from a small campfire in the desert!!

I couldn't take a photo, but perhaps another person can get a flash photo of the Arizona plate at night to illustrate my point (Hint Hint).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on September 21, 2015, 06:10:18 AM
Quote from: gonealookin on September 18, 2015, 04:43:04 PM
Quote from: roadfro on June 28, 2015, 05:37:06 PM
One other thing I found interesting while reading up on this: According to a statement from the DMV (listed as an exhibit on the AB 484 information page (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/78th2015/Bill/2226/Overview)), this rolling reissue of license plates is apparently in the interest of "public safety". That document also lists another change coming (possibly concurrently), also in the interest of public safety: a return to embossed license plates!  :clap: :clap: :clap:

I've seen a couple of Nevada's new raised-lettering plates which are being phased in, as discussed in this Review-Journal piece. (http://www.reviewjournal.com/columns-blogs/road-warrior/thin-font-nevada-license-plates-arent-fakes) (unfortunately, the image at the top of that article is of a Sesquicentennial plate and is unrelated to what the writer is discussing).  The most notable thing about the new plates is the very narrow font of the lettering; I almost want to call it "Kate Moss font".  The little state shape in between digits 3 and 4, replacing the old round dot, is a nice little touch.

I've seen some of Nevada's new embossed plates, on both the sesquicentennial plate and on the standard Sunset plate. The letter font is narrower, and also appears to be a tad bit shorter–seems like they are overall harder to read than both the flat plates and the original embossed lettering (although some of the letter forms are a bit different in style than before and makes the font less blocky). I really do like the Nevada dot though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Sam on September 24, 2015, 09:55:20 PM
New York is changing "Official" plates used by municipal and quasi-governmental agencies from "12345 A" to "AB 1234" and the entire legal name of the agency spelled out in full on the plate.

That's not bad for a snowplow from the "County of Erie AB 1234" but it looks just plain ridiculous on a van from the "Hamilton Fulton Montgomery Board of Cooperative Educational Services AB 1234".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on September 25, 2015, 12:55:05 PM
I think the NYSDOT cars have been using that format for a while now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on September 25, 2015, 01:29:17 PM
I think having the name of the agency is a good idea.  In my state, non-police plates simply read "COUNTY" "CITY" or "STATE" with no indication of which agency, or which county or city or whether the county car belongs to the county, the school board, or some other county board. 

If the full agency were on the plates, at least it is possible to question why the car is being driven home, driven dangerously, driven to non-work locations, and other abuses.  At least you know who to call.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on September 28, 2015, 02:13:35 PM
WV's odd numbering system has again been exhausted.

First series was *L NNNN, which exhausted in the 80s.  Follow up series was *LL NNN, which has reached exhaustion.  New series is *NL NNN. 

In all cases * is the expiration month.  1 though 9, O, N, and D.  Obviously quite wasteful.  A simple NNN LLL, with the month indicated with a sticker, like most states, would serve this small jurisdiction forever.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 28, 2015, 04:59:46 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on September 28, 2015, 02:13:35 PM
WV's odd numbering system has again been exhausted.

First series was *L NNNN, which exhausted in the 80s.  Follow up series was *LL NNN, which has reached exhaustion.  New series is *NL NNN. 

In all cases * is the expiration month.  1 though 9, O, N, and D.  Obviously quite wasteful.  A simple NNN LLL, with the month indicated with a sticker, like most states, would serve this small jurisdiction forever.



I don't really think it's too great of a concern to the powers that be. It's not like they got toward the end of the *LL NNN series, suddenly panicked and shouted 'Oh crap!', then convened an emergency brainstorming session to figure out the new series. And it's not like the limitation of the series never occurred to them either; it's pretty basic math that reveals twelve characters to be fewer than thirty-five.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on September 28, 2015, 08:56:28 PM
I got a good photo of the double helix watermark on a Kansas plate:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvidthekid.info%2Fimghost%2Fhelix.jpeg&hash=d173b1bf24d246a4172a16cec4023ececa5276ce)

There's also a smaller, circular watermark that's much more difficult to see & photograph.  It's invisible from almost every angle, or at least it was in the lighting conditions I was working with.  The circle contains the letters KS, and something else that's partly obscured by the embossed digit:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fvidthekid.info%2Fimghost%2Fcircleks.jpeg&hash=64b7e362cbed64f0ddec7cf68d0ab68e1c48050c)
I had to make a significant contrast enhancement here.  The watermark is almost lost in the digital camera's JPEG-exacerbated sensor noise.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: discochris on September 29, 2015, 12:07:12 AM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:58:12 AM
Do any other states have the option to allow the reuse of vintage plates on collector cars? Michigan allows the owner of a collector car to register an original plate from the same year as the model year of the vehicle, so long as it qualifies as an antique (26 years old). The car can't be used for daily transportation. So if my father still had his first car, a 1963 Chevy Impala, and if he had his original 1963 plates, he could use one of them on the car as long the plate was in good condition. People here even have old plates repainted so that they can be reused.

Minnesota allows it if that numbering combination would not be used on another plate. I have them on my 1966 Ford pickup.  That year MN used AA 1234 as their pattern, which hasn't been used in many years (early 1970's I think). I bought the plates off ebay, and just had to bring them into the DMV.  The vehicle I believe also must have a collector plate issued to it which must be presented if requested, so I keep mine under the seat. The nice thing is that with collector or YOM plates, there is no renewal fee. I keep my truck in Wisconsin actually, so I doubt any LEO in the area would even know what was going on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: adt1982 on October 17, 2015, 06:55:13 PM
It will be interesting to see what Illinois does once the Z## #### series is exhausted.  The only letters they haven't used in this series are I, O, and Q.  M is used for municipal plates and U for state-owned vehicles.
Title: New North Dakota License Plate
Post by: Alex on November 16, 2015, 10:35:54 AM
New general issue licenses plates are being issued in North Dakota starting this month. (https://www.dot.nd.gov/public/new-mv-plate.htm)

(https://www.dot.nd.gov/imgs/mvplates-new-old.jpg)

QuoteThe 2013-2015 state legislature directed the NDDOT to create and distribute a new flat license plate for general issuance. The Buffalo Plate has been in use for 23 years and some of these plates are deteriorating and losing the reflectivity.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on December 16, 2015, 01:25:48 PM
Goodbye "Sunrise," SC introduces new, simplified license plates (http://www.foxcarolina.com/story/30758367/goodbye-sunrise-south-carolina-introduces-new-simplified-license-plates)

QuoteThe DMV will begin issuing a new license plate and sticker to all those who currently have the "Sunrise" plate during the next few months. The "Sunrise" license plate was first introduced in 2008.

QuoteIn May, the DMV began issuing redesigned license plates to comply with South Carolina law, which require a basic design for all license plates. The first to be simplified were specialty plates.

Look for the plates in early 2016. The new plates will have one validation sticker placement area instead of two. The new stickers will have both the month and year, eliminating the need for a month sticker. Switching to a single sticker process will mean more than $800,000 savings during the reissue cycle, according to the DMV.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwistv.images.worldnow.com%2Fimages%2F9464697_G.jpg&hash=ba8a2ab71a69b1e1363f2d754a50b2495b2944c9)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on January 01, 2016, 11:16:33 AM
Ok, people are always putting their decals on the wrong side or at a strange angle or the like. But how the heck do you make this mistake? Seen yesterday on a Mercedes at Total Wine in Springfield.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2F13aa38d5142c0ab6534c94d90c5c1ee2_zpsozf5amzf.jpg&hash=84e7ebfbb3ea96d167214d3be137957ef0c5a7ec)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on January 01, 2016, 12:31:47 PM
Not sure if this was in yet, but SD now has new standard plates for 2016!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fmedia.graytvinc.com%2Fimages%2FSouth%2BDakota%2BLicense%2BPlate%2B2016.jpg&hash=feb588bbf6c0f5f9e8f82a05ba44cc6645ea3150)
Article: New South Dakota license plate design for 2016 unveiled (http://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=18445)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Zzonkmiles on January 01, 2016, 02:07:39 PM
The South Carolina license plate reissue has been met with a lot of criticism because they just released the current plates within the last three years I believe. I personally don't care much for the newest design, but it is much easier to read. Any idea why SC seems to change its license plate design every four years or so?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: discochris on January 03, 2016, 11:53:21 PM
Quote from: bulldog1979 on June 06, 2015, 05:58:12 AM
Do any other states have the option to allow the reuse of vintage plates on collector cars? Michigan allows the owner of a collector car to register an original plate from the same year as the model year of the vehicle, so long as it qualifies as an antique (26 years old). The car can't be used for daily transportation. So if my father still had his first car, a 1963 Chevy Impala, and if he had his original 1963 plates, he could use one of them on the car as long the plate was in good condition. People here even have old plates repainted so that they can be reused.

Minnesota does. I have a set of 1966 plates on my '66 Ford truck. It has to be from a year that didn't use either the ABC-123 or 123-ABC numbering system though, and you're supposed to carry your collector plate in the vehicle.

I wish MN would redesign our plates though. It's been the same basic design (with some minor updates) since 1978.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on January 05, 2016, 12:10:54 PM
Bold emphasis added:
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 01, 2016, 11:16:33 AM
Ok, people are always putting their decals on the wrong side or at a strange angle or the like. But how the heck do you make this mistake? Seen yesterday on a Mercedes at Total Wine in Springfield.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2F13aa38d5142c0ab6534c94d90c5c1ee2_zpsozf5amzf.jpg&hash=84e7ebfbb3ea96d167214d3be137957ef0c5a7ec)
Maybe the owner had a little too much of their stock when he placed the decal on. :) 

Either that or he thought of the year 1991.   :sombrero:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NJ on January 07, 2016, 10:37:37 AM
I like plates that have map and nickname of the state, such as New Jersey, New York.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on February 11, 2016, 12:48:18 PM
Effective Jan. 1, 2017; PennDOT will no longer be issuing registration stickers for license plates.

Five things to Know About PennDOT's Elimination of Registration Stickers (http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20160212_Five_things_to_know_about_PennDOT_s_elimination_of_registration_stickers.html)

Quote from: Opening paragraphPennDOT says it will eliminate the use of registration stickers beginning Jan. 1, 2017, and automated license plate reader technology will help law enforcement verify expired registrations.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: briantroutman on February 11, 2016, 02:56:04 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 11, 2016, 12:48:18 PM
Effective Jan. 1, 2017; PennDOT will no longer be issuing registration stickers for license plates.

Perhaps now, residents of the Delaware Valley won't have to worry about marauding bands of thieves with tinsnips cutting off the corners of their license plates.

It seems that the same logic could be applied to safety and emissions inspection stickers as well, right? That's essentially what California has done with emissions inspection certification (rely on an electronic record associated with the license plate number), yet they still issue registration stickers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on February 11, 2016, 07:23:57 PM
Quote from: briantroutman on February 11, 2016, 02:56:04 PMPerhaps now, residents of the Delaware Valley won't have to worry about marauding bands of thieves with tinsnips cutting off the corners of their license plates.
A blue PA plate I had on the back of my '76 LTD back in the late 90s almost became a victim of such.  I noticed a slight bend in the plate where the registration sticker is.

Quote from: briantroutman on February 11, 2016, 02:56:04 PM
It seems that the same logic could be applied to safety and emissions inspection stickers as well, right?
I wouldn't bank on such happening in the Keystone State just yet.  Not every county in PA does/requires emissions testing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flyer78 on February 11, 2016, 08:12:42 PM
I always thought they could/should combine the window sticker. Nothing stopping them from having an inspection or inspection/emission sticker (modified however necessary)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on February 12, 2016, 08:51:57 AM
Quote from: Flyer78 on February 11, 2016, 08:12:42 PM
I always thought they could/should combine the window sticker. Nothing stopping them from having an inspection or inspection/emission sticker (modified however necessary)
Massachusetts has done such for decades; although most vehicles (less than 15 years old) are required to undergo an emissions test every 2 years regardless of which county the vehicle is registered.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2016, 09:02:24 AM
Quote from: briantroutman on February 11, 2016, 02:56:04 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 11, 2016, 12:48:18 PM
Effective Jan. 1, 2017; PennDOT will no longer be issuing registration stickers for license plates.

Perhaps now, residents of the Delaware Valley won’t have to worry about marauding bands of thieves with tinsnips cutting off the corners of their license plates.


I didn't think this was much of a thing for the past decade.

There is a thing though where, for a small fee, some unscrupulous inspection stations will sell you a sticker without having the actual testing done.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on February 12, 2016, 10:28:41 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2016, 09:02:24 AM
Quote from: briantroutman on February 11, 2016, 02:56:04 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 11, 2016, 12:48:18 PM
Effective Jan. 1, 2017; PennDOT will no longer be issuing registration stickers for license plates.
Perhaps now, residents of the Delaware Valley won't have to worry about marauding bands of thieves with tinsnips cutting off the corners of their license plates.

I didn't think this was much of a thing for the past decade.
Moving the spot for the registration sticker from the lower-left (upon original issue) to the upper-left of the plate (when PA first adopted the tri-color scheme with a URL address on the bottom) plus most newer vehicles no longer have the mountings for rear-license plates located in such a way where one can easily get at one corner (not without a struggle anyway) have indeed cut the number of plate clippings and/or sticker thefts down.  Of course, one can always steal the entire plate; but such can still happen plate sticker or no plate sticker.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2016, 09:02:24 AMThere is a thing though where, for a small fee, some unscrupulous inspection stations will sell you a sticker without having the actual testing done.
Such practice only applied towards the windshield stickers; not plate stickers.  To quote the Frontier Airlines slogan, that's a whole different animal.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on February 18, 2016, 10:43:29 AM
[http://www.towleroad.com/2016/01/gay-florida-man-complains-receiving-gay-license-plate-auto-dealership-video/

So this gay man is upset because his Volvo got a general issue tag with GAY W13.  He got all butt hurt and complained to channel 9 news in Orlando.  Really a non-issue the tax collector would change it out for him no charge, or he could have opted for one of the myriad of specialty tags

(//)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on February 18, 2016, 12:22:52 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on February 18, 2016, 10:43:29 AM
Was the 2nd sentence in your post an intentional pun?  :rofl:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on February 18, 2016, 12:39:52 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 18, 2016, 12:22:52 PM
Quote from: jwolfer on February 18, 2016, 10:43:29 AM
Was the 2nd sentence in your post an intentional pun?  :rofl:
No.. But it is funny
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on February 19, 2016, 11:40:12 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 12, 2016, 08:51:57 AM
Quote from: Flyer78 on February 11, 2016, 08:12:42 PM
I always thought they could/should combine the window sticker. Nothing stopping them from having an inspection or inspection/emission sticker (modified however necessary)
Massachusetts has done such for decades; although most vehicles (less than 15 years old) are required to undergo an emissions test every 2 years regardless of which county the vehicle is registered.

Back in the days of the sheet-metal plates which were supposed to be used for two years (with a legend such as "MASS 64" or "66 MASS"), the second year was validated by a white windshield sticker, placed top center (see below).  So, every other year, you had two windshield stickers.  Plate stickers didn't show up until after they started using the reflectorized aluminum plates in 1967.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fmassachusetts%2Fma65ws.jpg&hash=2583f04b12deadfa346a4d628ccffdd495cd2cf0)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on February 19, 2016, 02:47:43 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on February 19, 2016, 11:40:12 AM
I probably mentioned similar earlier in this thread; but given that it's now 37 pages long, I'll repeat it here.  The last of the windshield registration stickers were the square blue 69 stickers.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.chauffeurbadges.com%2Fresources%2Fma%2Bws%2Breg%2B69.gif&hash=3456d720a06cb102e630d86e28c04a78adc2d042)

Growing up, I remember seeing many older cars that either still had this sticker on in tact or traces of it where the service station attendant scraped it off.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The Nature Boy on February 19, 2016, 10:44:36 PM
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.newsobserver.com%2Fnews%2Ftraffic%2F26w9rm%2Fpicture25995229%2FALTERNATES%2FFREE_960%2FFirstInFreedom&hash=eb98a320de7d4c4a179286d445cfb0b6d5dc06ca)

Coincidence that North Carolina would begin issuing a standard plate that says "First in Freedom" during the tenure of Ohio-born Governor Pat McCrory? Sneaky Ohio sneaky.

(Yes, NCDOT is treating that a standard issue plate and not charging extra. You can still get "First in Flight" though.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SteveG1988 on February 21, 2016, 09:12:54 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 12, 2016, 10:28:41 AM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2016, 09:02:24 AM
Quote from: briantroutman on February 11, 2016, 02:56:04 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on February 11, 2016, 12:48:18 PM
Effective Jan. 1, 2017; PennDOT will no longer be issuing registration stickers for license plates.
Perhaps now, residents of the Delaware Valley won't have to worry about marauding bands of thieves with tinsnips cutting off the corners of their license plates.

I didn't think this was much of a thing for the past decade.
Moving the spot for the registration sticker from the lower-left (upon original issue) to the upper-left of the plate (when PA first adopted the tri-color scheme with a URL address on the bottom) plus most newer vehicles no longer have the mountings for rear-license plates located in such a way where one can easily get at one corner (not without a struggle anyway) have indeed cut the number of plate clippings and/or sticker thefts down.  Of course, one can always steal the entire plate; but such can still happen plate sticker or no plate sticker.

Quote from: jeffandnicole on February 12, 2016, 09:02:24 AMThere is a thing though where, for a small fee, some unscrupulous inspection stations will sell you a sticker without having the actual testing done.
Such practice only applied towards the windshield stickers; not plate stickers.  To quote the Frontier Airlines slogan, that's a whole different animal.

In smog states it is easy to get a "pass" If i am buying a used car i would trust a state run inspection for NJ than a private facility. Where on a pre 1996 car all they would have to do is smog test a car that passed, and feed that data into the computer.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on March 03, 2016, 09:08:13 AM
Iowa bill would eliminate front license plates (http://wqad.com/2016/03/02/iowa-bill-would-eliminate-front-license-plates/)

Iowa lawmakers have proposed a bill that would eliminate front license plates.

Under House Bill 540, only one registration plate would be issued and attached to the rear of a vehicle. The plan could save the state nearly $500,000 annually. (//http:///%3E%3Cbr%20/%3EUnder%20House%20Bill%20540,%20only%20one%20registration%20plate%20would%20be%20issued%20and%20attached%20to%20the%20rear%20of%20a%20vehicle.%20The%20plan%20could%20save%20the%20state%20nearly%20$500,000%20annually.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on March 04, 2016, 12:17:21 AM
New Wyoming plates started appearing last month for 2-year registrations. One year registrations will wait another year for the new plates.

(http://www.wyomingnews.com/news/new-new-wyoming-license-plate-design-to-start-appearing-next/article_72f69883-0765-525b-950c-1c1091e404e4.html)

Not too bad - we'll see how they age.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dot.state.wy.us%2Ffiles%2Flive%2Fsites%2Fwydot%2Ffiles%2Fshared%2FMotor%2520Vehicle%2520Services%2F0-SMPL%2520for%2520website.jpg&hash=50a5dfeb9669608015df28d934e1e9923cdb6570)

Interestingly, two digit counties will return to being stacked so that toll roads will understand them.
http://sundancetimes.com/new-license-plates-revealed/ (http://sundancetimes.com/new-license-plates-revealed/)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 04, 2016, 11:12:00 AM
Quote from: Alex on March 03, 2016, 09:08:13 AM
Iowa bill would eliminate front license plates (http://wqad.com/2016/03/02/iowa-bill-would-eliminate-front-license-plates/)

Quote from: ArticleUnder House Bill 540, only one registration plate would be issued and attached to the rear of a vehicle. The plan could save the state nearly $500,000 annually.]Iowa lawmakers have proposed a bill that would eliminate front license plates.

Under House Bill 540, only one registration plate would be issued and attached to the rear of a vehicle. The plan could save the state nearly $500,000 annually.
Broken link in 2nd part of above-quote intentionally fixed.

Sounds like Iowa's doing what Massachusetts did during the mid-to-late 70s with their green-on-white plates (some of which are still around).  Like Massachusetts, there's already some opposed to such in Iowa as mentioned further down in the article:

Quote from: ArticleHowever, members of local law enforcement agencies say there are benefits to having two plates, like easier identification of cars headed their way.

"If we have an attempt to locate vehicle, if it's someone who's maybe having a medical problem, maybe a subject that's wanted in a crime, maybe a reckless driver complaint, if we're sitting in the median and we can see that front plate, we have the description of the vehicle, we confirm it," said Trooper Dan Loussaert.

Loussaert, though, says the Iowa State Patrol is neither opposed nor in support of the bill.

In short: same stuff/different state.  Let's see what happens 10 years down the road.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on April 01, 2016, 01:43:46 PM
Should Iowa license plates drop the county name? Never! (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2016/03/30/should-iowa-license-plates-drop-county-name-never/82422674/)

A story covering the history of county names being added to Iowa license plates and opinions on whether or not they should still be displayed. Personally I like seeing the county name on license plates, so hopefully they stay.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 01, 2016, 04:31:39 PM
Quote from: Alex on April 01, 2016, 01:43:46 PM
Should Iowa license plates drop the county name? Never! (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2016/03/30/should-iowa-license-plates-drop-county-name-never/82422674/)

A story covering the history of county names being added to Iowa license plates and opinions on whether or not they should still be displayed. Personally I like seeing the county name on license plates, so hopefully they stay.

Ohio used to have the county name ala Iowa, but changed to a permanent numbered sticker (which corresponded to a specific county) that was affixed to the back of the plate around 2000.  So usually, Ohioans can tell who their "neighbors" are in the wild, but those unfamiliar with the county number system are most likely clueless.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 03, 2016, 08:16:20 AM
Nebraska has an issue.

http://www.wowt.com/home/headlines/License-Plate-Adjustment-Announced-374330071.html

New plates were to use "the sower" an allegorical statue of a Roman farmer.  However the designer used a picture of the version at Michigan State U., not the one at Nebraska's capitol.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on April 03, 2016, 09:23:09 AM
Quote from: Alex on April 01, 2016, 01:43:46 PM
Should Iowa license plates drop the county name? Never! (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2016/03/30/should-iowa-license-plates-drop-county-name-never/82422674/)

A story covering the history of county names being added to Iowa license plates and opinions on whether or not they should still be displayed. Personally I like seeing the county name on license plates, so hopefully they stay.
Florida has the option for County names, but most people opt for generic "Sunshine State" or ' In God We Trust"( except Miami-Dade which does not offer County name).. Not to mention one if the hundreds of specialty tags. The canceled 2012 redesign of tags did not have Counties..

People like the privacy of no County... And back in the 1990s there were some tourists murdered in Miami.. There were rumors gangs were killing people with non Dade tags..

Funny thing those "I want privacy" types have stickers showing their hobbies, kids schools, sports played, names, church,causes etc.. But God forbid someone knows I live in Duval County!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Darkchylde on April 03, 2016, 01:03:00 PM
I saw a car with a new Louisiana plate while riding around the other day in KC. Had to have been general issue, it was three letters then three digits. I figured they would have quit doing the bicentennial plate by now, but I couldn't fully read the new design at freeway speed. Anyone got news on this?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 03, 2016, 02:58:43 PM
NY also allows people to pay extra for county plates (along with the hobby/profession designs).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cl94 on April 03, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 03, 2016, 02:58:43 PM
NY also allows people to pay extra for county plates (along with the hobby/profession designs).

New York has a boatload of alternative designs. There are very few county plates publicly available, most being regional. Saratoga, Schenectady, and Washington are the only 3 counties I know of with dedicated plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 03, 2016, 03:22:32 PM
Quote from: cl94 on April 03, 2016, 03:20:43 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 03, 2016, 02:58:43 PM
NY also allows people to pay extra for county plates (along with the hobby/profession designs).

New York has a boatload of alternative designs. There are very few county plates publicly available, most being regional. Saratoga, Schenectady, and Washington are the only 3 counties I know of with dedicated plates.
The DMV website listed all of them the last time I looked.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Doctor Whom on April 04, 2016, 10:01:27 PM
Quote from: Alex on April 01, 2016, 01:43:46 PM
Should Iowa license plates drop the county name? Never! (http://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/2016/03/30/should-iowa-license-plates-drop-county-name-never/82422674/)

A story covering the history of county names being added to Iowa license plates and opinions on whether or not they should still be displayed. Personally I like seeing the county name on license plates, so hopefully they stay.
Quote"And law enforcement says it helps them identify when somebody is out of place."
That's an excellent reason not to have it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kkt on April 05, 2016, 01:43:24 PM
Quote from: Doctor Whom on April 04, 2016, 10:01:27 PM
Quote"And law enforcement says it helps them identify when somebody is out of place."
That's an excellent reason not to have it.

:clap:

Isn't there a song lyric about a corrupt small-town cop that goes something like "I'd like to see 'em try to get by me with their outta state license plates!".  Google fails, but I remember it pretty well. 

Putting the county on the plate just extends the same opportunity for favoritism to local law enforcement.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on April 05, 2016, 02:44:38 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 05, 2016, 01:43:24 PM
Quote from: Doctor Whom on April 04, 2016, 10:01:27 PM
Quote"And law enforcement says it helps them identify when somebody is out of place."
That's an excellent reason not to have it.

:clap:

Isn't there a song lyric about a corrupt small-town cop that goes something like "I'd like to see 'em try to get by me with their outta state license plates!".  Google fails, but I remember it pretty well. 

Putting the county on the plate just extends the same opportunity for favoritism to local law enforcement.

Such also means that if someone moves within the sate but to a different county; they may (since I've never resided in a state that places county names on plates, I'm only speculating) be forced to change their license plate(s) to one(s) that bears their present county residence.  An additional hassle IMHO.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jbnati27 on April 06, 2016, 12:03:47 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on April 05, 2016, 02:44:38 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 05, 2016, 01:43:24 PM
Quote from: Doctor Whom on April 04, 2016, 10:01:27 PM
Quote"And law enforcement says it helps them identify when somebody is out of place."
That's an excellent reason not to have it.

:clap:

Isn't there a song lyric about a corrupt small-town cop that goes something like "I'd like to see 'em try to get by me with their outta state license plates!".  Google fails, but I remember it pretty well. 

Putting the county on the plate just extends the same opportunity for favoritism to local law enforcement.

Such also means that if someone moves within the sate but to a different county; they may (since I've never resided in a state that places county names on plates, I'm only speculating) be forced to change their license plate(s) to one(s) that bears their present county residence.  An additional hassle IMHO.
When we had the county names on our plates in Ohio, if you moved to a different county within the state, it was just a matter of getting the new county name sticker and overlaying the old one. Now, we use county number stickers instead. I liked it better when we had the county names, but I do enjoy the challenge of knowing the county numbers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jwolfer on April 06, 2016, 01:21:18 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on April 05, 2016, 02:44:38 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 05, 2016, 01:43:24 PM
Quote from: Doctor Whom on April 04, 2016, 10:01:27 PM
Quote"And law enforcement says it helps them identify when somebody is out of place."
That's an excellent reason not to have it.

:clap:

Isn't there a song lyric about a corrupt small-town cop that goes something like "I'd like to see 'em try to get by me with their outta state license plates!".  Google fails, but I remember it pretty well. 

Putting the county on the plate just extends the same opportunity for favoritism to local law enforcement.

Such also means that if someone moves within the sate but to a different county; they may (since I've never resided in a state that places county names on plates, I'm only speculating) be forced to change their license plate(s) to one(s) that bears their present county residence.  An additional hassle IMHO.
In Florida they don't make you change .. I have had Duval tags since moving to Clay in 2012.

In the past new tags were issued yearly so it was changed.. But that was back before names were used .. It was numbers.. Based on 1930s population.

Unlike some other states tags are issued by County tax collectors office not state. So if the dealer got your tags it was from where you bought car.. Money would go to.home county
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on April 06, 2016, 02:34:14 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on April 05, 2016, 02:44:38 PM
Quote from: kkt on April 05, 2016, 01:43:24 PM
Quote from: Doctor Whom on April 04, 2016, 10:01:27 PM
Quote"And law enforcement says it helps them identify when somebody is out of place."
That's an excellent reason not to have it.

:clap:

Isn't there a song lyric about a corrupt small-town cop that goes something like "I'd like to see 'em try to get by me with their outta state license plates!".  Google fails, but I remember it pretty well. 

Putting the county on the plate just extends the same opportunity for favoritism to local law enforcement.

Such also means that if someone moves within the sate but to a different county; they may (since I've never resided in a state that places county names on plates, I'm only speculating) be forced to change their license plate(s) to one(s) that bears their present county residence.  An additional hassle IMHO.
At least for us, you don't have to change when you move from county to county, so the same family could have a car with a "1" plate (registered in Minnehaha) and a car with a "9" plate (registered in Lawrence). The county number just says what county the car was registered in, although that's usually the same as the county of residence (unless your profession requires you to move around in-state frequently).

I like knowing where everyone registered their car. Usually the speeders/reckless drivers in our area are "15"s (Butte).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cl94 on April 06, 2016, 02:54:02 PM
Counties being on license plates amuses me because New York hasn't had any indicator of county on their plates for 25 years, and even then it was a three-letter code, of which there were hundreds that weren't always easy to identify.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jeffandnicole on April 07, 2016, 12:31:30 PM
Story today on NJ.com regarding NJ's license plates thru the years.  http://www.nj.com/traffic/index.ssf/2016/04/nj_license_plates_through_the_years_from_leather_to_the_latest_photos.html#incart_river_home

The 1st license plates authorized in the 1900's were self-made, often from leather.

For a 70+ year period, since 1944, NJ has only had 3 standard designs - a cream color w/ black lettering, blue with cream lettering, and a yellowish-hue with black lettering.  They're extremely rare to find, but a few cars still sport those old designs. (Editing to say since 1959...the story and the picture collection seem to differ on this fact)

For several decades, the first letter noted the county you were from, but that practice was abandoned in the late 1950's.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on April 12, 2016, 01:32:47 AM
I was in WV last week and saw a plate that said DOH PHOTO. I wondered if it was a photographer for the Department of Highways, or maybe a guy who likes Homer Simpson and taking pictures. Also, that's 8 letters; does WV have 8-letter plates, or am I misremembering and it was spelled with an F?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 12, 2016, 06:53:29 AM
WV allows 8 letters and DOHPHOTO shows up as taken.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jeffandnicole on May 02, 2016, 08:30:15 AM
A rare double silhouette license plate in NJ.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi225.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fdd144%2Froadnut%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F0502160744.jpg&hash=af1635e3cc9eece349150ad16de0946f83c873a6) (http://s225.photobucket.com/user/roadnut/media/Mobile%20Uploads/0502160744.jpg.html)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on May 05, 2016, 01:24:15 PM
^ Ooh! That's an error.  I'd love to have that in my collection.  The format is supposed to be 12-3 (state map) GE.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on May 07, 2016, 12:39:50 PM
This was just in front of me at the gas station about 15 minutes ago. She said it's a new one. Commemorates the hundredth anniversary of the US acquiring the islands.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi31.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fc378%2F1995hoo%2FDE026EC9-1150-4AAA-A244-BB9FDAA8C56D_zpslphzdm32.jpg&hash=f6233144e71cba24d29adbf6a466ddaf9fde38f8)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on May 12, 2016, 09:59:01 PM
Michigan House votes to put limits on specialty license plates:

http://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/2016/05/12/house-votes-put-limits-specialty-license-plates/84296018/

Still has to be acted on by the Senate.  It would not affect the existing college/university, veteran or personalized plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 13, 2016, 09:08:32 AM
USVI:

Assume that this is someone related to the territory's representation in Congress, or a student or person in the military, as otherwise a person would be required to obtain plates from the state they have moved to.  The cost of shipping a vehicle to the mainland and back just for a tourist time would be rediculious.

Michigan:

I find it hard to believe that the cost of making up a new plate is anywhere within 5% of the figure quoted. 

Most states have a threshold for special plates.  A group must have X deposits in hand before the DMV will accept the program. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on August 23, 2016, 02:55:47 AM
https://twitter.com/GovMaryFallin/status/767785965259595776
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DevalDragon on August 24, 2016, 01:26:52 AM
Ironic this is from Twitter - the dang thing looks just like the Twitter Bird!

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 23, 2016, 02:55:47 AM
https://twitter.com/GovMaryFallin/status/767785965259595776
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: gonealookin on November 02, 2016, 06:02:11 PM
Nevada is dumping the standard "Sunset" plate in favor of a new design. (http://dmvnv.com/news/16020-home-means-nevada.htm)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdmvnv.com%2Fimages%2F16020-hmn.jpg&hash=1cdccb1d51b9c751b606fcb9d8a006965b034540)

QuoteThe plate was designed to reflect the unique diversity of the Silver State, from the dry desert landscape of Red Rock Canyon in Clark County, to the rich, green forest of Lake Tahoe and the stunning majesty of the Ruby Mountains. The base color of the plate symbolizes the iconic clear blue Nevada sky and wide open spaces Nevada is known for worldwide.

Ummmmm, OK.  It makes me think "Buy a new generic state Department of Tourism slogan ("A World Within, A State Apart"), get a new generic license plate design for free!"  "Home Means Nevada" is the title of our somewhat corny state song.



Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kkt on November 02, 2016, 09:02:13 PM
Remember when a license plate was just to hold the number for your car, not carry tourism advertising for your state or an artistic scene?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cl94 on November 02, 2016, 09:06:53 PM
I'm waiting for New York's to start saying State of Opportunity
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pink Jazz on November 02, 2016, 10:17:26 PM
Considering that Arizona is running out of Bxxyyyy plates (x being a letter and y being a digit), I personally think Arizona should introduce a new design for the Cxxyyyy plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on November 03, 2016, 11:10:22 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 02, 2016, 09:06:53 PM
I'm waiting for New York's to start saying State of Opportunity

You have a very good point there. I've been wondering if they're going to do anything about standardizing passenger plates to one color scheme. The EXX-NNN plates in this area are peeling apart like crazy and it's just weird having both white/blue and yellow/blue plates as standard issue in the Empire State. I wouldn't be surprised to see State of Opportunity plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: epzik8 on November 04, 2016, 01:19:27 PM
Surprised no one has posted the new Maryland general issue yet. It seems like those I talked to on this forum don't like how the flag looks on it, but from what I'm seen, every Maryland resident who's gotten this plate so far would say otherwise. This plate's letter-number series picks up where the War of 1812 plates left off.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mva.maryland.gov%2Fsebin%2Fj%2Fj%2FMVA_MDProud_LicensePlate_390px.png&hash=3c1d1ea58468543afa4834dd9bbaedf312cde88c)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TXtoNJ on November 04, 2016, 01:34:26 PM
Quote from: epzik8 on November 04, 2016, 01:19:27 PM
Surprised no one has posted the new Maryland general issue yet. It seems like those I talked to on this forum don't like how the flag looks on it, but from what I'm seen, every Maryland resident who's gotten this plate so far would say otherwise. This plate's letter-number series picks up where the War of 1812 plates left off.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mva.maryland.gov%2Fsebin%2Fj%2Fj%2FMVA_MDProud_LicensePlate_390px.png&hash=3c1d1ea58468543afa4834dd9bbaedf312cde88c)

Cops will hate those. Expect a more generic alternative in 2019.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on November 12, 2016, 02:02:27 AM
Quote from: gonealookin on November 02, 2016, 06:02:11 PM
Nevada is dumping the standard "Sunset" plate in favor of a new design. (http://dmvnv.com/news/16020-home-means-nevada.htm)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdmvnv.com%2Fimages%2F16020-hmn.jpg&hash=1cdccb1d51b9c751b606fcb9d8a006965b034540)

QuoteThe plate was designed to reflect the unique diversity of the Silver State, from the dry desert landscape of Red Rock Canyon in Clark County, to the rich, green forest of Lake Tahoe and the stunning majesty of the Ruby Mountains. The base color of the plate symbolizes the iconic clear blue Nevada sky and wide open spaces Nevada is known for worldwide.

Ummmmm, OK.  It makes me think "Buy a new generic state Department of Tourism slogan ("A World Within, A State Apart"), get a new generic license plate design for free!"

Thanks for posting this. I hadn't heard about it.

I have never liked the Sunset design introduced in 2001. I always thought it was an inferior design to the silver Bighorn Sheep design from 1983, which I think did a much better job of representing different elements of the whole state and was a more detailed design. This new "Home Means Nevada" plate seems to be a bit more representative, but it is also still a bit simplistic.

Quote"Home Means Nevada" is the title of our somewhat corny state song.

Corny?!? You can't be a native Nevadan... :)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: adt1982 on November 15, 2016, 01:21:21 PM
Illinois has unveiled a new plate design.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20161115/new-illinois-license-plate-design-revealed
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on November 16, 2016, 10:43:51 AM
Quote from: adt1982 on November 15, 2016, 01:21:21 PM
Illinois has unveiled a new plate design.

http://www.sj-r.com/news/20161115/new-illinois-license-plate-design-revealed

At least the state name is much easier to read, it took me a week or so to realize that the current design was the then new regular issue Illinois tag when I first started seeing cars with them here in NE Wisconsin when they were first issued.

IMHO, this is an evolutionary design change, sort of like when Wisconsin started replacing its 'red letter/number' plates with the now current design back in 1999.  I'll give it a 'thumbs up'.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on November 30, 2016, 11:27:34 PM
Ontario plates in the range of CASA to CATR (according to this site (http://www.mattsplates.com/onhighs.html)) were produced by Waldale in Nova Scotia, using their distinctive dies. The first time I saw one was on a project car being built at my university, so I figured it was fake with incorrect dies (though still looking decent). But then I started seeing them on actual cars, which let me to do some searching. New plates are back to regular Ontario dies.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mattsplates.com%2Foncatr314.jpg&hash=35d1a64ef51fad66d06fba189a3562af0d1c503a)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: cpzilliacus on February 06, 2017, 10:56:45 AM
Baltimore Sun: About 5,000 vanity license plates are banned in Maryland. Here's a look at why. (http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/investigations/bs-md-vanity-license-plates-20170205-story.html)

QuoteThe 20-year-old "Objectionable Plate List," as it's called, is home to the dirtiest combinations of letters and numbers Marylanders could think up for their car bumpers.

QuoteMVA officials are allowed by state law to deny vanity tags for several reasons from joining the ranks of more than 75,400 approved vanity plates in the state.

QuoteRequests containing curse words, epithets and obscenities are rejected, even when they're disguised by different spellings and substituting of numbers for letters, and vice-versa.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on February 06, 2017, 12:16:43 PM
Quote from: upstatenyroads on November 03, 2016, 11:10:22 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 02, 2016, 09:06:53 PM
I'm waiting for New York's to start saying State of Opportunity

You have a very good point there. I've been wondering if they're going to do anything about standardizing passenger plates to one color scheme. The EXX-NNN plates in this area are peeling apart like crazy and it's just weird having both white/blue and yellow/blue plates as standard issue in the Empire State. I wouldn't be surprised to see State of Opportunity plates.

You think it's wierd having 2 standard plates.   Here in Ohio we have 5 different valid standard designs on the roads.   I really wish they'd get rid of at least the two oldest, because many of them are faded beyond legibility (you're supposed to order new ones when that happens, but no one wants to pay the extra $3, and there seems to be little or any enforcement), and the Bicentennial plates (issued 2001-2004) have all the letters and numbers squished together and they are hard to read.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PurdueBill on February 06, 2017, 01:05:37 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 06, 2017, 12:16:43 PM
Quote from: upstatenyroads on November 03, 2016, 11:10:22 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 02, 2016, 09:06:53 PM
I'm waiting for New York's to start saying State of Opportunity

You have a very good point there. I've been wondering if they're going to do anything about standardizing passenger plates to one color scheme. The EXX-NNN plates in this area are peeling apart like crazy and it's just weird having both white/blue and yellow/blue plates as standard issue in the Empire State. I wouldn't be surprised to see State of Opportunity plates.

You think it's wierd having 2 standard plates.   Here in Ohio we have 5 different valid standard designs on the roads.   I really wish they'd get rid of at least the two oldest, because many of them are faded beyond legibility (you're supposed to order new ones when that happens, but no one wants to pay the extra $3, and there seems to be little or any enforcement), and the Bicentennial plates (issued 2001-2004) have all the letters and numbers squished together and they are hard to read.

Somewhere once I recall reading that only two designs at a time were allowed to be validated in Ohio, so the last of the plain white plates had to be replaced when the bicentennial design was first issued in 2001 (the gold-to-white fade still being valid).  That must have been changed (if it were ever true in the first place) because indeed we now have the gold-to-white fade, the bicentennial AB12CD format, the red/white/blue bars that followed that without Bicentennial text, the Beautiful Ohio, and the word cloud, all apparently valid to apply stickers to.  Most of the gold-to-white fade and many of the bicentennial plates out there are in bad shape and indeed should be replaced.  Only pulling people over or just refusing to renew plates that old will get them off the road.

Fwiw, there was a period of a couple years when I had a Beautiful Ohio front plate and a red/white/blue non-Bicentennial rear plate (same custom plate number) on my car, just because.  Probably wasn't legal somehow, but the mismatched pair was fun for whatever reason.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on February 06, 2017, 06:00:57 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 06, 2017, 12:16:43 PM
Quote from: upstatenyroads on November 03, 2016, 11:10:22 PM
Quote from: cl94 on November 02, 2016, 09:06:53 PM
I'm waiting for New York's to start saying State of Opportunity

You have a very good point there. I've been wondering if they're going to do anything about standardizing passenger plates to one color scheme. The EXX-NNN plates in this area are peeling apart like crazy and it's just weird having both white/blue and yellow/blue plates as standard issue in the Empire State. I wouldn't be surprised to see State of Opportunity plates.

You think it's wierd having 2 standard plates.   Here in Ohio we have 5 different valid standard designs on the roads.   I really wish they'd get rid of at least the two oldest, because many of them are faded beyond legibility (you're supposed to order new ones when that happens, but no one wants to pay the extra $3, and there seems to be little or any enforcement), and the Bicentennial plates (issued 2001-2004) have all the letters and numbers squished together and they are hard to read.

I can see if you live in a state where plates & renewals are based on the value of the car, and cost you well over $100+ per year that multiple standard plates are allowed, but in Ohio, where most standard plates & renewals are well under $75 a year, people are complaining about having to pay 3 bucks more to replace a "retired" plate?  Sheesh!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on February 07, 2017, 02:24:54 PM
Does anyone know what format Wisconsin is planning to go to?  I see on licenseplates.cc that they're at ZTC for a high. Curious what type of format they'll be going to.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on February 07, 2017, 03:33:45 PM
^^ It was previously posted that they will go to AAA1001 or AAA-1001 format.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on February 08, 2017, 10:34:29 AM
Agreed, WisDOT announced a couple of months ago that they'll be going to LLL-NNNN.  I'm on a constant casual sort of lookout for new plates in that format.

From that site I also see that Illinois is issuing their new design plates (IMHO, they far better than the old ones with the difficult to read fancy script state name) in the LL NNNNN format.  I am assuming that they have exhausted the NNN NNNN and LNN NNNN number format combinations.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on February 08, 2017, 04:59:19 PM
Thanks Big John and mgk920 for that info.

Will WI roll out 7 digits with a new base?? Ha ha ha....unlikely I think
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 10, 2017, 03:59:47 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 23, 2016, 02:55:47 AM
https://twitter.com/GovMaryFallin/status/767785965259595776

I just saw one of these for the first time yesterday.  They look cheap.  They might have looked better without being stupid 3M flat plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: adt1982 on February 11, 2017, 07:58:03 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 08, 2017, 10:34:29 AM
Agreed, WisDOT announced a couple of months ago that they'll be going to LLL-NNNN.  I'm on a constant casual sort of lookout for new plates in that format.

From that site I also see that Illinois is issuing their new design plates (IMHO, they far better than the old ones with the difficult to read fancy script state name) in the LL NNNNN format.  I am assuming that they have exhausted the NNN NNNN and LNN NNNN number format combinations.

Mike

The only letters they did not use in the LNN NNNN were I, M, O, U, and W.  It will be interesting to see if they keep the letters in alphabetical order this time instead of skipping all over.  Also, they ZZN NNNN through somewhere in ZVN NNNN on the old style plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 03, 2017, 07:05:06 PM
Colorado is using an unusual production sequence for its plates. When the 2000 series nnn-LLL was issued, it went all the way through in alphabetical sequence (001-AAA to 999-ZZZ). In that sequence, though, the letter Q was never used, so they went back and issued all combinations with one or more Q, again in alphabetical sequence (001-AAQ to 999-ZZQ). Then, the plan was to use LLL-nnn sequences, so the next plate issued should have been AAA-001. However, they instead began issuing plates beginning with QAA-001 through QZZ-999, then jumped to plates with Q in the second position (AQA-001 to ZQZ-999), and finally Q in the third position (AAQ-001 to ZZQ-999).

There was a glitch in sequencing there, because after the Q-first plates were completed, a few plates beginning with RAA-001 through somewhere in the RDx-nnn sequence were issued. Then they went back to filling in the Qs.

So, what would follow the plates with Q? I've now been seeing plates beginning with the letter "O". In my area, I've seen OAX-nnn through OBA-nnn so far. My theory is that they're issuing plates with Q, O and possibly following with I because those letters were never used during the previous issuance of LLL-nnn plates in the 1980s. There are still a few of those on the road today, and maybe they're issuing the plates that can't be duplicates of existing plates to give time to withdraw those old ones from circulation as they're renewed. Odd, since it's taken a couple of years to get through the initial set with Q somewhere in the leading letters, which should have already provided time to call the old plates in.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pink Jazz on April 03, 2017, 08:06:00 PM
Looks like Arizona is now on the Cxxyyyy series plates as of March 19.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on April 13, 2017, 12:30:25 PM
The new number format Wisconsin standard issue automobile plates start hitting the road in the next week or so.  They will remain in the current design.

http://www.wbay.com/content/news/Wisconsin-to-start-issuing-seven-character-license-plates-419381884.html
(note, there is an auto-play window in this link)

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: paulthemapguy on April 13, 2017, 10:46:25 PM
From what I can tell, it looks like Illinois planned to implement the new LL-NNNNN configuration on Jan 1 of this year...but they ran out of L-NNNNNN combinations before the switch was planned.   :-D  :pan: So, at the tail end of 2016 they issued a bunch of LL-NNNNN combinations at the end of the alphabet.  So now there's a bunch of LL-NNNNN plates starting with ZU, ZV, ZX, and ZY on the old plate design, in addition to the AB, AC, AD etc. appearing on the new plate design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 17, 2017, 02:17:52 PM
Approximately 20 years after Mexican states began venturing into graphic license plates, the SCT has issued a mandate that there be no graphics at all in the center of the plate, so that the serial number be clearly legible.  Any license plate collectors who include Mexican plates in their collection are going to have quite a busy time over the next couple of years.

Some states have gone quite stark in their adherence to the mandate.  Take Chihuahua for example, which had just issued a new graphic plate last year:

2016 issue
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fparral.notigram.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fsites%2F3%2F2016%2F12%2Fplacasnuevas.jpg&hash=a3b1da69b0e1357c150fe3abf8e128b54661428f)

2017 issue
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flaopcion.com.mx%2Fassets%2F2017%2Ffebruary%2F01%2Fd0cOa3kzeWopQ.jpg&hash=ba9228db08d6a891044f5c87b0ab3bd030ee2b02)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 17, 2017, 02:34:04 PM
How do Mexican plates work exactly?  From the few times I have been down there it seems that plates are not often, if ever, replaced.  The renewal seems to be a sticker, a little smaller than a motorcycle plate, which is a repleca of the plate including the number and a year,  stuck in the back window.  Most people do not seem to want to bother to scrape the old ones off and you see old cars with the whole window covered with expired stickers. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 17, 2017, 02:44:05 PM
It's a state-by-state thing, as it is here.  But they do get replaced every so often, as they do here.  The sticker goes along with the two plates.  If you switch plates, you get a new sticker to go along with them.  I was going to post a photo of the back window of an old pickup, showing multiple stickers of various license plate issues within the state of Coahuila, but it's apparently on an old phone of mine and not online.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2017, 01:36:39 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 17, 2017, 02:44:05 PM
I was going to post a photo of the back window of an old pickup, showing multiple stickers of various license plate issues within the state of Coahuila, but it's apparently on an old phone of mine and not online.

Nope, I found it!  It was online after all.  Here's a picture of my two older sons playing in the back of a 1969 Ford pickup in Coahuila back in 2012.  You can see all the stickers in the rear window.  The bottom-right one matches the 2010-2012 issue; the top-left one matches the 2007-2009 issue; the middle-left one matches the 2004-2006 issue; the bottom-left one matches the 2001-2003 issue, although the plates themselves had a maroon bottom band rather than a green one.  When I was there this past summer, the pickup was plated with the 2013-2015 issue and had a window sticker to match.  Presumably, it now has the 2016 or 2017 issue and a sticker to match that.

I believe the stickers lining the right half of the window must be the old style.  State-specific graphic plates didn't start being issued till the late 90s, and full-blown graphics didn't take off till after 2000.  Before that point, all states used the same base, differing only in serial block allocation and state abbreviation.

At least some states, I know, are not requiring owners to re-plate their vehicles with plates meeting the new standards until such point as they would be getting new ones anyway.  I don't know if that's how all states are doing it or not, but I would assume the majority are.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1092.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fi410%2Fkphoger%2FMexTags_zps68a6f3f2.png&hash=ccc41a626625ea915a7ea40fa49c8dc72cb786f7)

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 20, 2017, 02:20:13 PM
I was recently in Nicaragua and they seem to have the same system of a plate with a replica sticker on the window for renewal, but I never saw an expired sticker and never saw a plate that was not in pristine shape.  No matter how worn out the vehicle was, the plates all looked like they were made yesterday.

One weird thing, all Nicaragua plates have "CentroAmerica" (Central America) where a slogan might be.  In fact all Central American countries do that, either the same way or after the name of the country as "Honduras C.A.", even English speaking Belize has "CA".    To what end?  To distinguish it from the other Nicaragua in Africa?  I mean, wouldn't you know what sub-continent you live on?    Same thing with the road signs.  They use an enlarged version of the US Route shield but the roads are numbered as "NIC-1" "NIC-70" and so on.  As there is only the one class of numbered road, wouldn't you know what country you were in already?

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2017, 02:30:25 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 20, 2017, 02:20:13 PM
even English speaking Belize has "CA".

I've read that this can cause border agents some confusion when expats drive into the USA with a Belize-plated car.  Apparently they sometimes try and figure out what kind of weird California tag the "Belize CA" license plate is.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 20, 2017, 02:32:03 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 20, 2017, 02:20:13 PM
To what end?  To distinguish it from the other Nicaragua in Africa?  I mean, wouldn't you know what sub-continent you live on?

Kind of like this one?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus4%2Fnm98.jpg&hash=d238e093370bff8764434a4a0309fec2a96c8dd2)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 21, 2017, 09:12:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2017, 02:32:03 PM


Kind of like this one?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus4%2Fnm98.jpg&hash=d238e093370bff8764434a4a0309fec2a96c8dd2)
The image is not showing for me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on April 21, 2017, 09:23:26 AM
Quote from: signalman on April 21, 2017, 09:12:19 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2017, 02:32:03 PM


Kind of like this one?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus4%2Fnm98.jpg&hash=d238e093370bff8764434a4a0309fec2a96c8dd2)
The image is not showing for me.
It shows a license plate. On the bottom it says "New Mexico USA"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 21, 2017, 09:31:12 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2017, 02:32:03 PM

Kind of like this one?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus4%2Fnm98.jpg&hash=d238e093370bff8764434a4a0309fec2a96c8dd2)

There are lots of people who don't get that New Mexico is a US State and not a part of Mexico.  If you remember the Atlanta Olympics the phone operators taking ticket orders were telling New Mexicans they had to call Mexico City because they only sold to the USA and Canada adresses.  So I can see avoiding police entanglements by using USA on the plates and DL. 

Same principle drives the joke around here where when you tell people you are from West Virginia, they tell you they "have a cousin in Richmond".   The degree of geographic illiteracy among non road geeks is vast.

But there is no other Nicaraugua.  It is Central America. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 21, 2017, 09:55:36 AM
Quote from: Big John on April 21, 2017, 09:23:26 AM
Quote from: signalman on April 21, 2017, 09:12:19 AM
The image is not showing for me.
It shows a license plate. On the bottom it says "New Mexico USA"
Thanks for the explanation John.  Now that I see it, I know the plate well and have an example in my collection.  Bizarre, when I quoted kp's post, the image appeared for me.  However, the image doesn't appear in his post.  I did not check my post, so I didn't see the image in my nor your post until I checked to see your response.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2017, 11:49:59 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 20, 2017, 02:20:13 PM
In fact all Central American countries do that, either the same way or after the name of the country

Panamá says "hola."
(https://photos.travelblog.org/Photos/314423/889585/f/8539529-Panama-license-plate-0.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on April 21, 2017, 12:23:48 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 21, 2017, 09:31:12 AM
Same principle drives the joke around here where when you tell people you are from West Virginia, they tell you they "have a cousin in Richmond".   The degree of geographic illiteracy among non road geeks is vast.

To be semi-fair to those people, they might've been unclear about whether you were talking about the state of West Virginia, or the western region of Virginia (parts of which are west of West Virginia).

But yeah, geographically Richmond doesn't have a lot to do with either West Virginia or western Virginia, so the "cousin in Richmond" reference is pretty lame either way.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 21, 2017, 12:41:07 PM
Quote from: oscar on April 21, 2017, 12:23:48 PM


To be semi-fair to those people, they might've been unclear about whether you were talking about the state of West Virginia, or the western region of Virginia (parts of which are west of West Virginia).

But yeah, geographically Richmond doesn't have a lot to do with either West Virginia or western Virginia, so the "cousin in Richmond" reference is pretty lame either way.

The general practice in the area involved is that the western part of Virginia, say the part west of I-77 or the eastern continental divide, is "southwestern Virginia", while the southern part of West Virginia is "southern West Virginia".  I have heard people say "southeastern West Virginia"  to mean, more or less the Greenbrier, Bluestone, New river area, but I don't know what you would call the western half of southern West Virginia in that manner.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 21, 2017, 12:45:31 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 21, 2017, 12:41:07 PM
I don't know what you would call the western half of southern West Virginia in that manner.

Southwest double-u vee?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: adt1982 on April 21, 2017, 08:53:27 PM
Quote from: paulthemapguy on April 13, 2017, 10:46:25 PM
From what I can tell, it looks like Illinois planned to implement the new LL-NNNNN configuration on Jan 1 of this year...but they ran out of L-NNNNNN combinations before the switch was planned.   :-D  :pan: So, at the tail end of 2016 they issued a bunch of LL-NNNNN combinations at the end of the alphabet.  So now there's a bunch of LL-NNNNN plates starting with ZU, ZV, ZX, and ZY on the old plate design, in addition to the AB, AC, AD etc. appearing on the new plate design.


They started with ZZ and worked backwards to ZY, ZX, ZV, and then ZU.  I have also seen a few Z-NNNNNN on the new style plates, which I find interesting.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 28, 2017, 12:15:05 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 20, 2017, 02:32:03 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on April 20, 2017, 02:20:13 PM
To what end?  To distinguish it from the other Nicaragua in Africa?  I mean, wouldn't you know what sub-continent you live on?
Kind of like this one?
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus4%2Fnm98.jpg&hash=d238e093370bff8764434a4a0309fec2a96c8dd2)
This, by the way, is an example of a glitch in the issuance of New Mexico plates. It is part of a small series that was issued on trailer plate blanks. The standard plate had, and still has, the legend "Land of Enchantment" and also a graphic image of a yucca in the lower left corner of the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on April 28, 2017, 12:42:22 AM
Quote from: corco on March 04, 2016, 12:17:21 AM
New Wyoming plates started appearing last month for 2-year registrations. One year registrations will wait another year for the new plates.

(http://www.wyomingnews.com/news/new-new-wyoming-license-plate-design-to-start-appearing-next/article_72f69883-0765-525b-950c-1c1091e404e4.html)

Not too bad - we'll see how they age.

-snip-

Interestingly, two digit counties will return to being stacked so that toll roads will understand them.
http://sundancetimes.com/new-license-plates-revealed/ (http://sundancetimes.com/new-license-plates-revealed/)
These are appearing now; here's a new image since to old one wasn't showing up.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.dot.state.wy.us%2Ffiles%2Flive%2Fsites%2Fwydot%2Ffiles%2Fshared%2FMotor%2520Vehicle%2520Services%2F2017%2520PRESTIGE.jpg&hash=4e62313ce044d8eb6144887adeed7638fd5847be)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on May 01, 2017, 08:38:37 AM
Saw several examples of the new OK base plate in Colorado last week, and at least two of Nebraska's.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 01, 2017, 01:31:21 PM
Quote from: Alex on May 01, 2017, 08:38:37 AM
Nebraska's.

Huh.  You know, I've been seeing these for a couple of weeks now, and I thought they were special issue.  I'm sad to see the 2011-2016 base disappear.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on June 25, 2018, 09:13:42 PM
Bumping to report I have spotted the first Arkansas 7-digit license plate ... at a gas station in Texas.

AAT 1999.

A little surprised to see one so soon. I thought they still had a lot of Z's to work through.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on June 25, 2018, 09:30:39 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on June 25, 2018, 09:13:42 PM
Bumping to report I have spotted the first Arkansas 7-digit license plate ... at a gas station in Texas.

AAT 1999.

A little surprised to see one so soon. I thought they still had a lot of Z's to work through.
Mississippi has also started issuing 7-digit plates.  Looks to be same 3-letter county groupings, but with 4 numbers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on July 04, 2018, 02:54:50 PM
Québec is going to start allowing vanity plates: http://www.tvanouvelles.ca/2018/07/03/bientot-des-plaques-dimmatriculation-personnalisee  (French, but understandable in Google Translate)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on December 28, 2018, 11:52:47 PM
Colorado has apparently started issuing new plates using an ABC-D12 sequence. I say "apparently" because to date, I've only seen them in person on special issue plates. At least previously, these plates, like all other plates, have been drawn from the same pool of combinations which until recently has been ABC-123. Special issue plates are flat process and made to order. However, I also saw on TV a shot of a police vehicle that had an embossed plate with a GVT code with a combination using this new sequence. It's almost sure, therefore, that in a short time, we will see standard passenger car plates using the same series.

The ABC-123 plates use the same sequence as plates issued around 1985-93, which have never been called in. They're rare, but you still see some on the road. At first, the new plates were issued using all the possible Q combinations, then the O combinations, neither of which would have been used in the original issuance. Then, they started in at AAA-001 and went forward. The intent was to simply skip any combination still in use on an earlier issue plate. But, I suspect that it has proven difficult to avoid existing plates, and a decision was made to stop issuing plates in the ABC-123 series some time in the mid D##- sequence and go to the new series.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 29, 2018, 10:38:16 AM
Just saw new Missouri license plates over Christmas vacation.  Bicentennial edition, replaces the bluebird issue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 10:43:26 AM
My wife just got new plates in W. Colorado, and they were up to VKO-xxx.  I was starting to wonder what will happen when they reach "Z" plates.

I still love the old periwinkle plates with the county stamped into the plate and the state name *NOT* in the standard font.  Those are a rarity, but are still found in the wild.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 29, 2018, 11:15:30 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 10:43:26 AM
My wife just got new plates in W. Colorado, and they were up to VKO-xxx.  I was starting to wonder what will happen when they reach "Z" plates.

Yep, they've already dipped into the Qs.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on December 29, 2018, 02:59:03 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 29, 2018, 11:15:30 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 29, 2018, 10:43:26 AM
My wife just got new plates in W. Colorado, and they were up to VKO-xxx.  I was starting to wonder what will happen when they reach "Z" plates.

Yep, they've already dipped into the Qs.
Actually, all possible combinations containing Q have now been produced, except that plates using the new sequence will presumably have I, O and Q produced in the normal alphabetical order.

After the 123-ABC series plates were completed, including running through the entire sequence to get all the possible Q combinations (mid-2015), plates have been produced in the following order:
QAA- to QZZ- (Q in first position)
RAA- to RD?-. This was either an inadvertent overrun into the next sequential series, or intentional with the intention of doing subsequent plates in sequence to ZZZ. This is where duplications  of existing plates started to occur, so they went back to finishing the Q plates.
AQA- to ZQZ- (all Q in second position combinations)
AAQ- to ZZQ- (all Q in third position combinations)
OAA- to OZZ- (all O in first position combinations)
AOA- to ZOZ- (all O in second position combinations)
AAO- to ZZO- (all O in third position combinations).
This was maybe 1-1/2 years ago when they reached this point. I expected to see plates with I produced as with Q and O, but then normal sequencing starting with AAA-001 began. I bought a new truck last summer, and was issued a plate with BRH-nnn.

I've seen embossed plates through the  mid-D series, mostly non-standard categories like Fleet. I think that's the point they started the ABC-D12 series. So, if anyone just got a plate ending with O, that plate had sat around their county clerk's office for a while.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on January 02, 2019, 10:33:13 AM
WV is getting a new state owned plate series:

http://wvmetronews.com/2019/01/01/the-state-fleet-now-has-new-license-plates/

Legislative auditor (only part of state government that is trustworty) did audit of the old system, which issued "never expires" plates on demand to any agency.  Lots of fraud and abuse, from managers keeping plates in a drawer so they would have them if they needed them (and thus paying insurance on a non existent car) to stolen plates being used for years to surplus cars sold with the plates on them.  Big issue was the DMV was so incompetent it had no actual idea how many plates had been issued, it and the state agencies were 1000s off in their count. 

New system will require an "eyes on" system where the vehicle will have to be physically shown to the DMV every other year. 

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on January 02, 2019, 10:40:37 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on January 02, 2019, 10:33:13 AMWV is getting a new state owned plate series:
Looks a little bit like older NJ plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 02, 2019, 01:10:11 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 29, 2018, 10:38:16 AM
Just saw new Missouri license plates over Christmas vacation.  Bicentennial edition, replaces the bluebird issue.

Neglected to include a photo.

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3Wx3Sg3Zges/maxresdefault.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on January 15, 2019, 12:18:54 AM
Kansas has shifted from an embossed plate to a decal plate (the design has not changed, however).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 15, 2019, 01:31:50 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on January 15, 2019, 12:18:54 AM
Kansas has shifted from an embossed plate to a decal plate (the design has not changed, however).

Decal?  They are screen-printed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rawmustard on January 18, 2019, 09:06:37 AM
Michigan has fully approved the use of digital plates (https://www.slashgear.com/michigan-has-fully-approved-rplate-digital-license-plates-17562712/). The creator of Rplate will work with the Secretary of State on the rollout.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on January 18, 2019, 10:25:46 AM
Quote from: rawmustard on January 18, 2019, 09:06:37 AM
Michigan has fully approved the use of digital plates (https://www.slashgear.com/michigan-has-fully-approved-rplate-digital-license-plates-17562712/). The creator of Rplate will work with the Secretary of State on the rollout.

And then the car gets fender-bendered, requiring an expensive replacement.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 18, 2019, 01:58:57 PM
Quote
Sadly, digital license plates still look like license plates, which means Michiganders aren't liberated from the ugly rectangular blemishes on their vehicles.

I disagree with the author on that one.  I've always thought a car with no (rear) license plate looks exceedingly strange.  Maybe if there weren't even a spot for one, it would look better.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on January 28, 2019, 12:04:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2019, 01:31:50 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on January 15, 2019, 12:18:54 AM
Kansas has shifted from an embossed plate to a decal plate (the design has not changed, however).

Decal?  They are screen-printed.

Either way, they suck. Not only do they look like something you could make yourself, but they're illegible when hit by glare at a certain angle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on January 28, 2019, 01:24:33 PM
A friend of mine sent me photos of the new Wichita flag plates. The numbers are black on the red background now instead of white, which he said had to be changed because of the screen printing. I don't why they couldn't screen print white numbers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on January 29, 2019, 10:03:33 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2019, 01:31:50 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on January 15, 2019, 12:18:54 AM
Kansas has shifted from an embossed plate to a decal plate (the design has not changed, however).

Decal?  They are screen-printed.

Here's the new screen-printed version of the Kansas plate:
(https://www.route56.com/highways/plates/215LSG.JPG)

For comparison, here's the embossed version:
(https://www.route56.com/highways/plates/061DGT.jpg)

The numbers are similar in both versions (except for the horizontal stroke added to the "1"), whereas the lettering on the new plates looks like the 1920s sign typeface instead of the 2010s

Quote from: kphoger on January 18, 2019, 01:58:57 PM
I've always thought a car with no (rear) license plate looks exceedingly strange.

You haven't seen F-350 in Missouri, have you?

Quote from: apeman33 on January 28, 2019, 01:24:33 PM
A friend of mine sent me photos of the new Wichita flag plates. The numbers are black on the red background now instead of white, which he said had to be changed because of the screen printing. I don't why they couldn't screen print white numbers.

I suspect that the printing process is more akin to that found in a laser printer, meaning no "white" ink is available.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on January 29, 2019, 12:20:41 PM
Sure, you show the straight on view of the new vs. old plates (the old plate is more visually appealing, btw).  But try looking at these from certain angles - especially at night - and you'll see that the embossed plates vastly outperform the flat ones.  Which also look incredibly cheap, become useless when dirty and which do not hold up as well. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2019, 02:02:10 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 29, 2019, 12:20:41 PM
Sure, you show the straight on view of the new vs. old plates (the old plate is more visually appealing, btw).  But try looking at these from certain angles - especially at night - and you'll see that the embossed plates vastly outperform the flat ones.  Which also look incredibly cheap, become useless when dirty and which do not hold up as well. 

I don't like flat plates as much as embossed ones either, but I hadn't heard before that they don't hold up as well.  Where have you read that?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on January 29, 2019, 02:34:44 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 29, 2019, 02:02:10 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 29, 2019, 12:20:41 PM
Sure, you show the straight on view of the new vs. old plates (the old plate is more visually appealing, btw).  But try looking at these from certain angles - especially at night - and you'll see that the embossed plates vastly outperform the flat ones.  Which also look incredibly cheap, become useless when dirty and which do not hold up as well. 

I don't like flat plates as much as embossed ones either, but I hadn't heard before that they don't hold up as well.  Where have you read that?

Embossing the sheet metal actually adds tensile strength to it.  Furthermore, a flat piece of metal with print on it is easier to deface or damage than an embossed one.  Given the wear and tear that many plates endure over the years, the embossed ones would remain legible for a longer period. 

And this is without getting into the overall suckiness of that ghastly 3M font (seemingly always with ugly black letters/numbers).  Too bad for Kansas, now their one plate is a cheap POS. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 29, 2019, 02:39:15 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 29, 2019, 02:34:44 PM
that ghastle 3M font (seemingly always with ugly black letters/numbers).

3M offers multiple fonts and even accommodates custom fonts.  When license plates end up with that ghastly font, it's their own fault for not specifying something else.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: briantroutman on January 29, 2019, 03:13:39 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on January 02, 2019, 10:40:37 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on January 02, 2019, 10:33:13 AMWV is getting a new state owned plate series:
Looks a little bit like older NJ plates.
Except for the lack of a blue border, my thoughts immediately turned to the late '70s/early '80s PA plates (http://papl8s.com/stamp_files/Pass_1977_HDE.JPG) that were still lingering around in my early childhood.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Gnutella on February 28, 2019, 10:48:06 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 02, 2016, 09:02:13 PM
Remember when a license plate was just to hold the number for your car, not carry tourism advertising for your state or an artistic scene?

I do. On a related note, I think we should do away with all special-interest license plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rarnold on March 02, 2019, 03:42:04 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on February 28, 2019, 10:48:06 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 02, 2016, 09:02:13 PM
Remember when a license plate was just to hold the number for your car, not carry tourism advertising for your state or an artistic scene?

I do. On a related note, I think we should do away with all special-interest license plates.

Yes! Let's go back to the good ol' days with the state, plate number, county (number, abbreviation, or spelled out) and the date the plate was adopted. Also, two colors ONLY and put the tags on straight.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2019, 01:25:33 PM
Quote from: rarnold on March 02, 2019, 03:42:04 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on February 28, 2019, 10:48:06 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 02, 2016, 09:02:13 PM
Remember when a license plate was just to hold the number for your car, not carry tourism advertising for your state or an artistic scene?

I do. On a related note, I think we should do away with all special-interest license plates.

Yes! Let's go back to the good ol' days with the state, plate number, county (number, abbreviation, or spelled out) and the date the plate was adopted. Also, two colors ONLY and put the tags on straight.

How much of a stickler are you going to be, and how far back are you wanting to go?  Kansas license plates have featured either the state outline or a graphic element for the last 50 years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on March 04, 2019, 01:42:01 PM
Quote from: rarnold on March 02, 2019, 03:42:04 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on February 28, 2019, 10:48:06 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 02, 2016, 09:02:13 PM
Remember when a license plate was just to hold the number for your car, not carry tourism advertising for your state or an artistic scene?

I do. On a related note, I think we should do away with all special-interest license plates.

Yes! Let's go back to the good ol' days with the state, plate number, county (number, abbreviation, or spelled out) and the date the plate was adopted. Also, two colors ONLY and put the tags on straight.

Coming from a state who, to the best of my knowledge, has never included the county on its plates, what purpose does including the county name on the plate serve? Realistically, I could see plates be stripped down to state, plate number, and expiration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2019, 02:02:09 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on March 04, 2019, 01:42:01 PM
Quote from: rarnold on March 02, 2019, 03:42:04 PM
Quote from: Gnutella on February 28, 2019, 10:48:06 PM
Quote from: kkt on November 02, 2016, 09:02:13 PM
Remember when a license plate was just to hold the number for your car, not carry tourism advertising for your state or an artistic scene?

I do. On a related note, I think we should do away with all special-interest license plates.

Yes! Let's go back to the good ol' days with the state, plate number, county (number, abbreviation, or spelled out) and the date the plate was adopted. Also, two colors ONLY and put the tags on straight.

Coming from a state who, to the best of my knowledge, has never included the county on its plates, what purpose does including the county name on the plate serve? Realistically, I could see plates be stripped down to state, plate number, and expiration.

Heck, all NJ has is:
'New Jersey'
tag number
'Garden State'

Our plates don't expire; the registration for the car does, but there's nothing on the car detailing that. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on March 04, 2019, 07:45:16 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2019, 02:02:09 PM
'New Jersey'
tag number
'Garden State'

Our plates don't expire; the registration for the car does, but there's nothing on the car detailing that. 
The windshield sticker aka inspection sticker may be the same as registration month, but not necessarily.  I bought my current car in Aug 2014 and transferred my plates from my previous car to it.  It just so happened that my registration month was the same as month that I purchased the car.  It was merely coincidental, I didn't try to get it to fall into place.  My old car's inspection month was June,  so the registration on it didn't coincide with the inspection.  If one gets new plates with the new car (which many seem to opt for) then the registration month will indeed be the same as the inspection month.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 04, 2019, 09:09:54 PM
Quote from: jeffandnicole on March 04, 2019, 02:02:09 PM
Heck, all NJ has is:
'New Jersey'
tag number
'Garden State'

Our plates don't expire; the registration for the car does, but there's nothing on the car detailing that. 

If I have my fact straight, this is also true of Pennsylvania:  no county name, no registration sticker, no windshield sticker.  And they are the only two states that have completed ditched stickers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rarnold on March 04, 2019, 09:14:40 PM


How much of a stickler are you going to be, and how far back are you wanting to go?  Kansas license plates have featured either the state outline or a graphic element for the last 50 years.
[/quote]

I had forgotten about the Kansas outline plates. Those would be acceptable.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on March 05, 2019, 06:55:00 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2019, 09:09:54 PM
If I have my fact straight, this is also true of Pennsylvania:  no county name, no registration sticker, no windshield sticker.  And they are the only two states that have completed ditched stickers.
Pennsylvania uses windshield stickers to validate the inspection (safety checked statewide and some counties check emissions as well--they use a second sticker to validate it).  But you are correct that they've done away with plate stickers.  And to my knowledge, they've never put the county on their plates or on a sticker that goes on the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on March 05, 2019, 06:57:18 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on March 04, 2019, 01:42:01 PM
Coming from a state who, to the best of my knowledge, has never included the county on its plates, what purpose does including the county name on the plate serve? Realistically, I could see plates be stripped down to state, plate number, and expiration.
Some states collect a tax on vehicles and it may vary by county.  Others handle vehicle registrations on a county level, so they too include the county or in some cases, just a numeric code.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 05, 2019, 11:36:31 AM
Quote from: signalman on March 05, 2019, 06:55:00 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2019, 09:09:54 PM
If I have my fact straight, this is also true of Pennsylvania:  no county name, no registration sticker, no windshield sticker.  And they are the only two states that have completed ditched stickers.
Pennsylvania uses windshield stickers to validate the inspection (safety checked statewide and some counties check emissions as well--they use a second sticker to validate it).  But you are correct that they've done away with plate stickers.  And to my knowledge, they've never put the county on their plates or on a sticker that goes on the plate.
Correct, the plate stickers were discontinued a year ago.  Side bar: it's also worth noting that PA only requires one plate mounted on the rear of a vehicle; same goes for DE.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2019, 02:05:46 PM
Quote from: signalman on March 05, 2019, 06:55:00 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2019, 09:09:54 PM
If I have my fact straight, this is also true of Pennsylvania:  no county name, no registration sticker, no windshield sticker.  And they are the only two states that have completed ditched stickers.

Pennsylvania uses windshield stickers to validate the inspection (safety checked statewide and some counties check emissions as well--they use a second sticker to validate it).  But you are correct that they've done away with plate stickers.  And to my knowledge, they've never put the county on their plates or on a sticker that goes on the plate.

So I guess the inspection sticker acts as a stand-in for the registration sticker.  Makes sense.  I'm assuming you can't renew your registration without having your car inspected (?) .
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on March 05, 2019, 02:43:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2019, 02:05:46 PM
So I guess the inspection sticker acts as a stand-in for the registration sticker.  Makes sense.  I'm assuming you can't renew your registration without having your car inspected (?) .
No. The inspection stickers in the windshield were in use when PA was still issuing plate stickers.  They just stopped issuing plate stickers.  As far as whether one renews the registration or has it inspected first, I'm not sure.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 05, 2019, 02:53:50 PM
AFAIK, the only state that ties inspection to registration is NC.  In NC, there no longer is a physical "sticker" on the windshield, but rather you must have the car inspected which, if it passes, means the garage enters that in the DMV computer, during the 60 days leading up to the renewal.  No inspection - no renewal.  NC did away with actual stickers 10 or so years ago.

Here, in WV, inspections have nothing to do with registration.  You are supposed to have a valid "sticker" but probably 1/4th of cars don't.  This has nothing to do with the registration.  The car comes new with a sticker, so that is the month the car was delivered to the dealer (and thus a way to tell if a particular one has been on the lot a while and they might want to give you a deal) and, if you obey the law, will keep that month forever.  It has nothing to do with the month your plate will expire.  Oddly a June plate expires June 1, with a June sticker expires June 30.

I think PA is the same.  I have seen cars with expired PA stickers, IIRC.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jeffandnicole on March 05, 2019, 03:06:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2019, 02:05:46 PM
Quote from: signalman on March 05, 2019, 06:55:00 AM

Quote from: kphoger on March 04, 2019, 09:09:54 PM
If I have my fact straight, this is also true of Pennsylvania:  no county name, no registration sticker, no windshield sticker.  And they are the only two states that have completed ditched stickers.

Pennsylvania uses windshield stickers to validate the inspection (safety checked statewide and some counties check emissions as well--they use a second sticker to validate it).  But you are correct that they've done away with plate stickers.  And to my knowledge, they've never put the county on their plates or on a sticker that goes on the plate.

So I guess the inspection sticker acts as a stand-in for the registration sticker.  Makes sense.  I'm assuming you can't renew your registration without having your car inspected (?) .

Speaking for NJ:

Incorrect - While they check your registration at the inspection station, they don't check your inspection when getting your car registered.  The only thing you need to get the registration renewed is a valid insurance policy.  And even then they take your word for it - you tell them your insurance company and policy number, but that could be an expired policy or even a fake policy...they don't do an on-the-spot check. 

You need a valid registration, along with license and insurance, at the time of inspection.  For example: Your inspection sticker shows March, 2019.  You are in the inspection station on March 30th, and your registration, license and insurance expire on March 31st. You still pass that part of the inspection.  They will probably tell you to get your registration renewed, but emissions are the only thing they can fail you on if it's not properly working or valid at the time of inspection. 

Also, the inspection cycle is 2 years.  The registration cycle is for one year.  So even if I renewed my registration, it'll still expire on March 31, 2020, while my inspection is good until March 31, 2021.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 05, 2019, 03:16:51 PM
Quote from: signalman on March 05, 2019, 02:43:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2019, 02:05:46 PM
So I guess the inspection sticker acts as a stand-in for the registration sticker.  Makes sense.  I'm assuming you can't renew your registration without having your car inspected (?) .
No. The inspection stickers in the windshield were in use when PA was still issuing plate stickers.  They just stopped issuing plate stickers.  As far as whether one renews the registration or has it inspected first, I'm not sure.
For PA, typically the expiration date of the registration is a month earlier than the expiration date of the inspection sticker(s).  So the registration renewal indeed comes first.  It's also worth noting that PA now allows the option of renewing one's registration every two years rather than every year.  The inspections are still annual regardless of which registration renewal interval is chosen.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 05, 2019, 03:21:32 PM
So, from what I'm understanding now, there is no way in either NJ or PA to tell if a vehicle has current registration.  I know Pennsylvania, when that state stopped issuing stickers, said there's no need for stickers anymore, since everything is in the database.  So why do all those other states continue to issue them?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 02:21:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2019, 03:21:32 PMSo, from what I'm understanding now, there is no way in either NJ or PA to tell if a vehicle has current registration.  I know Pennsylvania, when that state stopped issuing stickers, said there's no need for stickers anymore, since everything is in the database.  So why do all those other states continue to issue them?
Guess on my part; when they say database, such only involves PennDOT & vehicles registered in PA.  Other states may not have as elaborate of a database.

It's worth noting that PA & NJ aren't the only states that don't/no longer use plate stickers.  NY hasn't used them in decades if ever.  I believe there's a few other states that don't use plate stickers either.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 02:43:52 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 02:21:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 05, 2019, 03:21:32 PMSo, from what I'm understanding now, there is no way in either NJ or PA to tell if a vehicle has current registration.  I know Pennsylvania, when that state stopped issuing stickers, said there's no need for stickers anymore, since everything is in the database.  So why do all those other states continue to issue them?
Guess on my part; when they say database, such only involves PennDOT & vehicles registered in PA.  Other states may not have as elaborate of a database.

It's worth noting that PA & NJ aren't the only states that don't/no longer use plate stickers.  NY hasn't used them in decades if ever.  I believe there's a few other states that don't use plate stickers either.

All other states I've found that don't use plate stickers use windshield registration stickers instead.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on March 06, 2019, 03:03:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 02:43:52 PMAll other states I've found that don't use plate stickers use windshield registration stickers instead.

The trend is against using visible markings on the vehicle to indicate current registration and instead relying on ANPR and live connections to the vehicle registration database.  In Britain, for example, DVLA eliminated tax discs a few years ago--police forces now rely on ANPR to check that a vehicle on the public highway has current VED.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 03:52:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 02:43:52 PMAll other states I've found that don't use plate stickers use windshield registration stickers instead.
Are you sure those windshield stickers aren't just inspection stickers?  It might vary depending on which state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 04:20:22 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 03:52:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 02:43:52 PMAll other states I've found that don't use plate stickers use windshield registration stickers instead.
Are you sure those windshield stickers aren't just inspection stickers?  It might vary depending on which state.

Not 100% sure, but I did a cursory search for all 50 states plus DC.  Pennsylvania and New Jersey were the only odd ones out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on March 06, 2019, 08:48:27 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 03:52:49 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 02:43:52 PMAll other states I've found that don't use plate stickers use windshield registration stickers instead.
Are you sure those windshield stickers aren't just inspection stickers?  It might vary depending on which state.
At least in NY, we have both windshield inspections stickers and windshield registration stickers (except for government vehicles, which have only inspection).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on March 06, 2019, 11:16:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 02:43:52 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 02:21:34 PM
It's worth noting that PA & NJ aren't the only states that don't/no longer use plate stickers.  NY hasn't used them in decades if ever.  I believe there's a few other states that don't use plate stickers either.
All other states I've found that don't use plate stickers use windshield registration stickers instead.

Connecticut switched from plate stickers to windshield stickers in 2006 because of partial plate thefts.

Connecticut then abolished the windshield stickers in 2010.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 07, 2019, 01:48:55 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on March 06, 2019, 11:16:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 06, 2019, 02:43:52 PM

Quote from: PHLBOS on March 06, 2019, 02:21:34 PM
It's worth noting that PA & NJ aren't the only states that don't/no longer use plate stickers.  NY hasn't used them in decades if ever.  I believe there's a few other states that don't use plate stickers either.

All other states I've found that don't use plate stickers use windshield registration stickers instead.

Connecticut switched from plate stickers to windshield stickers in 2006 because of partial plate thefts.

Connecticut then abolished the windshield stickers in 2010.

Ah, thank you.  Yes, if a state switched to windshield registration stickers and later abandoned those as well, then I didn't have a simple way of finding that out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 07, 2019, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on March 06, 2019, 11:16:36 PMConnecticut switched from plate stickers to windshield stickers in 2006 because of partial plate thefts.
Such was one of the reasons that ultimately lead to PA abolishing their plate stickers.  Many plates, mostly in the Philly area, were getting clipped at the corner where the registration sticker's located.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: billpa on March 07, 2019, 04:22:59 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 07, 2019, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on March 06, 2019, 11:16:36 PMConnecticut switched from plate stickers to windshield stickers in 2006 because of partial plate thefts.
Such was one of the reasons that ultimately lead to PA abolishing their plate stickers.  Many plates, mostly in the Philly area, were getting clipped at the corner where the registration sticker's located.
I seem to remember cars in Philadelphia county having reg stickers on the windshield, or somewhere else on the car a few years ago....I think it was down to the theft issue they were dealing with at the time.

Pixel 2

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 07, 2019, 05:23:21 PM
Quote from: billpa on March 07, 2019, 04:22:59 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 07, 2019, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on March 06, 2019, 11:16:36 PMConnecticut switched from plate stickers to windshield stickers in 2006 because of partial plate thefts.
Such was one of the reasons that ultimately lead to PA abolishing their plate stickers.  Many plates, mostly in the Philly area, were getting clipped at the corner where the registration sticker's located.
I seem to remember cars in Philadelphia county having reg stickers on the windshield, or somewhere else on the car a few years ago....I think it was down to the theft issue they were dealing with at the time.
You're thinking of the short-lived yellow Post-It like stickers placed on the rear windows.  Such was done on an experimental/trail basis only for vehicles registered in Philadelphia (where the majority of the plate clippings were occurring).  It was dropped because the adhesive didn't last too long (the sticker would fall off) and it encouraged vehicular and/or traffic-stop profiling.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on March 07, 2019, 07:34:25 PM
I imagine the profiling issue would go away had it rolled out statewide.  The adhesive issue seems like the bigger problem, though not unsolvable had they wanted to go that way.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 08, 2019, 06:37:33 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 07, 2019, 02:09:25 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on March 06, 2019, 11:16:36 PMConnecticut switched from plate stickers to windshield stickers in 2006 because of partial plate thefts.
Such was one of the reasons that ultimately lead to PA abolishing their plate stickers.  Many plates, mostly in the Philly area, were getting clipped at the corner where the registration sticker's located.

Missouri was having this issue as well, and their solution was to locate the sticker in a well in the center of the plate, between the two halves of the plate number. So it looks something like "A55[sticker]RGY".

Oklahoma's apparent solution to this is to just not bother to ticket anyone with expired plates, so there's no need to steal the stickers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 08, 2019, 10:29:24 AM
Quote from: vdeane on March 07, 2019, 07:34:25 PMI imagine the profiling issue would go away had it rolled out statewide.  The adhesive issue seems like the bigger problem, though not unsolvable had they wanted to go that way.
Given the overall size of PA, choosing one county (Philadelphia in this case) to experiment with a new item seemed to be the right & prudent choice.  The reason it was chosen over the other PA counties for the experiment was obvious; the majority of the plate clippings were occurring in Philly.  Had there been no issues, be it profiling or the adhesiveness of the Post-It stickers; the new stickers would've then been implemented statewide.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 08, 2019, 10:39:14 AM
IMHO, all of these "plate clipping" and simple plate theft stories seem to be a sort of mass panic.  Since even the most backward jurisdictions can read plates electronically and relate them back to a data base in real time, there really is no reason to do so.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on March 08, 2019, 12:43:19 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 08, 2019, 10:29:24 AM
Quote from: vdeane on March 07, 2019, 07:34:25 PMI imagine the profiling issue would go away had it rolled out statewide.  The adhesive issue seems like the bigger problem, though not unsolvable had they wanted to go that way.
Given the overall size of PA, choosing one county (Philadelphia in this case) to experiment with a new item seemed to be the right & prudent choice.  The reason it was chosen over the other PA counties for the experiment was obvious; the majority of the plate clippings were occurring in Philly.  Had there been no issues, be it profiling or the adhesiveness of the Post-It stickers; the new stickers would've then been implemented statewide.
My point is that, had it gone past the experiment stage and rolled out statewide, the profiling issue would have vanished into oblivion.  And, after all, it's not like the adhesive issue can't be fixed.  No sticker at all is certainly easier, though.  I wish NY would join CT, QC, and PA in getting rid of them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 11, 2019, 11:49:20 AM
Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2019, 12:43:19 PMMy point is that, had it gone past the experiment stage and rolled out statewide, the profiling issue would have vanished into oblivion.
Since then, more and more new vehicles now feature dark-tinted rear-windows so such stickers would not be able to be seen/readable from a distance.

Quote from: vdeane on March 08, 2019, 12:43:19 PMI wish NY would join CT, QC, and PA in getting rid of them.
I'm assuming you're referring to window/windshield stickers.  I've never seen a NY plate with stickers on them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on March 11, 2019, 12:38:29 PM
Yes, the windshield stickers.  They can be a bit of a pain the change.

Fun fact: NY government plates actually have stickers on them, but all they do is show the county the vehicle is from, and they're the same color scheme as the rest of the plate, so they're not really noticeable as stickers unless you get really close (or happen to see a plate lacking one).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 19, 2019, 09:04:02 AM
The new issue of Car and Driver that came yesterday has a one-page piece about the Rplate digital plates. A couple of the features they mention are interesting enough in concept–for example, having it synced up to mobile parking payment systems like ParkMobile so the plate will display that you've paid for parking until a specific time. To me that's not worth either $499 or $799 for the plate (the latter version includes upgraded telematics that let you–and Big Brother–track the vehicle online) plus another $99 a year to keep the plate online.

As the article notes (third set of brackets in original): "... [Neville] Boston [Reviver Auto's CEO] says owners will control whether the Rplate shares their data. 'If it's something you want as a functionality, we support it with our current model,' he says. 'You can absolutely turn [data transmission] off. It's controlled by the user. The owners of the plate own their data.' If that sounds familiar, reference Facebook's terms of service circa 2018–nominal ownership often isn't enough to prevent companies from sharing data."




Regarding windshield stickers, in DC they've combined registration, safety inspection, and residential parking permit all onto the one sticker. When they first did this, discontinuing the license plate stickers, DC parking enforcement started giving people tickets for having expired plates, so the city issued supplemental stickers that said "See Window Sticker."

Virginia doesn't couple safety inspection and registration. Our inspection sticker was moved last year from the bottom center of the windshield to the bottom left. This year they changed the sticker to a smaller size and a different color. Definitely less noticeable when you're driving (as a longtime resident, I noticed the new decal immediately when I first saw one). Only certain counties and cities are required to have emissions inspection. That is tied to registration but has no sticker–the result gets sent to the DMV electronically and then you can register the vehicle. There is now an on-road emissions inspection where you drive past these green boxes on the side of the road and it captures your plate; you then get a letter in the mail saying you passed and you can renew online. I did that last year. Costs the same as the conventional inspection except it doesn't require a trip to the gas station or other mechanic. (My safety inspection expires in May and my emissions expires in July. This is because I got the safety inspection done early when I was having the car serviced and I figured just get it done so as to spare myself another stop to have it done later.)
Title: Re: Licence Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on April 09, 2019, 06:52:26 PM
https://www.thestar.com/amp/politics/provincial/2019/04/09/a-place-to-grow-will-be-ontarios-new-licence-plate-slogan.html (https://www.thestar.com/amp/politics/provincial/2019/04/09/a-place-to-grow-will-be-ontarios-new-licence-plate-slogan.html)

Ontario's passenger vehicle plates are changing to "A Place to Grow" and commercial vehicles are changing to "Open for Business" (Doug Ford's slogan that he added to the border signs - here's an example at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls).
(https://i.imgur.com/Z9GQbYbl.jpg)

Ontario is also considering ditching front plates (currently there are only 4 provinces with front plates).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on April 09, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Open for business? As opposed to what, a centralized fascist government that controls the means of production ("get lost")?

Dumb slogan. Used by various US states as well. I hate them all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on April 10, 2019, 10:25:00 AM
I agree.  Both WV (which has probably the most anti-job creator government outside of California in North America) and Virginia (which is rapidly trying to catch up to its daughter state) have tried the slogan recently.  It is sill and preachy.  And just not true.  If you have to say it, it is cause you ain't it.

You also see county line signs that proclaim the county a "Certifed Business Location" all over.  Also meaningless.  As I understand it, this is a PCed up version of the 1970s era "Certified Business Relocation Jurisdicton" which in turn was derived from earlier signs inviting northern businessmen driving to Florida to "Move your factory here" and which emphisized a pliant local gentry.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ian on April 10, 2019, 10:40:05 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Open for business? As opposed to what, a centralized fascist government that controls the means of production ("get lost")?

Dumb slogan. Used by various US states as well. I hate them all.

Yeah, the old one was waaaaaay better. Same sign, same location...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/7264/26803014266_9d52ce2d4b_z.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on April 10, 2019, 01:05:28 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Open for business? As opposed to what, a centralized fascist government that controls the means of production ("get lost")?

Dumb slogan. Used by various US states as well. I hate them all.
"Open for Business" will only show up on a relatively small number of vehicles.  Passenger cars, which make up the vast majority of plates issued, will say "A Place to Grow."

Some people in Ontario seem to be bent out of shape about that.  I don't think it's a bad slogan.  A website URL, like we have in Michigan, would be worse.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 10, 2019, 01:21:15 PM
Quote from: renegade on April 10, 2019, 01:05:28 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Open for business? As opposed to what, a centralized fascist government that controls the means of production ("get lost")?

Dumb slogan. Used by various US states as well. I hate them all.
"Open for Business" will only show up on a relatively small number of vehicles.  Passenger cars, which make up the vast majority of plates issued, will say "A Place to Grow."

Some people in Ontario seem to be bent out of shape about that.  I don't think it's a bad slogan.  A website URL, like we have in Michigan, would be worse.
The "open for business" slogan implies that the state/province cares more about business than its citizens.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on April 10, 2019, 10:13:38 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 10, 2019, 01:21:15 PM
The "open for business" slogan implies that the state/province cares more about business than its citizens.

I am not sure if that's a good thing to imply, nor am I sure that a licence plate is the best spot for it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on April 10, 2019, 10:34:24 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 10, 2019, 10:13:38 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 10, 2019, 01:21:15 PM
The "open for business" slogan implies that the state/province cares more about business than its citizens.

I am not sure if that's a good thing to imply, nor am I sure that a licence plate is the best spot for it.
It belongs on neither welcome signs nor license plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on April 10, 2019, 10:39:22 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 10, 2019, 01:21:15 PM
Quote from: renegade on April 10, 2019, 01:05:28 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Open for business? As opposed to what, a centralized fascist government that controls the means of production ("get lost")?

Dumb slogan. Used by various US states as well. I hate them all.
"Open for Business" will only show up on a relatively small number of vehicles.  Passenger cars, which make up the vast majority of plates issued, will say "A Place to Grow."

Some people in Ontario seem to be bent out of shape about that.  I don't think it's a bad slogan.  A website URL, like we have in Michigan, would be worse.
The "open for business" slogan implies that the state/province cares more about business than its citizens.

But Doug's slogan is "For the People" :bigass:

Steering away from politics, I think "A Place to Grow" is a perfectly good slogan, but "Open for Business" is definitely tacky. I'm more interested in what will happen with front plates. I kind of like having them since seeing a car without one is a signal for me to check their rear plate to see where they're from. I would prefer cars to be built with front plates in mind so we wouldn't have the problem of not having a good spot to put them on the front. But I can't deny that some cars will look a lot better without them, so it'll be interesting to see what happens.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 02:31:52 PM
I once had to explain to a local cop at a traffic checkpoint in a Mexican town the reason my car had no front license plate was that my state doesn't issue them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on April 11, 2019, 02:38:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 02:31:52 PM
I once had to explain to a local cop at a traffic checkpoint in a Mexican town the reason my car had no front license plate was that my state doesn't issue them.
I have never had that problem even in states that use them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on April 11, 2019, 02:41:37 PM
These are a few of the old license plates that I've kept over the years that I've had. The Michigan plate on top is still widely seen.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190411/a84bf1a72e252ccb5927e0f4e857474e.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 03:32:21 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 11, 2019, 02:38:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 02:31:52 PM
I once had to explain to a local cop at a traffic checkpoint in a Mexican town the reason my car had no front license plate was that my state doesn't issue them.

I have never had that problem even in states that use them.

Pertinent portion highlighted above.  Every state in Mexico has front license plates.  And these were local cops, not federales.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on April 11, 2019, 05:46:19 PM
One would hope that police forces in the US are far better trained than this--I have certainly found this to be the case--but I have had civilians in states that issue front license plates look at the front of my Kansas-plated car (rear plate only) and then glare at me as if I were some kind of outlaw.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on April 11, 2019, 07:09:42 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 11, 2019, 05:46:19 PM
One would hope that police forces in the US are far better trained than this--I have certainly found this to be the case--but I have had civilians in states that issue front license plates look at the front of my Kansas-plated car (rear plate only) and then glare at me as if I were some kind of outlaw.

Shoot, I've had Chicagoans look at me like I'm some kind of outlaw for not having a municipal sticker on the windshield on my car.  Not every municipality in Illinois issues them.  My own, Joliet, does not.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GreenLanternCorps on April 11, 2019, 07:13:27 PM
Quoting my own post in the Ohio thread:

Ohio is getting rid of front license plates and passed an 11.5 cent gas tax increase:

https://www.daytondailynews.com/news/local/more-front-license-plate-ohio-lawmakers-reach-deal-drop-requirement/2IEbegbFrI7XwKgpL4CS8L/


https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/politics/2019/04/02/ohio-lawmakers-vote-gas-tax-hike/3312585002/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 07:50:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 03:32:21 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on April 11, 2019, 02:38:57 PM

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 02:31:52 PM
I once had to explain to a local cop at a traffic checkpoint in a Mexican town the reason my car had no front license plate was that my state doesn't issue them.

I have never had that problem even in states that use them.

Pertinent portion highlighted above.  Every state in Mexico has front license plates.  And these were local cops, not federales.

Quote from: J N Winkler on April 11, 2019, 05:46:19 PM
One would hope that police forces in the US are far better trained than this--I have certainly found this to be the case--but I have had civilians in states that issue front license plates look at the front of my Kansas-plated car (rear plate only) and then glare at me as if I were some kind of outlaw.

Not the same.  In both the USA and Canada, it's a mixed bag as to states/provinces/territories issuing or not issuing front license plates.  Chances are slim that any local cop in the USA hasn't seen dozens of cars from states that don't issue front plates.

But imagine if it were the other way around.  Imagine if every state in the USA had front license plates, and it were Mexico that's a mixed bag.  Oh yeah, and imagine that the two most populous Mexican states bordering the USA did issue front plates.  And then imagine a local cop in a town the size of Hutchinson sees a Mexican car in town with no front license plate.  Surely, then, you wouldn't think the cop's ignorance was a sign or poor training, would you?

That's the way it was for me.  Every state in Mexico issues front plates.  Of the four states that border Mexico, California and Texas account for nearly 90% of the population, and both of them issue front plates; Texas is the only state that borders the one I was in.  I was in a town of 45k people, a town which is not along any long-distance highway corridor, 300 miles from the border.  It was a street-side checkpoint in the middle of town manned by local cops.  Mine might very well have been the first car from the USA he'd ever dealt with.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on April 12, 2019, 11:07:06 AM
Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 07:50:16 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 11, 2019, 05:46:19 PMOne would hope that police forces in the US are far better trained than this--I have certainly found this to be the case--but I have had civilians in states that issue front license plates look at the front of my Kansas-plated car (rear plate only) and then glare at me as if I were some kind of outlaw.

Not the same.  In both the USA and Canada, it's a mixed bag as to states/provinces/territories issuing or not issuing front license plates.  Chances are slim that any local cop in the USA hasn't seen dozens of cars from states that don't issue front plates.

The two cases are similar in that you are dealing with people who have no concept that the procedure can be different in another jurisdiction.

Quote from: kphoger on April 11, 2019, 07:50:16 PMBut imagine if it were the other way around.  Imagine if every state in the USA had front license plates, and it were Mexico that's a mixed bag.  Oh yeah, and imagine that the two most populous Mexican states bordering the USA did issue front plates.  And then imagine a local cop in a town the size of Hutchinson sees a Mexican car in town with no front license plate.  Surely, then, you wouldn't think the cop's ignorance was a sign of poor training, would you?

Actually, yes, I would.  When you see a vehicle that facially appears to be registered in another jurisdiction, you have to be very careful to ensure you have a correct understanding of that jurisdiction's requirements before you attempt to enforce them.  I do agree that there are many Kansans who would not object at all to a cop in Hutchinson jumping on a vehicle registered in a Mexican state even when it turned out that it was fully compliant in that state.  I say this because I have seen at least one person I went to high school with rant and rave on Facebook about how Spanish speakers get to jump the queue at the driver licensing office.

On this forum, we have had some discussion in the past of DC cops enforcing immatriculation requirements on out-of-state vehicles.  I do not think they should be in the business of doing this at all.  It is difficult to keep up with changes in statute law, let alone administrative procedure, in all fifty states, and it is only distantly connected to their core responsibility of dealing with crime within DC itself.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on April 12, 2019, 12:53:19 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2019, 11:07:06 AM
Actually, yes, I would.  When you see a vehicle that facially appears to be registered in another jurisdiction, you have to be very careful to ensure you have a correct understanding of that jurisdiction's requirements before you attempt to enforce them.  I do agree that there are many Kansans who would not object at all to a cop in Hutchinson jumping on a vehicle registered in a Mexican state even when it turned out that it was fully compliant in that state.  I say this because I have seen at least one person I went to high school with rant and rave on Facebook about how Spanish speakers get to jump the queue at the driver licensing office.
So a small-town Mexican cop in the interior that has likely never even dealt with an American car in his entire career is going to know that, unlike Mexico, some US states don't have front plates?  I don't recall when I found out that some states only have the rear plate, but it was definitely later than one would think given that NY borders PA and I have relatives from MI.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on April 12, 2019, 12:59:37 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 12, 2019, 12:53:19 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2019, 11:07:06 AM
Actually, yes, I would.  When you see a vehicle that facially appears to be registered in another jurisdiction, you have to be very careful to ensure you have a correct understanding of that jurisdiction's requirements before you attempt to enforce them.  I do agree that there are many Kansans who would not object at all to a cop in Hutchinson jumping on a vehicle registered in a Mexican state even when it turned out that it was fully compliant in that state.  I say this because I have seen at least one person I went to high school with rant and rave on Facebook about how Spanish speakers get to jump the queue at the driver licensing office.
So a small-town Mexican cop in the interior that has likely never even dealt with an American car in his entire career is going to know that, unlike Mexico, some US states don't have front plates?  I don't recall when I found out that some states only have the rear plate, but it was definitely later than one would think given that NY borders PA and I have relatives from MI.

I've seen American cars abroad in both Mexico and Europe from non-front plate states where the car owner has made their own front plate for compliance purposes, presumably to avoid this issue.

I remember distinctly a very bad knockoff Arizona front plate on an Arizona registered car in Romania, for instance.

This may actually be required by the Vienna Convention of 1977 (of which European countries are all signatories and which Mexico observes) that requires the display of a front plate even if the originating jurisdiction did not issue one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 12, 2019, 02:02:13 PM
For what it's worth...

In many Mexican states, if you are traveling on a temporary vehicle importation permit (required for all travel beyond the border zone), then your license plates don't even have to be valid anymore!  As long as they were valid when you got your permit, the expiration date on the permit counts as your registration expiration while in Mexico.  Of course, it's still not a good idea to let your tags expire while in Mexico because–even if you intend to renew them at the end of your permit–once you cross the border into the USA, your entire trip back home from there is on expired tags.

In a handful of other Mexican states, on the other hand, you are required to have valid US plates and a valid importation permit.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on April 12, 2019, 03:15:19 PM
Quote from: vdeane on April 12, 2019, 12:53:19 PMSo a small-town Mexican cop in the interior that has likely never even dealt with an American car in his entire career is going to know that, unlike Mexico, some US states don't have front plates?  I don't recall when I found out that some states only have the rear plate, but it was definitely later than one would think given that NY borders PA and I have relatives from MI.

The small-town Mexican cop doesn't need to know about front-and-rear versus rear-only.  He just needs to know that the car appears to be from Kansas and the rules there are not necessarily the same as in Mexico.  (Notwithstanding Corco's comment, I really doubt the frame of reference of such a cop includes the Vienna convention and its requirements regarding front plates.)

I was probably 20 (driving for three years) when I realized that cars from other states had front plates that were legally required and not just for show, as is the case in Kansas with vanity plates.  The closest plate-issuing out-of-state jurisdiction to Wichita is Oklahoma, which is rear-only, but plates from Colorado, Nebraska, and Missouri (all front-and-rear) are decently common around here.  I was 21 when I got glared at right after parking my Kansas-registered car in Maryland.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on April 12, 2019, 10:34:31 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2019, 11:07:06 AM
On this forum, we have had some discussion in the past of DC cops enforcing immatriculation requirements on out-of-state vehicles.

By "immatriculation", you mean "registration"? I looked up the word, and everything I'm reading indicates that "immatriculation" is French for "registration".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on April 12, 2019, 11:24:07 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on December 28, 2018, 11:52:47 PM
Colorado has apparently started issuing new plates using an ABC-D12 sequence. I say "apparently" because to date, I've only seen them in person on special issue plates. At least previously, these plates, like all other plates, have been drawn from the same pool of combinations which until recently has been ABC-123. Special issue plates are flat process and made to order. However, I also saw on TV a shot of a police vehicle that had an embossed plate with a GVT code with a combination using this new sequence. It's almost sure, therefore, that in a short time, we will see standard passenger car plates using the same series.

The ABC-123 plates use the same sequence as plates issued around 1985-93, which have never been called in. They're rare, but you still see some on the road. At first, the new plates were issued using all the possible Q combinations, then the O combinations, neither of which would have been used in the original issuance. Then, they started in at AAA-001 and went forward. The intent was to simply skip any combination still in use on an earlier issue plate. But, I suspect that it has proven difficult to avoid existing plates, and a decision was made to stop issuing plates in the ABC-123 series some time in the mid D##- sequence and go to the new series.
And as of today I've seen the first general issue embossed plate using that sequence. What is even more surprising is that the fourth letter, which is in a position that the observer might expect to be a number, can be the letter O. I've seen plates with I and Q in that spot, but those are fairly easy to distinguish from a number. And, the letter O is made different from a 0 on Colorado plates. But, especially out of state, I would expect misidentification to be common. I wonder if automatic plate readers are programmed to distinguish those characters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on April 13, 2019, 11:23:38 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 12, 2019, 10:34:31 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on April 12, 2019, 11:07:06 AM
On this forum, we have had some discussion in the past of DC cops enforcing immatriculation requirements on out-of-state vehicles.

By "immatriculation", you mean "registration"? I looked up the word, and everything I'm reading indicates that "immatriculation" is French for "registration".

I wondered what he meant by that word.

DC's enforcement is a little more complicated than just registration requirements. In Virginia, for example, the state safety inspection is not part of the registration process, but if you drive your Virginia-plated car in DC with an expired inspection sticker, you may get a ticket (and probably will if you park on the street). DC requires that all vehicles display two license plates but allows an exception for vehicles from jurisdictions that only issue one plate. I seem to recall a newspaper story some years ago about some state (I have no idea which) issuing two plates but only requiring the rear plate, which then led to someone from that state getting a ticket in DC for not displaying the front plate. (That's unjust, IMO.) Some really aggressive DC ticket-writers will nail you for "improper display of a license plate" if you put your plate stickers on incorrectly (example for Virginia: the year sticker on the left and the month sticker on the right), although most of them will let it go as long as they can see the expiration date.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on April 13, 2019, 02:12:07 PM
The dictionary definition (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immatriculation) of immatriculation is "an act, state, or process of being enrolled (as in an official register)."  I use it (instead of the word registration) in a broader sense to signify the totality of what is required to bring a vehicle to a condition where it can legally be operated or left on the public highway.  This includes:

*  Full compliance with all vehicle equipment requirements (type approval, FMVSS, state-required safety equipment, etc.)

*  Insurance, if the jurisdiction in which it is required mandates insurance to meet a financial responsibility standard

*  Registration, including keeping it current if the registering jurisdiction requires periodic renewal

*  Compliance with driver qualification requirements when the vehicle is being driven (driver has a license; driver is carrying the license with him or her if he or she is otherwise liable for citation or arrest on failure to produce a license immediately; insurance policy is valid when the car is being driven by that driver)

*  Compliance with any applicable emissions requirements

*  Compliance with any applicable anti-nuisance legislation (aimed at, e.g., noise, smoke)

*  If parked on the public highway, compliance with any applicable requirements, including those of a general character that are not signed, e.g. maximum time periods that are designed to prevent inoperable junkers being left on the street (Wichita has a 48-hour maximum)

*  Display or carriage of any legally required proofs of the foregoing

Quote from: 1995hoo on April 13, 2019, 11:23:38 AMI seem to recall a newspaper story some years ago about some state (I have no idea which) issuing two plates but only requiring the rear plate, which then led to someone from that state getting a ticket in DC for not displaying the front plate. (That's unjust, IMO.)

It is unjust, and it is also a perfect illustration of why DC should not be in the business of enforcing other states' requirements.  They should definitely focus on diplomatic vehicles, however.  Those are effectively locally registered since the State Department issues the plates, and if anything, diplomats should expect to see more stringent enforcement than the driving public at large to compensate for the moral hazard that diplomatic immunity creates.  And while I realize this is not under the control of the DC Police, the State Department should be quite aggressive about following up on diplomats whose lawbreaking while driving rises above the level of a traffic infraction to criminality.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MantyMadTown on April 17, 2019, 06:44:05 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Open for business? As opposed to what, a centralized fascist government that controls the means of production ("get lost")?

Dumb slogan. Used by various US states as well. I hate them all.

Our former governor Scott Walker used the slogan for my state. I hated it.

Quote from: signalman on April 10, 2019, 10:34:24 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 10, 2019, 10:13:38 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 10, 2019, 01:21:15 PM
The "open for business" slogan implies that the state/province cares more about business than its citizens.

I am not sure if that's a good thing to imply, nor am I sure that a licence plate is the best spot for it.
It belongs on neither welcome signs nor license plates.

Agreed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: paulthemapguy on April 23, 2019, 09:40:10 AM
I went on a bigger rant about the "open for business" "slogan" in another thread, but my position basically boils down to:  Every state has businesses. Put something on your welcome signs that talks about what's special about your state/province/region.
If you want to entice tourists/residents, talk about what your region has that will attract them, and furthermore, if you want to attract businesses, talk about what special incentives a business will have!  The slogan is indicative of a leadership that's too money-driven to see what is lovable about the place you live, and too dumb to realize that you can't just tell us that you can open a business here--you have to tell us WHY we SHOULD!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on May 18, 2019, 01:27:52 PM
The 2019 Nevada Legislature has approved and sent to the governor two bills that would authorize two new specialty license plates: A "Vegas Strong" plate to memorialize victims of the 1 October shooting, and another limited-issue plate commemorating the centenary of women's suffrage in the U.S.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/politics-and-government/2019-legislature/1-october-womens-suffrage-license-plates-pass-nevada-legislature-1666115/

EDIT to add quotes from article:
Quote
Assembly Bill 333 creates a special license plate to memorialize victims of the Oct. 1, 2017, Route 91 Harvest festival shooting that killed 58 and injured more than 800. Fees generated from the plates – $25 initially and $20 for renewals – will go to the Vegas Strong Resiliency Center, a resource center for those affected by the shooting.
<...>
The Senate also approved Assembly Bill 499, creating a limited-issue license plate commemorating the centenary of women's suffrage in the United States. Fees from the plate – $35 initially and $10 to renew – will benefit the Nevada Commission for Women.

The 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote, was ratified Aug. 18, 1920. The Nevada Legislature is the first in the country to have a female majority.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on May 18, 2019, 07:47:30 PM
^^ Article linked above is hidden behind a paywall. ^^
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on May 19, 2019, 09:54:37 AM
Quote from: renegade on May 18, 2019, 07:47:30 PM
^^ Article linked above is hidden behind a paywall. ^^

The LVRJ usually allows viewing of a few (3?) free articles per month. I just pulled the article up with no problem, using a browser I don't typically use and not logging in (just exit out of the subscription popup when the article loads).

In any event, I'll edit my original post to include some excerpts.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadman on May 20, 2019, 05:02:54 PM
One of my BIGGEST pet peeves about state government.  Why does it require a special law enacted by the Legislature to create specialty license plates?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 21, 2019, 09:28:31 AM
Quote from: roadman on May 20, 2019, 05:02:54 PM
One of my BIGGEST pet peeves about state government.  Why does it require a special law enacted by the Legislature to create specialty license plates?

Agree.  Often it is pure pandering, but, IMHO, more importantly there is an equal protection argument here.  If government authorizes a plate that expresses an opinion, should it not be required to authorize a plate for other opinions?

IMHO, there should just be a standard number of pre-sale pledges required and if you sell that many, you are in.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 21, 2019, 01:33:30 PM
Quote from: MantyMadTown on April 17, 2019, 06:44:05 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on April 09, 2019, 10:38:28 PM
Open for business? As opposed to what, a centralized fascist government that controls the means of production ("get lost")?

Dumb slogan. Used by various US states as well. I hate them all.

Our former governor Scott Walker used the slogan for my state. I hated it.

Quote from: signalman on April 10, 2019, 10:34:24 PM
Quote from: webny99 on April 10, 2019, 10:13:38 PM
Quote from: signalman on April 10, 2019, 01:21:15 PM
The "open for business" slogan implies that the state/province cares more about business than its citizens.

I am not sure if that's a good thing to imply, nor am I sure that a licence plate is the best spot for it.
It belongs on neither welcome signs nor license plates.

Agreed.

I did get a good laugh when I crossed into Wisconsin in March and they had replaced the "Open for Business"  plaques with "Tony Evers, Governor"  ones. Other than the need to replace them whenever he leaves office, I remembered how Illinois had to hastily scrub Hot Roddy B.'s name off of everything pretty much overnight.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 21, 2019, 02:49:02 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 21, 2019, 09:28:31 AM
IMHO, more importantly there is an equal protection argument here.  If government authorizes a plate that expresses an opinion, should it not be required to authorize a plate for other opinions?

I'm not sure an opinion expressed on a license plate can be construed as discrimination in favor of the people who hold that opinion.  Interesting thought...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on May 21, 2019, 05:14:51 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 21, 2019, 09:28:31 AM
IMHO, there should just be a standard number of pre-sale pledges required and if you sell that many, you are in.
This is often a requirement before a special interest plate is allowed and manufactured.  This requirement may vary by state though, I'm not sure.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on May 21, 2019, 05:16:40 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 21, 2019, 02:49:02 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 21, 2019, 09:28:31 AM
IMHO, more importantly there is an equal protection argument here.  If government authorizes a plate that expresses an opinion, should it not be required to authorize a plate for other opinions?

I'm not sure an opinion expressed on a license plate can be construed as discrimination in favor of the people who hold that opinion.  Interesting thought...
NH allows one to cover up the "Live Free or Die" slogan if they so choose to.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on May 21, 2019, 06:03:59 PM
Quote from: signalman on May 21, 2019, 05:16:40 PM
NH allows one to cover up the "Live Free or Die" slogan if they so choose to.

More exactly, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a vehicle owner can cover up that slogan, whether NH likes it or not. That principle can be generalized, such as perhaps for people offended by the sappy "Virginia Is For Lovers" slogan on that state's standard plates.

The Supremes have recently addressed other license plate issues, such as upholding Texas' refusal to issue Sons of Confederate Veterans specialty license plates (https://casetext.com/case/walker-v-tex-div-sons-of-confederate-veterans-inc).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on May 22, 2019, 12:28:02 AM
Quote from: roadman on May 20, 2019, 05:02:54 PM
One of my BIGGEST pet peeves about state government.  Why does it require a special law enacted by the Legislature to create specialty license plates?
Now that I'm thinking about this, I'm curious on this...

The legislature, maybe about 10 years ago, changed law to have a statutory limit on the number of specialized plates that can be issued at any time–and enacted a minimum active registration threshold for discontinuance. New proposals need a minimum pledge amount also.

The Nevada DMV has a process by which they approve specialty plates for charitable organizations, and these get reviewed by a commission established by the legislature.


Interestingly, I don't think either of these are listed on the DMV's website as next in queue. So are these new plates being created above the existing legislative cap? :Hmm:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DJ Particle on May 22, 2019, 05:59:53 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 13, 2019, 11:23:38 AM
I seem to recall a newspaper story some years ago about some state (I have no idea which) issuing two plates but only requiring the rear plate, which then led to someone from that state getting a ticket in DC for not displaying the front plate.

Sounds like MN Collector's plates (for 20+-year-old vehicles).  They used to even have a rule where you could put a plate with tabs for the year of your vehicle (so long as the plate didn't use a current alphanumeric scheme) on the rear.  And for collector's plates, they only required rear plates (normal plates require both front/back).

So it's entirely possible it could be a MN vehicle, over 20 years old, with older general-issue plates, tabbed for the year of the car's model, with only one plate.  To the untrained, it would look like a MN car with expired tabs showing only one plate from a two-plate state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 22, 2019, 10:49:23 AM
Quote from: DJ Particle on May 22, 2019, 05:59:53 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on April 13, 2019, 11:23:38 AM
I seem to recall a newspaper story some years ago about some state (I have no idea which) issuing two plates but only requiring the rear plate, which then led to someone from that state getting a ticket in DC for not displaying the front plate.

Sounds like MN Collector's plates (for 20+-year-old vehicles).  They used to even have a rule where you could put a plate with tabs for the year of your vehicle (so long as the plate didn't use a current alphanumeric scheme) on the rear.  And for collector's plates, they only required rear plates (normal plates require both front/back).

So it's entirely possible it could be a MN vehicle, over 20 years old, with older general-issue plates, tabbed for the year of the car's model, with only one plate.  To the untrained, it would look like a MN car with expired tabs showing only one plate from a two-plate state.

Wisconsin also has non-expiring 'collector' plates for vehicles 20 or more model years old (also classes of 'hobbyist' and 'antique' plates).  The rules for Wisconsin 'collector' plates - 1] vehicle must be 20 or more model years old and cannot be altered or modified from the manufacturer's original specifications, 2] owner must have one or more other vehicles currently registered in his/her name on a regular annual basis, and 3] vehicle cannot be legally driven on public roads during the month of January.

Non-expiring 'antique' plates are for unmodified vehicles 1945 model year or older.  Vehicle can only be used in special purposes such as shows and parades (that one should be changed, IMHO.  75 or more model years old?  man, 50 model years old and the 1969 Dodge Charger with the 426 Hemi engine would now be eligible  :wow: ).

Non-expiring 'Hobbyist' plates are also available for reconstructed, street modified or replicas of vehicles 20 or more model years old or for homemade vehicles.

My usual mechanic has a classic 1969 Winnebago motor home with collector plates.   :cool:

Wisconsin also allows the display of period-correct plates on older cars that are so registered, as long as the antique or collector plates are also displayed.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 22, 2019, 11:43:21 AM
The Texas case was the one I was referring to, not so much the NH (and DC) use of a political slogan about which reasonable people can disagree on the standard plate.  Texas has plenty of plates for causes and groups that not everybody approves of, but singles out the SCV.  I would concede that the state could say 100% no politics, religion, controversy on plates at all, but how can it legally pick sides?

In my state, the legislature wastes its time approving individual bills for plates.  Totally up to them.  You can get, for example, "In God We Trust".  Now what if I want something contradictory?  How can government say you can have, on an official plate a religious slogan, but not an anti religious slogan or a slogan from another religion?  They offer plates for the Contractor's Association (which is an anti-union and pro-development group), for the "Friends of Coal" and for the various masonic groups.  All things reasonable people can disagree with.   What if I want a plate for some tree hugging group?

In the past they rejected plates that were to read "Choose Life" (which Virginia and Kentucky have) and "Vote Democrat".  So government can decide to make a plate that reads "Vote Democrat" ?  I don't think so.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on May 22, 2019, 12:28:20 PM
Quote from: oscar on May 21, 2019, 06:03:59 PM

More exactly, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a vehicle owner can cover up that slogan, whether NH likes it or not. That principle can be generalized, such as perhaps for people offended by the sappy "Virginia Is For Lovers" slogan on that state's standard plates.

The Supremes have recently addressed other license plate issues, such as upholding Texas' refusal to issue Sons of Confederate Veterans specialty license plates (https://casetext.com/case/walker-v-tex-div-sons-of-confederate-veterans-inc).

IIRC,  Supreme Court ruling was that you could cover anything EXCEPT the state name, expiration sticker (if any), and serial number.  So the Virginia folks could only cover "is for Lovers" unless the word Virginia appears somewhere else on the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on May 22, 2019, 12:41:01 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 22, 2019, 12:28:20 PM
Quote from: oscar on May 21, 2019, 06:03:59 PM

More exactly, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a vehicle owner can cover up that slogan, whether NH likes it or not. That principle can be generalized, such as perhaps for people offended by the sappy "Virginia Is For Lovers" slogan on that state's standard plates.

The Supremes have recently addressed other license plate issues, such as upholding Texas' refusal to issue Sons of Confederate Veterans specialty license plates (https://casetext.com/case/walker-v-tex-div-sons-of-confederate-veterans-inc).

IIRC,  Supreme Court ruling was that you could cover anything EXCEPT the state name, expiration sticker (if any), and serial number.  So the Virginia folks could only cover "is for Lovers" unless the word Virginia appears somewhere else on the plate.

"Virginia" is in large letters on the top line of the standard plate. "Virginia Is For Lovers" is in smaller type on the bottom line.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 22, 2019, 02:39:17 PM
Quote from: oscar on May 22, 2019, 12:41:01 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 22, 2019, 12:28:20 PM
Quote from: oscar on May 21, 2019, 06:03:59 PM

More exactly, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a vehicle owner can cover up that slogan, whether NH likes it or not. That principle can be generalized, such as perhaps for people offended by the sappy "Virginia Is For Lovers" slogan on that state's standard plates.

The Supremes have recently addressed other license plate issues, such as upholding Texas' refusal to issue Sons of Confederate Veterans specialty license plates (https://casetext.com/case/walker-v-tex-div-sons-of-confederate-veterans-inc).

IIRC,  Supreme Court ruling was that you could cover anything EXCEPT the state name, expiration sticker (if any), and serial number.  So the Virginia folks could only cover "is for Lovers" unless the word Virginia appears somewhere else on the plate.

"Virginia" is in large letters on the top line of the standard plate. "Virginia Is For Lovers" is in smaller type on the bottom line.

I think the point is this:  If Virginia is the state name, and it has not been ruled that you are allowed to cover up the state name, then covering up 'Virginia is for lovers' in its entirety is not protected by the ruling.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on May 22, 2019, 04:14:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 22, 2019, 02:39:17 PM
I think the point is this:  If Virginia is the state name, and it has not been ruled that you are allowed to cover up the state name, then covering up 'Virginia is for lovers' in its entirety is not protected by the ruling.

The ruling in question (https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/430/705.html) doesn't say that you can't cover up any instance of a state name on a license plate. The motto at issue didn't include the state name, and the Jehovah's Witnesses who won the case never sought to cover up the "New Hampshire" text elsewhere on their plates that distinguishes NH plates from those of other states. Had there been an effort to obscure the only instance of the state name, or identifying info such as the plate number, it would have been a different case and probably a different result.

Your read of the ruling is waaaay too picky, even for a lawyer like me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 22, 2019, 05:11:24 PM
Quote from: oscar on May 22, 2019, 04:14:22 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 22, 2019, 02:39:17 PM
I think the point is this:  If Virginia is the state name, and it has not been ruled that you are allowed to cover up the state name, then covering up 'Virginia is for lovers' in its entirety is not protected by the ruling.

The ruling in question (https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/430/705.html) doesn't say that you can't cover up any instance of a state name on a license plate. The motto at issue didn't include the state name, and the Jehovah's Witnesses who won the case never sought to cover up the "New Hampshire" text elsewhere on their plates that distinguishes NH plates from those of other states. Had there been an effort to obscure the only instance of the state name, or identifying info such as the plate number, it would have been a different case and probably a different result.

Your read of the ruling is waaaay too picky, even for a lawyer like me.

Oh, I didn't read it at all.  I was just trying to interpret frankenroad's post.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on May 23, 2019, 09:29:48 AM
The state in which the issue of obscuring part of the plate became a big issue was Maine, where some people resented the lobster on the plate and painted over it. In so doing, they reduced the plates' reflective properties. I don't remember how that turned out.

I kind of agree with SP Cook's general sentiment about the specialty plates. In Virginia, the process has pretty much been that you get 350 people to sign up for a plate and the General Assembly then rubber-stamps it. I think the Supreme Court decision cited as the basis for revoking the Sons of Confederate Veterans plates seems to have overlooked that aspect of the process. The state isn't really endorsing the viewpoints the plates might represent. On the other hand, Virginia does offer a new SCV plate that omits the Battle Flag, which makes it a lot less problematic in my mind because they're not censoring the group so much as they're objecting to a certain design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: corco on May 23, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think it's heresy and absolutely should not be allowed - especially in the case of competing state institutions
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on May 23, 2019, 01:34:18 PM
Quote from: corco on May 23, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think it's heresy and absolutely should not be allowed - especially in the case of competing state institutions

^ This. I even have mixed feelings about WisDOT offering Marquette license plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 23, 2019, 02:03:56 PM
I have thought seriously hard about designing a Washington state license plate, that is just as dead simple as possible. Something like black numbers, black "WASHINGTON", black border, and that's it. Maybe even just "WA".

I know for a fact that I'd pay for something like this. I prefer really simple license plates. But I'd need to get some signatures first. I know a lot of car guys would be on board, on account of license plate designs often detracting from the design of a car (something European plates don't really do). But a lot of people, including, I'm sure, quite a few of you, like fancy plate designs. I don't really know how I would market this kind of license plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 02:24:37 PM
So what you are talking about is something like Nevada which offers a plate it calls "Circa 1982"  which is a replica of its plain white on blue plates of that era ?  And Texas' current standard plate which is very plain and, according to the state's website, done purposefully so based on citizen complaints that previous ones were to "busy". 

Yeah, I know a lot of car guys that would prefer it if the state offered a sort of throwback plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 23, 2019, 02:32:46 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 23, 2019, 02:03:56 PM
I have thought seriously hard about designing a Washington state license plate, that is just as dead simple as possible. Something like black numbers, black "WASHINGTON", black border, and that's it. Maybe even just "WA".

So, basically, the white and green plates.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus5%2Fwa86.jpg&hash=51273e6c468ad65f749ef7a9a57f5e8889b3510b)

Of course, if your heart is set on the color black, then...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus5%2Fut80.jpg&hash=f7a5fc57832529224614fc9303a7ba83cb0de164)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on May 23, 2019, 03:06:33 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 23, 2019, 02:03:56 PM
I have thought seriously hard about designing a Washington state license plate, that is just as dead simple as possible. Something like black numbers, black "WASHINGTON", black border, and that's it. Maybe even just "WA".

I know for a fact that I'd pay for something like this. I prefer really simple license plates. But I'd need to get some signatures first. I know a lot of car guys would be on board, on account of license plate designs often detracting from the design of a car (something European plates don't really do). But a lot of people, including, I'm sure, quite a few of you, like fancy plate designs. I don't really know how I would market this kind of license plate.

No issues from me. Frankly, the plain-er the better. They were intended to be a vehicle identifier, not a personal beliefs/tourism billboard (that's what bumper stickers are for, IMO).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 23, 2019, 05:27:04 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 23, 2019, 01:34:18 PM
Quote from: corco on May 23, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think it's heresy and absolutely should not be allowed - especially in the case of competing state institutions

^ This. I even have mixed feelings about WisDOT offering Marquette license plates.

I often see plates for other UWSystem schools (ie, UW Stevens Point, UW Eau Claire, etc), too.  OTOH, The only private school that I have seen so far on WisDOT plates is Marquette.  None (yet) for D-III Lawrence.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on May 23, 2019, 05:33:11 PM
Quote from: corco on May 23, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think it's heresy and absolutely should not be allowed - especially in the case of competing state institutions
It does exist: https://mvd.dor.ga.gov/motor/plates/PlateDetails.aspx?pcode=TZ
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 23, 2019, 05:54:32 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think college plates should only be issued when a person contributes financially to that school, and also that they should only be issued for in-state colleges.  How did out-of-state college plates even become a thing??
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 23, 2019, 07:19:43 PM
Quote from: corco on May 23, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think it's heresy and absolutely should not be allowed - especially in the case of competing state institutions

I don't understand the objection. A lot of people go to college outside of their state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on May 24, 2019, 01:36:36 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 23, 2019, 05:27:04 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 23, 2019, 01:34:18 PM
Quote from: corco on May 23, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think it's heresy and absolutely should not be allowed - especially in the case of competing state institutions

^ This. I even have mixed feelings about WisDOT offering Marquette license plates.

I often see plates for other UWSystem schools (ie, UW Stevens Point, UW Eau Claire, etc), too.  OTOH, The only private school that I have seen so far on WisDOT plates is Marquette.  None (yet) for D-III Lawrence.

Mike

You stumbled on one of the reasons why I have mixed feelings about Marquette having a plate. (The other is the I-94 basketball rivalry with my alma mater.) I know Marquette alumni paid to get the plate made, but it opens the door for so many more plates, and I think WisDOT is starting to have too many specialty plates for their own good. How soon before we start seeing tech schools or seminaries?

Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 23, 2019, 07:19:43 PM
Quote from: corco on May 23, 2019, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?

I think it's heresy and absolutely should not be allowed - especially in the case of competing state institutions

I don't understand the objection. A lot of people go to college outside of their state.

At least in Wisconsin, part of the fees is required to go to the school as a donation (with the exception of the Medical College of WI and the aforementioned Marquette U plates). It could get messy to say the least with money crossing borders. I could also see state-supported schools crying foul, as it could look like the state is endorsing a competitor.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on May 24, 2019, 06:30:36 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 24, 2019, 01:36:36 AM
I could also see state-supported schools crying foul, as it could look like the state is endorsing a competitor.

Let's re-focus the optics on this one: If the fees collected are mostly going back mostly as promised, there's not much to complain about. It's not as if 100% of those plate/registration fees are going right back to another institution, it's just a part of it. The state makes a few extra bucks off of these people, and we all move on.

Part of life is understanding that there's always someone else who doesn't like your team.

Quote from: jakeroot on May 23, 2019, 02:03:56 PM
I know for a fact that I'd pay for something like this. I prefer really simple license plates.

Personally, I also prefer the "boring" plates: Solid-color background, border, legend, slogan, date, alphanumerics, and I'm good. If there has to be some sort of design, keep it out of the way or minimized. I prefer the embossed plates, but let's face it, they're disappearing and states don't want to make them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 24, 2019, 09:45:19 AM
If I recall correctly, North Carolina allows private and out of state college plates, but all of the money goes to scholarships for in-state students at NC public colleges. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2019, 01:55:50 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 24, 2019, 06:30:36 AM
I also prefer the "boring" plates: Solid-color background, border, legend, slogan, date, alphanumerics, and I'm good. If there has to be some sort of design, keep it out of the way or minimized.

In Mexico, all license plates were of the "boring" variety up until the late 1990s, and all states had the same design.  Basically, they all looked like this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fdfmex1a.jpg&hash=5500cd28a95dd1b8a686b5ca2561feeefb3fd6a3)

That's actually a 2000-series plate, but Mexico City (DF = Distrito Federal) took a few years to break out of the box.

Then, in the late 1990s, states began issuing their own designs.  It took a while for them to get good at it;  some from those early years just weren't all that great.  Here are some examples:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fchihmex.jpg&hash=025425288733c9a0803ecfaa4e4571eb94c3c861)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fcolmex.jpg&hash=5ec668efd7f53089f83aeb649d0ec5eafd6a94fe)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fdgomex.jpg&hash=a3044b8267a33e163f71f24867e69b0ce3f605bc)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Ftabmex.jpg&hash=2e62904b9b3ee6cb2752fe27bcb64a89491d95d4)

Eventually, though, some of the states went big and bold.  It didn't take long for some really wild designs to start coming out, such as these:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fsonmex2.jpg&hash=cb32992ec8f44eea162e8d5425983c8b35e88911)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fslpmex2.jpg&hash=7b5d93b301fc0fb3c2ee6b0276c26c49e65f93d6)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fqrmex2.jpg&hash=ecf94e6ef60a7b0de58238d1a55825f53dd6d30f)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fgromex3.jpg&hash=4e0abb343b519b48f3feeedffeefa99ea572edf0)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Foax09.jpg&hash=57b4e991ce2ce6896a83026f202f603abdedec5a)

Some designs ended up being pretty hard to read the serial number so, in 2017, the federal government issued stricter guidelines on license plate design.  Now there is not allowed to be any graphic element where the serial number is.  Some states just modified their existing design, while others went for a super simple approach in order to comply.  Here are some before-&-after comparisons:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fchih16.jpg&hash=307d407619b9fcefbc67bdd10ed9d36bfb3feeff)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fchih18.jpg&hash=58d6cd11faca84f1f1b62921cb28fbcf5240a1b4)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fjal11.jpg&hash=8f3e75b7903b7fafcaa920d44b1422bd86a74564)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fjal17.jpg&hash=7c8a74ed012945287b23ad8d89094d777f8c8014)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fqr14.jpg&hash=2970a4859fd3b7409a54c4fb1fae77a28ffc76e1)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fqr17.jpg&hash=a5b1a5023dbdc46bc14d60d73f4c9db2d121fc65)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnay16.jpg&hash=ca6dd85a7911514e658fbd07cda3e69721c97d88)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnay17.jpg&hash=50fa6abe29afc0967e7b458482e4437aa70e5b65)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fcoah16.jpg&hash=47a655869231b5d5984c5313f37acc63ecc8d99d)
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fmex%2Fcoah18.jpg&hash=3d29ae7bf3837a6ce0d7ea779ddd46a8dc9686e9)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on May 24, 2019, 04:33:26 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 12:00:05 PM
While we are on the subject of speciality plates, this was a discussion we had a while back on a sports board I was on. 

Most states now issue college plates for out-of-state colleges, but some refuse.  Particularly KY and OH, which was the subject of our particular discussion.

Opinions?  Should you be able to get a "Go Auburn" plate if you live in Georgia?
You can get Notre Dame plates in Ohio, but I think that's the only out of state school available.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MantyMadTown on May 25, 2019, 03:05:49 AM
Why do they have license plates for out-of-state schools anyway? I didn't think state DOTs would want to support out-of-state schools.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TheHighwayMan3561 on May 25, 2019, 03:37:29 AM
A funny thing regarding the Wisconsin discussion which happened to me today, seeing a Wi vanity plate that said "HUSKERS"  which is clearly a reference to the University of Nebraska...

I admit there are differences, since a standard vanity plate doesn't pay fees to a competing institution, but how is a Wisconsin vanity plate saying HUSKERS, HAWKEYS, GOBLUE, etc. really that much different from a plate carrying a logo from those schools?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 25, 2019, 12:16:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2019, 01:55:50 PM
Quote from: formulanone on May 24, 2019, 06:30:36 AM
I also prefer the "boring" plates: Solid-color background, border, legend, slogan, date, alphanumerics, and I'm good. If there has to be some sort of design, keep it out of the way or minimized.

In Mexico, all license plates were of the "boring" variety up until the late 1990s, and all states had the same design.  Basically, they all looked like this:

[major image snippage]

Do all Mexican states draw from the same number pool?  If so, how close are they to running out of numbers in that format?

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 26, 2019, 01:47:29 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on May 23, 2019, 03:06:33 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 23, 2019, 02:03:56 PM
I have thought seriously hard about designing a Washington state license plate, that is just as dead simple as possible. Something like black numbers, black "WASHINGTON", black border, and that's it. Maybe even just "WA".

I know for a fact that I'd pay for something like this. I prefer really simple license plates. But I'd need to get some signatures first. I know a lot of car guys would be on board, on account of license plate designs often detracting from the design of a car (something European plates don't really do). But a lot of people, including, I'm sure, quite a few of you, like fancy plate designs. I don't really know how I would market this kind of license plate.

No issues from me. Frankly, the plain-er the better. They were intended to be a vehicle identifier, not a personal beliefs/tourism billboard (that's what bumper stickers are for, IMO).

Definitely! Some states/provinces do a better job of keeping the "advertisements" to a minimum, but I still don't like the idea of my vehicle being an advert for the rest of the country. Just let it be an identifier, and call it good. Make it as easy to read as possible, maybe even just use abbreviated state names (to minimize the number of characters, if that would provide any advantage).

Quote from: kphoger on May 23, 2019, 02:32:46 PM
So, basically, the white and green plates.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus5%2Fwa86.jpg&hash=51273e6c468ad65f749ef7a9a57f5e8889b3510b)

Of course, if your heart is set on the color black, then...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus5%2Fut80.jpg&hash=f7a5fc57832529224614fc9303a7ba83cb0de164)
Quote from: SP Cook on May 23, 2019, 02:24:37 PM
So what you are talking about is something like Nevada which offers a plate it calls "Circa 1982"  which is a replica of its plain white on blue plates of that era ?  And Texas' current standard plate which is very plain and, according to the state's website, done purposefully so based on citizen complaints that previous ones were to "busy". 

Yeah, I know a lot of car guys that would prefer it if the state offered a sort of throwback plate.

Bingo! Those old classic plates were brilliant. I know we moved away from them as technology caught up, but the "pure" designs of everything prior to, basically, the 90s is still my favorite look.

Every now and then, I run into those old green-on-white WA plates, but they're rare, thanks to WA's old law which required licence plate changes every seven years. The only times you see them are when they're purchased third-party and then registered as collector vehicles, or when the car sat unregistered at some point until after the law change around 2012 (meaning it still had its original plates).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 28, 2019, 12:56:24 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 25, 2019, 12:16:08 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2019, 01:55:50 PM

Quote from: formulanone on May 24, 2019, 06:30:36 AM
I also prefer the "boring" plates: Solid-color background, border, legend, slogan, date, alphanumerics, and I'm good. If there has to be some sort of design, keep it out of the way or minimized.

In Mexico, all license plates were of the "boring" variety up until the late 1990s, and all states had the same design.  Basically, they all looked like this:

[major image snippage]

Do all Mexican states draw from the same number pool?  If so, how close are they to running out of numbers in that format?

Yes, all Mexican license plates draw from the same serial number pool.  Each state is assigned a block of serial numbers.  Passenger cars follow one format, while pickups follow another and motorcycles still another.  Mexico City has its own formats apart from the 31 states.  About six years ago or so, a few states started running out of available serial numbers.  Since then, as states run out of serial numbers, they are switching to a new format.

For example:  Coahuila, the state I travel to regularly, used to have serial block EUA-10-00 to FPZ-99-99  for passenger cars.  Now it has EUA-001-A to FPZ-999-Z.  That serial block was assigned in 2013, but they were still working through the old block as of the 2017 design update.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LM117 on June 28, 2019, 06:55:14 PM
North Carolina just announced a new plate.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-28-new-third-standard-license-plate.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-28-new-third-standard-license-plate.aspx)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on June 28, 2019, 08:08:23 PM
Quote from: TheHighwayMan394 on May 25, 2019, 03:37:29 AM
A funny thing regarding the Wisconsin discussion which happened to me today, seeing a Wi vanity plate that said "HUSKERS"  which is clearly a reference to the University of Nebraska...

Prior to 2010, combinations for vanity plates could be repeated in each county - a leftover from the 1951-1988 system that made the county code part of the licence plate number. When the state updated the system for 2010 and changed it to one combination in the state, the most repeated vanity plate combination was "HUSKERS," with that combination used in 53 counties. "JAYHAWK" was second with 43 counties (no indication if one of those counties was Riley County) There were also 34 counties with "SOONERS"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pink Jazz on June 28, 2019, 08:10:38 PM
IMO Arizona is overdue for a redesign.  I know they switched to the flat plates back in 2008, but it looks like these flat plates aren't actually faring much better than the embossed versions of the same design in terms of cracking and peeling (I have noticed this issue occurring with some of the early "A" series flat plates).  Some have advocated for the return to the maroon plates, but I just think these look a bit dated.  Perhaps I think what would be a good design would be a white plate with purple characters and a teal cactus (ADOT colors).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 28, 2019, 10:56:34 PM
Quote from: LM117 on June 28, 2019, 06:55:14 PM
North Carolina just announced a new plate.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-28-new-third-standard-license-plate.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-28-new-third-standard-license-plate.aspx)

Thankfully they put the American flag on the plate...I thought North Carolina was in Canada!

/s
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LM117 on June 29, 2019, 06:46:32 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 28, 2019, 10:56:34 PM
Quote from: LM117 on June 28, 2019, 06:55:14 PM
North Carolina just announced a new plate.

https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-28-new-third-standard-license-plate.aspx (https://www.ncdot.gov/news/press-releases/Pages/2019/2019-06-28-new-third-standard-license-plate.aspx)

Thankfully they put the American flag on the plate...I thought North Carolina was in Canada!

/s

Yeah, the whole plate design sucks, IMO. When I finally move back to NC, I'm sticking with the original First in Flight plate, like I had before.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DJ Particle on July 01, 2019, 06:54:29 AM
Minnnesota hasn't significantly changed their plate design in over 40 years.  The only changes from 1978 are the changeover from stamped to laserprint, and the addition of ".com" after the state name   :-D

Massachusetts' current design has been used over 30 years...though (AFAIK) they don't expire plates like MN does, so you can see an odd older design floating around.  I still had my old green-lettering plate until 1998, 10 years after they stopped printing them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: WNYroadgeek on August 19, 2019, 01:21:22 PM
New York getting another new plate design from five potential options, which state residents can vote for: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-launches-statewide-survey-allowing-new-yorkers-choose-states-new-license-plate / https://now.ny.gov/page/s/vote-for-the-next-nys-license-plate-design

(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%201.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%202.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%203.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%204.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)

(Personally, I like #5 the best.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on August 19, 2019, 01:48:32 PM
Doesn't NY replace all the plates with some regularity, charging some sort of extra "plate fee"  tax, in effect raising the tax on driving every few years?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on August 19, 2019, 07:27:38 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 22, 2019, 10:49:23 AM
Wisconsin also has non-expiring 'collector' plates for vehicles 20 or more model years old (also classes of 'hobbyist' and 'antique' plates).  The rules for Wisconsin 'collector' plates - 1] vehicle must be 20 or more model years old and cannot be altered or modified from the manufacturer's original specifications, 2] owner must have one or more other vehicles currently registered in his/her name on a regular annual basis, and 3] vehicle cannot be legally driven on public roads during the month of January.

Non-expiring 'antique' plates are for unmodified vehicles 1945 model year or older.  Vehicle can only be used in special purposes such as shows and parades (that one should be changed, IMHO.  75 or more model years old?  man, 50 model years old and the 1969 Dodge Charger with the 426 Hemi engine would now be eligible  :wow: ).

Non-expiring 'Hobbyist' plates are also available for reconstructed, street modified or replicas of vehicles 20 or more model years old or for homemade vehicles.

My usual mechanic has a classic 1969 Winnebago motor home with collector plates.   :cool:

Wisconsin also allows the display of period-correct plates on older cars that are so registered, as long as the antique or collector plates are also displayed.

Mike

In Michigan, we have two options for cars 26 years or older. The Secretary of State offers a historical plate that is white with a six-digit number. The top has the Pure Michigan logo, and the bottom reads "HISTORICAL". These plates are good for ten years at a time.

The second option is to procure a period-accurate plate from the year of manufacture of the car, including year-correct tabs as appropriate. The plate must be in the correct color combination from the year of issue for approval. (A color photograph or photocopy of the plate is required as a part of the application.) Once registered, an authentic plate registration does not expire unless the car is sold, scrapped or modified.

One important restriction to the use of either plate: a vehicle so registered with the historical or authentic plates can only be driven for historical club activities, car shows or parades. For the purposes of that law, the month of August is considered a statewide car show in the state because too many people were running afoul of the restrictions trying to drive their classic cars to the Woodward Dream Cruise a few days before the event. Now the whole month is allowed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 19, 2019, 08:41:09 PM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on August 19, 2019, 01:21:22 PM
New York getting another new plate design from five potential options, which state residents can vote for: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-launches-statewide-survey-allowing-new-yorkers-choose-states-new-license-plate / https://now.ny.gov/page/s/vote-for-the-next-nys-license-plate-design

(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%201.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%202.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%203.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%204.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)

(Personally, I like #5 the best.)
Regardless of public opinion, #3 with Father's bridge, will be choosen....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on August 19, 2019, 08:47:09 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on August 19, 2019, 01:48:32 PM
Doesn't NY replace all the plates with some regularity, charging some sort of extra "plate fee"  tax, in effect raising the tax on driving every few years?
That would be this.

https://www.news10.com/news/new-york-is-getting-new-license-plates-next-year/#/questions

Quote
The current $25 license plate replacement fee will be added to the cost of the vehicle owner's registration renewal. Customers may also keep their current license plate number for an additional $20 fee.

Those of us who have parking permits (in my case, both for work and my apartment) tied to our licence plate numbers not only have to pay to replace the plate, but also pay extra to keep the plate number.  They even make the people whose plates are peeling due to a manufacturing defect pay to keep the plate number.

The Empire Gold plates were supposed to be a money raiser during the Great Recession, but public backlash stopped the mandatory replacement.

In any case, I'm sure roadgeeks will be happy with the possibility that the plate design will be the new Tappan Zee Bridge.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Mr_Northside on August 20, 2019, 02:49:36 PM
Personally, I like the choice at the bottom the best as it sort of spans the whole state (the Falls, some mountains, NYC)

Though I don't live in NY - so yinz all do what you want.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on August 20, 2019, 07:35:46 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 19, 2019, 08:47:09 PM
Those of us who have parking permits (in my case, both for work and my apartment) tied to our licence plate numbers not only have to pay to replace the plate, but also pay extra to keep the plate number.  They even make the people whose plates are peeling due to a manufacturing defect pay to keep the plate number.

As long as you don't need the same number, at least New York will provide you a new plate free of charge for manufacturing defects. Wisconsin charges you for a new plate no matter what.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on August 20, 2019, 08:05:48 PM
In my case, my plate number is on file with both my landlord and employer for parking reasons, and it's also on the windshield sticker, which is a pain to change (because of the angle of my Civic's windshield, I actually have to take it to the dealer, not that I own a razor capable of cleanly peeling something off anyways, as I discovered when I swapped my E-ZPass last month).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Jim on August 20, 2019, 08:07:12 PM
I didn't have to pay for new plates to replace my previous white and blue NY ones when they peeled.  But I didn't care that I was issued new numbers for the orange replacements.

Hoping the "new Tappan Zee" design comes in a distant 5th.  We'd probably all have to get replacements in a few months when they realize a middle initial was missing from the plates.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 20, 2019, 08:50:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 20, 2019, 08:05:48 PM
In my case, my plate number is on file with both my landlord and employer for parking reasons, and it's also on the windshield sticker, which is a pain to change (because of the angle of my Civic's windshield, I actually have to take it to the dealer, not that I own a razor capable of cleanly peeling something off anyways, as I discovered when I swapped my E-ZPass last month).
Previous total replacement was phased in over 2 years, regular registration cycle. at that point sticker has to be replaced anyway (and wipe moistured with rubbing alcohol does wonders with sticker leftovers). I also expect all those relying on license plate for some permitting reason to work out a procedure. Actually previous iteration of replacement used windshield sticker with both old and new plates, giving some way of identification for unknown plates on the lot.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on August 20, 2019, 09:10:37 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 20, 2019, 08:50:38 PM
wipe moistured with rubbing alcohol does wonders with sticker leftovers
As does Goo Gone; as long as you like the citrus smell.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on August 21, 2019, 12:47:56 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 20, 2019, 08:50:38 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 20, 2019, 08:05:48 PM
In my case, my plate number is on file with both my landlord and employer for parking reasons, and it's also on the windshield sticker, which is a pain to change (because of the angle of my Civic's windshield, I actually have to take it to the dealer, not that I own a razor capable of cleanly peeling something off anyways, as I discovered when I swapped my E-ZPass last month).
Previous total replacement was phased in over 2 years, regular registration cycle. at that point sticker has to be replaced anyway (and wipe moistured with rubbing alcohol does wonders with sticker leftovers). I also expect all those relying on license plate for some permitting reason to work out a procedure. Actually previous iteration of replacement used windshield sticker with both old and new plates, giving some way of identification for unknown plates on the lot.
That's what I used on the old E-ZPass mounting strips, but at least those are at a position where I can even get to them.  The registration sticker is not, due to the angle of the windshield.  The one time I tried to replace the sticker on my own, the back of my hand (knuckles especially) was rubbed raw since there's virtually no room between that part of the windshield and the dashboard.  These days I just take my car to the dealer where they have a special gadget that can reach in there.

In my case, replacement wouldn't be at the same time as the registration because my plates are peeling.  My registration isn't up until May 2021, and my plates won't come up for replacement until 2023.  They won't last long enough to be legible until either date.  The only reason they're even legible now is because I've been lucky and the damage hasn't yet hit the embossed letters/numbers.  It's to the point where I'm scared to take my car to the car wash.  Not to mention that, unless something happens with the program where peeling plates are replaced for free, it's actually cheaper for me to replace them early than to wait for them to come up for replacement naturally.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on August 21, 2019, 01:03:29 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on August 20, 2019, 07:35:46 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 19, 2019, 08:47:09 PM
Those of us who have parking permits (in my case, both for work and my apartment) tied to our licence plate numbers not only have to pay to replace the plate, but also pay extra to keep the plate number.  They even make the people whose plates are peeling due to a manufacturing defect pay to keep the plate number.

As long as you don't need the same number, at least New York will provide you a new plate free of charge for manufacturing defects. Wisconsin charges you for a new plate no matter what.

OTOH, Wisconsin charges a whole $2 for a replacement for a damaged plate - even if it is a personalized number that has to be custom stamped.  3-4 years ago someone blew a STOP sign in front of me and I was just barely not able to stop in time to avoid hitting that car, just enough to mess up one of the plates along with some of the rest of the front bumper.  I went to the local WisDOT DMV office to get a replacement personalized plate made and looked over the form - $2 fee.  I filled it out, sent it in and a few weeks later I received TWO new plates, along all of the current stickers, in the mail.  Since the other plate on the car was still in good condition, I'm keeping the other one that they sent me in reserve.

(I was semi-seriously thinking that those new plates cost more than $2 just in postage to ship to me!)

Now, if my car had a regular issue number, WisDOT would have assigned a new plate number to the car and I'd have had them that much faster.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on August 21, 2019, 02:16:23 PM
In WV if you want a new plate due to it being worn or faded or you just don't like the number, it is free at the time of renewal.  Otherwise it is $10.50.  There is no extra tax on the rare instance the state replaces all the general plates, which has only been done twice since the state went to stickers in 1970, in 1975 and 1995.  The current goofy fix to the numbering system will again be exhausted in about two years, so probably they will finally have to update it. 

I have seen insurance companies pay the $10.50 in other guy's fault accidents. 

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 21, 2019, 06:04:31 PM
(x-post in NY thread):
Looks like not all NY plates are to be replaced, just those 10 years or older. Which is IMHO an almost reasonable step. This would mean all blue-and-white plates will be gone, as those were phased out in 2010,   and original batches of Empire state (gold) plates will be coming up for replacement, as those were introduced in 2010.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2019, 06:08:39 PM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on August 19, 2019, 01:21:22 PM
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%201.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%202.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%203.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%204.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)

Ugh. None of these designs are even close to being an improvement on the current yellow and blue. About the best that can be said for any of them is that the state name isn't a website.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 21, 2019, 06:11:36 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2019, 06:08:39 PM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on August 19, 2019, 01:21:22 PM
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%201.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%202.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%203.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%204.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)

Ugh. None of these designs are even close to being an improvement on the current yellow and blue. About the best that can be said for any of them is that the state name isn't a website.
None of them is the ugly urine color. Huge improvement right there
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 21, 2019, 07:31:44 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 21, 2019, 06:11:36 PM
the ugly urine color

You must be thinking of New Jersey.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on August 21, 2019, 07:41:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on August 21, 2019, 07:31:44 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 21, 2019, 06:11:36 PM
the ugly urine color
You must be thinking of New Jersey.

I would say the two are the upper and lower bounds of potential urine colors, Jersey's being healthier, obviously.  :-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on August 21, 2019, 10:44:14 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on August 21, 2019, 01:03:29 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on August 20, 2019, 07:35:46 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 19, 2019, 08:47:09 PM
Those of us who have parking permits (in my case, both for work and my apartment) tied to our licence plate numbers not only have to pay to replace the plate, but also pay extra to keep the plate number.  They even make the people whose plates are peeling due to a manufacturing defect pay to keep the plate number.

As long as you don't need the same number, at least New York will provide you a new plate free of charge for manufacturing defects. Wisconsin charges you for a new plate no matter what.

OTOH, Wisconsin charges a whole $2 for a replacement for a damaged plate - even if it is a personalized number that has to be custom stamped.  3-4 years ago someone blew a STOP sign in front of me and I was just barely not able to stop in time to avoid hitting that car, just enough to mess up one of the plates along with some of the rest of the front bumper.  I went to the local WisDOT DMV office to get a replacement personalized plate made and looked over the form - $2 fee.  I filled it out, sent it in and a few weeks later I received TWO new plates, along all of the current stickers, in the mail.  Since the other plate on the car was still in good condition, I'm keeping the other one that they sent me in reserve.

(I was semi-seriously thinking that those new plates cost more than $2 just in postage to ship to me!)

Now, if my car had a regular issue number, WisDOT would have assigned a new plate number to the car and I'd have had them that much faster.

Mike

$2 per plate, minimum. More if you have non-standard plates. https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv2118.pdf (https://wisconsindot.gov/Documents/formdocs/mv2118.pdf). I'm looking at at least $10 for my plates that started peeling within 2 years. Because of the rash of peeling plates around the area, one of the news stations did a story on them. The DMV employee they interviewed admitted there might have been an issue with the metal and/or the sheeting, but it's still on the vehicle owner to pony up the cash for the faulty product, or risk a citation the next time you get pulled over.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 22, 2019, 02:49:16 AM
Quote from: kalvado on August 21, 2019, 06:11:36 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2019, 06:08:39 PM
Ugh. None of these designs are even close to being an improvement on the current yellow and blue. About the best that can be said for any of them is that the state name isn't a website.
None of them is the ugly urine color. Huge improvement right there

Something's wrong with your piss, bro.

I will miss the yellow/blue. Very unique combination and incredibly visible compared to many other plate designs.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 08:25:02 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 22, 2019, 02:49:16 AM
Quote from: kalvado on August 21, 2019, 06:11:36 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2019, 06:08:39 PM
Ugh. None of these designs are even close to being an improvement on the current yellow and blue. About the best that can be said for any of them is that the state name isn't a website.
None of them is the ugly urine color. Huge improvement right there

Something's wrong with your piss, bro.

I will miss the yellow/blue. Very unique combination and incredibly visible compared to many other plate designs.
I can argue a lot about how liquid color can look like and what kind of condition can affect those colors - but I would rather say that "unique" is not an advantage. Seeing it once in a while on the other end of the country may be cool. But imagine wearing pretty unique bright yellow pants on a daily basis. Should work just fine if you work as a clown...

That piss-gold yellow may look cool by itself, but many cars end up in a total mismatch to that plate color (same goes for green VT plate). Simple white matches much better with most paint colors, and IMHO should be the first choice for the base. (would be cool to allow some color combinations to choose from: white on black or black on white for minimal choice;   white on dark blue/green, black on white or some light tone for advanced choice. Should be enough contrast for anything.  But I am asking too much, probably)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on August 22, 2019, 03:22:44 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 22, 2019, 02:49:16 AM
I will miss the yellow/blue. Very unique combination and incredibly visible compared to many other plate designs.

I agree that it's super visible, and the color scheme is OK. What I don't like is that it's just boring. It doesn't have a cool background, or anything NY-specific at all. For that reason, I liked the old Niagara Falls plate better, even though it wasn't nearly as popping color-wise.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on August 22, 2019, 03:57:26 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 08:25:02 AM...many cars end up in a total mismatch to that plate color (same goes for green VT plate). Simple white matches much better with most paint colors, and IMHO should be the first choice for the base. (would be cool to allow some color combinations to choose from: white on black or black on white for minimal choice;  white on dark blue/green, black on white or some light tone for advanced choice. Should be enough contrast for anything.  But I am asking too much, probably)
The original/intended purpose of license plate(s) is to display the vehicle's registration number for identification purposes... that's all.  Such is no different than registration numbers for boats (typically placed on the bow) and aircraft (be it commercial or general aviation). 

States would normally choose a color-scheme that differed from those in adjacent state(s).  Such would allow for easy spotting from a distance.  If the plate color clashed with one's vehicle color (this is the first time I've ever heard of such being an issue); tough tilly.  People just dealt with such and moved on.  Granted, older vehicles used to have exposed chrome bumpers where the plates were mounted on most models. 

When NY came out with the current retro-style gold-on-blue, I stated several pages up-thread that one reason behind using that color-scheme so that it would not be confused from a distance with a PA plate... especially if there's a decorative bracket mounted on the rear plate that covers the lower stripe/band (blue for NY's Empire plates, yellow for PA).

The optional, so-called decorative/commemorative plates have only been an item for the last 20 to 30 years at the most; and even then some designs were quickly discontinued for readability (of the plate number) reasons... PA's Flagship Niagara plate comes to mind.

As far as NY's new plate design is concerned, regardless of which design is chosen; it's a case of deja vu.  The prior blue-on-gold plate scheme was replaced with the Statue of Liberty scheme during the Mario Cuomo Administration.  The current blue-on-gold scheme is now being replaced with one of the 5 proposed scheme during the Andrew Cuomo Administration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 04:36:46 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 22, 2019, 03:57:26 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 08:25:02 AM...many cars end up in a total mismatch to that plate color (same goes for green VT plate). Simple white matches much better with most paint colors, and IMHO should be the first choice for the base. (would be cool to allow some color combinations to choose from: white on black or black on white for minimal choice;  white on dark blue/green, black on white or some light tone for advanced choice. Should be enough contrast for anything.  But I am asking too much, probably)
The original/intended purpose of license plate(s) is to display the vehicle's registration number for identification purposes... that's all.  Such is no different than registration numbers for boats (typically placed on the bow) and aircraft (be it commercial or general aviation). 

States would normally choose a color-scheme that differed from those in adjacent state(s).  Such would allow for easy spotting from a distance.  If the plate color clashed with one's vehicle color (this is the first time I've ever heard of such being an issue); tough tilly.  People just dealt with such and moved on.  Granted, older vehicles used to have exposed chrome bumpers where the plates were mounted on most models. 

When NY came out with the current retro-style gold-on-blue, I stated several pages up-thread that one reason behind using that color-scheme so that it would not be confused from a distance with a PA plate... especially if there's a decorative bracket mounted on the rear plate that covers the lower stripe/band (blue for NY's Empire plates, yellow for PA).

One thing is accept and move on, the other thing is have an opinion about an ugly design.
If you look at any set of license plate images, most US plates have either white or pale off-white background; two most populous states - CA and TX - have pretty minimalistic design with plain white background and don't worry about confusion.
As for NY current plate, one has to remember that governor pushing for that design was legally blind... 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on August 22, 2019, 05:31:40 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 04:36:46 PMIf you look at any set of license plate images, most US plates have either white or pale off-white background; two most populous states - CA and TX - have pretty minimalistic design with plain white background and don't worry about confusion.
The plate confusion issue I was referring to was one state's plate color scheme with respect to ones from adjacent state(s).  For NY, adjacent states would include VT, MA, CT, NJ & PA plus the Canadian Provinces of Ontario & Quebec; all of which have distinctly different standard-issue plate color schemes from NY's current gold-and-blue scheme.  If the same text/numeral color is used is identical to that of an adjacent state (CT, NY & PA all use dark blue letters/numerals for example), then the background color will usually be different (CT uses a light blue that transitions to white towards the top, PA uses white between its dark-blue top & yellow bottom borders & NY currently uses a mostly gold background)... and vice-versa (states with similar-color backgrounds use a different color for lettering/text). 

Place a plate bracket (be it a dealership one or a novelty (example: sports team) one that one can get at a store) over an older NY Empire State scheme plate and one over a standard-issue PA plate; and, yes, the dark blue letters/numerals on the white backgrounds do look similar... especially from a distance.  Looking at Quebec's current plate scheme, dark blue on white; such a similar scheme w/NY's old Empire State plates can cause some confusion from a distance as well..

Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 04:36:46 PMAs for NY current plate, one has to remember that governor pushing for that design was legally blind...
Who's to say that he was the only one pushing for that scheme?  I'm sure he received feedback from his administration (Secretary of Transportation perhaps?), law enforcement, etc. regarding such.  Additionally, I was speculating that such was one reason not the only reason.  There is a difference.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Duke87 on August 22, 2019, 05:39:19 PM
Quote from: vdeane on August 19, 2019, 08:47:09 PM
In any case, I'm sure roadgeeks will be happy with the possibility that the plate design will be the new Tappan Zee Bridge.

If it were any other bridge in the state it'd have my vote.

This one, however, just screams "we get it, King Andy, you have daddy issues".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 05:59:47 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 22, 2019, 05:31:40 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 04:36:46 PMIf you look at any set of license plate images, most US plates have either white or pale off-white background; two most populous states - CA and TX - have pretty minimalistic design with plain white background and don't worry about confusion.
The plate confusion issue I was referring to was one state's plate color scheme with respect to ones from adjacent state(s).  Place a plate bracket (be it a dealership one or a novelty (example: sports team) one that one can get at a store) over a NY Empire State scheme plate and one over a standard-issue PA plate; and, yes, the dark blue letters/numerals on the white background do look similar... especially from a distance.


Any plate is just that - a plate. You know, a rectangle attached to the vehicle.  So confusion will always exist, of course, but ugly background color is not the only instrument  - and far from the best- in reducing that confusion. Statue of liberty on 1990s NY design was a rock solid identifier, if you think about it. Or look at the other border - Ohio seems to be perfectly fine with white plates...
To make things worse, ugly background color interferes with ability to automatically read those plates - at least governor told us so. That would greatly defeat the purpose of the color as ID, as unreadable number is as bad as misidentified one.
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 22, 2019, 05:31:40 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 04:36:46 PMAs for NY current plate, one has to remember that governor pushing for that design was legally blind...
Who's to say that he was the only one pushing for that scheme?  I'm sure he received feedback from his administration (Secretary of Transportation perhaps?), law enforcement, etc. regarding such.  Additionally, I was speculating that such was one reason not the only reason.  There is a difference.
This is NY, where issues are discussed and then governor takes a decision regardless, using assembly as a rubber stamp. I am dead sure blind governor was the one selecting the design.

Last, but not the least.  You liked old colors better?
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 22, 2019, 03:57:26 PM
tough tilly.  People just dealt with such and moved on. .
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on August 22, 2019, 08:05:39 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 22, 2019, 03:22:44 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 22, 2019, 02:49:16 AM
I will miss the yellow/blue. Very unique combination and incredibly visible compared to many other plate designs.

I agree that it's super visible, and the color scheme is OK. What I don't like is that it's just boring. It doesn't have a cool background, or anything NY-specific at all. For that reason, I liked the old Niagara Falls plate better, even though it wasn't nearly as popping color-wise.
If you're traveling in a state where the police are known to target yankees and find any excuse possible to ticket them, super visible is not necessarily a plus.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on August 22, 2019, 09:19:16 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 08:25:02 AM
That piss-gold yellow may look cool by itself, but many cars end up in a total mismatch to that plate color (same goes for green VT plate). Simple white matches much better with most paint colors, and IMHO should be the first choice for the base. (would be cool to allow some color combinations to choose from: white on black or black on white for minimal choice;   white on dark blue/green, black on white or some light tone for advanced choice. Should be enough contrast for anything.  But I am asking too much, probably)

Given that license plates need to be conspicuous, a bit of clashing might be advantageous. I'm not sure if that's been studied though.

That said, I don't think that the current New York plate is the best possible, merely that it is better than all the potential replacements. I do think that the basic color scheme of the current plate is good, but a few tweaks to the colors could potentially mitigate the degree of clashing you perceive. The newer plates, on the other hand, are all too busy for my taste.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on August 24, 2019, 12:08:29 AM
A little bit of a topic shift, but what ever happened to this? Florida is still issuing the same old license plate nearly 7 years later and I can't find any articles saying the redesign was cancelled...
https://www.tampabay.com/news/business/autos/floridas-new-license-plate-design-announced/1266631
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on August 24, 2019, 06:12:48 PM
The article below was published two months before the one you linked to.   :hmmm:

Quote from: FlaglerLive
Smacked by Local Tax Collectors, State Retreats on License Plate Revamp, for Now
October 23, 2012

State highway safety officials are putting on hold for at least a short time a plan to redesign state license plates, and to privatize their distribution,  following objections from tax collectors.

The proposal to redesign the state's license plate to make it more legible by toll booth cameras and police was originally scheduled for a vote by Gov. Rick Scott and the Cabinet on Tuesday, but the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles pulled the proposal from the agenda.

Another part of the overall plan — to bid out the distribution of the new plates to a private vendor rather than using the current process for distributing tags through county tax collectors, also is on hold. The tax collectors objected to the proposed change, saying they're worried that customer service would suffer — and they would be blamed by voters.

https://flaglerlive.com/45822/florida-license-plates/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 25, 2019, 12:25:04 AM
So in Florida, the license plate comes from the tax collector's office? Interesting. Here in Washington, the Department of Licensing handles the registration and distribution of vehicle licenses, in addition to drivers licenses and several other things like boat registration. I believe everything can be processed via mail or in-person, although many things must be mailed later (vanity plates, permanent driver's licenses, etc) or picked up later (new vehicle plates are usually sent to the dealer).

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 22, 2019, 09:19:16 PM
I don't think that the current New York plate is the best possible, merely that it is better than all the potential replacements. I do think that the basic color scheme of the current plate is good, but a few tweaks to the colors could potentially mitigate the degree of clashing you perceive. The newer plates, on the other hand, are all too busy for my taste.

I totally agree. Is yellow the best color? I dunno. I quite enjoyed it when I was in the UK, and NY's plates remind me of them a bit. Maybe that's why I like them. But modern plate designs are just too damn busy. I don't want to drive around with a billboard stuck to my car. Plates should have the number, a sticker if necessary, and the state name (perhaps as an abbreviation to not waste space), and that's it. New York's plates do a great job of hitting these points. I could do with omitting the state motto, but it's still way better than the proposed replacements.

Australia has awesome licence plates. Incredibly simple and easy to read:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/1991_New_South_Wales_registration_plate_CPW%E2%80%A229A_slimline.jpg/220px-1991_New_South_Wales_registration_plate_CPW%E2%80%A229A_slimline.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 25, 2019, 10:04:26 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 25, 2019, 12:25:04 AM
I totally agree. Is yellow the best color? I dunno. I quite enjoyed it when I was in the UK, and NY's plates remind me of them a bit. Maybe that's why I like them. But modern plate designs are just too damn busy. I don't want to drive around with a billboard stuck to my car. Plates should have the number, a sticker if necessary, and the state name (perhaps as an abbreviation to not waste space), and that's it. New York's plates do a great job of hitting these points. I could do with omitting the state motto, but it's still way better than the proposed replacements.

Australia has awesome licence plates. Incredibly simple and easy to read:


Thinking about it... plate format has to do with this.

Modern fonts have ratio of symbol width to height in 0.4 - 0.55 range, I will use 0.5 for simplicity.

most european plate size is  20.5"(520mm) Length x 4.5"(114mm) Width, (4.5:1) or slight variations of that. Using 3/4 of plate height for symbol, you can put 12 symbols comfortably. More condensed fonts give you more symbols.  Plenty of room!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flicenseplatemania.com%2Ffotos%2Ffrankrijk%2Ffrankrijk201.jpg&hash=77f0b19bc649a8dde36886665ea2251645388d16)
(https://a.d-cd.net/3332v/960.jpg)
Australia uses 14.5x5.3” (372 mm by 135 mm) (2.75:1),   slightly over 7 normal width symbols. Given Australia population is less than that of Texas, and little international car travel, 7 symbols should be quite enough.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/1991_New_South_Wales_registration_plate_CPW%E2%80%A229A_slimline.jpg/220px-1991_New_South_Wales_registration_plate_CPW%E2%80%A229A_slimline.jpg)
US - and most of North America - uses 6x12 inches, 2:1  ratio, which is just over 5 symbols. Many states use 7 symbols by now,  which is doable using EU letter height and some font compression. That leaves lots of real estate on top and bottom of the plate for state name and some bulls.it.. sorry, I mean artwork.
And those dimensions are hard to change, as cars are made with license plate mounting locations to match local regulations.
2-lane plates may become the norm in US at some point, and I wonder if electronic plate readers are prepared for that.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flicenseplatemania.com%2Ffotos%2Fzwitserland%2Fzwitserland46.jpg&hash=3c18e560b24db4825e81c7603f804ef024dd5643)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on August 25, 2019, 10:57:16 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2019, 06:08:39 PM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on August 19, 2019, 01:21:22 PM
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%201.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%202.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%203.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%204.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)

Ugh. None of these designs are even close to being an improvement on the current yellow and blue. About the best that can be said for any of them is that the state name isn't a website.
That's what I hate about my plate. It says Pure Michigan at the top in some crap font. Then says michigan.org at the bottom. Plus it's a boring blue and white plate.

SAMSUNG-SM-T377A

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on August 26, 2019, 12:24:22 AM
Quote from: kalvado on August 25, 2019, 10:04:26 AM
Thinking about it... plate format has to do with this.

Modern fonts have ratio of symbol width to height in 0.4 - 0.55 range, I will use 0.5 for simplicity.

most european plate size is  20.5"(520mm) Length x 4.5"(114mm) Width, (4.5:1) or slight variations of that. Using 3/4 of plate height for symbol, you can put 12 symbols comfortably. More condensed fonts give you more symbols.  Plenty of room!
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flicenseplatemania.com%2Ffotos%2Ffrankrijk%2Ffrankrijk201.jpg&hash=77f0b19bc649a8dde36886665ea2251645388d16)
(https://a.d-cd.net/3332v/960.jpg)
Australia uses 14.5x5.3"  (372 mm by 135 mm) (2.75:1),   slightly over 7 normal width symbols. Given Australia population is less than that of Texas, and little international car travel, 7 symbols should be quite enough.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/1991_New_South_Wales_registration_plate_CPW%E2%80%A229A_slimline.jpg/220px-1991_New_South_Wales_registration_plate_CPW%E2%80%A229A_slimline.jpg)
US - and most of North America - uses 6x12 inches, 2:1  ratio, which is just over 5 symbols. Many states use 7 symbols by now,  which is doable using EU letter height and some font compression. That leaves lots of real estate on top and bottom of the plate for state name and some bulls.it.. sorry, I mean artwork.
And those dimensions are hard to change, as cars are made with license plate mounting locations to match local regulations.
2-lane plates may become the norm in US at some point, and I wonder if electronic plate readers are prepared for that.
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Flicenseplatemania.com%2Ffotos%2Fzwitserland%2Fzwitserland46.jpg&hash=3c18e560b24db4825e81c7603f804ef024dd5643)

How do the text heights compare between the European plates and the US? Can't quite tell from the images you used, but it seems like the European style has slightly shorter plate numbers. Two lines would likely result in shorter text than we're accustomed to. LEOs would likely complain as smaller text means the plates can't be read from as far away with the naked eye.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on August 26, 2019, 01:42:19 AM
I can't imagine any reason for a need for a two-line plate format. The ABC-NNNN format used in most of the populous states yields 175,760,000 plate combinations (26×26×26×10×10×10×10), which would be enough for every man, woman, and child in the state of California to register four cars. This could be doubled by also using NNNN-ABC, and doesn't take into account using combinations like AB-NNNNN for specialty plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 07:10:17 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on August 26, 2019, 12:24:22 AM
How do the text heights compare between the European plates and the US? Can't quite tell from the images you used, but it seems like the European style has slightly shorter plate numbers. Two lines would likely result in shorter text than we're accustomed to.
my NY plates have 70 mm = 2.75" symbol height
70, 76, 58 and 79 mm seems to be used in different locations across Atlantic. Fitting two 2.75" lines within 6" US plate is hard, 2.5"= 63mm should be doable
Quote from: DaBigE on August 26, 2019, 12:24:22 AM
LEOs would likely complain as smaller text means the plates can't be read from as far away with the naked eye.
They will complain if font size increased, or if nothing is done to improve things. Babies also tend to cry a lot.

Quote from: Scott5114 on August 26, 2019, 01:42:19 AM
I can't imagine any reason for a need for a two-line plate format. The ABC-NNNN format used in most of the populous states yields 175,760,000 plate combinations (26×26×26×10×10×10×10), which would be enough for every man, woman, and child in the state of California to register four cars. This could be doubled by also using NNNN-ABC, and doesn't take into account using combinations like AB-NNNNN for specialty plates.
Truth is, 7 symbols is NOT the entire license plate format. As long as there is a free flow of traffic between lower 48, with Canada and Mexico mixed in, sprinkled with Caribbeans and HI-AK cars -  state (country, province, government branch etc) which issued plate is an essential part of the information. And that is often relayed by some funny tiny font squeezed on top or bottom of plate, obscured by a frame, reinforced by background color or image which reduces readability. And there is no room to squeeze those 2 extra symbols in the main line.
Last, but not the least, 4 plates per person is not too much. As this discussion started with NY mandatory plate replacement - if that goes through, I will be getting my 4th plate in 2 years (my first plate was gone in 2002 thanks to mandatory replacement, then that plate was returned as we went from 2 cars to 1 car for a while, then back to 2 with a brand new plate - which is now subject to replacement). I didn't move between the states, but that can easily cause going through more plates. I fully suspect I will be in double digits over my lifetime.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on August 26, 2019, 09:30:41 AM
Quote from: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 07:10:17 AM

Last, but not the least, 4 plates per person is not too much. As this discussion started with NY mandatory plate replacement - if that goes through, I will be getting my 4th plate in 2 years (my first plate was gone in 2002 thanks to mandatory replacement, then that plate was returned as we went from 2 cars to 1 car for a while, then back to 2 with a brand new plate - which is now subject to replacement). I didn't move between the states, but that can easily cause going through more plates. I fully suspect I will be in double digits over my lifetime.

Well, that is because they are just replacing the plates, not resetting to zero.  Imagine a three letter, four number system, and a "plate stays with the owner, not the car" system, which is the more common scheme.  That yields 175,760,000 possible combinations.  (Obviously a few combinations will be skipped due to profanity, politics, etc).  So it starts at AAA 0000 and runs to ZZZ 9999.  But every time someone moves out of state, sells a car privatly (at least that is how it works in my state), dies, has the plate or car stolen, or replaces a plate due to wear, the number is "burned" in that system.  And the same is multiplied in NY, as the new plates are within the same numbering scheme, and thus "burning" all of the previous plates.

BUT, a true reset restarts at zero.  Or in this case AAA 0000.  Say orange and blue is replaced by blue and orange.  So the old DFE 9765 in o&b is now void and a new DFE 9765 is issued to a new person (ar the same person) in b&o, with all "burned" numbers now again available for reisue.  Thus 175M is more than enough to go around.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 10:39:30 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on August 26, 2019, 09:30:41 AM
Quote from: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 07:10:17 AM

Last, but not the least, 4 plates per person is not too much. As this discussion started with NY mandatory plate replacement - if that goes through, I will be getting my 4th plate in 2 years (my first plate was gone in 2002 thanks to mandatory replacement, then that plate was returned as we went from 2 cars to 1 car for a while, then back to 2 with a brand new plate - which is now subject to replacement). I didn't move between the states, but that can easily cause going through more plates. I fully suspect I will be in double digits over my lifetime.

Well, that is because they are just replacing the plates, not resetting to zero.  Imagine a three letter, four number system, and a "plate stays with the owner, not the car" system, which is the more common scheme.  That yields 175,760,000 possible combinations.  (Obviously a few combinations will be skipped due to profanity, politics, etc).  So it starts at AAA 0000 and runs to ZZZ 9999.  But every time someone moves out of state, sells a car privatly (at least that is how it works in my state), dies, has the plate or car stolen, or replaces a plate due to wear, the number is "burned" in that system.  And the same is multiplied in NY, as the new plates are within the same numbering scheme, and thus "burning" all of the previous plates.

BUT, a true reset restarts at zero.  Or in this case AAA 0000.  Say orange and blue is replaced by blue and orange.  So the old DFE 9765 in o&b is now void and a new DFE 9765 is issued to a new person (ar the same person) in b&o, with all "burned" numbers now again available for reisue.  Thus 175M is more than enough to go around.
Well, let me put it so: right now, NY is issuing plates in J range of ABC-NNNN scheme. A, B and beginning of C were consumed for initial replacement;  so in 16 years state went through 7 first letters,  - or 1 first letter in 2 years, give or take. I, O and Q are not used as first letter, Y and Z are used for temporary - so overall 40 years to go through entire scheme. Which is not that bad, but definitely less than "one scheme will work forever".
Who would have guessed? People who invented 4-byte IP addresses, 9-digit SSNs and 2-digit year in dates also did a great job...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on August 26, 2019, 11:26:20 AM
Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 05:59:47 PM
This is NY, where issues are discussed and then governor takes a decision regardless, using assembly as a rubber stamp.
You're essentially predicting that the current governor will select the scheme that shows the new Tappan Zee crossing named after his father (Design Scheme #3); despite what the polling results over the five proposed plate designs ultimately turns out to be.  It's worth noting that the bridge plate design is the only one that doesn't feature a white background.  It's muted pale blue background color is just different enough not to be confused w/CT's current scheme from a distance... although the background color is almost identical to that of RI's plates.  However, since RI is not adjacently-connected to NY (outside of some passenger ferries(?)); NY's probably not going to care about any resemblance to that state's plate.

Quote from: kalvado on August 22, 2019, 05:59:47 PMYou liked old colors better?
Yes & no. 

Yes in regards that the gold background stands apart enough from the plate schemes from the surrounding states. 

Had PA maintained its older blue-on-gold as its current scheme; I would've not been in favor of NY using any blue-on-gold scheme, be it the current design or the ones from '73(?) through '86.

No in regards that the background color has to be gold... just different enough to be distinguished from the adjacent states.  Had NY proposed red on a white background, I would've commented on such being too similar to MA's scheme.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 11:59:20 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 26, 2019, 11:26:20 AMYou're essentially predicting that the current governor will select the scheme that shows the new Tappan Zee crossing named after his father (Design Scheme #3); despite what the polling results over the five proposed plate designs ultimately turns out to be.
Pretty much yes. Will be very happy to be wrong, but not counting on that.



Quote from: PHLBOS on August 26, 2019, 11:26:20 AM

Yes in regards that the gold background stands apart enough from the plate schemes from the surrounding states. 

Had PA maintained its older blue-on-gold as its current scheme; I would've not been in favor of NY using any blue-on-gold scheme, be it the current design or the ones from '73(?) through '86.

No in regards that the background color has to be gold... just different enough to be distinguished from the adjacent states.  Had NY proposed red on a white background, I would've commented on such being too similar to MA's scheme.

Border or not, I think I see more RI plates than PA plates over here - possibly because we have no direct highways to PA, but I-90 towards Boston connects to RI pretty nicely. Overall, I would rather see state name (abbreviation)  conspicuously printed in regular font, as opposed to guessing the color scheme, font and plate format. And I don't see a good reason for cops to be able to distinguish plate states from the distance. Especially given how many plate frames obscure plate edge with state name - despite being illegal.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on August 26, 2019, 12:04:48 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 25, 2019, 10:57:16 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on August 21, 2019, 06:08:39 PM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on August 19, 2019, 01:21:22 PM
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%201.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%202.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%203.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%204.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)

Ugh. None of these designs are even close to being an improvement on the current yellow and blue. About the best that can be said for any of them is that the state name isn't a website.
That's what I hate about my plate. It says Pure Michigan at the top in some crap font. Then says michigan.org at the bottom. Plus it's a boring blue and white plate.

SAMSUNG-SM-T377A
I hate the wave AND the website.  That's why I got the Mackinac Bridge plate, and I got them before the bland redesign.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on August 26, 2019, 12:05:46 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 11:59:20 AMEspecially given how many plate frames obscure plate edge with state name - despite being illegal.
If such is indeed illegal; then why are such being sold at stores and/or offered by dealerships who should technically know better?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 12:31:02 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 26, 2019, 12:05:46 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 11:59:20 AMEspecially given how many plate frames obscure plate edge with state name - despite being illegal.
If such is indeed illegal; then why are such being sold at stores and/or offered by dealerships who should technically know better?
Because there is no law prohibiting sale or possession of such frames. NYS law just says that
Quotethe view of such  number  plates  shall  not  be  obstructed  by  any  part of the vehicle or by anything carried thereon
And even that seems to be rarely enforced.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on August 26, 2019, 12:42:14 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on August 26, 2019, 12:05:46 PM
If such is indeed illegal; then why are such being sold at stores and/or offered by dealerships who should technically know better?

My daughter went to college in North Carolina and the local cops, as in most college towns using students as a source of revenue, strictly enforced such a rule, a plate frame cannot cover either the state name or any of the validation stickers.   The school warned about this at orientation.  Kids were also ticketed for no front plate, even though NC does not have front plates, and expired inspection stickers, even though NC no longer uses inspection stickers.

With the increase of toll by plate (which should be illegal) and other such stuff, this will probably become more enforced nationwide.

Of course, I remove all dealer ads from my car the second I buy it.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on August 26, 2019, 01:11:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 26, 2019, 01:42:19 AM
I can't imagine any reason for a need for a two-line plate format. The ABC-NNNN format used in most of the populous states yields 175,760,000 plate combinations (26×26×26×10×10×10×10), which would be enough for every man, woman, and child in the state of California to register four cars. This could be doubled by also using NNNN-ABC, and doesn't take into account using combinations like AB-NNNNN for specialty plates.

And in NY at least, trucks (which are many people's second car, and account for a decent percent of vehicles on the road) have to have commercial plates with an entirely different format (AB-NNNNN). So yes, it is ridiculous to think that two lines would be needed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 01:18:39 PM
Quote from: webny99 on August 26, 2019, 01:11:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on August 26, 2019, 01:42:19 AM
I can't imagine any reason for a need for a two-line plate format. The ABC-NNNN format used in most of the populous states yields 175,760,000 plate combinations (26×26×26×10×10×10×10), which would be enough for every man, woman, and child in the state of California to register four cars. This could be doubled by also using NNNN-ABC, and doesn't take into account using combinations like AB-NNNNN for specialty plates.

And in NY at least, trucks (which are many people's second car, and account for a decent percent of vehicles on the road) have to have commercial plates with an entirely different format (AB-NNNNN). So yes, it is ridiculous to think that two lines would be needed.
2 lanes may be beneficial if proper display of state abbreviation on the plate is introduced. US plates can hardly accommodate than in main text line. 
Using condensed and extra-condensed fonts - which are a must, if 7 (or as in NY, font is ready for 8 symbols per plate)  affects readability.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on August 26, 2019, 08:49:32 PM
Quote from: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 10:39:30 AM
Well, let me put it so: right now, NY is issuing plates in J range of ABC-NNNN scheme. A, B and beginning of C were consumed for initial replacement;  so in 16 years state went through 7 first letters,  - or 1 first letter in 2 years, give or take. I, O and Q are not used as first letter, Y and Z are used for temporary - so overall 40 years to go through entire scheme. Which is not that bad, but definitely less than "one scheme will work forever".
Who would have guessed? People who invented 4-byte IP addresses, 9-digit SSNs and 2-digit year in dates also did a great job...
Of course, that's only a problem because NY doesn't reissue old plate numbers.

Quote from: PHLBOS on August 26, 2019, 11:26:20 AM
You're essentially predicting that the current governor will select the scheme that shows the new Tappan Zee crossing named after his father (Design Scheme #3); despite what the polling results over the five proposed plate designs ultimately turns out to be.
Given that there are three Statue of Liberty plates in the poll, a fourth with the Statue of Liberty and some upstate scenery, and one with the bridge, some people critical of the plate replacement are speculating that the poll is rigged to split the Statue of Liberty vote to ensure the bridge winning.

Quote from: kalvado on August 26, 2019, 11:59:20 AM
Border or not, I think I see more RI plates than PA plates over here - possibly because we have no direct highways to PA, but I-90 towards Boston connects to RI pretty nicely. Overall, I would rather see state name (abbreviation)  conspicuously printed in regular font, as opposed to guessing the color scheme, font and plate format. And I don't see a good reason for cops to be able to distinguish plate states from the distance. Especially given how many plate frames obscure plate edge with state name - despite being illegal.
PA is also easily connected via I-81 and I-88, though it's true there aren't very many plates from PA here relative to other parts of the state.  I see a ton of them whenever I go west of Syracuse.  I guess they prefer the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on August 27, 2019, 10:40:36 AM
Quote from: vdeane on August 26, 2019, 08:49:32 PM
PA is also easily connected via I-81 and I-88, though it's true there aren't very many plates from PA here relative to other parts of the state.  I see a ton of them whenever I go west of Syracuse.  I guess they prefer the Finger Lakes to the Adirondacks.

I think it's just easier, at least for the majority of the PA, to get to the Finger Lakes. It makes intuitive sense looking at a map: I-81 in NY is roughly an extension of the dividing line between Jersey and PA. So you get more PA plates west of I-81, and more Jersey and CT (and downstate) plates in the Catskills and Adirondacks. I certainly notice an increase in Jersey plates whenever I travel east of Syracuse.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: steviep24 on September 06, 2019, 05:06:04 PM
Quote from: WNYroadgeek on August 19, 2019, 01:21:22 PM
New York getting another new plate design from five potential options, which state residents can vote for: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-launches-statewide-survey-allowing-new-yorkers-choose-states-new-license-plate / https://now.ny.gov/page/s/vote-for-the-next-nys-license-plate-design

(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%201.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%202.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%203.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%204.png)
(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)

(Personally, I like #5 the best.)
Design #5 won.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on September 06, 2019, 05:23:22 PM
Quote from: steviep24 on September 06, 2019, 05:06:04 PM
Quote(https://now.ny.gov/page/-/individual%20page%20assets/license%20plate%20page/Design%205.png)
Design #5 won.
Of the four non-bridge plate, the winning plate design IMHO looks to be the best choice; although I would've preferred a background color other than white for that design.

According to this News Report (https://newyork.cbslocal.com/2019/09/06/new-york-new-license-plate/?fbclid=IwAR2yiOUu1fzTCARJAlMUUYp_FLZT62zo2__EGJSORD_PLi8rlYElqSw6QOs), the winning design received more than 50% of the 325,000 votes.  The plate with the bridge design tied for last at 9.7% of the vote.

While the public has now spoken on the plate design choice; will the governor accept the selected choice?  To Gov. Cuomo's credit, he has somewhat relented on the mandatory plate replacement and related $25 mandatory replacement fee.

Quote from: CBS2 News StoryUnder Cuomo's original plan:
-On April 1, three million drivers with plates that are ten years or older were to automatically get new plates when they renew their registration.
-A $25 replacement fee would be added to the registration fee
-A $20 additional charge if you want the same plate number
-At $25 a pop, three million plates would bring in $75 million to the state.

Eventually, the state's 1.2 million cars would have to get the new plates so they can be read by the new electronic toll readers on bridges and the equally controversial congestion pricing plan in Manhattan.

On Friday, the governor bowed to the public's fury saying maybe there is a way to keep your plates if they are in good condition.

"We don't want anyone to have to replace a plate if the plate is in fine condition... We have to find a way to inspect a license plate to determine whether or not it has to be replaced,"  Cuomo conceded.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jzn110 on September 09, 2019, 04:08:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 25, 2019, 10:57:16 PM
That's what I hate about my plate. It says Pure Michigan at the top in some crap font. Then says michigan.org at the bottom. Plus it's a boring blue and white plate.

SAMSUNG-SM-T377A

You can always opt for the Mackinac Bridge plate. Supposedly the green and blue "Spectacular Peninsulas" plate is still being sold, too.

While I'm not a huge fan of either of those designs, they're still vastly better than the plain white plate - which itself looked better when it had the blue bar on top instead of on the bottom, because now all of the "specialty registration" plates (trailers, municipal vehicles, commercial trucks, fundraiser plates, etc.) are plain boring white all around.

Also, the "Pure Michigan" logo is too small to be legible. I get that this is a restriction because of how the logo is designed, but you'd think they'd work on creating a modified version for the plate that makes the "PURE ICHIGAN" larger in proportion to the M so it's more readable, without super compromising the overall brand.

While I was originally glad that they phased out the blue plate because of how dated it was looking, the white plate isn't much better. Now that the blue plate has been gone for several years, I wouldn't mind seeing the standard plate redesigned back to a blue plate with white numbers, but with the "Pure Michigan" logo for a modern touch:

(https://i.imgur.com/reKlgYF.png)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on September 09, 2019, 11:25:26 PM
^^ So we can carry them around for the next thirty twenty  years! ^^
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 08:25:53 AM
North Carolina just passed a law requiring license plates to be replaced every 7 years.

https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/ (https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:16:23 AM
Quote from: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 08:25:53 AM
North Carolina just passed a law requiring license plates to be replaced every 7 years.

https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/ (https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/)
Makes sense. But I would hate to be the guy who moves out of state after living there for 7.5 years...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: wanderer2575 on September 29, 2019, 09:38:07 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on August 25, 2019, 10:57:16 PM
That's what I hate about my plate. It says Pure Michigan at the top in some crap font. Then says michigan.org at the bottom. Plus it's a boring blue and white plate.

I really liked my "Great Lakes Splendor" plate with the sunrise/sunset and the Mackinac Bridge but I was forced to replace it because of the stupid 10-year rule, and of course it was discontinued.  I now have a "Spectacular Peninsulas" plate, which is the next best alternative.  I refuse to get anything with the "Pure Michigan" tagline, which has become a cultlike way of life.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 10:26:51 AM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:16:23 AM
Quote from: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 08:25:53 AM
North Carolina just passed a law requiring license plates to be replaced every 7 years.

https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/ (https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/)
Makes sense. But I would hate to be the guy who moves out of state after living there for 7.5 years...

The locals on Facebook, Reddit, and City-Data forum are raising hell about it. I don't see the big deal. I grew up there and plan on moving back soon and I don't have a problem changing plates every 7 years.

Funny thing is that the governor is taking all the heat for it when the two sponsors of the bill in the state House are never mentioned. The governor didn't really care and made no push for it until it landed on his desk.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 04:12:50 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 08:25:53 AM
North Carolina just passed a law requiring license plates to be replaced every 7 years.

https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/ (https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/)

WA used to have an identical rule, but phased it out in 2011 with the introduction of seven-digit plates. Any idea what their reasoning was? Unless NC plates are made from copy paper, the reduced-readability reasoning doesn't seem applicable anymore.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 05:23:21 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 04:12:50 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 08:25:53 AM
North Carolina just passed a law requiring license plates to be replaced every 7 years.

https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/ (https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/)

WA used to have an identical rule, but phased it out in 2011 with the introduction of seven-digit plates. Any idea what their reasoning was? Unless NC plates are made from copy paper, the reduced-readability reasoning doesn't seem applicable anymore.
So how long, from your pespective, should a license plate last? 1000 years? I don't think so..
Front plate faces bombardment by high speed particles - dust, sand - which are often pretty abrasive. That definitely means finitle lifetime.
Direct sun exposure is another pretty much unavoidable factor, especially if plates are not black and white. 
People seem pretty reluctant to change plates on condition; so fixed life is the next best option. Any other suggestions?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 06:41:33 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 05:23:21 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 04:12:50 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 08:25:53 AM
North Carolina just passed a law requiring license plates to be replaced every 7 years.

https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/ (https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/)

WA used to have an identical rule, but phased it out in 2011 with the introduction of seven-digit plates. Any idea what their reasoning was? Unless NC plates are made from copy paper, the reduced-readability reasoning doesn't seem applicable anymore.
So how long, from your pespective, should a license plate last? 1000 years? I don't think so..
Front plate faces bombardment by high speed particles - dust, sand - which are often pretty abrasive. That definitely means finitle lifetime.
Direct sun exposure is another pretty much unavoidable factor, especially if plates are not black and white. 
People seem pretty reluctant to change plates on condition; so fixed life is the next best option. Any other suggestions?

Well, of course plates don't last forever. But I think most are designed to last the lifetime of the average car, if not much longer. Any that can't likely have too many graphics (like pictures or other crap).

Most countries, that I've seen, do not require plate-swapping. Licence plates last the lifetime of the vehicle, and are only replaced if stolen, damaged, or begin to peel.

Here's an idea: if any or all parts of the licence plate digits are hidden or otherwise worn, you should be required to replace them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 06:41:33 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 05:23:21 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 04:12:50 PM
Quote from: LM117 on September 29, 2019, 08:25:53 AM
North Carolina just passed a law requiring license plates to be replaced every 7 years.

https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/ (https://abc11.com/politics/new-law-requires-nc-drivers-to-replace-their-license-plates-every-7-years/5575767/)

WA used to have an identical rule, but phased it out in 2011 with the introduction of seven-digit plates. Any idea what their reasoning was? Unless NC plates are made from copy paper, the reduced-readability reasoning doesn't seem applicable anymore.
So how long, from your pespective, should a license plate last? 1000 years? I don't think so..
Front plate faces bombardment by high speed particles - dust, sand - which are often pretty abrasive. That definitely means finitle lifetime.
Direct sun exposure is another pretty much unavoidable factor, especially if plates are not black and white. 
People seem pretty reluctant to change plates on condition; so fixed life is the next best option. Any other suggestions?

Well, of course plates don't last forever. But I think most are designed to last the lifetime of the average car, if not much longer. Any that can't likely have too many graphics (like pictures or other crap).

Most countries, that I've seen, do not require plate-swapping. Licence plates last the lifetime of the vehicle, and are only replaced if stolen, damaged, or begin to peel.

Here's an idea: if any or all parts of the licence plate digits are hidden or otherwise worn, you should be required to replace them.

Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen.
Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.
As for plates durability... NY had a mandatory replacement cycle in 2001-2003. I do see plates from that mass replacement on the road, and most of them are worn out - even if letters are totally readable, the retroreflective film is no more. My plates are 12 years old, and they are also perfectly readable. But if this was something I owned upfront, replacement/repairs would be on order.  So the lifetime of a car may be pushing it, at least with technology NYS uses.
On a separate note, plates surface is basically plastic, somewhat similar to plastic headlights. Look at any car parts store - headlight restoration kits are always there...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen. Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.

Sorry, I didn't realize NYS had such strange licence plate rules. Doesn't make my point moot everywhere else.

In other jurisdictions, plates stay with the car forever, until it is sold, or until the plate is too old. Custom or "antique" plates can be traded amongst owners, but not regular plates. At least not in most states that I've seen.

Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
As for plates durability... NY had a mandatory replacement cycle in 2001-2003. I do see plates from that mass replacement on the road, and most of them are worn out - even if letters are totally readable, the retroreflective film is no more. My plates are 12 years old, and they are also perfectly readable. But if this was something I owned upfront, replacement/repairs would be on order.  So the lifetime of a car may be pushing it, at least with technology NYS uses.
On a separate note, plates surface is basically plastic, somewhat similar to plastic headlights. Look at any car parts store - headlight restoration kits are always there...

I hate to say it, but I think something is wrong with NYS's technology. I see plenty of old plates in my area (mostly old "XMT" plates with the curvy "WASHINGTON" text) that are perfectly readable, and I've never noticed any wearing. CA has a ton of old plates on the road, and they all seem quite readable to me.

If the retroreflective surface is wearing away, that would necessitate replacement. I'm not suggesting that people keep plates well after they've worn out, just that every seven years seems incredibly conservative.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on September 29, 2019, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen. Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.

Sorry, I didn't realize NYS had such strange licence plate rules. Doesn't make my point moot everywhere else.

In other jurisdictions, plates stay with the car forever, until it is sold, or until the plate is too old. Custom or "antique" plates can be traded amongst owners, but not regular plates. At least not in most states that I've seen.

Pretty sure they stay with the owner in Wisconsin as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on September 29, 2019, 11:27:12 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on September 29, 2019, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen. Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.

Sorry, I didn't realize NYS had such strange licence plate rules. Doesn't make my point moot everywhere else.

In other jurisdictions, plates stay with the car forever, until it is sold, or until the plate is too old. Custom or "antique" plates can be traded amongst owners, but not regular plates. At least not in most states that I've seen.

Pretty sure they stay with the owner in Wisconsin as well.
True.  I know in California it stays with the car but it's usual for it to stay with the owner in other states.

ETA: Not sure how reliable this article is but it shows only a handful of states where the plate stays with the vehicle: https://www.quora.com/How-many-states-allow-license-plates-to-stay-with-a-car-when-its-sold
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 12:18:49 AM
Quote from: Big John on September 29, 2019, 11:27:12 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on September 29, 2019, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen. Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.

Sorry, I didn't realize NYS had such strange licence plate rules. Doesn't make my point moot everywhere else.

In other jurisdictions, plates stay with the car forever, until it is sold, or until the plate is too old. Custom or "antique" plates can be traded amongst owners, but not regular plates. At least not in most states that I've seen.

Pretty sure they stay with the owner in Wisconsin as well.
True.  I know in California it stays with the car but it's usual for it to stay with the owner in other states.

ETA: Not sure how reliable this article is but it shows only a handful of states where the plate stays with the vehicle: https://www.quora.com/How-many-states-allow-license-plates-to-stay-with-a-car-when-its-sold

My first car, which was registered in WA, kept the plate from the last owner. So that map definitely isn't quite right.

I want to make it very clear that it's not normal in most states for the plate to stay with the car forever. What I believe is more normal, is for new licence plates to be issued when a new vehicle registration is established. If you sell private party, of course you may keep the plates, but your next car will also receive new plates from the licencing department as well, so your old plates are free to be used in your home office, on a garage wall, or whatever. But not installed on your new car. Maybe some states allow that, but that's definitely not permitted in WA unless it's a custom or antique plate (both of which can be transferred from car to car).

For the record, what I've underlined and bolded above is what I understand to be the norm in most states. I listed "with the car forever" first, but I'm not trying to imply that that option is the most normal.

EDIT: did a bit more research. Turns out that most states allow you to keep your old plate, but it's not the default option.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on September 30, 2019, 01:54:31 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on September 29, 2019, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen. Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.

Sorry, I didn't realize NYS had such strange licence plate rules. Doesn't make my point moot everywhere else.

In other jurisdictions, plates stay with the car forever, until it is sold, or until the plate is too old. Custom or "antique" plates can be traded amongst owners, but not regular plates. At least not in most states that I've seen.

Pretty sure they stay with the owner in Wisconsin as well.

Correct, they stay with the owner in Wisconsin.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 02:40:53 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on September 30, 2019, 01:54:31 AM
Correct, they stay with the owner in Wisconsin.

And are you required to use them on the next car?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on September 30, 2019, 07:21:37 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on September 29, 2019, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen. Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.

Sorry, I didn't realize NYS had such strange licence plate rules. Doesn't make my point moot everywhere else.

In other jurisdictions, plates stay with the car forever, until it is sold, or until the plate is too old. Custom or "antique" plates can be traded amongst owners, but not regular plates. At least not in most states that I've seen.

Pretty sure they stay with the owner in Wisconsin as well.

Also Michigan.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 30, 2019, 07:35:06 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 02:40:53 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on September 30, 2019, 01:54:31 AM
Correct, they stay with the owner in Wisconsin.

And are you required to use them on the next car?
"Required" may not be the right word. In NY question is "do you want to keep your current plates, pay $25 extra for the new set, or $45 for a custom set with your current number?". Of course this comes on top of whatever you pay for a new car, 7.5-8% sales tax, title fee, fee for fee on fees or whatever else the state wants to get from you. On one hand this is small change compared to the car cost, on the other hand it is yet another insult added to all the injuries. So "keep the old plates" is the default option.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on September 30, 2019, 09:48:26 AM
According to AAA, plates remain with the owner in AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WY, and PR.

That is the majority of states, representing the majority of the population.  Hardly "strange" .

In my state it is simple.  If you trade cars through a dealer, new or used, they just put your old plate on your new car and charge $10 for the transfer.  If you sell your car privately, you keep the plate and take it to the dealer when you buy another car, and it is the same deal.  If you both sell your old car and buy another car privately, or from an out-of-state dealer, you have to take the car and the old plate to the DMV and the fee is double.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 30, 2019, 09:56:35 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM


I hate to say it, but I think something is wrong with NYS's technology. I see plenty of old plates in my area (mostly old "XMT" plates with the curvy "WASHINGTON" text) that are perfectly readable, and I've never noticed any wearing. CA has a ton of old plates on the road, and they all seem quite readable to me.

If the retroreflective surface is wearing away, that would necessitate replacement. I'm not suggesting that people keep plates well after they've worn out, just that every seven years seems incredibly conservative.
and we may be setting the bar a bit differently. Just to be clear what we're talking about:
https://imgur.com/a/OlDeHX4
This is a plate I saw on a parking lot this morning. Probably issued early 2002 during mass replacement. It is still quite readable, but
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PMif this was something I owned upfront, replacement/repairs would be on order.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on September 30, 2019, 11:31:27 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on September 30, 2019, 09:48:26 AM
According to AAA, plates remain with the owner in AL, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, HI, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MS, MO, MT, NV, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WY, and PR.
I believe similar is true for MA.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 04:00:25 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on September 30, 2019, 09:48:26 AM
That is the majority of states, representing the majority of the population.  Hardly "strange" .

That they stay with the owner is not strange. What is strange to me, is that they both stay with the owner AND are put on the new car. That's the case in New York, but I was not aware of that being the case in other states.

In WA, any time you register a car for the first time, you are automatically issued new licence plates ($10 fee). You may transfer your old ones to your new car (again, for $10), but it's exceedingly rare to see anyone do that.

As to the original point, here in WA, there's no reason to automatically replace licence plates on a schedule because 99% are replaced automatically whenever a car is bought and/or sold. Unless you keep your car for an exceedingly lengthy amount of time, the chance of the plate wearing to the point of being unreadable or non-reflective is quite slim; most licence plates should easily outlast the average length of car ownership, which is about 6 years according to Autotrader (https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/buying-car-how-long-can-you-expect-car-last-240725). For the few people who religiously transfer their plates, the onus is on them to ensure lasting readability.

** In states like NY, where licence plates stay with the owner and they go on the new car automatically, of course replacement schedules would be required. I doubt most drivers would ever take the time to notice when they need to be replaced. I would never argue against replacement schedules in states that operate like this. If I otherwise implied as much, my apologies. **
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on September 30, 2019, 04:11:18 PM
It is not strange at all.  I trade cars more frequently than most people, and I have had plates that have been on upwards of 8 cars.  People know I'm not environmentalist, but why make a new plate when you have a perfectly fine one in hand?  And, since my state, like most, gives no refunds, why waste the months remaining on your old plate for a new one?  So when I trade cars, I gladly pay the $10 and move the plate, and the remaining months, to my new car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 30, 2019, 04:48:42 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 04:00:25 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on September 30, 2019, 09:48:26 AM
That is the majority of states, representing the majority of the population.  Hardly "strange" .

That they stay with the owner is not strange. What is strange to me, is that they both stay with the owner AND are put on the new car. That's the case in New York, but I was not aware of that being the case in other states.

In WA, any time you register a car for the first time, you are automatically issued new licence plates ($10 fee). You may transfer your old ones to your new car (again, for $10), but it's exceedingly rare to see anyone do that.

As to the original point, here in WA, there's no reason to automatically replace licence plates on a schedule because 99% are replaced automatically whenever a car is bought and/or sold. Unless you keep your car for an exceedingly lengthy amount of time, the chance of the plate wearing to the point of being unreadable or non-reflective is quite slim; most licence plates should easily outlast the average length of car ownership, which is about 6 years according to Autotrader (https://www.autotrader.com/car-shopping/buying-car-how-long-can-you-expect-car-last-240725). For the few people who religiously transfer their plates, the onus is on them to ensure lasting readability.

** In states like NY, where licence plates stay with the owner and they go on the new car automatically, of course replacement schedules would be required. I doubt most drivers would ever take the time to notice when they need to be replaced. I would never argue against replacement schedules in states that operate like this. If I otherwise implied as much, my apologies. **
Let me put it so: WA has a system which generally limits lifetime of a plate, but not in a strict way. We're talking about NC system which limits lifetime of a plate by default, and NY tries to do that in a manual mode with a separate replacement legislation for each round, with a lot of political blame going around. Ultimate goal is the same in all cases - ensure that plates don't outlive their useful life.
I can see advantages of all approaches - as well as disadvantages. Fixed plate lifetime is a bit more comfortable concept for me, but that is just me. Infinite plate lifetime is what we want to avoid. Part of NY problem, plates are issued without any conditions attached - and people imply they will legally last forever (at least they pretend so).
Giving some upfront expectation about how long plate would last (e.g. 10 years until state unconditionally demands replacement, with 5 year quality guarantee via free/discounted replacement; if you damage it or it fades after 5 years - its on you) looks fair for me. After all, we do have driver licenses replaced every few years with the expiration date pre-printed on a document -  and people accept that.   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 07:16:20 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on September 30, 2019, 04:11:18 PM
It is not strange at all.  I trade cars more frequently than most people, and I have had plates that have been on upwards of 8 cars.  People know I'm not environmentalist, but why make a new plate when you have a perfectly fine one in hand?  And, since my state, like most, gives no refunds, why waste the months remaining on your old plate for a new one?  So when I trade cars, I gladly pay the $10 and move the plate, and the remaining months, to my new car.

So what's the default option in your state when you buy a new car? Here in WA, it would be new plates. They don't come to you and ask for an ultimatum. You have to tell them you want to keep your old plates in order to proceed with that process. Most buyers of new cars drive around with a piece of paper in the rear window (temp plate), until their new plates arrive by mail. The plates on the last car go with that car, and are sometimes dual-posted alongside temp plates when the car is sold again, although dealers should know to remove the old plates. You could take the plates off your last car, but I just very seldom see that. Perhaps for this reason...

...Here in WA (getting tired of writing that), you cannot transfer registration to a new vehicle. The only "transferable" item is the plate number itself. You must re-register your vehicle, pay all applicable fees, install your new plate stickers (including your [probably] new expiration month, and year), ensure that your new registration's listed plate number is identical to your old plates that you've transferred, and then you're good to go. Sure, if I renew my registration in July and then buy a car in August, I have to pay all those fees again. But hey, we don't have an income tax, so the state has to make money somehow!

Quote from: kalvado on September 30, 2019, 04:48:42 PM
Let me put it so: WA has a system which generally limits lifetime of a plate, but not in a strict way. We're talking about NC system which limits lifetime of a plate by default, and NY tries to do that in a manual mode with a separate replacement legislation for each round, with a lot of political blame going around. Ultimate goal is the same in all cases - ensure that plates don't outlive their useful life.
I can see advantages of all approaches - as well as disadvantages. Fixed plate lifetime is a bit more comfortable concept for me, but that is just me. Infinite plate lifetime is what we want to avoid. Part of NY problem, plates are issued without any conditions attached - and people imply they will legally last forever (at least they pretend so).
Giving some upfront expectation about how long plate would last (e.g. 10 years until state unconditionally demands replacement, with 5 year quality guarantee via free/discounted replacement; if you damage it or it fades after 5 years - its on you) looks fair for me. After all, we do have driver licenses replaced every few years with the expiration date pre-printed on a document -  and people accept that.   

I don't think it's unreasonable to think we could come up with a plate design that could last an 50 or 60 years. Embossing might be a consideration, as would be avoiding the use of highly-stylised designs with colors that could wear at various paces.

Looking back at the image you posted of a worn NY plate, it's significantly more worn that I would expect of a similar WA plate of that year. But, because WA's required replacement schedule only went away a few years ago, I really don't know for sure how well our particular design would age. My only references for old plates are older XMT (exempt) plates, some of which date back to the mid-90s (but are usually government cars with low miles), or the older green-on-white designs that are common on collector vehicles. Most of these were long replaced through the old replacement schedule system, but are now being passed around on the private market by those who retained their plates (instead of recycling them). They all seem to be in decent shape, although collector cars likely accrue fewer miles.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 30, 2019, 07:33:04 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 07:16:20 PM
I don't think it's unreasonable to think we could come up with a plate design that could last an 50 or 60 years. Embossing might be a consideration, as would be avoiding the use of highly-stylised designs with colors that could wear at various paces.
Paint and/or plastic do not hold well that long, especially under dust bombardment at highway speed. I can envision some stainless/chrome designs, but the price would be non-negligible. An option to have plates preserved (illegal in NY) would be to have disposable plastic covers on the plate, polycarbonate or such. Defeats the purpose of forever plate, though.
And like many other things, cost-effective solutions wouldn't be the ones with the longest lifetime.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on September 30, 2019, 09:27:55 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 02:40:53 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on September 30, 2019, 01:54:31 AM
Correct, they stay with the owner in Wisconsin.

And are you required to use them on the next car?

No.

'Have plates in good condition?' is a question on the form.  If yes, then WisDOT will let you use an older number and set of current design plates that you might have, saving the state the bother of having to stamp out a set of new ones.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on October 01, 2019, 09:12:37 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 07:16:20 PM

So what's the default option in your state when you buy a new car?


In WV, and I think this is the most common system nationwide, the dealer puts the old plate on the new car and charges a small fee.  There is no other option.  Most new car dealers now can even print the accompanying registration card and save the DMV the postage.   Temporary plates are only used if the buyer has no valid plate to put on the car, such as a family adding a second car. 

If you want a new plate you ask for one from the DMV at renewal time, when it is free.  Car dealers have no role in the matter. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 10:33:05 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on October 01, 2019, 09:12:37 AMIn WV, and I think this is the most common system nationwide, the dealer puts the old plate on the new car and charges a small fee.  There is no other option.  Most new car dealers now can even print the accompanying registration card and save the DMV the postage.   Temporary plates are only used if the buyer has no valid plate to put on the car, such as a family adding a second car. 

If you want a new plate you ask for one from the DMV at renewal time, when it is free.  Car dealers have no role in the matter.
I've purchased cars from dealerships in MA, NJ, PA & MD and have experienced the following.

In MA, one can do what is known as a 2-day temporary transfer of an existing/current/active plate onto the new/additional vehicle.  No RMV involvement is needed at the point of sale but the plate being used needs to be currently active.  Such allows the vehicle to be legally driven by the owner to their residence.  After such happens, the owner has to go to the RMV with the vehicle purchase paperwork, proof of insurance and either apply for a new registration/plate or apply to transfer the existing registration/plate from the prior vehicle to the newly-purchased one. 

Note: for one of my vehicle purchases in MA that was to be registered in PA, an active MA plate (my brother's) per the 2-day temporary transfer, was used to bring the car home.  Once in PA, I went to authorized tag place to transfer my existing active PA plate (the previous car was traded in) onto my newly-purchased car.  I mailed the MA plate used to bring the car home back to my brother.

For my vehicle purchases in both NJ & MD, such involved the vehicles being ultimately registered in PA.  A temporary, cardboard tag was issued, good for 20-25 days depending on which state, until I received a new PA plate from the dealerships in the mail.  In those two cases, both dealerships in NJ & MD corresponded w/PennDOT's DMV division in order to obtain and mail me the new PA plates. 

In one of the two-above cases, I originally had planned to transfer my old/existing but still active plate onto the new vehicle (the prior vehicle was totaled in an accident); but the clerk at the dealership (in MD) indirectly discouraged such (I guess due to additional paperwork, I don't know).  So I received a new PA plate/registration in the mail and that was that.

Long story short: car dealers having a role or no role regarding vehicle registrations via DMV/RMV is dependent upon which state(s) one's dealing with.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on October 01, 2019, 11:20:01 AM
Quote from: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 10:33:05 AM
Long story short: car dealers having a role or no role regarding vehicle registrations via DMV/RMV is dependent upon which state(s) one's dealing with.
NY: for in-state purchases, at least at larger dealerships, by default they ask you to provide an active registration information along with insurance documents and unbolt old plates from trade-in (or you can bring in old plates in case of private sale of old car)  at the time of delivery. There is a financial incentive for doing that as refund for old registration is pretty limited.
Dealer issuing new plates on behalf of DMV is an option, mostly when there is no old registration. 
You get a temporary sticker for either option, permanent one is mailed by DMV to registration address.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Eth on October 01, 2019, 11:43:14 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 07:16:20 PM
So what's the default option in your state when you buy a new car?

I don't think I really have a particularly helpful response here. My only car purchase occurred in MD; transferring the plate from the old car wouldn't have been an option regardless, because it was a GA plate (I had just moved about 5 months earlier). I didn't receive a temporary tag either; the dealer actually had a proper MD plate that was put on the car immediately and remained there until I moved back to GA.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on October 01, 2019, 11:54:33 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 30, 2019, 07:16:20 PM

So what's the default option in your state when you buy a new car?

The default in every vehicle purchase I've been involved with was for the seller to ask if I had plates to transfer or if I wanted new plates, even if I didn't bring a vehicle to trade. No one has ever tried to force me to take new plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on October 01, 2019, 02:46:41 PM
I've had the same license plate since 2012.  It's now on vehicle #3.  In 2016, in fact, we drove from Kansas to Tennessee to buy a used Pathfinder.  When we got to the dealership, we took the Kansas plate off the old car, tossed it in our folder with the dealership paperwork, drove back to Kansas on a Tennessee temporary tag, and then later transferred the Kansas plate onto the new car after paying the tax and registration fee.  We got the amount of time left (unused) on the previous vehicle's registration refunded to us as well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 06:19:01 PM
In PA, the oldest license plates on vehicles date back to 2000... the first year of the original-style blue/white/yellow plates.   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on October 07, 2019, 11:31:09 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 01, 2019, 02:46:41 PM
I've had the same license plate since 2012.  It's now on vehicle #3.  In 2016, in fact, we drove from Kansas to Tennessee to buy a used Pathfinder.  When we got to the dealership, we took the Kansas plate off the old car, tossed it in our folder with the dealership paperwork, drove back to Kansas on a Tennessee temporary tag, and then later transferred the Kansas plate onto the new car after paying the tax and registration fee.  We got the amount of time left (unused) on the previous vehicle's registration refunded to us as well.

My current Kansas tag is on vehicle #3 as well.

In Kansas, vehicle registration cannot be processed at the dealership - you will have a "60 day" tag affixed to your vehicle. Depending on the dealer (or if the previous owner had a lien on the vehicle) it may take a bit for the title paperwork to be received. Obviously, you can't transfer plates or get new ones until you get the paperwork. Also, if it's a used car from out-of-state, it will likely need a VIN inspection.

As kphoger noted, if the plate is transferred, you do receive pro rata credit for Property taxes and registration on the previous vehicle. Likewise, taxes and registration on the new vehicle will also be pro rated. When I bought me previous car (2013 Sentra) in April 2016, I was given the option to go ahead and re-up to July 2017 - in effect, I paid 15 months taxes on the Sentra the first time around. The Sentra was totaled in June 2019 in a car-deer collision, and when it came time to transfer the plates to the new car (2019 Impreza) I was already due for renewal, so there was no pro rata involved - I basically paid a years taxes on the Impreza (from July 2019 to July 2020).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on October 09, 2019, 12:22:16 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 10:33:05 AMIn MA, one can do what is known as a 2-day temporary transfer of an existing/current/active plate onto the new/additional vehicle.  No RMV involvement is needed at the point of sale but the plate being used needs to be currently active.  Such allows the vehicle to be legally driven by the owner to their residence.  After such happens, the owner has to go to the RMV with the vehicle purchase paperwork, proof of insurance and either apply for a new registration/plate or apply to transfer the existing registration/plate from the prior vehicle to the newly-purchased one.

For the last two vehicle purchases I made in MA (2004 and 2011), the dealers handled everything, including printing the new registration and calling my insurance agent.  No run to the RMV was necessary.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on October 10, 2019, 12:57:51 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on October 09, 2019, 12:22:16 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on October 01, 2019, 10:33:05 AMIn MA, one can do what is known as a 2-day temporary transfer of an existing/current/active plate onto the new/additional vehicle.  No RMV involvement is needed at the point of sale but the plate being used needs to be currently active.  Such allows the vehicle to be legally driven by the owner to their residence.  After such happens, the owner has to go to the RMV with the vehicle purchase paperwork, proof of insurance and either apply for a new registration/plate or apply to transfer the existing registration/plate from the prior vehicle to the newly-purchased one.
For the last two vehicle purchases I made in MA (2004 and 2011), the dealers handled everything, including printing the new registration and calling my insurance agent.  No run to the RMV was necessary.
Such wasn't always the case; at least from 1990(?) and earlier.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Brandon on October 10, 2019, 01:36:40 PM
Quote from: catch22 on September 30, 2019, 07:21:37 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on September 29, 2019, 10:17:59 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 29, 2019, 10:10:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on September 29, 2019, 09:19:41 PM
Well... To begin with, in NY plates follow the owner, not the car. Given there are some 90+-year-old drivers making the news -  if not for a mandatory replacement, some 70-75-year-old plates would happen. Moreover, such ancient plates would become a symbol of status - as it happened in MA - and people would go to great lengths to keep those.

Sorry, I didn't realize NYS had such strange licence plate rules. Doesn't make my point moot everywhere else.

In other jurisdictions, plates stay with the car forever, until it is sold, or until the plate is too old. Custom or "antique" plates can be traded amongst owners, but not regular plates. At least not in most states that I've seen.

Pretty sure they stay with the owner in Wisconsin as well.

Also Michigan.

Likewise in Illinois.  When you buy a new car, trading in your old car, the default is to simply transfer the plates to the new vehicle.  Mine date from 2001, and this is the third vehicle they have been on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pink Jazz on October 10, 2019, 03:20:53 PM
The Arizona Cxxyyyy series plates are going fast. I think Arizona is due for a redesign and the Dxxyyyy series would be a good place to start.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on October 11, 2019, 05:53:25 PM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on October 10, 2019, 03:20:53 PM
The Arizona Cxxyyyy series plates are going fast. I think Arizona is due for a redesign and the Dxxyyyy series would be a good place to start.

Did AZ's seven-digit plates start with AAA0000? WA is on track to hit CAA0000 within the next few years. Started with A, now on B, etc.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on October 15, 2019, 01:51:43 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on October 11, 2019, 05:53:25 PM
Did AZ's seven-digit plates start with AAA0000?

Yes.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FArizona%2Faz%252009%2520flat%2520AAA0111.jpg&hash=7f4b8c9b43ff550ab53b7c77f90fa403fcd37bb9)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Couleurs on November 10, 2019, 06:54:04 PM
https://www.denverpost.com/2019/10/28/colorado-license-plates-green-mountains-white-sky/

There's a chance Colorado might switch back to green mountains with a white sky in 2021
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on November 19, 2019, 08:02:31 PM
I just got new Colorado plates for my company vehicle -- FWIW, Colorado has now moved from 3-letter/3-number combos to ABC-D12 formats.  Still has the dash in the middle of the sequence, though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 28, 2019, 04:24:24 PM
We were talking about license plates that were old a page or two back. I don't remember exactly, but I believe I mentioned that old license plates were fairly common in Washington State. I spotted one that I believe may be the oldest that I've ever seen (1941 Truck plate). WA allows old plates like these, as long as the owner maintains readability. The actual plate number isn't what's listed on the plate, but rather an extra code on the registration (actual plate number is whatever plate was automatically issued with the registration, IIRC). Throws off out of state police on occasion.

(https://i.imgur.com/LyftqEJ.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on February 11, 2020, 08:53:55 PM
The new white-on-blue Ontario plates came out at the start of the month: https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-s-new-licence-plates-hit-the-road-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-1.4795049 (https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-s-new-licence-plates-hit-the-road-here-s-what-you-need-to-know-1.4795049)

Here's a photo from this article (https://www.blogto.com/city/2020/02/new-license-plates-have-started-appear-ontario/).
(https://s3.amazonaws.com/btoimage/prism-thumbnails/articles/20200203-new-license-plate-ontario.jpg-resize_then_crop-_frame_bg_color_FFF-h_1365-gravity_center-q_70-preserve_ratio_true-w_2048_.webp)

So far I've only seen two on the road. It's exciting to see a design change since they've been basically the same my whole life. However, I wish they stuck with embossed plates and I think it would have made more sense to keep "Ontario" capitalized to match the slogan.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 12, 2020, 12:18:09 AM
Damn. I really liked "Yours to Discover". Something really classy about it. The new motto seems like a rewording of that silly "Open for Business" slogan plastered on the welcome signs.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
I know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers. You have states that are rear plate-only, some have stickers on the windshield, some on the front plate, some back, some both, etc. I made a half-assed attempt to visualize this. The purpose was to understand what everyone was doing. Hawaii was the most complicated and couldn't figure it out because it varies on a number of factors.

States have removed or reduced sticker requirements to save money, and this was to sort of demonstrate an incentive for other states to do that too.

(https://www.imageupload.net/upload-image/2020/02/12/license-plate-reddit.png)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on February 12, 2020, 01:20:22 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
IIRC, both DE & FL do not have annual auto inspections; so such would not have inspection stickers on the windshields.

PA got rid of their plate registration stickers about 2 years ago; but such is still a rear-plate-only state. 
Depending on which county a PA vehicle is registered in, such can have two inspection stickers placed next to each other: one for the annual safety inspection (all counties) and one for the annual emissions testing (in some counties w/certain vehicles being exempt).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 12, 2020, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
I know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers. You have states that are rear plate-only, some have stickers on the windshield, some on the front plate, some back, some both, etc. I made a half-assed attempt to visualize this. The purpose was to understand what everyone was doing. Hawaii was the most complicated and couldn't figure it out because it varies on a number of factors.

States have removed or reduced sticker requirements to save money, and this was to sort of demonstrate an incentive for other states to do that too.

(https://www.imageupload.net/upload-image/2020/02/12/license-plate-reddit.png)
TN and OK show both no front plate, but front plate sticker.... I am a bit confused
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 03:33:52 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 12, 2020, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
I know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers. You have states that are rear plate-only, some have stickers on the windshield, some on the front plate, some back, some both, etc. I made a half-assed attempt to visualize this. The purpose was to understand what everyone was doing. Hawaii was the most complicated and couldn't figure it out because it varies on a number of factors.

States have removed or reduced sticker requirements to save money, and this was to sort of demonstrate an incentive for other states to do that too.

(https://www.imageupload.net/upload-image/2020/02/12/license-plate-reddit.png)
TN and OK show both no front plate, but front plate sticker.... I am a bit confused

yeah....i never finished this. good catch. i was still verifying and confirming when i gave up on it. so it was never finished and really never meant to be seen (realistically) by anyone. Was doing it just for me, really. but good catch!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on February 12, 2020, 06:07:30 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 03:33:52 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 12, 2020, 01:35:45 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
I know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers. You have states that are rear plate-only, some have stickers on the windshield, some on the front plate, some back, some both, etc. I made a half-assed attempt to visualize this. The purpose was to understand what everyone was doing. Hawaii was the most complicated and couldn't figure it out because it varies on a number of factors.

States have removed or reduced sticker requirements to save money, and this was to sort of demonstrate an incentive for other states to do that too.

(https://www.imageupload.net/upload-image/2020/02/12/license-plate-reddit.png)
TN and OK show both no front plate, but front plate sticker.... I am a bit confused

yeah....i never finished this. good catch. i was still verifying and confirming when i gave up on it. so it was never finished and really never meant to be seen (realistically) by anyone. Was doing it just for me, really. but good catch!
Since it's out there, Michigan's Upper Peninsula could use some love.

Ohio can be added to the "no front plate"  list after July 1.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: deathtopumpkins on February 13, 2020, 11:38:29 AM
New Hampshire is labeled as dark for all three colors. We do have front and rear plates, both of which have 2 stickers on them (month & year), but the only sticker that goes on your windshield is just the one inspection sticker.

And Massachusetts is labeled as dark for front plate, but MA does not require stickers on front plates, only one sticker on the rear plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on February 13, 2020, 08:36:54 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I think it means the number of stickers on each plate. In Ohio, for example, the rear plate has a county sticker and the yearly registration. The front (until July) only has the county sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 08:52:40 PM
Quote from: 6a on February 13, 2020, 08:36:54 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I think it means the number of stickers on each plate. In Ohio, for example, the rear plate has a county sticker and the yearly registration. The front (until July) only has the county sticker.

I could buy that interpretation, but two doesn't really describe Wisconsin, IMO. For regular automobiles with standard plates, there's two stickers, one for the month and one for the year, but only the year sticker ever gets changed. Light trucks (https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/val-light-trucks.aspx) do gain an extra sticker for a weight rating, but that one doesn't change either. Buses and motorhomes (https://wisconsindot.gov/Pages/dmv/vehicles/title-plates/val-motor-buses.aspx) get a combination month/year sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 13, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I thought those are years; sticker valid for 1 or 2 years respectively
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 13, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I thought those are years; sticker valid for 1 or 2 years respectively

Then it's that much more incorrect for WI. Are there any states with 2-year validations for regular vehicles?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 13, 2020, 09:54:06 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 13, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I thought those are years; sticker valid for 1 or 2 years respectively

Then it's that much more incorrect for WI. Are there any states with 2-year validations for regular vehicles?

Oregon, if I recall correctly. But the map would then be wrong for WA, as we require once-yearly registration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on February 13, 2020, 10:08:01 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 13, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I thought those are years; sticker valid for 1 or 2 years respectively

Then it's that much more incorrect for WI. Are there any states with 2-year validations for regular vehicles?
Louisiana does https://www.dmv.org/la-louisiana/registration-renewal.php
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on February 14, 2020, 11:54:54 AM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 09:40:36 PM

Then it's that much more incorrect for WI. Are there any states with 2-year validations for regular vehicles?

Massachusetts has 2-year validations for regular vehicles.

Ohio allows you to choose from 1 to 5 years upon renewal.  Most people do one year, which is the default if you don't specify.  I tend to do 3.  The only cost savings is the processing & postage, which, together, only add up to a few dollars/year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on February 14, 2020, 12:24:38 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 12, 2020, 12:18:09 AM
Damn. I really liked "Yours to Discover". Something really classy about it. The new motto seems like a rewording of that silly "Open for Business" slogan plastered on the welcome signs.

I drove by two of the new plates at dusk yesterday and couldn't even make out the numbers/letters since the blue background lights up from the headlights. I noticed this reddit thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/ontario/comments/f3l6hv/been_seeing_the_new_ontario_license_plates_around/) on the plates this morning, and the top comment is someone complaining about the same issue :-D. Do they not test them out first?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on February 14, 2020, 12:41:16 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 13, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I thought those are years; sticker valid for 1 or 2 years respectively

Then it's that much more incorrect for WI. Are there any states with 2-year validations for regular vehicles?
NY is 2 years for registration but 1 year for inspection.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on February 14, 2020, 12:59:27 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 14, 2020, 12:24:38 PMI drove by two of the new plates at dusk yesterday and couldn't even make out the numbers/letters since the blue background lights up from the headlights. I noticed this reddit thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/ontario/comments/f3l6hv/been_seeing_the_new_ontario_license_plates_around/) on the plates this morning, and the top comment is someone complaining about the same issue :-D. Do they not test them out first?
I would bet they're perfectly readable using an automatic license plate reader.  Watch the video in the reddit link.  The numbers show up quite nicely with a phone camera flash, and will do the same under infrared.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 14, 2020, 02:51:56 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 14, 2020, 12:24:38 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 12, 2020, 12:18:09 AM
Damn. I really liked "Yours to Discover". Something really classy about it. The new motto seems like a rewording of that silly "Open for Business" slogan plastered on the welcome signs.

I drove by two of the new plates at dusk yesterday and couldn't even make out the numbers/letters since the blue background lights up from the headlights. I noticed this reddit thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/ontario/comments/f3l6hv/been_seeing_the_new_ontario_license_plates_around/) on the plates this morning, and the top comment is someone complaining about the same issue :-D. Do they not test them out first?

Haha, nice! It's one thing to not love the design and/or complain about the slogan, but another for the plate to have functional issues.

However, I may have jumped the gun on complaining about the slogan. That Reddit thread led me to the Expo 67 anthem, which started the "place to grow" lyrics:

https://youtu.be/KU1wUfqhsM8

I'm not keen on states trying to sell their themselves as places to do business (like the welcome signs), but I love the throwback slogan in this instance. Still prefer the old plate design!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on February 14, 2020, 09:55:06 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 14, 2020, 02:51:56 PM
I'm not keen on states trying to sell their themselves as places to do business (like the welcome signs), but I love the throwback slogan in this instance. Still prefer the old plate design!

Yeah, our "Open for Business" welcome signs are pretty tacky! :pan:

Quote from: renegade on February 14, 2020, 12:59:27 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on February 14, 2020, 12:24:38 PMI drove by two of the new plates at dusk yesterday and couldn't even make out the numbers/letters since the blue background lights up from the headlights. I noticed this reddit thread (https://www.reddit.com/r/ontario/comments/f3l6hv/been_seeing_the_new_ontario_license_plates_around/) on the plates this morning, and the top comment is someone complaining about the same issue :-D. Do they not test them out first?
I would bet they're perfectly readable using an automatic license plate reader.  Watch the video in the reddit link.  The numbers show up quite nicely with a phone camera flash, and will do the same under infrared.

That's a fair point (and good to hear), but I still think it's a glaring issue that they're hard to see with the naked eye.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: KEVIN_224 on February 16, 2020, 04:34:48 PM
Is Connecticut missing on those maps? Anyways, I don't think they put the expiration sticker on the plates here anymore. I still see plenty of cars with the front plates however. Mostly still of the gradient blue design, getting lighter as you move down.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on February 16, 2020, 05:53:19 PM
Connecticut was blank because I think they did away with stickers altogether. No reason to clutter the make with null/blank data.

I was trying to develop an easier way to visualize this - again it was in draft state.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US 89 on February 16, 2020, 08:52:23 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
(https://www.imageupload.net/upload-image/2020/02/12/license-plate-reddit.png)

This is incorrect for Utah, where expiration is indicated by a month and year sticker on the rear license plate only. Nothing goes on the windshield.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus5%2Fut08.jpg&hash=db5e799ef1968aa888835524d2da6b2704d0e17a)
(photo from 15q.net)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on February 17, 2020, 02:55:05 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AM
I know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers. You have states that are rear plate-only, some have stickers on the windshield, some on the front plate, some back, some both, etc. I made a half-assed attempt to visualize this. The purpose was to understand what everyone was doing. Hawaii was the most complicated and couldn't figure it out because it varies on a number of factors.

States have removed or reduced sticker requirements to save money, and this was to sort of demonstrate an incentive for other states to do that too.

(https://www.imageupload.net/upload-image/2020/02/12/license-plate-reddit.png)

So what does the color for Nevada mean, which is also used for several other states? If it's "1 sticker on rear plate", that color doesn't match what's in the key...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 17, 2020, 03:18:28 PM
Quote from: roadfro on February 17, 2020, 02:55:05 PM
So what does the color for Nevada mean, which is also used for several other states? If it's "1 sticker on rear plate", that color doesn't match what's in the key...

It's not a perfect match, but it's definitely "1 sticker, rear plate", especially as it matches what I already know about those states.

I'm guessing he changed the color of the key last-second, but didn't change the map colors.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 05:03:41 PM
I thought it meant "only one sticker, only on the rear plate".  Whereas it not being purple means they don't have front plates there.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 18, 2020, 04:13:36 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 05:03:41 PM
I thought it meant "only one sticker, only on the rear plate".  Whereas it not being purple means they don't have front plates there.

You mean, "not being purple means they have front plates there"?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on February 18, 2020, 06:55:03 AM
I love being purple!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 18, 2020, 01:35:29 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 18, 2020, 04:13:36 AM

Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 05:03:41 PM
I thought it meant "only one sticker, only on the rear plate".  Whereas it not being purple means they don't have front plates there.

You mean, "not being purple means they have front plates there"?

That's the way I interpret the key, yes.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on February 18, 2020, 01:38:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 18, 2020, 01:35:29 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 18, 2020, 04:13:36 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 05:03:41 PM
I thought it meant "only one sticker, only on the rear plate".  Whereas it not being purple means they don't have front plates there.
You mean, "not being purple means they have front plates there"?
That's the way I interpret the key, yes.

I think it's the opposite. White, i.e. snow covered, states (hey... that actually works... almost!), have to have a front plate.
I'm sure NY does.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 18, 2020, 02:12:25 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 18, 2020, 04:13:36 AM
"not being purple means they have front plates there"?

Quote from: webny99 on February 18, 2020, 01:38:48 PM
White ... states ... have to have a front plate.

Those are not opposites.  They mean the same thing.

Quote from: webny99 on February 18, 2020, 01:38:48 PM
I'm sure NY does.

Right.  Which is why it's both "not being purple" and also "white".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on February 18, 2020, 02:45:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 18, 2020, 02:12:25 PM
Those are not opposites.  They mean the same thing.
Quote from: webny99 on February 18, 2020, 01:38:48 PM
I'm sure NY does.
Right.  Which is why it's both "not being purple" and also "white".

OK, OK, so I agree with that, but I guess I was not aware that you had reversed your position since your original statement:

Quote from: kphoger on February 17, 2020, 05:03:41 PM
Whereas it not being purple* means they don't have front plates there.
*that is, being white



So, please accept my apologies for making something that shouldn't have been confusing in the first place even more confusing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 18, 2020, 03:04:47 PM
Actually, looking back more closely, it's my bad.  I didn't realize that jakeroot was actually correcting me, not merely clarifying.  Your bolding my "don't" in that quote highlights what I typed wrong.  I should have eliminated that word.

Quote
Whereas it not being purple means they don't have front plates there
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 18, 2020, 03:36:57 PM
Phew. I thought I was losing my mind.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 18, 2020, 03:41:09 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 18, 2020, 03:36:57 PM
Phew. I thought I was losing my mind.

Well, you weren't not losing your mind.*



Not not losing your mind is prohibited where required in Ala.........
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on February 18, 2020, 04:30:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on February 18, 2020, 03:04:47 PM
I didn't realize that jakeroot was actually correcting me, not merely clarifying. 

Me either... at least at first.
But, no worries, all isn't not well that ends well.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on February 29, 2020, 01:51:48 PM
So the new blue Ontario plates have had so many issues with readability that the provincial government is temporarily discontinuing them and returning to the old plates while they wait for a new, enhanced batch to arrive. They're also going to replace the 71,000 blue plates that have already been issued free of charge: https://www.cp24.com/news/province-to-start-replacing-71-000-faulty-license-plates-next-month-1.4832054

Bet the first run blue plates will become quite a collector's item!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on March 01, 2020, 06:24:22 PM
Embarrassed as I am for errors in what I did before, I began from scratch with a new design approach that should increase salience and increase comprehension. Its not done obviously, but I took feedback from the previous responses. I hope this is more effective. (The duplicate legend on the middle right will go away. It's only for copy-paste)...and it will be bigger and more readable than this.

(https://i.ibb.co/vB78VqF/usamap-plates-2020-test-for-aaroads.png) (https://ibb.co/rtCJF0j)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 02, 2020, 11:14:09 AM
Is this still supposed to include inspection stickers? Because if so you're missing the windshield sticker for MA.

You're also showing 2 windshield stickers for NH, but NH only requires the 1 inspection sticker on the windshield.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on March 02, 2020, 02:56:40 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on February 29, 2020, 01:51:48 PM
So the new blue Ontario plates have had so many issues with readability that the provincial government is temporarily discontinuing them and returning to the old plates while they wait for a new, enhanced batch to arrive. They're also going to replace the 71,000 blue plates that have already been issued free of charge: https://www.cp24.com/news/province-to-start-replacing-71-000-faulty-license-plates-next-month-1.4832054

Bet the first run blue plates will become quite a collector's item!

It amazes me that they don't field test this stuff better.   Several states have had readability issues in the last few years that have required re-designing plates.   However, to my knowledge, this is the first time the design was so bad that they are actually recalling and reissuing plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 02, 2020, 03:11:58 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on March 02, 2020, 02:56:40 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on February 29, 2020, 01:51:48 PM
So the new blue Ontario plates have had so many issues with readability that the provincial government is temporarily discontinuing them and returning to the old plates while they wait for a new, enhanced batch to arrive. They're also going to replace the 71,000 blue plates that have already been issued free of charge: https://www.cp24.com/news/province-to-start-replacing-71-000-faulty-license-plates-next-month-1.4832054

Bet the first run blue plates will become quite a collector's item!

It amazes me that they don't field test this stuff better.   Several states have had readability issues in the last few years that have required re-designing plates.   However, to my knowledge, this is the first time the design was so bad that they are actually recalling and reissuing plates.
It is called agile development methodology
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on March 02, 2020, 03:19:22 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 13, 2020, 10:08:01 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 09:40:36 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 13, 2020, 08:53:08 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on February 13, 2020, 12:05:15 PM
What are the x1 x2 columns supposed to indicate? Wisconsin has no inspection sticker. Any regions of the state with emissions checks has the process tied to the registration sticker, of which there is only one on the rear plate.
I thought those are years; sticker valid for 1 or 2 years respectively

Then it's that much more incorrect for WI. Are there any states with 2-year validations for regular vehicles?
Louisiana does https://www.dmv.org/la-louisiana/registration-renewal.php
Louisiana registration stickers are 2 years for passenger cars and 4 years for non-commercial pickup trucks.

Inspection stickers (known as "brake tags" in the New Orleans area) can be for 1 year or 2 years on non-commercial vehicles.  It is the option of the purchaser -- except in the five-parish area around Baton Rouge, where annual emission checks are required so all inspection stickers there are one year only.  It can get confusing, especially for LSU students from outside the Baton Rouge area.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on March 02, 2020, 04:13:48 PM
good info - makes it less clear-cut. And this, again, is for nobody but myself. So....its difficult.

My goal, ultimately, in a perfect world. would be to demonstrate to other states why moving to a single sticker for everything is cost-effective. NC's month sticker was a one-and-done, but the eliminated it altogether to save money. If you still see it, its because they never removed it, but the stopped issuing them. Other states could follow suit.

So it was, best case scenario, to show other states how they can save time and money by streamlining the stickers. But NY gets weird bc they're 2 yr for reg and 1 for inspection.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 02, 2020, 04:41:52 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 02, 2020, 04:13:48 PM
good info - makes it less clear-cut. And this, again, is for nobody but myself. So....its difficult.

My goal, ultimately, in a perfect world. would be to demonstrate to other states why moving to a single sticker for everything is cost-effective. NC's month sticker was a one-and-done, but the eliminated it altogether to save money. If you still see it, its because they never removed it, but the stopped issuing them. Other states could follow suit.

So it was, best case scenario, to show other states how they can save time and money by streamlining the stickers. But NY gets weird bc they're 2 yr for reg and 1 for inspection.
Single sticker for everything - as in combining state licensing powers with mechanical inspection outsourced to private mechanics?  I don't quite see that as those are significantly different processes from the bureaucratic perspective.
As for stickers themselves - NY, for one, has paper stickers attached from inside, so cost of sticker itself is pretty low. It is either licensing or inspection procedure or charge which cost probably 1000x of sticker value.

As for the map - overlaying inspection requirements may be another thing you want to do. Mechanical inspection is not required in all states; and that removes a layer of stickers and procedures.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on March 02, 2020, 06:59:19 PM
That's what I'm trying to capture. What I could use is a delineation for what is what, but NY is shown to have 2 because of inspection and registration. NC has the one sticker now.

I guess what I'm after is sticker count. It seems that many states are out to simplify the process and/or reduce the number of vinyl reflective stickers. I know Texas went to one.

I really know less about the process or methods and rationale behind the process than I should. But it's probably a nerdy-OCD-Aspergsey thing in me to just like consistency and simplification. I'm all about innovation, but equally into standardization and I know for a fact NC's change came as a result of reducing costs. I was (perhaps erroneously) applying that same thought-process to other states to see if they can reduce costs within their own system using the same methods.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 10:11:08 AM
I haven't tried to follow the whole thread. What is the map intended to show? The number of state-mandated decals you must have on your car? In Virginia, the way it is supposed to work is that you have two plates (front and rear) and each of them has a "month" sticker on the left and a "year" sticker on the right (whether top left/right or bottom left/right may vary depending on the specific plate design). I say that's how it's "supposed to work" because a lot of people seem unable to grasp this simple concept and come up with all sorts of weird incorrect ways to apply the decals. Meanwhile, there is also a state safety inspection decal that is not tied to the registration process; it goes at the lower driver's-side corner of the windshield (used to go in the bottom center until two years ago).

Some Virginia counties and cities still mandate a local registration decal, but that's not a state requirement and is not universal.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on March 03, 2020, 10:27:43 AM
Yes, the idea (in the original post, pg 49) was that it was to show how many inspection and registration stickers go on the vehicle. Texas and NC went to a single sticker, so I wanted to show what each state was doing.

It's surprisingly hard to figure out, but this is an esoteric interest.

Thanks for the clarification.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 10:41:20 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 03, 2020, 10:27:43 AM
Yes, the idea (in the original post, pg 49) was that it was to show how many inspection and registration stickers go on the vehicle. Texas and NC went to a single sticker, so I wanted to show what each state was doing.

It's surprisingly hard to figure out, but this is an esoteric interest.

Thanks for the clarification.

What reply number is the original post? On my screen, we are currently on page 26 of this thread. I have it set to load the maximum number of posts per page that it permits simply to reduce the number of pages I have to click through to view a thread.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 03, 2020, 10:57:33 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 10:41:20 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 03, 2020, 10:27:43 AM
Yes, the idea (in the original post, pg 49) was that it was to show how many inspection and registration stickers go on the vehicle. Texas and NC went to a single sticker, so I wanted to show what each state was doing.

It's surprisingly hard to figure out, but this is an esoteric interest.

Thanks for the clarification.

What reply number is the original post?
Reply #1221.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on March 03, 2020, 12:41:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 10:41:20 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 03, 2020, 10:27:43 AM
Yes, the idea (in the original post, pg 49) was that it was to show how many inspection and registration stickers go on the vehicle. Texas and NC went to a single sticker, so I wanted to show what each state was doing.

It's surprisingly hard to figure out, but this is an esoteric interest.

Thanks for the clarification.

What reply number is the original post? On my screen, we are currently on page 26 of this thread. I have it set to load the maximum number of posts per page that it permits simply to reduce the number of pages I have to click through to view a thread.
Default is 25 posts per page, max is 50, so divide by 2 and round up would seem to be a good conversion factor.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 03, 2020, 01:04:23 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 02, 2020, 06:59:19 PM
That's what I'm trying to capture. What I could use is a delineation for what is what, but NY is shown to have 2 because of inspection and registration. NC has the one sticker now.

I guess what I'm after is sticker count. It seems that many states are out to simplify the process and/or reduce the number of vinyl reflective stickers. I know Texas went to one.

I really know less about the process or methods and rationale behind the process than I should. But it's probably a nerdy-OCD-Aspergsey thing in me to just like consistency and simplification. I'm all about innovation, but equally into standardization and I know for a fact NC's change came as a result of reducing costs. I was (perhaps erroneously) applying that same thought-process to other states to see if they can reduce costs within their own system using the same methods.
These are good enough reasons for this forum!

As for stickers.. Let me compare NY (first hand) and TX (from what I read). I would say it is similar.
in both cases you need to do an annual inspection first, that instantly goes into DMV database, and a printed report (optional in NY) is handed to car owner. NY also issues a sticker  at that point.
When registration is up for renewal, DMV looks up valid inspection and (dis)allows registration based on that.

Role of sticker in NY, then, is to allow law enforcement - and driver - to look at inspection due date without database access, as two may not be synchronized (my inspection is due in April, while registration is in October), and there are 2 inspection cycles per registration period.  Although I, as an owner, get a flurry of e-mailed reminders whenever my inspection is due - so sticker is only that useful. Not everyone is registered for DMV e-mails, though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 01:13:24 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 03, 2020, 12:41:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 10:41:20 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 03, 2020, 10:27:43 AM
Yes, the idea (in the original post, pg 49) was that it was to show how many inspection and registration stickers go on the vehicle. Texas and NC went to a single sticker, so I wanted to show what each state was doing.

It's surprisingly hard to figure out, but this is an esoteric interest.

Thanks for the clarification.

What reply number is the original post? On my screen, we are currently on page 26 of this thread. I have it set to load the maximum number of posts per page that it permits simply to reduce the number of pages I have to click through to view a thread.
Default is 25 posts per page, max is 50, so divide by 2 and round up would seem to be a good conversion factor.

That would have required too much thought, plus I didn't remember what the default was anyway.

Regarding the stickers in DC, the registration appears on a windshield sticker, and that sticker also contains additional information like which residential parking zone, if any, the car has a permit for. When DC first went to the windshield sticker, the city's parking enforcement started ticketing their own residents for having expired license plates. Shortly thereafter, the DMV issued supplemental stickers saying "See Window Sticker" to put on the plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 03, 2020, 01:21:47 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 01:13:24 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 03, 2020, 12:41:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 10:41:20 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 03, 2020, 10:27:43 AM
Yes, the idea (in the original post, pg 49) was that it was to show how many inspection and registration stickers go on the vehicle. Texas and NC went to a single sticker, so I wanted to show what each state was doing.

It's surprisingly hard to figure out, but this is an esoteric interest.

Thanks for the clarification.

What reply number is the original post? On my screen, we are currently on page 26 of this thread. I have it set to load the maximum number of posts per page that it permits simply to reduce the number of pages I have to click through to view a thread.
Default is 25 posts per page, max is 50, so divide by 2 and round up would seem to be a good conversion factor.

That would have required too much thought, plus I didn't remember what the default was anyway.
Forgive me but did you not see Reply #1268 for the posted answer?  Which is Reply #1221.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 06:47:16 PM
Quote from: PHLBOS on March 03, 2020, 01:21:47 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 01:13:24 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 03, 2020, 12:41:10 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 10:41:20 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 03, 2020, 10:27:43 AM
Yes, the idea (in the original post, pg 49) was that it was to show how many inspection and registration stickers go on the vehicle. Texas and NC went to a single sticker, so I wanted to show what each state was doing.

It's surprisingly hard to figure out, but this is an esoteric interest.

Thanks for the clarification.

What reply number is the original post? On my screen, we are currently on page 26 of this thread. I have it set to load the maximum number of posts per page that it permits simply to reduce the number of pages I have to click through to view a thread.
Default is 25 posts per page, max is 50, so divide by 2 and round up would seem to be a good conversion factor.

That would have required too much thought, plus I didn't remember what the default was anyway.
Forgive me but did you not see Reply #1268 for the posted answer?  Which is Reply #1221.

Yeah, I saw it. Does that mean I should have ignored vdeane's comment?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on March 03, 2020, 08:22:02 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 01:13:24 PM
That would have required too much thought, plus I didn't remember what the default was anyway.
Yeah, I just happened to see that my page count (having never changed that setting) was close to double your's, and took a look at the setting to verify before posting.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 04, 2020, 10:42:30 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 03, 2020, 06:47:16 PMYeah, I saw it. Does that mean I should have ignored vdeane's comment?
You could've at least stated that you already saw the answer while concurrently replying to her comment.   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on March 04, 2020, 11:42:15 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AMI know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers.

Kansas is a rear-plate-only state with an annual registration sticker that goes on the upper right corner of the license plate and no periodic emissions or safety inspection.  I think the first version of your map is consistent with this, but the second suggests there is no registration sticker.

The Kansas registration sticker has the three-letter abbreviation for the last month of registration validity in large type, and the license plate number (spaces stripped out) below it in small type.  The latter is a recent innovation.  Year of expiry is keyed to the background color of the sticker, and is otherwise not explicitly indicated.  I think month of expiry is keyed to transaction date (ours all expire at the end of November, with December 1 as the enforcement date, and no family members have ever had birthdays in that month).

There have been attempts to correlate sticker policies with a state's overall political lean.  I've never felt these work very well.  I think the existence of emissions stickers correlates better with states having at least one metro area that receives CMAQ funding, and safety inspection stickers with states having Dfa/Dfb climates where brake lines can go spongy with age.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 04, 2020, 11:49:05 AM
^^^^

Then you have states like Virginia. Certain parts of Virginia are subject to emissions inspections, others are not, and there is no emissions sticker–the test result is transmitted electronically to the DMV so you can renew your registration. When they first started the emissions program in the early 1980s, there was an emissions decal that went at the lower driver's-side corner of the windshield (where the much smaller safety inspection sticker goes today), but people complained about it being distracting and they scrapped the decal a year or two later.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on March 04, 2020, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 04, 2020, 11:49:05 AM
^^^^

Then you have states like Virginia. Certain parts of Virginia are subject to emissions inspections, others are not, and there is no emissions sticker–the test result is transmitted electronically to the DMV so you can renew your registration. When they first started the emissions program in the early 1980s, there was an emissions decal that went at the lower driver's-side corner of the windshield (where the much smaller safety inspection sticker goes today), but people complained about it being distracting and they scrapped the decal a year or two later.

Wisconsin is similar. Only the SE region is subject to emissions inspections, and it's tied to your registration renewal. IIRC, there's never been a separate indication showing you passed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on March 04, 2020, 12:23:07 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on March 04, 2020, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 04, 2020, 11:49:05 AM
^^^^

Then you have states like Virginia. Certain parts of Virginia are subject to emissions inspections, others are not, and there is no emissions sticker–the test result is transmitted electronically to the DMV so you can renew your registration. When they first started the emissions program in the early 1980s, there was an emissions decal that went at the lower driver's-side corner of the windshield (where the much smaller safety inspection sticker goes today), but people complained about it being distracting and they scrapped the decal a year or two later.

Wisconsin is similar. Only the SE region is subject to emissions inspections, and it's tied to your registration renewal. IIRC, there's never been a separate indication showing you passed.

Illinois is almost the same as Wisconsin.  The only difference is that IL has specific emissions testing facilities while WI utilizes certified private garages for testing. In both states the testing is free to the motorist, which is not the case in most states with emissions testing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on March 04, 2020, 12:39:49 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on March 04, 2020, 12:23:07 PM
Quote from: DaBigE on March 04, 2020, 11:57:22 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 04, 2020, 11:49:05 AM
^^^^

Then you have states like Virginia. Certain parts of Virginia are subject to emissions inspections, others are not, and there is no emissions sticker–the test result is transmitted electronically to the DMV so you can renew your registration. When they first started the emissions program in the early 1980s, there was an emissions decal that went at the lower driver's-side corner of the windshield (where the much smaller safety inspection sticker goes today), but people complained about it being distracting and they scrapped the decal a year or two later.

Wisconsin is similar. Only the SE region is subject to emissions inspections, and it's tied to your registration renewal. IIRC, there's never been a separate indication showing you passed.

Illinois is almost the same as Wisconsin.  The only difference is that IL has specific emissions testing facilities while WI utilizes certified private garages for testing. In both states the testing is free at no additional cost to the motorist, which is not the case in most states with emissions testing.

FIFY. It comes out of the state budget/taxes somehow.

Yeah, Wisconsin used to have state facilities for testing, but eliminated them years ago as a state budget cut.

Abandoned test facility - West Bend (https://goo.gl/maps/HUatCWKwiMexA4wG9)
older test facility turned fire station - West Bend (https://goo.gl/maps/Kf6LFBTESHMVrCAD7) (this one was replaced by the one in the first link)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on March 04, 2020, 10:07:25 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 04, 2020, 11:42:15 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AMI know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers.

Kansas is a rear-plate-only state with an annual registration sticker that goes on the upper right corner of the license plate and no periodic emissions or safety inspection.  I think the first version of your map is consistent with this, but the second suggests there is no registration sticker.


Kansas is one sticker? I'm just after sticker count. Thanks
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadman65 on March 04, 2020, 10:13:01 PM
What is a Kentucky 10,000? Saw a KY plate with that number on it at the bottom.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: csw on March 04, 2020, 10:29:28 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 04, 2020, 10:13:01 PM
What is a Kentucky 10,000? Saw a KY plate with that number on it at the bottom.
I believe that means that the vehicle weighs at least 10,000 lbs. In Indiana, vehicles over a certain weight have to have different "truck" plates with their weight class on them. Probably the same thing in Kentucky.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2020, 05:47:23 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 04, 2020, 10:07:25 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on March 04, 2020, 11:42:15 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on February 12, 2020, 11:38:14 AMI know this maybe confusing, but it's a very complicated system. I was curious what each state was doing in terms of license plate registration and inspection stickers.

Kansas is a rear-plate-only state with an annual registration sticker that goes on the upper right corner of the license plate and no periodic emissions or safety inspection.  I think the first version of your map is consistent with this, but the second suggests there is no registration sticker.


Kansas is one sticker? I'm just after sticker count. Thanks

Kansas has two stickers–the one in the upper right mentioned above, and one in the upper-left bearing a two-letter county abbreviation.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 05, 2020, 11:12:01 AM
Quote from: csw on March 04, 2020, 10:29:28 PM
Quote from: roadman65 on March 04, 2020, 10:13:01 PM
What is a Kentucky 10,000? Saw a KY plate with that number on it at the bottom.
I believe that means that the vehicle weighs at least 10,000 lbs. In Indiana, vehicles over a certain weight have to have different "truck" plates with their weight class on them. Probably the same thing in Kentucky.

Yeah, it has something to do with trucks.  The deal is, and AFAIK this is a unique to Kentucky thing, I have seen the same exact type of vehicle with both regular and these weight based plates.  No body seems to know what the distinction is.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on March 05, 2020, 01:34:45 PM
The month of expiry on a Kansas plate is tied to your last name. It's a carry over from the old system (pre-1987) when the third letter in the license plate number indicated the month of expiry.

If your last name begins with:               You renew your tag in:
A                                                        February
B                                                        March
C, D                                                    April
E, F, G                                                May
H, I                                                    June
J, K, L                                                July
M, N, O                                              August   <--- when mine have to be renewed since my last name begins with N.
P, Q, R                                               September
S                                                       October
T, V, W                                               November
U, X, Y, Z                                            December

January is for trucks, trailers and other categories of vehicles.

On pre-1987 tags, you had the county code stacked on top of each other on the far left in small letters, then a larger letter corresponding to the expiration month, then the number.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/bd/35/2f/bd352fe311ed27fb0621f89da9c6eb1f.jpg)

They only used one letter for the expiration code, so you'd never see a tag for any county with the third letter being "K".
The letter code for each month was, in order, A, B, C, E, H, J, M, R, S, V, X.

"Z" was used if the range of numbers for other letters ran out. I never saw a "Z" tag in the field, but I have seen a photo of a Z tag for Johnson County.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on March 05, 2020, 07:46:29 PM
Honestly, I don't understand states that tie vehicle things to stuff like last names and birthdays.  That sounds like a good way to get screwed over if you need to buy a vehicle right before your designated renewal time or get rid of one shortly thereafter.  Having the plate/registration/whatever term start when you get the vehicle seems much more sensible.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 05, 2020, 07:49:52 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 05, 2020, 07:46:29 PM
Honestly, I don't understand states that tie vehicle things to stuff like last names and birthdays.  That sounds like a good way to get screwed over if you need to buy a vehicle right before your designated renewal time or get rid of one shortly thereafter.  Having the plate/registration/whatever term start when you get the vehicle seems much more sensible.

It's a good way to make sure you remember to do it, though. Harder to say "Oh, I forgot" if literally every car you've owned in the state has its tag expire in August. Considering the state's interest is in compliance and not on avoiding screwing people over...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 05, 2020, 10:02:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2020, 07:49:52 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 05, 2020, 07:46:29 PM
Honestly, I don't understand states that tie vehicle things to stuff like last names and birthdays.  That sounds like a good way to get screwed over if you need to buy a vehicle right before your designated renewal time or get rid of one shortly thereafter.  Having the plate/registration/whatever term start when you get the vehicle seems much more sensible.

It's a good way to make sure you remember to do it, though. Harder to say "Oh, I forgot" if literally every car you've owned in the state has its tag expire in August. Considering the state's interest is in compliance and not on avoiding screwing people over...

That's as may be, but Valeria makes a point. Does the state offer credits to drivers on "remaining time" for the current registration? Or do they have to start all over?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 05, 2020, 10:28:04 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 05, 2020, 10:02:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2020, 07:49:52 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 05, 2020, 07:46:29 PM
Honestly, I don't understand states that tie vehicle things to stuff like last names and birthdays.  That sounds like a good way to get screwed over if you need to buy a vehicle right before your designated renewal time or get rid of one shortly thereafter.  Having the plate/registration/whatever term start when you get the vehicle seems much more sensible.

It's a good way to make sure you remember to do it, though. Harder to say "Oh, I forgot" if literally every car you've owned in the state has its tag expire in August. Considering the state's interest is in compliance and not on avoiding screwing people over...

That's as may be, but Valeria makes a point. Does the state offer credits to drivers on "remaining time" for the current registration? Or do they have to start all over?
In NY, at least, it's a full registration credit for unused time when transferring plates&registration to another car. Not sure if unused year can be refunded; 1 day use definitely makes it non-refundable.
But in case of NY, we're talking about less than $100 total for a regular car - plates, registration, inspection - which may be just another thing when moving out of state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on March 05, 2020, 11:51:45 PM
My thanks to Apeman33 for explaining the Kansas system for determining month of expiry for vehicle registration--that is my new thing learned for the day.

Quote from: vdeane on March 05, 2020, 07:46:29 PM
Honestly, I don't understand states that tie vehicle things to stuff like last names and birthdays.  That sounds like a good way to get screwed over if you need to buy a vehicle right before your designated renewal time or get rid of one shortly thereafter.  Having the plate/registration/whatever term start when you get the vehicle seems much more sensible.

Quote from: jakeroot on March 05, 2020, 10:02:16 PMThat's as may be, but Valeria makes a point. Does the state offer credits to drivers on "remaining time" for the current registration? Or do they have to start all over?

In Kansas, the unused portion of the personal property tax paid on the vehicle (as part of the registration renewal charge) is eligible for refund.  It is calculated from the date all the required documentation of the vehicle's change in status (sale in-state or transfer out of state) is received by the treasurer in the Kansas county from which the refund is sought, which is a financial incentive to gather the required paperwork and submit it ASAP.

There are other fees wrapped into registration renewal that are not refundable.  However, the personal property tax element can be quite significant, especially for newer cars, because it is related to the car's value and is seen by counties as a significant revenue source.  In the 1980's and 1990's Kansas had a reputation as one of the most expensive states in the country to register a car and one of the cheapest in which to insure it.

Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2020, 05:47:23 AMKansas has two stickers–the one in the upper right mentioned above, and one in the upper-left bearing a two-letter county abbreviation.

Kansas has used stickers for the county on all recent standard-series plates with raised plate numbers.  (I have checked this against a current state-seal plate, an old capitol plate, and an even older wheat plate.)  However, on the new flat plates (which also use the state-seal design), the county block is printed directly onto the plate in the same manner as the plate number.  I don't know if stickers are still used when a vehicle moves in-state from one county to another.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on March 06, 2020, 01:27:50 PM
There's an Indiana plate used by one of my neighbors, and it has 2 stickers on it, plus a third printed date (says 06-28).

The other two are the month and county.

I think that the whole point of NC moving to single sticker was the cost itself of the sticker. The printed flat info does complicate this whole calculation, but I will discard them. I am only after stickercount. But I don't know if directly printing on the plate saves any money.

I will add though that I don't know if Indiana uses this method still. NC moved to one sticker, but you will still see cars with 2 because they never removed the now-obsolete decal. So Indiana may have changed and he just didn't get a new plate that reflects the current methods.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on March 06, 2020, 02:28:48 PM
Another factor that complicates sticker count is that some states, like Kansas, do not appear to have a mechanism for retiring old plates that are not in the standard series, and in the past have used separate stickers for month and year of expiry.  The oldest car in the family (turned 26 last February) still has visible stickers for "NOV" and year buried underneath newer decals.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 06, 2020, 02:30:36 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 06, 2020, 01:27:50 PM
I think that the whole point of NC moving to single sticker was the cost itself of the sticker.
If this is of any indication... Outdoor grade vinyl stickers are sold at about $0.15/square inch; for example: https://www.grainger.com/product/LYLE-Vinyl-34JZ14
License plate sticker is probably about 1 square inch, and sticker itself costs less than cost of mailing it or driving a mile to pick it up..
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DaBigE on March 06, 2020, 03:37:46 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 06, 2020, 02:30:36 PM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 06, 2020, 01:27:50 PM
I think that the whole point of NC moving to single sticker was the cost itself of the sticker.
If this is of any indication... Outdoor grade vinyl stickers are sold at about $0.15/square inch; for example: https://www.grainger.com/product/LYLE-Vinyl-34JZ14
License plate sticker is probably about 1 square inch, and sticker itself costs less than cost of mailing it or driving a mile to pick it up..

I wonder how many states use pure vinyl (or similar) stickers, versus reflective stickers? Wisconsin's are reflective (engineer-grade sheeting?). The cost for reflective is likely slightly higher, but not by much (or Wisconsin should have cut it a long time ago).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Dustin DeWinn on March 07, 2020, 10:56:31 AM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 04, 2020, 11:49:05 AM
^^^^

Then you have states like Virginia. Certain parts of Virginia are subject to emissions inspections, others are not, and there is no emissions sticker–the test result is transmitted electronically to the DMV so you can renew your registration. When they first started the emissions program in the early 1980s, there was an emissions decal that went at the lower driver's-side corner of the windshield (where the much smaller safety inspection sticker goes today), but people complained about it being distracting and they scrapped the decal a year or two later.

how many stickers on the front and rear plates in VA?

Any idea for WV?

Previous notes say

*WV:1 on the rear plate (no front plate) and 2 on the front
*VA: 2 on the front, 2 on the back, one on the WS, but now that's wrong
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on March 07, 2020, 01:49:04 PM
And just as fast as they came, the blue Ontario plates are gone: https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/ontario-government-admits-mistake-returns-to-a-white-licence-plate-design

The new new plates will be pretty much the same as the old design but flat (akin to recent redesigns in Kansas and New Jersey) and maintain the "A place to grow" slogan from the blue plates. Is this the shortest lived license plate design in history??? Didn't even make it through February...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 09, 2020, 09:26:39 AM
Quote from: Dustin DeWinn on March 07, 2020, 10:56:31 AM



Any idea for WV?

Previous notes say

*WV:1 on the rear plate (no front plate) and 2 on the front


WV has only a rear plate, and one sticker for the year of expiration.  The month of expiration is indicated by the first character of the number (1-9, O, N, D).  All personalized plates all expire in January; all member group plates expire in July.

WV has one inspection sticker in the lower driver's side windshield.  Safety only.  The state has a "permanent"  waiver from the EPA for emissions testing due to the economic situation.

WV's current plate numbering scheme is near exhaustion.  State said it was going to recall all the plates and start over with a more traditional system of NNN - LLL with two stickers (month and year) but has made no moves to actually do so.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jemacedo9 on March 09, 2020, 09:57:39 AM
PA no longer has a registration sticker on the license plate...that went away I think two years ago...maybe three.

PA has a windshield sticker for the inspection for all counties.  Some counties (urban/suburban) require an emission inspection which is a second windshield sticker.  But also...trucks (commercial?) have a third windshield sticker indicating I believe weight class. I don't know if this is still a requirement, but I still see trucks with the third windshield sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: PHLBOS on March 09, 2020, 10:15:19 AM
Quote from: jemacedo9 on March 09, 2020, 09:57:39 AMPA has a windshield sticker for the inspection for all counties.  Some counties (urban/suburban) require an emission inspection which is a second windshield sticker.
It is worth noting that vehicles older than 1975 are not required to undergo emissions testing nor receive a sticker for such in PA counties that do/require emissions testing.  Exemptions from emissions testing for newer vehicles (example: vehicles w/less than 5000 miles/year) will typically receive an emissions sticker with EXEMPTION placed on it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on March 09, 2020, 01:26:33 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 05, 2020, 07:46:29 PM
Honestly, I don't understand states that tie vehicle things to stuff like last names and birthdays.  That sounds like a good way to get screwed over if you need to buy a vehicle right before your designated renewal time or get rid of one shortly thereafter.  Having the plate/registration/whatever term start when you get the vehicle seems much more sensible.
When I was growing up in Tennessee they went from all plates expiring at the same time to a phased system based on the first letter of your last name.  It was a convenient way to initially spread out the renewals throughout the year.  I haven't lived in Tennessee in 40 years so I don't know if they still use a similar system.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on March 10, 2020, 10:41:02 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 05, 2020, 10:02:16 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 05, 2020, 07:49:52 PM
Quote from: vdeane on March 05, 2020, 07:46:29 PM
Honestly, I don't understand states that tie vehicle things to stuff like last names and birthdays.  That sounds like a good way to get screwed over if you need to buy a vehicle right before your designated renewal time or get rid of one shortly thereafter.  Having the plate/registration/whatever term start when you get the vehicle seems much more sensible.

It's a good way to make sure you remember to do it, though. Harder to say "Oh, I forgot" if literally every car you've owned in the state has its tag expire in August. Considering the state's interest is in compliance and not on avoiding screwing people over...

That's as may be, but Valeria makes a point. Does the state offer credits to drivers on "remaining time" for the current registration? Or do they have to start all over?

When I lived in New Hampshire, your initial registration was pro-rated down to the month.  In Ohio, you get half price if it's 6 months or less to your next renewal.   However, in both cases, if you leave the state or sell the car before the registration expires, no refund is issued.  Not a big deal in Ohio as annual fees (base plate) is only $31.  Some counties add a fee, but I think that is capped at $15 or $20/year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on March 11, 2020, 09:30:37 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on March 07, 2020, 01:49:04 PM
And just as fast as they came, the blue Ontario plates are gone: https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/ontario-government-admits-mistake-returns-to-a-white-licence-plate-design

The new new plates will be pretty much the same as the old design but flat (akin to recent redesigns in Kansas and New Jersey) and maintain the "A place to grow" slogan from the blue plates. Is this the shortest lived license plate design in history??? Didn't even make it through February...

Back to the "liberal" plates, eh? :-D. It still shocks me that the illegibility slipped through.

I'm disappointed that they're sticking to flat plates, but at least the return to blue-on-white will look better.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on March 17, 2020, 07:12:25 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 11, 2020, 09:30:37 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on March 07, 2020, 01:49:04 PM
And just as fast as they came, the blue Ontario plates are gone: https://driving.ca/auto-news/news/ontario-government-admits-mistake-returns-to-a-white-licence-plate-design

The new new plates will be pretty much the same as the old design but flat (akin to recent redesigns in Kansas and New Jersey) and maintain the "A place to grow" slogan from the blue plates. Is this the shortest lived license plate design in history??? Didn't even make it through February...

Back to the "liberal" plates, eh? :-D. It still shocks me that the illegibility slipped through.

I'm disappointed that they're sticking to flat plates, but at least the return to blue-on-white will look better.

Those blue plates will be highly sought after... Due to their low numbers. I wish I could get one... before they appreciate in value.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on May 06, 2020, 07:53:51 PM
After all the fuss that had mostly been forgotten about due to some other ruckus that took people's attention, the Government of Ontario is abandoning the license plate redesign and returning to the old embossed blue-on-white "Liberal" plates without any changes: https://globalnews.ca/news/6911676/ontario-licence-plate-redesign-2/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 07, 2020, 11:40:08 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on March 05, 2020, 11:12:01 AM

Quote from: csw on March 04, 2020, 10:29:28 PM

Quote from: roadman65 on March 04, 2020, 10:13:01 PM
What is a Kentucky 10,000? Saw a KY plate with that number on it at the bottom.

I believe that means that the vehicle weighs at least 10,000 lbs. In Indiana, vehicles over a certain weight have to have different "truck" plates with their weight class on them. Probably the same thing in Kentucky.

Yeah, it has something to do with trucks.  The deal is, and AFAIK this is a unique to Kentucky thing, I have seen the same exact type of vehicle with both regular and these weight based plates.  No body seems to know what the distinction is.

And, word to the wise:  If you drive in Kentucky in a vehicle that has a GVW rating of more than 10,000 pounds, you are required to stop at the weigh scales–no matter if your vehicle has commercial plates or not.  When I used to drive a delivery route in the southern Illinois region, one of our drivers found that out the hard way, because it hadn't even occurred to anyone at our company.  We drove Isuzu cab-over turbo-diesel box trucks (like this (https://jingletruck.com/img/2004-isuzu-npr-14ft-box-truck-4-8l-turbo-diesel-fl-truck-clean-carfax-w4500-381886585053-0.jpg)), which in Illinois get regular license plates and are exempt from stopping at the scales.  He found out that's not true in Kentucky when the state troopers came racing after him down the highway.

We all learned to avoid that highway.  Our small company got a bad reputation among highway patrol in the Paducah area, though, because of that plus one other incident.  There was a traffic pileup on the I-24 Ohio River bridge, and one of our drivers was caught in the middle.  The accident was clearly not his fault, but his truck had a huge company name and phone number on the side, so guess who people decided to sue.  Well, anyway, at the time of the pileup, when the police arrived, they performed a truck inspection on the spot and found that the rear brakes didn't work.  Yeah, from that point on, our trucks may as well have had giant bulls-eyes painted on them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on May 13, 2020, 08:32:38 PM
Remember those new plates for NY?  Looks like they actually happened even after the mandatory replacement after 10 years with new plate fee plan was cancelled, though they ran into the same reflectivity problem that Ontario had (although, unlike Ontario, the state caught it before they were issued): https://nypost.com/2020/05/13/ny-dmv-recalls-cuomos-new-license-plates-due-to-e-zpass-defect/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on May 13, 2020, 09:22:23 PM
Yeah Ontario has now officially scrapped those blue plates...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 22, 2020, 12:03:58 AM
What are the latest plans for California when the current series of plate numbers runs out?  They are already up to [8SAAxxx] and from what I am aware of, will not be using numbers in the [9LLLNNN] block.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 22, 2020, 12:47:23 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 22, 2020, 12:03:58 AM
What are the latest plans for California when the current series of plate numbers runs out?  They are already up to [8SAAxxx] and from what I am aware of, will not be using numbers in the [9LLLNNN] block.

Where did you hear that they were skipping out on 9-series plates? I hadn't heard that.

They could adopt San Andreas plate numbering (from GTA V); after 9 (or 8?), go to 10 and keep the ball moving :-D:

(https://imgvol.cdn.lcpdfr.com/screenshots/monthly_2020_01/plate01.jpg.7236c783168c42b46f9b2304098e8d64.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 22, 2020, 12:14:03 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 22, 2020, 12:47:23 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 22, 2020, 12:03:58 AM
What are the latest plans for California when the current series of plate numbers runs out?  They are already up to [8SAAxxx] and from what I am aware of, will not be using numbers in the [9LLLNNN] block.

Where did you hear that they were skipping out on 9-series plates? I hadn't heard that.


It was in a discussion on this in here a couple of years ago.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 22, 2020, 12:23:12 PM
Kansas announced a new design for personalized license plates (https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovpersplate.html).  However, none of the ones I've seen have looked like the examples.  The ones I've seen have all been a plain brown background, not fading to gold with a graphic element as indicated.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on June 12, 2020, 02:25:44 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 22, 2020, 12:03:58 AM
What are the latest plans for California when the current series of plate numbers runs out?  They are already up to [8SAAxxx] and from what I am aware of, will not be using numbers in the [9LLLNNN] block.

I would expect that they will do the same thing they did with commercial plates, where they also skipped the 9 series.  It went from 8Z99999 to 00000A1.  For passenger cars, what we will probably see after the 8 series is exhausted is 000AAA1.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on June 12, 2020, 02:30:29 PM
Quote from: jdbx on June 12, 2020, 02:25:44 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 22, 2020, 12:03:58 AM
What are the latest plans for California when the current series of plate numbers runs out?  They are already up to [8SAAxxx] and from what I am aware of, will not be using numbers in the [9LLLNNN] block.

I would expect that they will do the same thing they did with commercial plates, where they also skipped the 9 series.  It went from 8Z99999 to 00000A1.  For passenger cars, what we will probably see after the 8 series is exhausted is 000AAA1.

I wonder why they don't just go to LLLNNNN like most other larger states.  I also wish they would use a slightly narrower font so they have room for a space between the letters and numbers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 12, 2020, 02:36:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 22, 2020, 12:23:12 PM
Kansas announced a new design for personalized license plates (https://www.ksrevenue.org/dovpersplate.html).  However, none of the ones I've seen have looked like the examples.  The ones I've seen have all been a plain brown background, not fading to gold with a graphic element as indicated.

Update:  I've started seeing these plates with the graphic element as pictured.  I wonder why the earliest ones didn't have it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Konza on June 12, 2020, 02:49:14 PM
Arizona has apparently changed the alphanumeric sequence on its plates within the last month.  Seven digits, numbers and letters mixed together.  The few I've seen so far have the letter A in the third, fifth, and seventh position.  The old sequence ended before the first letter reached D.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on June 12, 2020, 10:30:20 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on June 12, 2020, 02:30:29 PM
Quote from: jdbx on June 12, 2020, 02:25:44 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 22, 2020, 12:03:58 AM
What are the latest plans for California when the current series of plate numbers runs out?  They are already up to [8SAAxxx] and from what I am aware of, will not be using numbers in the [9LLLNNN] block.

I would expect that they will do the same thing they did with commercial plates, where they also skipped the 9 series.  It went from 8Z99999 to 00000A1.  For passenger cars, what we will probably see after the 8 series is exhausted is 000AAA1.

I wonder why they don't just go to LLLNNNN like most other larger states.  I also wish they would use a slightly narrower font so they have room for a space between the letters and numbers.

I wouldn't mind seeing California going from 8LLLNNN to LLLLNNN like in Ontario.  I also like the slightly condensed font idea to allow a 'dash'.  Heck, if Wisconsin can do LLL-NNNN, why can't California?

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on June 12, 2020, 10:35:24 PM
Quote from: Konza on June 12, 2020, 02:49:14 PM
Arizona has apparently changed the alphanumeric sequence on its plates within the last month.  Seven digits, numbers and letters mixed together.  The few I've seen so far have the letter A in the third, fifth, and seventh position.  The old sequence ended before the first letter reached D.

That is totally weird.  The latest list in The High Road shows the current 'high' in Arizona as [A2A3ARA].  Are they going to be issuing them in totally random order?

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 15, 2020, 11:10:59 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 12, 2020, 10:30:20 PM
I wouldn't mind seeing California going from 8LLLNNN to LLLLNNN like in Ontario.

A pet peeve of mine is serial blocks that have more letters than numerals.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on June 20, 2020, 02:56:24 PM
It looks like more than a few people noticed changes to the standard Arizona plates. ADOT has an explanation. The standard plates will now have random sequencing.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/your-eyes-don%E2%80%99t-deceive-you-new-license-plate-numbers-are-different
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2020, 11:14:18 AM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on June 20, 2020, 02:56:24 PM
It looks like more than a few people noticed changes to the standard Arizona plates. ADOT has an explanation. The standard plates will now have random sequencing.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/your-eyes-don%E2%80%99t-deceive-you-new-license-plate-numbers-are-different

I had never thought about doing this for license plate serial numbers, but now I'm surprised agencies haven't already been doing it for years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on June 22, 2020, 02:21:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2020, 11:14:18 AM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on June 20, 2020, 02:56:24 PM
It looks like more than a few people noticed changes to the standard Arizona plates. ADOT has an explanation. The standard plates will now have random sequencing.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/your-eyes-don%E2%80%99t-deceive-you-new-license-plate-numbers-are-different

I had never thought about doing this for license plate serial numbers, but now I'm surprised agencies haven't already been doing it for years.

Indiana switched from issuing car plate numbers by county to 'at random' a couple of decades ago.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 22, 2020, 02:26:58 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on June 22, 2020, 02:21:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on June 22, 2020, 11:14:18 AM

Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on June 20, 2020, 02:56:24 PM
It looks like more than a few people noticed changes to the standard Arizona plates. ADOT has an explanation. The standard plates will now have random sequencing.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/your-eyes-don%E2%80%99t-deceive-you-new-license-plate-numbers-are-different

I had never thought about doing this for license plate serial numbers, but now I'm surprised agencies haven't already been doing it for years.

Indiana switched from issuing car plate numbers by county to 'at random' a couple of decades ago.

Mike

Maybe I'm understanding the change in Arizona incorrectly, then.  I read the article to mean new license plates are a random mix of letters and numbers–not that an existing serial number expanded in use.

??
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on June 24, 2020, 03:34:58 PM
Arizona's newest standard plates are a random mix of letters and numbers. Some people have reported seeing new plates in a format of "A1B2C3D". I haven't seen any of those in the field. The plates I have seen have the format of "ABC1DEF". The only way to tell these are standard is there's a purple cactus to the left of the seven characters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 24, 2020, 03:45:42 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on June 24, 2020, 03:34:58 PM
Arizona's newest standard plates are a random mix of letters and numbers. Some people have reported seeing new plates in a format of "A1B2C3D". I haven't seen any of those in the field. The plates I have seen have the format of "ABC1DEF". The only way to tell these are standard is there's a purple cactus to the left of the seven characters.

As for the latter combination, that may take the cake for the most number of letters in a non-custom alphanumeric licence plate. Even if it is 'random'.

I would think Arizona is keeping a certain format for their plates, even if they switch to random characters.

Here in WA, we use 'AAA0000' (currently on 'BXX----'), similar to how Arizona had worked, but we don't randomize the numbers or letters, to the best of my knowledge.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 24, 2020, 04:01:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 24, 2020, 03:45:42 PM
As for the latter combination, that may take the cake for the most number of letters in a non-custom alphanumeric licence plate.

I was thinking I'd seen a standard-issue plate from one of the Indian nations of Oklahoma that had all letters, no numerals.  But I'm unable to find anything like that online, so I must be mistaken.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on June 24, 2020, 04:15:18 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 24, 2020, 04:01:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 24, 2020, 03:45:42 PM
As for the latter combination, that may take the cake for the most number of letters in a non-custom alphanumeric licence plate.

I was thinking I'd seen a standard-issue plate from one of the Indian nations of Oklahoma that had all letters, no numerals.  But I'm unable to find anything like that online, so I must be mistaken.

I know at least one tribe (I want to say it's either the Comanches or the C&As) issues plates with all numbers, which is in and of itself pretty unusual in this day and age.

Chickasaw tags use two letters, but the letters are always CN. This is because they contracted the issuance out to the state, and that keeps them from conflicting with any other Oklahoma tag.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on June 25, 2020, 08:22:06 PM
Today I did see a few newer Arizona plates in the "A1B2CDE" format.

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on June 28, 2020, 10:51:52 PM
Got a birthday present from the Kansas Department of Revenue:

(https://www.route56.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/ROUTE56-2020.jpg)

I suspect this is the first Kansas "flat" plate to be printed as a whole image rather than black letters on a pre-printed background.

Technically, I was to take off the old plate and put on an interim "paper" tag until the new flat plate came in. However, as a practical matter, law enforcement wasn't going to run my plate on suspicion of an expired plate until after July 31, and the paper tag had an expiration date of July 12. Had I waited until, say, next week to renew my tags....

[In case you don't know my birthday and/or can't figure out 30 days before July 12 - I renewed my registration on June 12 and got my new plate in the mail on June 24. Incidentally, I had to renew my Driver's Licence this year as well. I renewed my Licence on June 10 and got my new licence/REAL ID in the mail on June 22]
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on June 29, 2020, 11:14:12 AM
It was posted before, and it is actually discussed in NY thread - NYS new "excelsior" plates are actually on the road, starting with Kaa NNNN
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 29, 2020, 02:32:24 PM
Quote from: route56 on June 28, 2020, 10:51:52 PM
I had to renew my Driver's Licence this year as well.

I wasn't able to schedule an appointment for before my current DL expires.  It expires July 11, and my appointment isn't until early August.  But they're giving a 60-day grace period for DL expiration because of the COVID-related wait times.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jmacswimmer on June 29, 2020, 02:40:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on June 29, 2020, 02:32:24 PM
Quote from: route56 on June 28, 2020, 10:51:52 PM
I had to renew my Driver's Licence this year as well.

I wasn't able to schedule an appointment for before my current DL expires.  It expires July 11, and my appointment isn't until early August.  But they're giving a 60-day grace period for DL expiration because of the COVID-related wait times.

Maryland's approach is that all expiring drivers licenses & vehicle registrations have a grace period until 30 days after the COVID-19 state of emergency is lifted, whenever that ends up being.  I did recently renew my vehicle registration, which luckily doesn't require a trip to the MVA even during normal times.  Simply paid online, and a week later I received an updated expiration sticker in the mail to put on my back plate.  Could've put it off longer if I wanted courtesy of that grace period, but I figured I'd just get it over with since the next expiration date will be the same either way.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 29, 2020, 03:08:37 PM
This was the first year we renewed registration through the mail.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on July 01, 2020, 02:04:54 PM
I believe as of today, front license plates are no longer required for Ohio-registered vehicles. I removed mine this morning. Now, if only I could find the conversation I had several months ago with someone who was interested in buying it...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on July 01, 2020, 04:22:19 PM
While front plates are stupid, the Ohio situation is hard to understand.  As I understand it, Ohio is not reissuing single plates for the millions of cars registered there, and, in fact will continue to issues two plates to everyone.  It is just that you have the option of tossing the front one in a drawer.  Something that is mostly of interest to owners of sports cars and other nice cars whose looks are ruined by front plates (even the car companies think so, look at the sponsorship provided Dodge Charger in NCIS:LA, set in the PRC, or the Chevy Camaro in Hawaii 5-0, both 2 plate jurisdictions, but only a front plate).

Which is fine.  Except if you are a scoff law, the number of valid plates just doubled.  Some jack leg can just take the old front plate off the Chevy and toss it on the Ford and there you go.  Now, yes that is illegal and the cops could catch him with a simple check, but a person could probably drive around in that manner for months or even years w/o getting caught.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on July 02, 2020, 03:19:37 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on July 01, 2020, 04:22:19 PM
While front plates are stupid, the Ohio situation is hard to understand.  As I understand it, Ohio is not reissuing single plates for the millions of cars registered there, and, in fact will continue to issues two plates to everyone.  It is just that you have the option of tossing the front one in a drawer.  Something that is mostly of interest to owners of sports cars and other nice cars whose looks are ruined by front plates (even the car companies think so, look at the sponsorship provided Dodge Charger in NCIS:LA, set in the PRC, or the Chevy Camaro in Hawaii 5-0, both 2 plate jurisdictions, but only a front plate).

Which is fine.  Except if you are a scoff law, the number of valid plates just doubled.  Some jack leg can just take the old front plate off the Chevy and toss it on the Ford and there you go.  Now, yes that is illegal and the cops could catch him with a simple check, but a person could probably drive around in that manner for months or even years w/o getting caught.

OTOH, if there is a police car directly behind you, assume that you plate has already been checked to see that it is 'current' and that there are no outstanding warrants on it.  In many/most jurisdictions, an automatic plate reading camera is now standard equipment on their cruisers.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Konza on July 03, 2020, 03:22:00 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on June 24, 2020, 03:45:42 PM

I would think Arizona is keeping a certain format for their plates, even if they switch to random characters.

Granted, my sample size is small, but a couple of weeks later, I still haven't seen one of the new sequence Arizona plates that does not have the letter "A" in the third, fifth, and seventh positions in the plate number.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on July 06, 2020, 06:39:32 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on July 01, 2020, 04:22:19 PM
Which is fine.  Except if you are a scoff law, the number of valid plates just doubled.  Some jack leg can just take the old front plate off the Chevy and toss it on the Ford and there you go.  Now, yes that is illegal and the cops could catch him with a simple check, but a person could probably drive around in that manner for months or even years w/o getting caught.

You only get one registration sticker. I'm sure if you don't have a current registration sticker on the plate that's displayed on the rear, that'll get quickly noticed by a cop who looks at license plates all day.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Bruce on August 11, 2020, 02:37:40 PM
Not news, but from the archives: Some rejected license plate designs from Washington's centennial in 1989.

https://twitter.com/WAStateArchives/status/1293254263385120768
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 11, 2020, 07:49:04 PM
^^^^
That's fantastic! Really cool to see alternative WA designs since I've only ever seen the Centennial design.

The middle rejection reminds me of the personalized BC plates, just with the colors reversed:

(https://www.bcpl8s.ca/images/Personalized/Spottings/NSFW(XL).jpg)

vs

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EfKZ-o7VoAAtv5d?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Konza on August 28, 2020, 02:31:14 AM
Quote from: Konza on July 03, 2020, 03:22:00 PM
Granted, my sample size is small, but a couple of weeks later, I still haven't seen one of the new sequence Arizona plates that does not have the letter "A" in the third, fifth, and seventh positions in the plate number.

Fast forward about eight weeks:  Now starting to see the letter "B"  in position 5.  Still A's in positions 3 and 7.  The other characters appear to be random.  So the sequence went from ##A#A#A to ##A#B#A.  What's next?  It took about three months for that A to turn into a B, so let's check back in November.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: STLmapboy on September 16, 2020, 09:55:46 PM
I saw the newest Mississippi license plate on Highway 40 in St Louis today driving back from swim. I thought it was really dirty white plate that had been around for some time. It was only when I looked it up on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Mississippi) that I found this series was from Jan 2019! Mississippians don't seem too happy about it either, as shown in this (https://mississippitoday.org/2019/05/14/the-story-behind-the-dirt-colored-off-center-canadian-made-car-tag-that-could-land-mississippi-back-in-federal-court/) article ("it's ugly. Ugly, ugly, very ugly"). I don't really care about the stupid tiff over "in God we trust" but I like the previous version better.

On a semi-related note, MS's next-door neighbor Alabama has my current favorite (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Alabama) design; I also really like my home state's current (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Missouri) version and Montana's vintage style current version (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Montana). For some reason I usually like seven-character plates better than six-character ones (barring the awful MS design, of course).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 17, 2020, 09:08:11 AM
Quote from: STLmapboy on September 16, 2020, 09:55:46 PM
I saw the newest Mississippi license plate on Highway 40 in St Louis today driving back from swim. I thought it was really dirty white plate that had been around for some time. It was only when I looked it up on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Mississippi/) that I found this series was from Jan 2019! Mississippians don't seem too happy about it either, as shown in this (https://mississippitoday.org/2019/05/14/the-story-behind-the-dirt-colored-off-center-canadian-made-car-tag-that-could-land-mississippi-back-in-federal-court/) article ("it's ugly. Ugly, ugly, very ugly"). I don't really care about the stupid tiff over "in God we trust" but I like the previous version better.

On a semi-related note, MS's next-door neighbor Alabama has my current favorite (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Alabama/) design; I also really like my home state's current (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Missouri/) version and Montana's vintage style current version (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Montana/). For some reason I usually like seven-character plates better than six-character ones (barring the awful MS design, of course).

None of those links work for me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: STLmapboy on September 17, 2020, 10:53:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 17, 2020, 09:08:11 AM
Quote from: STLmapboy on September 16, 2020, 09:55:46 PM
I saw the newest Mississippi license plate on Highway 40 in St Louis today driving back from swim. I thought it was really dirty white plate that had been around for some time. It was only when I looked it up on Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Mississippi/) that I found this series was from Jan 2019! Mississippians don't seem too happy about it either, as shown in this (https://mississippitoday.org/2019/05/14/the-story-behind-the-dirt-colored-off-center-canadian-made-car-tag-that-could-land-mississippi-back-in-federal-court/) article ("it's ugly. Ugly, ugly, very ugly"). I don't really care about the stupid tiff over "in God we trust" but I like the previous version better.

On a semi-related note, MS's next-door neighbor Alabama has my current favorite (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Alabama/) design; I also really like my home state's current (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Missouri/) version and Montana's vintage style current version (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Montana/). For some reason I usually like seven-character plates better than six-character ones (barring the awful MS design, of course).

None of those links work for me.
It's fixed. There's some dash clownery when dealing with Wikipedia links.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Konza on November 10, 2020, 01:27:40 PM
Quote from: Konza on August 28, 2020, 02:31:14 AM
Fast forward about eight weeks:  Now starting to see the letter "B"  in position 5.  Still A's in positions 3 and 7.  The other characters appear to be random.  So the sequence went from ##A#A#A to ##A#B#A.  What's next?  It took about three months for that A to turn into a B, so let's check back in November.

So, it's November, and after a weekend driving around the Phoenix area going to and from the NASCAR races, I can report that we are, indeed, starting to see Arizona license plates with a sequence of ##A#C#A.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: democratic nole on December 28, 2020, 11:48:31 AM
Several years ago, Florida was embarking on a redesign of its license plates, because they suck (official story). However, due to some complaints by the license plate vendor the state uses, the plan to change designs got scrapped and we have continued to be stuck with these shitty license plates. Is there a worse regular state plate in the country than this: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/2018_Florida_license_plate_IYT_E32.jpg)

The MyFlorida.com crap is awful and embarrassing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 28, 2020, 02:35:17 PM
At least they no longer have the county names on them.  What is Florida's plan for when six characters is no longer enough?

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 28, 2020, 09:05:30 PM
Quote from: democratic nole on December 28, 2020, 11:48:31 AM
Several years ago, Florida was embarking on a redesign of its license plates, because they suck (official story). However, due to some complaints by the license plate vendor the state uses, the plan to change designs got scrapped and we have continued to be stuck with these shitty license plates. Is there a worse regular state plate in the country than this: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/2018_Florida_license_plate_IYT_E32.jpg)

The MyFlorida.com crap is awful and embarrassing.

Well, yeah.
(https://www.15q.net/us4/ok18.jpg)

You have the tourism website, plus the hard-to-read black-and-blue color scheme, plain Eurostile font, and the silhouette is badly traced over one of the first results for "scissortail flycatcher" on Google Image Search. All borne out of a rush job to try and fill up the state coffers without officially raising taxes, because that's constitutionally hard to do in Oklahoma. Thanks, Fallin!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US 89 on December 29, 2020, 12:04:59 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 28, 2020, 02:35:17 PM
At least they no longer have the county names on them

Nah, county names are cool. And I believe you can still get your new Florida plates with them unless you live in Miami-Dade County.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TravelingBethelite on December 29, 2020, 02:38:28 AM
Quote from: STLmapboy on September 16, 2020, 09:55:46 PM

[...] I also really like my home state's current (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Missouri) version [...]

Wrong. The new Missouri plates are a total downgrade. Bland and lacking character. The last design was peak license plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: democratic nole on December 29, 2020, 11:02:37 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 28, 2020, 09:05:30 PM
Quote from: democratic nole on December 28, 2020, 11:48:31 AM
Several years ago, Florida was embarking on a redesign of its license plates, because they suck (official story). However, due to some complaints by the license plate vendor the state uses, the plan to change designs got scrapped and we have continued to be stuck with these shitty license plates. Is there a worse regular state plate in the country than this: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/2018_Florida_license_plate_IYT_E32.jpg)

The MyFlorida.com crap is awful and embarrassing.

Well, yeah.
(https://www.15q.net/us4/ok18.jpg)

You have the tourism website, plus the hard-to-read black-and-blue color scheme, plain Eurostile font, and the silhouette is badly traced over one of the first results for "scissortail flycatcher" on Google Image Search. All borne out of a rush job to try and fill up the state coffers without officially raising taxes, because that's constitutionally hard to do in Oklahoma. Thanks, Fallin!
I will admit that Oklahoma's plate is similarly awful and both are one plate states (also wrong in my book).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US 89 on December 29, 2020, 04:00:40 PM
I don't really have a strong opinion on whether front plates should be required, but I wish it were consistent between states. If you're driving in a one-plate state, simply having a front plate at all makes you an easy target for rural cops.
Title: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 29, 2020, 06:21:17 PM
Quote from: US 89 on December 29, 2020, 04:00:40 PM
I don't really have a strong opinion on whether front plates should be required, but I wish it were consistent between states. If you're driving in a one-plate state, simply having a front plate at all makes you an easy target for rural cops.
When I lived in Georgia there was no provision for a temporary tag. You just drove around with the dealer's tag until you were able to get a real one. I was visiting family in Ohio and passed thru the formerly notorious speed trap of New Rome. That was a fun conversation with the cops.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 13, 2021, 11:24:04 AM
Quote from: democratic nole on December 28, 2020, 11:48:31 AM
Is there a worse regular state plate in the country than this

You probably mean current issues, but let's not forget Kentucky from 2004...  Stupidest plate ever.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus2%2Fky04.jpg&hash=24585fd057635aee64269518fab06a8b3c9b6f6e)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on January 14, 2021, 08:24:43 PM
A random question, but one I feel is best posted here.

I received today some license plates (I'm in Oregon) and my first three numbers are 666.

I have no issue with this, but I'm sure there's a handful of states that do NOT issue this particular number (much like they wouldn't issue letter combos like FUK or KKK to cite examples). Any idea which states don't issue 666?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on January 15, 2021, 09:04:44 AM
The Seattle Kraken are trying to get enough people to sign up for their plate. Looks good, IMO.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ertn4EPVkAEvzEf?format=jpg&name=small)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 15, 2021, 09:56:16 AM
I just saw a Kansas personalized license plate yesterday that said "BIP LUV".

Any idea who it made me think of?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on January 15, 2021, 02:12:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 15, 2021, 09:56:16 AM
I just saw a Kansas personalized license plate yesterday that said "BIP LUV".

Any idea who it made me think of?

Was the driver's head shaped like a Speak'n'Spell?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: wriddle082 on January 17, 2021, 02:19:47 PM
South Carolina is recalling all remaining "sunset"  regular issue plates this year and replacing with the current standard issue "While I Breathe, I Hope..."  plates.  My wife's old sunset plate was replaced when I went to renew it week before last.  They gave me  only a printed receipt and told me a new plate would arrive by mail in 7-10 business days (and it arrived earlier).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on January 17, 2021, 04:17:28 PM
My wife and I were just out for a walk and a car with Virginia's Washington Redskins plates (they have that name and the helmet with the Indian on the side) drove past. I'm mildly surprised the Commonwealth hasn't tried to invalidate those. A few years ago they invalidated the Sons of Confederate Veterans plates because they decided the organization's logo was offensive. It led to litigation, of course, but the Commonwealth won.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: democratic nole on January 17, 2021, 08:58:50 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on January 17, 2021, 04:17:28 PM
My wife and I were just out for a walk and a car with Virginia's Washington Redskins plates (they have that name and the helmet with the Indian on the side) drove past. I'm mildly surprised the Commonwealth hasn't tried to invalidate those. A few years ago they invalidated the Sons of Confederate Veterans plates because they decided the organization's logo was offensive. It led to litigation, of course, but the Commonwealth won.
They may just be waiting for the team to decide on a new mascot/logo so they can simply update the plates and be done with it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on January 30, 2021, 02:49:51 AM
Arkansas won't be going to a 7-character plate after all. The 000AAA combination that has lasted 25 years will finally run out in a few months, and they will start the AAA00A combination (3 letters, 2 digits, 1 letter). I assume when that runs out in another 20-25 years they'll flip it to 00AAAA, which will look weird.

Vanity plates allow 7 characters, so I had assumed the state would go to a California-style system.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: STLmapboy on February 02, 2021, 01:09:26 AM
Quote from: TravelingBethelite on December 29, 2020, 02:38:28 AM
Quote from: STLmapboy on September 16, 2020, 09:55:46 PM

[...] I also really like my home state's current (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Missouri) version [...]

Wrong. The new Missouri plates are a total downgrade. Bland and lacking character. The last design was peak license plate.
Well that's just, like, your opinion man.

Anyway, I like the red strip at the top and blue at the bottom for our state's flag (which is also my pfp).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on February 02, 2021, 02:14:37 AM
I always liked the 1997—2008 design, which stopped being issued a few months after I moved out of Missouri. The dark green gradient was a lot more eye-catching than the light blue, which it feels like every state has used at some point.

(BTW on a forum it's called an "avatar"–profile pics go on sites where your posts go to your profile, which they don't on a forum.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 11, 2021, 12:53:32 PM
 :-D

https://twitter.com/clairemcnear/status/1370048196689412097
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 12:56:28 PM
Someone probably mistook it for a scorpion.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: FrCorySticha on March 11, 2021, 12:57:52 PM
The buoy looks like an arrow pointing at the world "lobster" as if saying, "Hey, in case you didn't know, that's a lobster on this plate!"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 01:05:40 PM
In all seriousness...  It's a specialty plate, specific the lobster industry.

Quote from: State of Maine – Department of Marine Resources
Support Maine's Lobster Industry

The Lobster Specialty Plate provides a way for vehicle owners to show their support for research, education and development of Maine's signature product - the lobster.




Q: How much does the Lobster Specialty plate cost?

A: The fee is $20.00 in addition to the regular registration fee when first purchasing the plates. Each renewal is an additional $15.00.

Q: Where does the money go?

A: The Lobster Research, Education and Development Board receives $10.00 from each Lobster Specialty plate purchased or renewed and this amount is tax deductible.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 01:07:37 PM
But, also...

Quote from: 15q.net
The original prototype of this plate had a live lobster pictured, in the natural greenish-black color. It was decided, however, that nobody would recognize it as a lobster that way, so they cooked this poor fellow once again. How he got back out on the rocks is anyone's guess.

:-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 11, 2021, 09:16:35 PM
Quote from: democratic nole on December 29, 2020, 11:02:37 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 28, 2020, 09:05:30 PM
Quote from: democratic nole on December 28, 2020, 11:48:31 AM
Several years ago, Florida was embarking on a redesign of its license plates, because they suck (official story). However, due to some complaints by the license plate vendor the state uses, the plan to change designs got scrapped and we have continued to be stuck with these shitty license plates. Is there a worse regular state plate in the country than this: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/2018_Florida_license_plate_IYT_E32.jpg)

The MyFlorida.com crap is awful and embarrassing.

Well, yeah.
(https://www.15q.net/us4/ok18.jpg)

You have the tourism website, plus the hard-to-read black-and-blue color scheme, plain Eurostile font, and the silhouette is badly traced over one of the first results for "scissortail flycatcher" on Google Image Search. All borne out of a rush job to try and fill up the state coffers without officially raising taxes, because that's constitutionally hard to do in Oklahoma. Thanks, Fallin!
I will admit that Oklahoma's plate is similarly awful and both are one plate states (also wrong in my book).

Michigan is pretty bland. Texas too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 10:28:41 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 11, 2021, 09:16:35 PM
Michigan is pretty bland. Texas too.

With every dumb-looking graphic plate that comes out, I appreciate bland more and more.

One of my favorite plates recently–that looks great IRL–was the 2011 issue of Nuevo León.  Easy to read, a little bit of color, and the slogan is pushed off out of the way where it belongs.  The latest one is basically all black and white, but I liked the green better.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle11.jpg&hash=1555308ea2c0c3b5c2f4b24228ec44849c897924)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 11, 2021, 10:41:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 11, 2021, 10:28:41 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 11, 2021, 09:16:35 PM
Michigan is pretty bland. Texas too.

With every dumb-looking graphic plate that comes out, I appreciate bland more and more.

One of my favorite plates recently–that looks great IRL–was the 2011 issue of Nuevo León.  Easy to read, a little bit of color, and the slogan is pushed off out of the way where it belongs.  The latest one is basically all black and white, but I liked the green better.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle11.jpg&hash=1555308ea2c0c3b5c2f4b24228ec44849c897924)

You raise a good point in that some graphic plates look pretty dumb, like that awful early 2000s Kentucky one recently posted here, but overall I like graphic plates as they can be a cool display of the state they represent.

The advantage "bland"  plates have, however, is they don't clash with certain colors of cars. Arizona comes to mind as a graphic plate where the color scheme could easily clash. They look pretty awful on red cars, IMHO
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 12, 2021, 09:51:04 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 11, 2021, 10:41:24 PM
You raise a good point in that some graphic plates look pretty dumb, like that awful early 2000s Kentucky one recently posted here, but overall I like graphic plates as they can be a cool display of the state they represent.

The advantage "bland"  plates have, however, is they don't clash with certain colors of cars. Arizona comes to mind as a graphic plate where the color scheme could easily clash. They look pretty awful on red cars, IMHO

1.  I've come to think that license plates aren't really supposed to "be a cool display of the state" in the first place.  A slogan, an emblem, OK.  A work of art, no.  It's just proof of vehicle registration, with a serial number for officials to read.  Subtlety is appreciated.

2.  The real advantage "bland"  plates have is that they're easy to read.  That is, after all, what they're for.

Graphic license plates that still manage to be fairly bland/legible are ones such as these:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus2%2Fks96.jpg&hash=e8f3cc90654ee7b8a61fd13eed165ef9f8d52d8c) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus1%2Fco03.jpg&hash=66defaf75be7ce2b95cf3b609393add65aa05853) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fms03b.jpg&hash=5783905263dc0ed825f35713b20171d1f0088c46) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus2%2Fhi97.jpg&hash=8d60d03c406599c6b6d12bc7300ef97a2b31bdb7) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Ftamps13.jpg&hash=900d32a8483b3e7965ee748e4fca2d0045d0bc1a) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fmex15.jpg&hash=5cd3be00eb762467aecb23a18eac0acd1ffd75a1)

In contrast, graphic plates that went overboard on the graphics, at the expense of utility, are ones such as these:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus5%2Fsd17.jpg&hash=27894d2cb1dbe51e6a378891050e5a1aac7b903f) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus5%2Fwy18.jpg&hash=91dc8aff767071efef55e57ddd085cdb79e5b36d) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fsonmex2.jpg&hash=58e3bbb5346e14cfa7b4d744ccaeb846fea11a51) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fchis13.jpg&hash=7de09a691cfc8bdcc4d2f6029bfefac6ab97921a) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Foax09.jpg&hash=1ae76a127a2e77cd4ca7a3947020e0a90a9b5786) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fdgomex3.jpg&hash=3e1fb56cd15ceb715bc73571772d964b9fd43a4e)

When Mexican states started issuing their own graphic plates in the late 1990s, they kind of ran amok after a few years.  They came up with some designs that look really cool on a computer screen (and some that don't), but those designs don't translate well into the real world of actually reading them.  So, when the SCT issued new guidelines four years ago or so for license plate designs–most notably requiring that there be NO graphic design behind the serial number–it's my opinion that they did the right thing.  The most recent issues from Mexican states are better, in my opinion, even if they aren't as eye-catching.

Of the Mexican states shown above, here are their current issues:

(https://i.imgur.com/qqqCp81.png)

Still pleasant to look at, still somewhat distinctive, but the last four are much more legible than their earlier issues.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on March 12, 2021, 02:21:23 PM
I've always liked Wisconsin's current plates (the black letters/numbers ones that were first issued in 1999) in that they are a very distinctive design, but also ridiculously easy to read.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on March 12, 2021, 06:07:11 PM
Love it or hate it, but I think that's one of the timeless qualities about California's plates.  Simple and legible, no splashy graphics.  I could do without the DMV URL at the bottom, however.

(https://i.imgur.com/SOwmaww.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 12, 2021, 06:22:35 PM
I prefer the Golden State base to the Lipstick base, personally.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on March 12, 2021, 09:55:43 PM
The only change that I would make to California plates is to add a dash between the three letters and the three numbers, to make it more readable.

BTW, has California announced yet what their plan is for when their current plate format exhausts its number supply and if so, what will they be doing?  (Me?  I'd go with the number format that is currently being used by Ontario [LLLL-NNN]).

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 12, 2021, 09:59:55 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 12, 2021, 09:55:43 PM
The only change that I would make to California plates is to add a dash between the three letters and the three numbers, to make it more readable.

BTW, has California announced yet what their plan is for when their current plate format exhausts its number supply and if so, what will they be doing?  (Me?  I'd go with the number format that is currently being used by Ontario [LLLL-NNN]).

Mike

I'm thinking they might just flip it, or go ABC-1234
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 01:57:16 PM
I think they should keep going from 9 to 10.

9ZZZ999 → 10AAA00
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on March 13, 2021, 02:13:14 PM
Arizona now has 6 character standard plates again. 3 characters, a space, and 3 more characters. Random letters or numbers, with the purple cactus on the left.

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 05:40:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 01:57:16 PM
I think they should keep going from 9 to 10.

9ZZZ999 → 10AAA00

Gotta wonder how that missing final number would affect the total plate output. Still, at least it would maintain the pattern Californians know so well.

Bit like Grand Theft Auto, minus the eighth digit:

Quote from: jakeroot on May 22, 2020, 12:47:23 AM
They could adopt San Andreas plate numbering (from GTA V); after 9 (or 8?), go to 10 and keep the ball moving :-D:

(https://imgvol.cdn.lcpdfr.com/screenshots/monthly_2020_01/plate01.jpg.7236c783168c42b46f9b2304098e8d64.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 05:43:28 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 05:40:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 01:57:16 PM
I think they should keep going from 9 to 10.

9ZZZ999 → 10AAA00

Gotta wonder how that missing final number would affect the total plate output. Still, at least it would maintain the pattern Californians know so well.

What do you mean?  It's the same number of digits and same number of letters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 06:30:07 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 05:43:28 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 05:40:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 01:57:16 PM
I think they should keep going from 9 to 10.

9ZZZ999 → 10AAA00

Gotta wonder how that missing final number would affect the total plate output. Still, at least it would maintain the pattern Californians know so well.

What do you mean?  It's the same number of digits and same number of letters.

But you're replacing a number that cycles continuously between 0 and 9 with a static "10" at the front. So now instead of one static number, you have two.

I must be missing something.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 06:34:58 PM
As it relates to the conversation around plate design:

I absolutely hate overdone license plate designs. If it were up to me, every plate would be black on white, or a similarly contrasting color, and nothing in the background. The only design would be the state name on the top, which I suppose you could do up in some graphically appealing way.

Mexico's new rules are very inspiring.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Pink Jazz on March 13, 2021, 07:26:43 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 06:34:58 PM
As it relates to the conversation around plate design:

I absolutely hate overdone license plate designs. If it were up to me, every plate would be black on white, or a similarly contrasting color, and nothing in the background. The only design would be the state name on the top, which I suppose you could do up in some graphically appealing way.

Mexico's new rules are very inspiring.


Arizona's plates seem to have an issue with the retroreflective sheeting fading and peeling off after a while.  At first I thought this only was an issue with the older embossed version of their design, however in recent years I have seen this same issue popping up with their flat plates (especially those in the Axxyyyy series).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 14, 2021, 07:49:54 PM
Quote from: Pink Jazz on March 13, 2021, 07:26:43 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 06:34:58 PM
As it relates to the conversation around plate design:

I absolutely hate overdone license plate designs. If it were up to me, every plate would be black on white, or a similarly contrasting color, and nothing in the background. The only design would be the state name on the top, which I suppose you could do up in some graphically appealing way.

Mexico's new rules are very inspiring.


Arizona's plates seem to have an issue with the retroreflective sheeting fading and peeling off after a while.  At first I thought this only was an issue with the older embossed version of their design, however in recent years I have seen this same issue popping up with their flat plates (especially those in the Axxyyyy series).

I have a friend who has had Arizona plates up here in WA for some time (don't ask me how...he's not military and hasn't lived in AZ for years). His plates are pretty faded. The numbers are still fairly readable but the whole design has lost its detail.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:51:12 PM
This might have been discussed here already, but what are your thoughts on flat vs embossed plates?

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 13, 2021, 02:13:14 PM
Arizona now has 6 character standard plates again. 3 characters, a space, and 3 more characters. Random letters or numbers, with the purple cactus on the left.

SM-G975U



And it seems like there isn't any sequence, number/letter combos are just issued randomly?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 14, 2021, 10:25:20 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:51:12 PM
This might have been discussed here already, but what are your thoughts on flat vs embossed plates?

I can't help but compare it to the button copy vs retroreflective text debate: the two are from different eras and use different technology to achieve similar outputs.

Personally: I'm indifferent. I lean into embossed plates, as I'm used to them here in WA, but I've seen flat plates that look good too (like Montana).

Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 13, 2021, 02:13:14 PM
Arizona now has 6 character standard plates again. 3 characters, a space, and 3 more characters. Random letters or numbers, with the purple cactus on the left.

And it seems like there isn't any sequence, number/letter combos are just issued randomly?

Arizona previously issued sequenced plates starting with AAA0000, but moved to random sequencing within the last year, although I believe the pattern remained AAA0000.

If Roadwarriors79 is saying the plates are issued with totally random characters in all six plates: that's really weird. I've never seen anything like that before. Random characters is not unusual, but the letters and numbers typically remain in the same spots.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 11:01:22 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 06:30:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 05:43:28 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 05:40:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 01:57:16 PM
I think they should keep going from 9 to 10.

9ZZZ999 → 10AAA00

Gotta wonder how that missing final number would affect the total plate output. Still, at least it would maintain the pattern Californians know so well.

What do you mean?  It's the same number of digits and same number of letters.

But you're replacing a number that cycles continuously between 0 and 9 with a static "10" at the front. So now instead of one static number, you have two.

I must be missing something.

It will take just as long to get from 10AAA00 to 19ZZZ99 as from 1AAA000 to 1ZZZ999.  Same number of combinations.  So the 10#-to-19# range becomes the new 1# range, the 20#-29# range becomes the new 2# range, and so on.




Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:51:12 PM
This might have been discussed here already, but what are your thoughts on flat vs embossed plates?

3M flat plates are fine as long as the font is decent.

Bad:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus2%2Fia13.jpg&hash=774bf8da418ef0123cfdc4b847ef2e876d1ced79) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmt14.jpg&hash=99e0aa61114bb6864695f142c668ecd10507bfb7) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fnv15.jpg&hash=00e4736d2228eeabf0e726d5c00d3b0c3510688c)

Good:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus5%2Ftn10.jpg&hash=c82d76b4a5f9c86a21bc74bfc49841ffb4cbdb81) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus5%2Fsd07a.jpg&hash=ba2fb6a17a24b2ecbe6f7042baa53aee39758f5e) (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmn10b.jpg&hash=fe65f6deee367bb38855584d722257527783f412)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DJ Particle on March 15, 2021, 11:51:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 11:01:22 AM
Good:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmn10b.jpg&hash=fe65f6deee367bb38855584d722257527783f412)

Minnesota has had that design now for almost 45 years.  The only changes since it was introduced are: Slightly different slogan/state fonts, the addition of ".com" in 2006, and the switch to flat laserprint that same year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 10:38:06 AM
Quote from: DJ Particle on March 15, 2021, 11:51:29 PM
Minnesota has had that design now for almost 45 years.  The only changes since it was introduced are: Slightly different slogan/state fonts, the addition of ".com" in 2006, and the switch to flat laserprint that same year.

In addition to those...

1982 – State outline added as a separator.
1987 – Switched to a darker shade of blue for the sky and bottom band.
1993 – Faded the bottom blue band into the white section above it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 16, 2021, 10:42:08 AM
Quote from: DJ Particle on March 15, 2021, 11:51:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 11:01:22 AM
Good:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmn10b.jpg&hash=fe65f6deee367bb38855584d722257527783f412)

Minnesota has had that design now for almost 45 years.

Because it's damn near perfect.  The best standard state plate for a long time.

Chris
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 10:56:37 AM
That Iowa font with the European style zeroes is pretty bad looking
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 11:15:15 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 10:56:37 AM
That Iowa font with the European style zeroes is pretty bad looking

Oh, don't blame Europe.  They don't use zeroes on their license plates over there (except an implied one).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on March 16, 2021, 11:25:38 AM
No matter how attractive the design of the flat plate is, it would be far better if it were embossed.  Flat plates are crap and are unreadable at certain angles due to glare. That's my $0.02.

Oh, and the current IA plate design may be the ugliest license plate ever (and yes, I know that's a big statement).  Looks so fake, yet a fake would almost certainly be better looking.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 11:30:28 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 14, 2021, 10:25:20 PM

Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:51:12 PM
This might have been discussed here already, but what are your thoughts on flat vs embossed plates?

I can't help but compare it to the button copy vs retroreflective text debate: the two are from different eras and use different technology to achieve similar outputs.

Quote from: StogieGuy7 on March 16, 2021, 11:25:38 AM
No matter how attractive the design of the flat plate is, it would be far better if it were embossed.  Flat plates are crap and are unreadable at certain angles due to glare. That's my $0.02.

But, I think what |jakeroot| is getting at is that what we're calling 'legibility' is perhaps no longer the most important thing when it comes to license plate design.  I suspect there's an increasing importance of camera legibility and a decreasing importance of human eyeball legibility.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 12:21:06 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

We got a breast cancer awareness plate one year, but then the next year didn't want to spend the money to renew it.  So it's been a standard plate ever since.

/me goes out to the parking lot to count stickers...

I'm on my ninth registration sticker, which means it was back in 2011-2012 that we had the specialty plate.  I remember back then, I had a Camino Colombia Day Pass account, which was how we paid tolls on TX-255 during the period between the removal of the tollbooths and our obtaining a PikePass.  I called the hotline to update vehicle information and told the agent our four-digit license plate number, and she was surprised it was so short.  I figured that was somewhat common, but maybe she was new.

A couple of years ago, Kanas launched an Eisenhower Foundation specialty tag that has an image of a big I LIKE IKE pin on one side.  We considered getting that, just because our youngest son's name is Isaac and we call him Ike half the time.  But we never did get it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:22:56 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 12:21:06 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

We got a breast cancer awareness plate one year, but then the next year didn't want to spend the money to renew it.  So it's been a standard plate ever since.

/me goes out to the parking lot to count stickers...

I'm on my ninth registration sticker, which means it was back in 2011-2012 that we had the specialty plate.  I remember back then, I had a Camino Colombia Day Pass account, which was how we paid tolls on TX-255 during the period between the removal of the tollbooths and our obtaining a PikePass.  I called the hotline to update vehicle information and told the agent our four-digit license plate number, and she was surprised it was so short.  I figured that was somewhat common, but maybe she was new.

A couple of years ago, Kanas launched an Eisenhower Foundation specialty tag that has an image of a big I LIKE IKE pin on one side.  We considered getting that, just because our youngest son's name is Isaac and we call him Ike half the time.  But we never did get it.

Does Kansas do mandatory re-plates every so often?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 12:30:07 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:22:56 PM
Does Kansas do mandatory re-plates every so often?

I believe so, but I don't know the schedule.  I think there are still some pre-2007 plates floating around out there on vehicles, but there are almost none left.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

None of our cars has the standard plate. My Acura has the no-longer produced Jamestown plate that had a sailing ship on it; I've had that particular set of plates since 2003. My RX-7 has antique plates. My wife's two cars have the design with the state tree and bird (a cardinal perches on a dogwood branch). The notable thing about all these designs is that they all carry (carried, in the case of my Jamestown plate) a one-time fee, not an additional annual fee like university or sports team plates; the antique plate is also a permanent plate that need not be renewed each year. The one thing we do pay an annual fee for is the personalized plate fee. All four cars have personalized plates, which costs $10 a year except for the antique plates, where it was a one-time fee.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 16, 2021, 12:40:51 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife’s car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

(https://rmconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/License-Plate-300x155.jpg)

This is what I have.  I think it's the best looking specialty plate in CO. 

My wife has:

(https://dmv.colorado.gov/sites/dmv/files/styles/large_thumbnail_450x450_/public/Adopt%20A%20Shelter%20Pet.JPG)

Chris
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:49:51 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

None of our cars has the standard plate. My Acura has the no-longer produced Jamestown plate that had a sailing ship on it; I've had that particular set of plates since 2003. My RX-7 has antique plates. My wife's two cars have the design with the state tree and bird (a cardinal perches on a dogwood branch). The notable thing about all these designs is that they all carry (carried, in the case of my Jamestown plate) a one-time fee, not an additional annual fee like university or sports team plates; the antique plate is also a permanent plate that need not be renewed each year. The one thing we do pay an annual fee for is the personalized plate fee. All four cars have personalized plates, which costs $10 a year except for the antique plates, where it was a one-time fee.

$10 on renewal? Damn! Virginia is cheap!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:50:26 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 16, 2021, 12:40:51 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

(https://rmconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/License-Plate-300x155.jpg)

This is what I have.  I think it's the best looking specialty plate in CO. 

My wife has:

(https://dmv.colorado.gov/sites/dmv/files/styles/large_thumbnail_450x450_/public/Adopt%20A%20Shelter%20Pet.JPG)

Chris

I haven't seen that one, but it's a great looking plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on March 16, 2021, 12:51:14 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 13, 2021, 02:13:14 PM
Arizona now has 6 character standard plates again. 3 characters, a space, and 3 more characters. Random letters or numbers, with the purple cactus on the left.

SM-G975U



And it seems like there isn't any sequence, number/letter combos are just issued randomly?
I haven't noticed any specific patterns. They all seem so random now. In fact, all the plates Arizona offers now are random.

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 12:55:43 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:49:51 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

None of our cars has the standard plate. My Acura has the no-longer produced Jamestown plate that had a sailing ship on it; I've had that particular set of plates since 2003. My RX-7 has antique plates. My wife's two cars have the design with the state tree and bird (a cardinal perches on a dogwood branch). The notable thing about all these designs is that they all carry (carried, in the case of my Jamestown plate) a one-time fee, not an additional annual fee like university or sports team plates; the antique plate is also a permanent plate that need not be renewed each year. The one thing we do pay an annual fee for is the personalized plate fee. All four cars have personalized plates, which costs $10 a year except for the antique plates, where it was a one-time fee.

$10 on renewal? Damn! Virginia is cheap!

To be clear, the $10 is the personalized plate fee, not the renewal fee. I believe they recently lowered the registration fee and I'm not sure what it is now, but it used to be $41.75 a year (with a $1 or $2 discount if you renewed for two years), plus the $10 personalized plate fee if applicable, plus $25 for specialty plates if you buy a design that has an annual fee. For my RX-7, the antique plates carried a one-time fee of either $50 or $60 plus a one-time $10 personalized plate fee.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:58:17 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 12:55:43 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:49:51 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 12:40:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

None of our cars has the standard plate. My Acura has the no-longer produced Jamestown plate that had a sailing ship on it; I've had that particular set of plates since 2003. My RX-7 has antique plates. My wife's two cars have the design with the state tree and bird (a cardinal perches on a dogwood branch). The notable thing about all these designs is that they all carry (carried, in the case of my Jamestown plate) a one-time fee, not an additional annual fee like university or sports team plates; the antique plate is also a permanent plate that need not be renewed each year. The one thing we do pay an annual fee for is the personalized plate fee. All four cars have personalized plates, which costs $10 a year except for the antique plates, where it was a one-time fee.

$10 on renewal? Damn! Virginia is cheap!

To be clear, the $10 is the personalized plate fee, not the renewal fee. I believe they recently lowered the registration fee and I'm not sure what it is now, but it used to be $41.75 a year (with a $1 or $2 discount if you renewed for two years), plus the $10 personalized plate fee if applicable, plus $25 for specialty plates if you buy a design that has an annual fee. For my RX-7, the antique plates carried a one-time fee of either $50 or $60 plus a one-time $10 personalized plate fee.

Still cheap compared to Oregon. I think the regular registration is around $100 plus another $100 (give or take) for the specialty.

It IS a two year registration though....a nice break from paying fees to California EVERY YEAR. 🙄
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 16, 2021, 01:09:28 PM
My plate was a $30 donation to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy, $50 for the initial plate, and then I pay an extra $25 per year.  Not too bad to have something that stands out a bit.

Chris
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 16, 2021, 02:06:48 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 15, 2021, 11:01:22 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 06:30:07 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 05:43:28 PM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 05:40:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 13, 2021, 01:57:16 PM
I think they should keep going from 9 to 10.

9ZZZ999 → 10AAA00

Gotta wonder how that missing final number would affect the total plate output. Still, at least it would maintain the pattern Californians know so well.

What do you mean?  It's the same number of digits and same number of letters.

But you're replacing a number that cycles continuously between 0 and 9 with a static "10" at the front. So now instead of one static number, you have two.

I must be missing something.

It will take just as long to get from 10AAA00 to 19ZZZ99 as from 1AAA000 to 1ZZZ999.  Same number of combinations.  So the 10#-to-19# range becomes the new 1# range, the 20#-29# range becomes the new 2# range, and so on.

So you're not really proposing they go from 9 to 10. You're actually proposing they move the last number to the second position, and move everything else one character to the right. So we basically go back to having 1 at the front, followed by another number, three letters, and then two more numbers.

If you went from 9 to 10, and then eliminated the last number, you have a static 10 in the front with five interchangeable characters, which is less than the current six. So you're going from 10 to 11 and then 12, 13, 14, etc much faster than with six interchangeable characters. Ultimately the same number of combinations, yes, but you'll cycle through the pattern much faster.

The first number is obviously not actually static, but it basically is. The single first digit pattern has been in place since 1980, and they're still not at 9.

I might prefer a reversed pattern: 000AAA1 to 999ZZZ1, 000AAA2 to 999ZZZ2, etc.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on March 16, 2021, 02:13:57 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

I do.  But my plate number has been in the family for over 80 years, and it's only 4 characters.  I wish I had all the physical plates, but I only have them from the 1960s on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 02:25:48 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 16, 2021, 02:06:48 PM
So you're not really proposing they go from 9 to 10. You're actually proposing they move the last number to the second position, and move everything else one character to the right.

I'm saying those two things are the same–except that it will now take ten times fewer registrations to get to the next 'prefix number' as it used to, but there are ten times as many 'prefix numbers' to get through.

(Technically, I'm proposing they move the number in the #5 position to the #2 position.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 02:29:57 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

I know all four of ours, though as I noted before, they're all personalized, so that's not remarkable. I also recall the plate numbers on my parents' cars when I was growing up.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 02:30:51 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

Of course, for several reasons:

– There are plenty of motels that ask you for your license plate number upon checking in.

– I'm on my ninth registration of the same license plate, so I've had plenty of time to learn it.

– I've had to hand-write it on a form once or twice when driving into Mexico, and losing my place in line isn't something I prefer to do.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2021, 02:37:33 PM
NY has switched out license plate designs with enough frequency that, between that and switching vehicles, I don't think we've ever had the same license plate number for more than five years.

CBP will sometimes ask for your license plate number when returning from Canada, so it's a good idea to know what it is.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on March 16, 2021, 02:50:02 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.

Both of our cars have the updated Mackinac Bridge plate.  They are also personalized (extra $15/year over the normal registration).

(https://www.michigan.gov/images/sos/Bridge-Plate_432239_7.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 02:57:16 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2021, 02:37:33 PM
NY has switched out license plate designs with enough frequency that, between that and switching vehicles, I don't think we've ever had the same license plate number for more than five years.

It doesn't work that way here.  We've had the same license plate on three cars now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: webny99 on March 16, 2021, 03:04:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 02:57:16 PM
Quote from: webny99 on March 16, 2021, 02:37:33 PM
NY has switched out license plate designs with enough frequency that, between that and switching vehicles, I don't think we've ever had the same license plate number for more than five years.

It doesn't work that way here.  We've had the same license plate on three cars now.

In NY, you have to pay extra to keep your plates:
https://nysdmv.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/73/kw/switch%20plates%20between%20two%20cars
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 03:06:27 PM
In Kansas, when you register the new vehicle, the amount you owe is prorated based on how much time you had left on the old vehicle's registration–so it all works out the same in the end.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on March 16, 2021, 03:37:10 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.
I currently only have standard plates. Here is one specialty plate I would consider in the future...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210316/0ee79eafe3a944d4b398ab19c365995a.jpg)

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on March 16, 2021, 03:59:18 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Both of my cars have Virginia's Great Seal specialty plate (https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/#splates/info.asp?idnm=GS). It had a $25 extra one-time fee, which I paid when I acquired the vehicles in 2009 and 2018 (and in 2006, for the pickup truck I bought in 2006 and junked in 2017), so no ongoing contribution to the Christmas parties.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

Not quite. I forget often enough that I wrote the numbers down on a card for my wallet, in case I need a reminder.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 04:02:58 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 16, 2021, 03:37:10 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.
I currently only have standard plates. Here is one specialty plate I would consider in the future...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210316/0ee79eafe3a944d4b398ab19c365995a.jpg)

SM-G975U



Love The Matrix look. I'd get those if I lived in AZ
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 04:21:00 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 03:06:27 PM
In Kansas, when you register the new vehicle, the amount you owe is prorated based on how much time you had left on the old vehicle's registration–so it all works out the same in the end.

In Virginia, if you transfer a plate the expiration date remains the same. Often that occurs when you trade in a car and the dealer handles the transfer of registration, but when I bought my current Acura in August 2004, I was able to transfer the registration from my old Honda Accord that had been totalled when I got rear-ended the week before. (Thus, even though I bought the car in August, the plate expires in October because that's when the original plate was issued.)

It doesn't work, however, if the car is registered/titled in one person's name and is then traded in on a car that will be registered/titled in someone else's name. When I was a student, "my" cars were legally registered and titled in my father's name, as is very common, but then when it came time to trade in the last of those cars, I was not able to keep the license plate number because that number was "his" and could not be transferred to me when the car I bought (the 1997 Accord mentioned above) was registered and titled in my name. I remember the plate number I got; I had it for four years, at which time I got the personalized plate number (and the actual plates themselves) that I still have now. The personalized plate was prorated because I transferred the existing registration and just changed plate numbers.

Virginia also lets you replace an old plate with a new one bearing the same number, subject to the restriction that if you change plate designs you may need a different number if the maximum number of characters differs. I mentioned before that my mom has had the same plate number since 1980. That was the year Virginia issued everyone new plates to replace the old non-reflective series from the 1970s. Around 2005 or so my father decided that Mom's front plate was beat-up and crappy-looking, so he got new standard-issue plates with the same number and those are what she still has.

Every time I renew my registration, the DMV website dings at me about my plates being more than 10 years old and asks if I want to replace them. I never do. They're still in excellent shape, so why would I?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 04:53:28 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on March 16, 2021, 04:21:00 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 03:06:27 PM
In Kansas, when you register the new vehicle, the amount you owe is prorated based on how much time you had left on the old vehicle's registration–so it all works out the same in the end.

In Virginia, if you transfer a plate the expiration date remains the same. Often that occurs when you trade in a car and the dealer handles the transfer of registration, but when I bought my current Acura in August 2004, I was able to transfer the registration from my old Honda Accord that had been totalled when I got rear-ended the week before. (Thus, even though I bought the car in August, the plate expires in October because that's when the original plate was issued.)

In Kansas, the expiration date is based on the first letter of your last name, so it stays the same no matter what you do.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on March 16, 2021, 05:15:13 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?
I'm funding the party.  The standard license plate in my state makes me seasick.  I also don't feel the need to help promote the state website.  We are long overdue for redesign here.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on March 16, 2021, 05:56:21 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.
Yep (lol)(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210316/9c8fd8c50c07048e2d5e31269b191ecb.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on March 16, 2021, 06:10:20 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 16, 2021, 12:51:14 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 13, 2021, 02:13:14 PM
Arizona now has 6 character standard plates again. 3 characters, a space, and 3 more characters. Random letters or numbers, with the purple cactus on the left.

SM-G975U



And it seems like there isn't any sequence, number/letter combos are just issued randomly?
I haven't noticed any specific patterns. They all seem so random now. In fact, all the plates Arizona offers now are random.

SM-G975U
This is from a license plate mailing list:

QuoteThey went in December to the Tucson ADOT to register their former Minnesota
2 vehicles - got "E8A6DDA" for their first vehicle and "E8A8DDA" for their
second vehicle (Apparently on the on-line system someone got the E8A7DDA in
between their two vehicles)
So apparently the middle digit advances first. Then position 2 goes through the alphabet, then numbers. Then position 6 does the same. Then 1, then 5.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 16, 2021, 10:55:42 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

I have the standard issue Oklahoma plate, and my wife has a Chickasaw Nation plate (issued through the state, but then we get a partial refund from the tribe because their registration fee is lower than the state's). We've talked about changing my car to the Chickasaw plate to save money, but I don't really like how it looks, and I disagree with a lot of decisions the Chickasaw government has made, so it hasn't happened yet.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

I have mine memorized, but that's because extremely easy: the letters form an onomatopoeia, and the number is a round number. It would be hard not to memorize!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 16, 2021, 11:16:28 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 16, 2021, 03:37:10 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210316/0ee79eafe3a944d4b398ab19c365995a.jpg)

Not gonna lie...I hate it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on March 16, 2021, 11:23:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 04:53:28 PM
In Kansas, the expiration date is based on the first letter of your last name, so it stays the same no matter what you do.

What happens if you change your last name?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DJ Particle on March 16, 2021, 11:52:00 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

My dad's plate number from 1973-83 is my cellphone unlock code  *heh*
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on March 17, 2021, 03:09:10 AM
All standard NJ plates in my family, and I have them all memorized as I'm pretty good at retaining little strings of information. My mom had a personalized plate ages ago but got rid of it after an acquaintance came and found her in a store because they recognized her distinctive plate in the parking lot  :spin:
The only specialty plates I'd consider are the Shore to Please plate, or maybe the agriculture plate, but I'm a little too attached to the little New Jersey map in the middle of the standard plate to go for it!
(https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/images/shoreprotection.gif)
(https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/images/agriculture.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on March 17, 2021, 07:45:39 AM
Quote from: DJ Particle on March 16, 2021, 11:52:00 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

My dad's plate number from 1973-83 is my cellphone unlock code  *heh*

I use our old phone number from 1975—1983. (For all youngsters out there, back then it cost extra to keep your number when you moved within your local area, and you couldn't keep your number if you moved out of the local calling area, the latter because of how the system determined local versus long distance calls for billing purposes. We only moved a few miles, but my parents didn't want to pay to keep the number.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: deathtopumpkins on March 17, 2021, 08:47:31 AM
Quote from: jayhawkco on March 16, 2021, 12:40:51 PM
(https://rmconservancy.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/License-Plate-300x155.jpg)

This is what I have.  I think it's the best looking specialty plate in CO. 

That's a pretty awesome plate design! I would definitely get that if I were in CO.

I have NH's moose plates on my car:
(https://www.concordmonitor.com/getattachment/52d9ca30-08aa-4ba4-9d5a-6ea3d45f3f29/mooseplate-cm-061818-ph1)
(not actually mine)

And I have memorized my plate number, but it helps that it's only 5 digits. Also have my fiance's plate number memorized, but it helps that ours are consecutive since we got them at the same time.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2021, 11:08:01 AM
Quote from: oscar on March 16, 2021, 11:23:25 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 16, 2021, 04:53:28 PM
In Kansas, the expiration date is based on the first letter of your last name, so it stays the same no matter what you do.

What happens if you change your last name?

Your registration date changes, I suppose.  When we got married, though, we lived in another state, so I can't speak from personal experience.

Quote from: 1995hoo on March 17, 2021, 07:45:39 AM

Quote from: DJ Particle on March 16, 2021, 11:52:00 PM

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

My dad's plate number from 1973-83 is my cellphone unlock code  *heh*

I use our old phone number from 1975—1983. (For all youngsters out there, back then it cost extra to keep your number when you moved within your local area, and you couldn't keep your number if you moved out of the local calling area, the latter because of how the system determined local versus long distance calls for billing purposes. We only moved a few miles, but my parents didn't want to pay to keep the number.)

Long, long ago, at least in Kansas, people got to choose their own license plate number as regular common practice.  My grandfather always picked the same easy-to-remember five-digit number, and his garage was lined with license plates all bearing that same number.  It's now my door code to get into the building at work.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DRMan on March 17, 2021, 12:16:09 PM
Quote from: 6a on March 16, 2021, 06:10:20 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 16, 2021, 12:51:14 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 14, 2021, 09:52:43 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 13, 2021, 02:13:14 PM
Arizona now has 6 character standard plates again. 3 characters, a space, and 3 more characters. Random letters or numbers, with the purple cactus on the left.

SM-G975U



And it seems like there isn't any sequence, number/letter combos are just issued randomly?
I haven't noticed any specific patterns. They all seem so random now. In fact, all the plates Arizona offers now are random.

SM-G975U
This is from a license plate mailing list:

QuoteThey went in December to the Tucson ADOT to register their former Minnesota
2 vehicles - got "E8A6DDA" for their first vehicle and "E8A8DDA" for their
second vehicle (Apparently on the on-line system someone got the E8A7DDA in
between their two vehicles)
So apparently the middle digit advances first. Then position 2 goes through the alphabet, then numbers. Then position 6 does the same. Then 1, then 5.

Interesting. This is what I've seen in AZ. For the standard plates, the third and the seventh characters are always A. The fifth character is sequential; they started at A and they now seem to be at D. (I don't know what they will do after Z, my guess is they will increment one of the As.) The fourth character is a random number, or at least I assumed it was until I read your post. And the other characters (first, second, sixth) are random numbers or letters. Speciality plates with six characters have their own pattern. They have been doing this since right before we moved to AZ this past summer, so there are many older plates out there.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on March 17, 2021, 08:44:58 PM
The few newer 6 character plates I've seen in Arizona seem to use the pattern of ABC 1DE.

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DRMan on March 18, 2021, 09:12:12 AM
Huh. My new 6 character specialty plate is ABC12D, with two numbers instead of one. And, yesterday I saw what you mentioned in your first post -- 3 random characters, space, 3 more random characters. Did they give up on their 7 character plates already?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on March 18, 2021, 02:58:37 PM
Quote from: DRMan on March 18, 2021, 09:12:12 AM
Huh. My new 6 character specialty plate is ABC12D, with two numbers instead of one. And, yesterday I saw what you mentioned in your first post -- 3 random characters, space, 3 more random characters. Did they give up on their 7 character plates already?
I don't know if they have or not. Of course, after I post about the 6 character standard plates, I have seen a few variations just yesterday. One was 12A 3BC, one was 1AB 2CD, and one was 1AB 23C.

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 18, 2021, 04:01:13 PM
Quote from: DRMan on March 18, 2021, 09:12:12 AM
Huh. My new 6 character specialty plate is ABC12D, with two numbers instead of one. And, yesterday I saw what you mentioned in your first post -- 3 random characters, space, 3 more random characters. Did they give up on their 7 character plates already?

Do they not have separate number pools for specialty plates there? In Oklahoma, each specialty plate has its own subset of numbers. For example, the Route 66 plate is "RTE###" (or "###RTE"), the star-46 plate (using the design of Oklahoma's original flag) is "RF####", and so on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on March 18, 2021, 07:06:25 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 18, 2021, 04:01:13 PM
Quote from: DRMan on March 18, 2021, 09:12:12 AM
Huh. My new 6 character specialty plate is ABC12D, with two numbers instead of one. And, yesterday I saw what you mentioned in your first post -- 3 random characters, space, 3 more random characters. Did they give up on their 7 character plates already?

Do they not have separate number pools for specialty plates there? In Oklahoma, each specialty plate has its own subset of numbers. For example, the Route 66 plate is "RTE###" (or "###RTE"), the star-46 plate (using the design of Oklahoma's original flag) is "RF####", and so on.
There used to be separate number pools or separate alphanumeric sequences for specialty plates. When the changes happened to the standard plates, it looks like the changes took place across the board.

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 23, 2021, 04:50:55 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.

I'd be fine with California's if they used dot separators.

7·JGN·930 instead of 7JGN930

But what I really dislike is jumbles.  Missouri's AB1-C2D format really bothers me, especially because they use zero.

I always imagine someone working at the vehicle import booth inland of the Mexican border, and then a car driving up with a license plate of XB2-L0F–having to figure out whether that fifth character is a letter or a numeral.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 23, 2021, 06:56:36 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.

British Columbia' new plates are a total jumble (I have the same problem as kphoger) and could learn from Ontario.

Before...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FBritish_Columbia%2Fbc2013.jpg&hash=ed5bfbc189161d4f0ad45fa1fca76debda35684d)

after...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bcpl8s.ca%2Fimages%2FPassenger%2F2014-2023%2F2016-BM034A%28XL%29.jpg&hash=4dd3a18bf1c24673b84308a66d4b98478949b310)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 09:58:42 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 23, 2021, 06:56:36 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.

British Columbia' new plates are a total jumble (I have the same problem as kphoger) and could learn from Ontario.

Before...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FBritish_Columbia%2Fbc2013.jpg&hash=ed5bfbc189161d4f0ad45fa1fca76debda35684d)

after...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bcpl8s.ca%2Fimages%2FPassenger%2F2014-2023%2F2016-BM034A%28XL%29.jpg&hash=4dd3a18bf1c24673b84308a66d4b98478949b310)

I know that Ontario doesn't issue letter Os because it's too close to zero, so maybe in states where stuff is jumbled, they only issue one or the other (O or 0) and therefore there wouldn't be a problem?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 23, 2021, 10:36:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 23, 2021, 04:50:55 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.

I'd be fine with California's if they used dot separators.

7·JGN·930 instead of 7JGN930

But what I really dislike is jumbles.  Missouri's AB1-C2D format really bothers me, especially because they use zero.

I always imagine someone working at the vehicle import booth inland of the Mexican border, and then a car driving up with a license plate of XB2-L0F–having to figure out whether that fifth character is a letter or a numeral.

I totally agree about separating with a dot.

Not a fan of O or I being used on plates at all, but yes, especially in a jumbled format.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vtk on March 24, 2021, 08:50:11 AM
IMO alphanumeric serial numbers should consist of runs of 1—2 letters and 2—3 digits, with separators at letter-to-number transitions and/or at number-to-letter transitions. For example:

A234-E67
AB-345-FG
12CD-567
A23-D56-G
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 09:04:50 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 23, 2021, 10:36:24 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 23, 2021, 04:50:55 PM

Quote from: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.

I'd be fine with California's if they used dot separators.

7·JGN·930 instead of 7JGN930

But what I really dislike is jumbles.  Missouri's AB1-C2D format really bothers me, especially because they use zero.

I always imagine someone working at the vehicle import booth inland of the Mexican border, and then a car driving up with a license plate of XB2-L0F–having to figure out whether that fifth character is a letter or a numeral.

I totally agree about separating with a dot.

Not a fan of O or I being used on plates at all, but yes, especially in a jumbled format.

And you just proved my point.  That wasn't a letter O.  It was a zero.   :biggrin:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 24, 2021, 09:17:09 AM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on March 16, 2021, 03:37:10 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 16, 2021, 12:06:08 PM
Do you all have standard issue plates from your state, or have you helped fund the DMV annual Christmas party with a specialty?

Of our two cars, we have a standard Oregon fir tree plate, and my wife's car has the Smokey the Bear plate that Oregon offers.
I currently only have standard plates. Here is one specialty plate I would consider in the future...(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210316/0ee79eafe3a944d4b398ab19c365995a.jpg)

SM-G975U

the matrix is in arizona now?

pretty cool, tho.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 09:42:44 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 12, 2021, 09:51:04 AM
When Mexican states started issuing their own graphic plates in the late 1990s, they kind of ran amok after a few years.  They came up with some designs that look really cool on a computer screen (and some that don't), but those designs don't translate well into the real world of actually reading them.  So, when the SCT issued new guidelines four years ago or so for license plate designs–most notably requiring that there be NO graphic design behind the serial number–it's my opinion that they did the right thing.  The most recent issues from Mexican states are better, in my opinion, even if they aren't as eye-catching.

Quote from: jakeroot on March 13, 2021, 06:34:58 PM
As it relates to the conversation around plate design:

I absolutely hate overdone license plate designs. If it were up to me, every plate would be black on white, or a similarly contrasting color, and nothing in the background. The only design would be the state name on the top, which I suppose you could do up in some graphically appealing way.

Mexico's new rules are very inspiring.

Nearly anything you want to know about the recent standards for Mexican license plate design can be found in this SCT publication from June 2016 (http://mexicoplates.moini.net/dof-2016-06-24-partial.pdf) (.pdf warning).

The section pertinent to our discussion has the figure below to go along with it:

(https://i.imgur.com/YJfOpQQ.png)

And my translation of the heading:

The area for alphanumeric characters on the plate series shall be exclusive and free of figures, emblems, or legend that hinder its legibility, by visual or electronic means, as shown in Figure 'D'.

You can see how states have implemented these rules to a varying degree of strictness below (sample):

(https://i.imgur.com/VoBjPxT.png)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: wanderer2575 on March 24, 2021, 10:31:58 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 16, 2021, 02:10:57 PM
On a side note, do any of you have your plate numbers memorized? I do not, but it is something that comes in handy every now and again, like at hotel check-ins and the like.

I always have.  I have a custom plate now so I know I won't forget.

Mrs. wanderer has a University of Michigan specialty plate (with the block M) and she also picked a custom number that uses the M as the first letter of the phrase.  Whenever she gives her license plate number she always includes the M, and I always have to remind her that's not part of the plate number.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??

Oregon has a number of years before they exhaust the current 123-ABC format. They'd previously used ABC-123 so I'm thinking they'll go 1AB-C23 starting with 1AA-A01.

I don't think they have the population to do 7 digits.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 24, 2021, 11:18:17 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??


WV has an incredibly wasteful and arcane system. 

First sequence  - *L NNNN
Second sequence - *LL NNN
Third sequence - * NL NNN

In all cases * is the month of expiration, 1-9, O, N or D.  Wasteful because DMVs must keep 12 different standard plates on hand, and the possible number combinations are tiny contrasted to other systems.

The third sequence is about done.  The state said it was going to upgrade its software and go to a simply NNN LLL system, which would last forever in a state this small, but my guess is they do something stupid.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 11:23:57 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??

Oregon has a number of years before they exhaust the current 123-ABC format. They'd previously used ABC-123 so I'm thinking they'll go 1AB-C23 starting with 1AA-A01.

I don't think they have the population to do 7 digits.

I expect Kansas will go back to ABC-123 again.  By the time we run out of 123-ABC, I don't think there will be any of the older format still valid anymore.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 11:27:18 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 11:23:57 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??

Oregon has a number of years before they exhaust the current 123-ABC format. They'd previously used ABC-123 so I'm thinking they'll go 1AB-C23 starting with 1AA-A01.

I don't think they have the population to do 7 digits.

I expect Kansas will go back to ABC-123 again.  By the time we run out of 123-ABC, I don't think there will be any of the older format still valid anymore.

That's a certain benefit to mandatory re-plates. You can recycle old sequences.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TXtoNJ on March 24, 2021, 11:28:13 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 23, 2021, 06:56:36 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.

British Columbia' new plates are a total jumble (I have the same problem as kphoger) and could learn from Ontario.

Before...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FBritish_Columbia%2Fbc2013.jpg&hash=ed5bfbc189161d4f0ad45fa1fca76debda35684d)

after...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bcpl8s.ca%2Fimages%2FPassenger%2F2014-2023%2F2016-BM034A%28XL%29.jpg&hash=4dd3a18bf1c24673b84308a66d4b98478949b310)

Not really a jumble though - it's AB1 23C. That's easier to remember than Canadian postal codes (A1B 2C3)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 11:32:56 AM
Quote from: TXtoNJ on March 24, 2021, 11:28:13 AM

Quote from: jakeroot on March 23, 2021, 06:56:36 PM

Quote from: andrepoiy on March 23, 2021, 04:27:55 PM
I'm not a fan of serials that are alphanumeric mixes (like California's), and prefer when letters and numbers are separated (like Ontario's XXXX-000). I find it easier to read and remember, and making it easier to remember is useful in accidents or whatnot.

British Columbia' new plates are a total jumble (I have the same problem as kphoger) and could learn from Ontario.

Before...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FBritish_Columbia%2Fbc2013.jpg&hash=ed5bfbc189161d4f0ad45fa1fca76debda35684d)

after...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bcpl8s.ca%2Fimages%2FPassenger%2F2014-2023%2F2016-BM034A%28XL%29.jpg&hash=4dd3a18bf1c24673b84308a66d4b98478949b310)

Not really a jumble though - it's AB1 23C. That's easier to remember than Canadian postal codes (A1B 2C3)

Like with Missouri, though, you have to know that's a zero and not a letter O.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 11:46:31 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on March 24, 2021, 11:18:17 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??


WV has an incredibly wasteful and arcane system. 

First sequence  - *L NNNN
Second sequence - *LL NNN
Third sequence - * NL NNN

In all cases * is the month of expiration, 1-9, O, N or D.  Wasteful because DMVs must keep 12 different standard plates on hand, and the possible number combinations are tiny contrasted to other systems.

The third sequence is about done.  The state said it was going to upgrade its software and go to a simply NNN LLL system, which would last forever in a state this small, but my guess is they do something stupid.
*L NNNN  alone has about 2 million combinations, which is about VW population, and Second sequence - *LL NNN is about another 4 million. A bit strange that they run out.
NNN LLL will be about 8 million combinations and may last less than 3 other combinations combined.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 12:13:41 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 11:46:31 AM

Quote from: SP Cook on March 24, 2021, 11:18:17 AM

Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??


WV has an incredibly wasteful and arcane system. 

First sequence  - *L NNNN
Second sequence - *LL NNN
Third sequence - * NL NNN

In all cases * is the month of expiration, 1-9, O, N or D.  Wasteful because DMVs must keep 12 different standard plates on hand, and the possible number combinations are tiny contrasted to other systems.

The third sequence is about done.  The state said it was going to upgrade its software and go to a simply NNN LLL system, which would last forever in a state this small, but my guess is they do something stupid.

*L NNNN  alone has about 2 million combinations, which is about VW population, and Second sequence - *LL NNN is about another 4 million. A bit strange that they run out.
NNN LLL will be about 8 million combinations and may last less than 3 other combinations combined.

I don't know all the ins and outs of what West Virginia allows, but...

1.  Not considering letter combinations that are disallowed due to profanity

2.  Assuming no I, O, or Q at all

3.  Assuming no leading zero

(https://i.imgur.com/kVThV3T.png)

NNN-LLL only has a slight advantage–one which would be further reduced (but only slightly) if combinations like SEX, POO, and KKK are disallowed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 12:16:24 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 12:13:41 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 11:46:31 AM

Quote from: SP Cook on March 24, 2021, 11:18:17 AM

Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??


WV has an incredibly wasteful and arcane system. 

First sequence  - *L NNNN
Second sequence - *LL NNN
Third sequence - * NL NNN

In all cases * is the month of expiration, 1-9, O, N or D.  Wasteful because DMVs must keep 12 different standard plates on hand, and the possible number combinations are tiny contrasted to other systems.

The third sequence is about done.  The state said it was going to upgrade its software and go to a simply NNN LLL system, which would last forever in a state this small, but my guess is they do something stupid.

*L NNNN  alone has about 2 million combinations, which is about VW population, and Second sequence - *LL NNN is about another 4 million. A bit strange that they run out.
NNN LLL will be about 8 million combinations and may last less than 3 other combinations combined.

I don't know all the ins and outs of what West Virginia allows, but...

1.  Not considering letter combinations that are disallowed due to profanity

2.  Assuming no I, O, or Q at all

3.  Assuming no leading zero

(https://i.imgur.com/kVThV3T.png)

NNN-LLL only has a slight advantage–one which would be further reduced (but only slightly) if combinations like SEX, POO, and KKK are disallowed.

West Virginia seems like a place that might not offer 666 either....which I was sooooo happy to get on my newest car! 😂😈
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 12:24:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 12:13:41 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 11:46:31 AM

Quote from: SP Cook on March 24, 2021, 11:18:17 AM

Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??


WV has an incredibly wasteful and arcane system. 

First sequence  - *L NNNN
Second sequence - *LL NNN
Third sequence - * NL NNN

In all cases * is the month of expiration, 1-9, O, N or D.  Wasteful because DMVs must keep 12 different standard plates on hand, and the possible number combinations are tiny contrasted to other systems.

The third sequence is about done.  The state said it was going to upgrade its software and go to a simply NNN LLL system, which would last forever in a state this small, but my guess is they do something stupid.

*L NNNN  alone has about 2 million combinations, which is about VW population, and Second sequence - *LL NNN is about another 4 million. A bit strange that they run out.
NNN LLL will be about 8 million combinations and may last less than 3 other combinations combined.

I don't know all the ins and outs of what West Virginia allows, but...

1.  Not considering letter combinations that are disallowed due to profanity

2.  Assuming no I, O, or Q at all

3.  Assuming no leading zero

(https://i.imgur.com/kVThV3T.png)

NNN-LLL only has a slight advantage–one which would be further reduced (but only slightly) if combinations like SEX, POO, and KKK are disallowed.
All that for less than 2 million population. Has to be something we're missing!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 12:33:20 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 12:24:34 PM
All that for less than 2 million population. Has to be something we're missing!

Well, the previous series are no longer available for new registrations–but the serial numbers are still in valid use.  So, every time someone registers a vehicle, a number gets used up.

In comparison, Kansas switched to NNN-LLL in 2007, and we're already about halfway through the alphabet.  And Kansas uses all 26 letters and 10 numerals.  We have a population of less than 3 million.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 02:02:05 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 12:33:20 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 12:24:34 PM
All that for less than 2 million population. Has to be something we're missing!

Well, the previous series are no longer available for new registrations–but the serial numbers are still in valid use.  So, every time someone registers a vehicle, a number gets used up.

In comparison, Kansas switched to NNN-LLL in 2007, and we're already about halfway through the alphabet.  And Kansas uses all 26 letters and 10 numerals.  We have a population of less than 3 million.
I wonder what is the average lifetime of registration is. We had this discussion before in some way; if plate stays with the car, it lives for 10-15+ years; some other options may be more restrictive.
So far, we're talking about roughly 5 plate numbers consumed by each driver. Which seem to be enough for 50 years or so as a best case.
Current design was introduced in 1995, 25 years ago. Makes some sense.
I wouldn't call a numbering scheme which lasted "only" 25 years a waste, though. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on March 24, 2021, 05:11:47 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 11:27:18 AM
Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 11:23:57 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??

Oregon has a number of years before they exhaust the current 123-ABC format. They'd previously used ABC-123 so I'm thinking they'll go 1AB-C23 starting with 1AA-A01.

I don't think they have the population to do 7 digits.

I expect Kansas will go back to ABC-123 again.  By the time we run out of 123-ABC, I don't think there will be any of the older format still valid anymore.

That's a certain benefit to mandatory re-plates. You can recycle old sequences.
That's what South Dakota did; if you have county codes on the plates you almost have to do mandatory re-plateing to recycle the numbers for the big counties
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 25, 2021, 10:24:08 AM
Quote from: kalvado on March 24, 2021, 12:24:34 PM

All that for less than 2 million population. Has to be something we're missing!


As stated above, they have been using the same numbers since 1995.  While the population is only 2M, everytime a plate is issued, that number set is burned.  Plates stay with the person, not the car, and the only way to move the plate to another car is via a dealer or standing around at the DMV for a half day. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on March 25, 2021, 10:35:21 AM
Ontario's current sequence is XXXX-000.

It started at AXXX-000 like 2 decades ago and for now we're in the CXXX-000 range. Recently exhausted BXXX like 3 years ago.

It's going to be a long while before we get to ZXXX-000.

Although FXXX happens to be reserved for French plates, GVXX reserved for Green Vehicle plates, and VEXX reserved for French Green Vehicle plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 25, 2021, 11:06:44 AM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 25, 2021, 10:35:21 AM

Although FXXX happens to be reserved for French plates, GVXX reserved for Green Vehicle plates, and VEXX reserved for French Green Vehicle plates.

What is a "French plate"?   Letters and numbers are just letters and numbers.  Do they translate "Yours to Discover" into French?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 25, 2021, 11:13:24 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on March 25, 2021, 11:06:44 AM

Quote from: andrepoiy on March 25, 2021, 10:35:21 AM
Although FXXX happens to be reserved for French plates, GVXX reserved for Green Vehicle plates, and VEXX reserved for French Green Vehicle plates.

What is a "French plate"?   Letters and numbers are just letters and numbers.  Do they translate "Yours to Discover" into French?

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FOntario4%2Fon2013french.jpg&hash=cdf8ee1e84ac0f92657f77245b15c245aa526eef)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 25, 2021, 12:28:10 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 25, 2021, 10:35:21 AM
Ontario's current sequence is XXXX-000.

It started at AXXX-000 like 2 decades ago and for now we're in the CXXX-000 range. Recently exhausted BXXX like 3 years ago.

It's going to be a long while before we get to ZXXX-000.

Although FXXX happens to be reserved for French plates, GVXX reserved for Green Vehicle plates, and VEXX reserved for French Green Vehicle plates.

I thought I read something that given the population and available combinations, it'd be close to the end of the century before Ontario needs to worry about changing formats.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on March 25, 2021, 08:33:19 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 25, 2021, 12:28:10 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on March 25, 2021, 10:35:21 AM
Ontario's current sequence is XXXX-000.

It started at AXXX-000 like 2 decades ago and for now we're in the CXXX-000 range. Recently exhausted BXXX like 3 years ago.

It's going to be a long while before we get to ZXXX-000.

Although FXXX happens to be reserved for French plates, GVXX reserved for Green Vehicle plates, and VEXX reserved for French Green Vehicle plates.

I thought I read something that given the population and available combinations, it'd be close to the end of the century before Ontario needs to worry about changing formats.

Well, it took them nearly 2 decades to get from A to C, so probably. In addition, these are passenger vehicle plates, and pickup trucks are always issued commercial plates even if they're for personal use.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on March 25, 2021, 09:15:57 PM
Quote
I always imagine someone working at the vehicle import booth inland of the Mexican border, and then a car driving up with a license plate of XB2-L0F–having to figure out whether that fifth character is a letter or a numeral.

It's a Canadian Postal Code, dammit!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on March 25, 2021, 09:22:37 PM
^^ Canadian postal code is LNL NLN, but close.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on March 26, 2021, 03:04:57 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 24, 2021, 10:57:03 AM
Speaking of formats, where do you predict your state goes after its current sequence??

Oregon has a number of years before they exhaust the current 123-ABC format. They'd previously used ABC-123 so I'm thinking they'll go 1AB-C23 starting with 1AA-A01.

I don't think they have the population to do 7 digits.
I'm wondering about Ohio's specialty plate system. We're at about 123ZK(*) from what I've seen. Will they flip it around, or go back to finish the 12AB34 series from the bicentennial plates?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on March 26, 2021, 03:29:47 PM
Quote from: 6a on March 26, 2021, 03:04:57 AM
I'm wondering about Ohio's specialty plate system. We're at about 123ZK(*) from what I've seen. Will they flip it around, or go back to finish the 12AB34 series from the bicentennial plates?

My guess is when they hit 999ZZZ (which won't be for 4-5 years at the rate these plates are issued), they'll go to AAA001 or more likely AAA010, although they might just go to 010AAA.

The Bicentennial plates were AB12CD
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on March 26, 2021, 03:41:34 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on March 26, 2021, 03:29:47 PM

The Bicentennial plates were AB12CD
Haha, you're right. I should know better, living in Ohio and all
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
it almost seems as if they're making it too difficult. there may be reasons for not doing this that are beyond my understanding, but...

what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

or is that my medication talking?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on March 28, 2021, 10:58:56 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

Not just "them" who need your plate number. What if there's a silver or similar alert, asking for help from ordinary motorists to help authorities find people who need help?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: democratic nole on March 28, 2021, 02:39:23 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 11, 2021, 09:16:35 PM
Quote from: democratic nole on December 29, 2020, 11:02:37 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 28, 2020, 09:05:30 PM
Quote from: democratic nole on December 28, 2020, 11:48:31 AM
Several years ago, Florida was embarking on a redesign of its license plates, because they suck (official story). However, due to some complaints by the license plate vendor the state uses, the plan to change designs got scrapped and we have continued to be stuck with these shitty license plates. Is there a worse regular state plate in the country than this: (https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/2018_Florida_license_plate_IYT_E32.jpg)

The MyFlorida.com crap is awful and embarrassing.

Well, yeah.
(https://www.15q.net/us4/ok18.jpg)

You have the tourism website, plus the hard-to-read black-and-blue color scheme, plain Eurostile font, and the silhouette is badly traced over one of the first results for "scissortail flycatcher" on Google Image Search. All borne out of a rush job to try and fill up the state coffers without officially raising taxes, because that's constitutionally hard to do in Oklahoma. Thanks, Fallin!
I will admit that Oklahoma's plate is similarly awful and both are one plate states (also wrong in my book).

Michigan is pretty bland. Texas too.
I preferred the old Texas plate with the space shuttle on it, but even the simplistic Texas plates with black lettering look better than the Florida plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 02:57:00 PM
The last-gen New York plates will always be one of my least favorite license plate designs. It's just really drab, and it doesn't go well with dealer frames either. I'd really like to get mine changed soon.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg/512px-New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg) (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: oscar on March 28, 2021, 03:32:26 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 02:57:00 PM
The last-gen New York plates will always be one of my least favorite license plate designs. It's just really drab, and it doesn't go well with dealer frames either. I'd really like to get mine changed soon.

Why the love for dealer frames? I hate them, especially when they obscure essential information such as the state name. I quickly removed the ones that came with my cars, though the dealers also used stickers or other ways to advertise themselves on my cars.

Whatever the NY plates' other deficiencies, they at least use large fonts that make the most of the available plate space.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 28, 2021, 05:42:26 PM
I've always had a thing for black/dark blue-on-yellow plates. Very easy to read. Alaska has similar plates which are particularly nice in the snowy environment.

In the case of New York: their new plates look just like dozens of other states. Nothing unique at all. Their old plates could be spotted a mile away while also being spectacularly simple. It's too bad more states don't take their cue and use simple-but-unique designs.

One credit for New York, however: nothing behind the plate number (besides the authentication logo). Massive props for at least maintaining that design standard.

Oh, and to kphoger, as I didn't mention it before: thank you for info re: Mexican plates. I just saw a Mexico City plate here in WA the other day, and it looked very nice.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CardInLex on March 28, 2021, 06:08:33 PM
Kentucky's new flat plate designs continue to roll out. All plates are transitioning to flat plates with all the text right justified. The standard plates (there are two – with/without "IN GOD WE TRUST" ) have a Kentucky icon on the left.

https://secure.kentucky.gov/kytc/plates/web/#9b02e588-632a-4842-bc61-02cedfc3a2fb
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 28, 2021, 07:52:20 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
it almost seems as if they're making it too difficult. there may be reasons for not doing this that are beyond my understanding, but...

what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

or is that my medication talking?

Weren't we supposed to have barcode license plates by 2015? Back to the Future II seemed to think so....of course we also were supposed to have flying cars.

(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/ba/54/0d/ba540da63a536f631d1de85a9b7bf10b.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 07:56:21 PM
Quote from: oscar on March 28, 2021, 03:32:26 PM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 02:57:00 PM
The last-gen New York plates will always be one of my least favorite license plate designs. It's just really drab, and it doesn't go well with dealer frames either. I'd really like to get mine changed soon.

Why the love for dealer frames? I hate them, especially when they obscure essential information such as the state name. I quickly removed the ones that came with my cars, though the dealers also used stickers or other ways to advertise themselves on my cars.

Whatever the NY plates' other deficiencies, they at least use large fonts that make the most of the available plate space.

I don't love dealer frames. In fact, I took those off my car when I brought it home. But a lot of people don't, so it makes those license plates way less aesthetically appealing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on March 29, 2021, 12:33:51 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 28, 2021, 07:52:20 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
it almost seems as if they're making it too difficult. there may be reasons for not doing this that are beyond my understanding, but...

what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

or is that my medication talking?

Weren't we supposed to have barcode license plates by 2015? Back to the Future II seemed to think so....of course we also were supposed to have flying cars.

(https://i.pinimg.com/474x/ba/54/0d/ba540da63a536f631d1de85a9b7bf10b.jpg)

I'd be happier if they'd bring back the Golden State base plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on March 30, 2021, 12:08:05 AM
Registered the car in Arizona today. We have a "waterproof paper"  license plate until the real plate arrives in the mail within the next 10 days.  The format is AAANAA. The person that got their new plate ahead of us was nowhere near the same characters as we received. It seemed truly random.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on March 30, 2021, 12:12:21 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 02:57:00 PM
The last-gen New York plates will always be one of my least favorite license plate designs. It's just really drab, and it doesn't go well with dealer frames either. I'd really like to get mine changed soon.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg/512px-New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg) (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg)

I was a big fan of the blue on gold plates when I was a kid back in the 1970s, but even though the Empire Gold plates had a few more frills than the original blue on gold plates, the Empire Gold plates just looked cheaper.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 11:48:49 AM
Quote from: interstatefan990 on March 28, 2021, 02:57:00 PM
The last-gen New York plates will always be one of my least favorite license plate designs. It's just really drab, and it doesn't go well with dealer frames either. I'd really like to get mine changed soon.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg/512px-New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg) (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:New_York_Empire_Gold_License_Plate.jpg)

That's one of my favorites.  It's also really easy for my sons to identify when we're license plate spotting during a road trip.  Oh, and dealer frames are an abomination.

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
it almost seems as if they're making it too difficult. there may be reasons for not doing this that are beyond my understanding, but...

what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

What problem would that solve?  We're not running out of combinations.  States just have to switch series every so often.

Besides, humans still have to read license plates.

For example, if I'm stopped by a police officer in Mexico, they have to visually match my license plate to my import paperwork.

Or how about when my best friend was selling his pickup and had it parked in a lot half a block away from his apartment with a FOR SALE sign in the window–then noticed one day that someone had stolen his license plate and replaced itwith an expired out-of-county plate instead.  If your license plate were just a big barcode, would you notice if someone had done that?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 30, 2021, 01:44:29 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 11:48:49 AM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
it almost seems as if they're making it too difficult. there may be reasons for not doing this that are beyond my understanding, but...

what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

What problem would that solve?  We're not running out of combinations.  States just have to switch series every so often.

Besides, humans still have to read license plates.

For example, if I'm stopped by a police officer in Mexico, they have to visually match my license plate to my import paperwork.

Or how about when my best friend was selling his pickup and had it parked in a lot half a block away from his apartment with a FOR SALE sign in the window–then noticed one day that someone had stolen his license plate and replaced itwith an expired out-of-county plate instead.  If your license plate were just a big barcode, would you notice if someone had done that?

I would envision a barcode - or maybe embedded radio readable chip? -  not replacing, but being added to the text. Machine readability seems a big deal for things like AET, and I suspect there may be quite a few applications outside of AET. Existing image recognition has enough glitches to consider alternatives; barcode is a low to no cost one; chip may be more expensive but more future-proof.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 03:05:03 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 30, 2021, 01:44:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 11:48:49 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
it almost seems as if they're making it too difficult. there may be reasons for not doing this that are beyond my understanding, but...

what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

What problem would that solve?  We're not running out of combinations.  States just have to switch series every so often.

Besides, humans still have to read license plates.

For example, if I'm stopped by a police officer in Mexico, they have to visually match my license plate to my import paperwork.

Or how about when my best friend was selling his pickup and had it parked in a lot half a block away from his apartment with a FOR SALE sign in the window–then noticed one day that someone had stolen his license plate and replaced itwith an expired out-of-county plate instead.  If your license plate were just a big barcode, would you notice if someone had done that?

I would envision a barcode - or maybe embedded radio readable chip? -  not replacing, but being added to the text. Machine readability seems a big deal for things like AET, and I suspect there may be quite a few applications outside of AET. Existing image recognition has enough glitches to consider alternatives; barcode is a low to no cost one; chip may be more expensive but more future-proof.

So, like what Mexico is already doing?  It's called a "two-dimensional security code" (código de seguridad).  Note the QR codes on the plates below.

Quote from: kphoger on March 24, 2021, 09:42:44 AM
Nearly anything you want to know about the recent standards for Mexican license plate design can be found in this SCT publication from June 2016 (http://mexicoplates.moini.net/dof-2016-06-24-partial.pdf) (.pdf warning).

The section pertinent to our discussion has the figure below to go along with it:

(https://i.imgur.com/YJfOpQQ.png)

And my translation of the heading:

The area for alphanumeric characters on the plate series shall be exclusive and free of figures, emblems, or legend that hinder its legibility, by visual or electronic means, as shown in Figure 'D'.

You can see how states have implemented these rules to a varying degree of strictness below (sample):

(https://i.imgur.com/VoBjPxT.png)

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on March 30, 2021, 03:13:04 PM
Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 03:05:03 PM
Quote from: kalvado on March 30, 2021, 01:44:29 PM

Quote from: kphoger on March 30, 2021, 11:48:49 AM

Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on March 28, 2021, 10:13:51 AM
it almost seems as if they're making it too difficult. there may be reasons for not doing this that are beyond my understanding, but...

what if we just put a largish 2d barcode on the plates, instead of letters and numbers? i mean, if they can read my plate with an ocr from a decent distance. the 2d barcode can have much more info in it (you could stick a GUID in it quite easily) and it would still be 'sparse' enough to be easily scanned.. not that i want to make 'their' job any easier, but it would nicely solve the problem.

What problem would that solve?  We're not running out of combinations.  States just have to switch series every so often.

Besides, humans still have to read license plates.

For example, if I'm stopped by a police officer in Mexico, they have to visually match my license plate to my import paperwork.

Or how about when my best friend was selling his pickup and had it parked in a lot half a block away from his apartment with a FOR SALE sign in the window–then noticed one day that someone had stolen his license plate and replaced itwith an expired out-of-county plate instead.  If your license plate were just a big barcode, would you notice if someone had done that?

I would envision a barcode - or maybe embedded radio readable chip? -  not replacing, but being added to the text. Machine readability seems a big deal for things like AET, and I suspect there may be quite a few applications outside of AET. Existing image recognition has enough glitches to consider alternatives; barcode is a low to no cost one; chip may be more expensive but more future-proof.

So, like what Mexico is already doing?  It's called a "two-dimensional security code" (código de seguridad).  Note the QR codes on the plates below.


[/quote]

If that is to be read remotely, I would imagine QR code taking significant portion of the plate, like most of left/right side. And I know nobody likes the idea of two line text...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kurumi on April 07, 2021, 05:24:02 PM
Delaware license plates with low numbers are worth thousands: https://www.psychnewsdaily.com/study-of-delaware-license-plates-puts-a-price-tag-on-social-status-signalling/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on May 03, 2021, 11:55:54 AM
Saw two "paper" license tags on my commute this morning, one with the last three characters "NZZ", the other with the last three characters "PAN". So, it appears that Kansas is avoiding "I" and "O" on general-issue license plates
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 12:05:51 PM
Quote from: route56 on May 03, 2021, 11:55:54 AM
Saw two "paper" license tags on my commute this morning, one with the last three characters "NZZ", the other with the last three characters "PAN". So, it appears that Kansas is avoiding "I" and "O" on general-issue license plates

Interesting.  Does Kansas assign the actual license plate number on a paper tag?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Angelo71 on May 03, 2021, 12:18:49 PM
I know this is probably unrelated, I just saw license plates, but Virginia should readopt this license plate. https://imgur.com/Vb8eCMj
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on May 03, 2021, 12:20:51 PM
Quote from: CardInLex on March 28, 2021, 06:08:33 PM
Kentucky's new flat plate designs continue to roll out. All plates are transitioning to flat plates with all the text right justified. The standard plates (there are two – with/without "IN GOD WE TRUST" ) have a Kentucky icon on the left.

https://secure.kentucky.gov/kytc/plates/web/#9b02e588-632a-4842-bc61-02cedfc3a2fb

Have seen these in the wild, and they look like crap.  For one thing, flat plates simply look fake to me. They are easily obscured by glare or more easily tampered with, rendering them illegible.  And the basic outline of the state followed by off-centered 3M font digits is garbage. Not only does it irritate my OCD, but such a change was unnecessary.  The old design was just fine.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 12:27:35 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on May 03, 2021, 12:20:51 PM
Quote from: CardInLex on March 28, 2021, 06:08:33 PM
Kentucky's new flat plate designs continue to roll out. All plates are transitioning to flat plates with all the text right justified. The standard plates (there are two – with/without "IN GOD WE TRUST" ) have a Kentucky icon on the left.

https://secure.kentucky.gov/kytc/plates/web/#9b02e588-632a-4842-bc61-02cedfc3a2fb

Have seen these in the wild, and they look like crap.  For one thing, flat plates simply look fake to me. They are easily obscured by glare or more easily tampered with, rendering them illegible.  And the basic outline of the state followed by off-centered 3M font digits is garbage. Not only does it irritate my OCD, but such a change was unnecessary.  The old design was just fine.

But are they as bad as the infamous sunshine plates of the early 2000s? 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on May 03, 2021, 12:30:56 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 12:27:35 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on May 03, 2021, 12:20:51 PM
Quote from: CardInLex on March 28, 2021, 06:08:33 PM
Kentucky's new flat plate designs continue to roll out. All plates are transitioning to flat plates with all the text right justified. The standard plates (there are two – with/without "IN GOD WE TRUST" ) have a Kentucky icon on the left.

https://secure.kentucky.gov/kytc/plates/web/#9b02e588-632a-4842-bc61-02cedfc3a2fb

Have seen these in the wild, and they look like crap.  For one thing, flat plates simply look fake to me. They are easily obscured by glare or more easily tampered with, rendering them illegible.  And the basic outline of the state followed by off-centered 3M font digits is garbage. Not only does it irritate my OCD, but such a change was unnecessary.  The old design was just fine.

But are they as bad as the infamous sunshine plates of the early 2000s?

In some ways, worse.  Yes, the childish Raisin Bran smiling sun was atrocious.  But the rest of the plate (font, design and yes embossed) still held up. My issue here is that this thing looks so cheap and lousy that one could make their own and it would be an improvement over this off-centered thing. 

Embossed plates have more tensile strength, btw.  So they'll last longer than easily recycled flat plates. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Angelo71 on May 03, 2021, 12:54:49 PM
I like the Kentucky Plates. I like the designs more though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on May 03, 2021, 01:27:51 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 12:05:51 PM
Interesting.  Does Kansas assign the actual license plate number on a paper tag?

When you get a new plate in Kansas in the "flat" tag era, you get a 30-day interim* tag with the license plate number and the plate type printed, along with the registration decal at the county treasurer's office. The plate itself is printed at a central facility (either Topeka or Wichita) and mailed out. You're supposed to notify the Department of Revenue if you don't receive the plate or if the numbers don't match.

* I use "interim" to distinguish the paper tag you receive at the courthouse from the 60-day Temporary tag that you get while getting all the paperwork together to get a car titled.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 01:44:09 PM
Quote from: route56 on May 03, 2021, 01:27:51 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 12:05:51 PM
Interesting.  Does Kansas assign the actual license plate number on a paper tag?

When you get a new plate in Kansas in the "flat" tag era, you get a 30-day interim* tag with the license plate number and the plate type printed, along with the registration decal at the county treasurer's office. The plate itself is printed at a central facility (either Topeka or Wichita) and mailed out. You're supposed to notify the Department of Revenue if you don't receive the plate or if the numbers don't match.

* I use "interim" to distinguish the paper tag you receive at the courthouse from the 60-day Temporary tag that you get while getting all the paperwork together to get a car titled.

Thanks for clarifying!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 04:55:24 PM
In Ontario, when you register a car, you get your license in-person, right there. I'm assuming that each location has a stash of plates and they just punch in the serial into the database or something when they issue a plate.  So we don't really see un-plated cars or cars with temporary tags.

Waiting for license plates to come in the mail is so foreign to me haha.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 04:55:24 PM
In Ontario, when you register a car, you get your license in-person, right there. I'm assuming that each location has a stash of plates and they just punch in the serial into the database or something when they issue a plate.  So we don't really see un-plated cars or cars with temporary tags.

Waiting for license plates to come in the mail is so foreign to me haha.

That's convenient!

Is it the same if you're buying from a dealership?  Do they keep a supply on hand? 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 04:59:57 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 04:56:24 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 04:55:24 PM
In Ontario, when you register a car, you get your license in-person, right there. I'm assuming that each location has a stash of plates and they just punch in the serial into the database or something when they issue a plate.  So we don't really see un-plated cars or cars with temporary tags.

Waiting for license plates to come in the mail is so foreign to me haha.

That's convenient!

Is it the same if you're buying from a dealership?  Do they keep a supply on hand?

Yup, same with a dealer.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 05:04:42 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 04:55:24 PM
In Ontario, when you register a car, you get your license in-person, right there. I'm assuming that each location has a stash of plates and they just punch in the serial into the database or something when they issue a plate.  So we don't really see un-plated cars or cars with temporary tags.

Waiting for license plates to come in the mail is so foreign to me haha.

Oklahoma is similar, although the tags are processed through a tag agent rather than at the dealership. The dealer issues a paper tag that you keep on the car while you wait for the new title to be issued. Then when you get the title in the mail, you go to the tag agency and they hand you a tag right then from a stash they keep under the counter.

Of course, recently they changed the rules so that tags stay with the owner, so this process only happens if you are adding a new car without having a plate to put on it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 05:17:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 05:04:42 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 04:55:24 PM
In Ontario, when you register a car, you get your license in-person, right there. I'm assuming that each location has a stash of plates and they just punch in the serial into the database or something when they issue a plate.  So we don't really see un-plated cars or cars with temporary tags.

Waiting for license plates to come in the mail is so foreign to me haha.

Oklahoma is similar, although the tags are processed through a tag agent rather than at the dealership. The dealer issues a paper tag that you keep on the car while you wait for the new title to be issued. Then when you get the title in the mail, you go to the tag agency and they hand you a tag right then from a stash they keep under the counter.

Of course, recently they changed the rules so that tags stay with the owner, so this process only happens if you are adding a new car without having a plate to put on it.

The recent rule change you mention got me curious, and apologies if this has been asked on here before, but what states allow the plate to stay with the owner?

I know Oregon is one such state.  I've seen older plates, like ones when the letters were on the left side, on brand new vehicles.  Of course, it seems more people don't bother to keep their old plates, and just get whatever the DMV sends them, but it's apparently an option.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 05:31:44 PM
Kansas does.  I've had the same license plate for three vehicles now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 05:33:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 05:31:44 PM
Kansas does.  I've had the same license plate for three vehicles now.

Is it cheaper to do it that way?  I don't see it done very often in Oregon (save personalized ones).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 05:35:57 PM
Cheaper than what?  AFAIK, it's the only way they do it here.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 05:38:52 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2021, 05:35:57 PM
Cheaper than what?  AFAIK, it's the only way they do it here.

Ah, I see.  Here, I see a mix of transferred plates and new ones.

Example would be my neighbors got a new car and transferred the plate from their old Camry.

But I have some friends in Portland that bought a new car and got brand new plates. Seems like Oregon gives you the option.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on May 03, 2021, 08:23:55 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 04:55:24 PM
In Ontario, when you register a car, you get your license in-person, right there. I'm assuming that each location has a stash of plates and they just punch in the serial into the database or something when they issue a plate.  So we don't really see un-plated cars or cars with temporary tags.

Waiting for license plates to come in the mail is so foreign to me haha.
Same for NY, though I'm curious what happens right now with the DMV closed to most in-person services.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 03, 2021, 08:54:12 PM
When is Michigan going to get a nice looking license plate? And they can take that stupid website off of it while they are at it too. Also why can't Michigan have just one license plate? We have like five different license plates, maybe more. Every time they come up with a new plate it's almost always something about the Great Lakes I mean I know Michigan is known for bordering four of the Great Lakes but come up with something new for a change.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NoGoodNamesAvailable on May 03, 2021, 08:59:58 PM
Personally, I don't think paper temp tags should exist, at all. As far as I know in NY they only issue metal tags. Temp tags are way too easy to fake and if I see one on the road, especially attached to a hooptie, I assume the car is uninsured and running away if they hit me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:20:00 PM
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on May 03, 2021, 08:59:58 PM
Personally, I don't think paper temp tags should exist, at all. As far as I know in NY they only issue metal tags. Temp tags are way too easy to fake and if I see one on the road, especially attached to a hooptie, I assume the car is uninsured and running away if they hit me.

What is your proposed solution for the time between you take possession of a car and the time that you get the title to it issued in your name, then? Even if you could immediately get your license plate with a bill of sale instead of the title, that still raises the question of what to do during times when the dealership is open and the DMV is not (e.g. weekends and any time after 5pm).

For that matter, what do you do if you're driving from the dealership to the tag agency or DMV? Not have a license plate at all? Leave the car at the dealership and take an Uber to the DMV and back?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on May 03, 2021, 09:23:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:20:00 PM
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on May 03, 2021, 08:59:58 PM
Personally, I don't think paper temp tags should exist, at all. As far as I know in NY they only issue metal tags. Temp tags are way too easy to fake and if I see one on the road, especially attached to a hooptie, I assume the car is uninsured and running away if they hit me.

What is your proposed solution for the time between you take possession of a car and the time that you get the title to it issued in your name, then? Even if you could immediately get your license plate with a bill of sale instead of the title, that still raises the question of what to do during times when the dealership is open and the DMV is not (e.g. weekends and any time after 5pm).

There are states, or at least places in certain states, where this already happens. My first car, I bought from a used-car dealer in suburban Chicago on a Saturday evening, and the plates and sticker were put on the car and the registration was handed to me with the rest of the paperwork. I didn't think it was a particularly big deal, and they didn't even pat themselves on the back all that hard for doing it, like they did with the free car wash.

So, on the whole, I don't think that getting rid of temporary plates would be an issue with dealer sales. With private sales, though, things would likely be trickier.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NoGoodNamesAvailable on May 03, 2021, 09:32:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:20:00 PM
What is your proposed solution for the time between you take possession of a car and the time that you get the title to it issued in your name, then? Even if you could immediately get your license plate with a bill of sale instead of the title, that still raises the question of what to do during times when the dealership is open and the DMV is not (e.g. weekends and any time after 5pm).

For that matter, what do you do if you're driving from the dealership to the tag agency or DMV? Not have a license plate at all? Leave the car at the dealership and take an Uber to the DMV and back?

Why are you acting like this is hypothetical? This is what New York currently does. I don't think temp tags are issued at all, or if they are, in an extremely limited capacity, because I've never seen one in my life.

Generally when buying from a dealership they handle everything with the DMV for you, so you just drive off the lot with permanent tags when the sale is finalized.

For private sales, you don't need to wait for a new title to arrive. You just need the old title signed by the seller and a bill of sale, and that's your proof of ownership. Yes, you may need to wait a couple days for the DMV to open. That's a small inconvenience but doesn't warrant compromising the integrity of the entire license plate system by introducing paper temp tags that are extremely easy to forge.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on May 03, 2021, 10:23:29 PM
^Ya, in Ontario I have never seen a temp tag either, even though they apparently do exist
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 04, 2021, 01:05:53 AM
Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on May 03, 2021, 09:32:06 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:20:00 PM
What is your proposed solution for the time between you take possession of a car and the time that you get the title to it issued in your name, then? Even if you could immediately get your license plate with a bill of sale instead of the title, that still raises the question of what to do during times when the dealership is open and the DMV is not (e.g. weekends and any time after 5pm).

For that matter, what do you do if you're driving from the dealership to the tag agency or DMV? Not have a license plate at all? Leave the car at the dealership and take an Uber to the DMV and back?

Why are you acting like this is hypothetical? This is what New York currently does. I don't think temp tags are issued at all, or if they are, in an extremely limited capacity, because I've never seen one in my life.

Generally when buying from a dealership they handle everything with the DMV for you, so you just drive off the lot with permanent tags when the sale is finalized.

For private sales, you don't need to wait for a new title to arrive. You just need the old title signed by the seller and a bill of sale, and that's your proof of ownership. Yes, you may need to wait a couple days for the DMV to open. That's a small inconvenience but doesn't warrant compromising the integrity of the entire license plate system by introducing paper temp tags that are extremely easy to forge.

Guess I'm just used to the "we have your money, now you're on your own, lol" attitude of Oklahoma dealerships.

Here, you need the title in your name before you are allowed to get a plate, and the title transfer process can take up to 30 days. So the Oklahoma 30-day temporary tag is necessary to smooth the process. At least having a temporary tag allows a small amount of accountability that just driving around unplated would not.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LM117 on May 04, 2021, 08:13:08 AM
Due to a worldwide aluminum shortage, NC has suspended it's recent program of replacing plates that are older than 6 years.

https://www.wral.com/aluminum-shortage-forces-dmv-to-hit-brakes-on-plate-replacement-program/19658423/ (https://www.wral.com/aluminum-shortage-forces-dmv-to-hit-brakes-on-plate-replacement-program/19658423/)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on May 04, 2021, 12:03:10 PM
As to temporary plates and all of that, in WV, they do it this way:

If you trade a car at an in-state dealer, the dealer will put your old plates on your new car, and issue you a temporary registration card, then the DMV will mail you the permanent card in a week or so. 

If you are buying a car without a trade, some dealers are hooked into the DMV computer and keep plates on hand and will just put one on the car, others will issue you a temporary paper plate, which now come in two forms.  Many dealers print them on plain paper, which has the info all printed on it, which is inserted into a clear plastic sleeve and put on the car, while others still use a heavy cardboard plate that they have to fill out with a black marker.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2021, 08:54:12 PM
When is Michigan going to get a nice looking license plate?

1982.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmi84.jpg&hash=6c790d0456f7f8b5c08dd31c09427503f1ad73a6)

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 03, 2021, 09:23:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:20:00 PM

Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on May 03, 2021, 08:59:58 PM
Personally, I don't think paper temp tags should exist, at all. As far as I know in NY they only issue metal tags. Temp tags are way too easy to fake and if I see one on the road, especially attached to a hooptie, I assume the car is uninsured and running away if they hit me.

What is your proposed solution for the time between you take possession of a car and the time that you get the title to it issued in your name, then? Even if you could immediately get your license plate with a bill of sale instead of the title, that still raises the question of what to do during times when the dealership is open and the DMV is not (e.g. weekends and any time after 5pm).

There are states, or at least places in certain states, where this already happens. My first car, I bought from a used-car dealer in suburban Chicago on a Saturday evening, and the plates and sticker were put on the car and the registration was handed to me with the rest of the paperwork. I didn't think it was a particularly big deal, and they didn't even pat themselves on the back all that hard for doing it, like they did with the free car wash.

So, on the whole, I don't think that getting rid of temporary plates would be an issue with dealer sales. With private sales, though, things would likely be trickier.

When I sold a car directly to the buyer in the Chicago suburbs, I simply kept the rear plate and let him drive home with the front plate only.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: fillup420 on May 04, 2021, 05:41:27 PM
Quote from: LM117 on May 04, 2021, 08:13:08 AM
Due to a worldwide aluminum shortage, NC has suspended it's recent program of replacing plates that are older than 6 years.

https://www.wral.com/aluminum-shortage-forces-dmv-to-hit-brakes-on-plate-replacement-program/19658423/ (https://www.wral.com/aluminum-shortage-forces-dmv-to-hit-brakes-on-plate-replacement-program/19658423/)

I hope this means I can keep my red-letter plate for a while longer. They were only produced for a short time, so they have become somewhat rare
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 05, 2021, 08:31:29 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 04, 2021, 12:56:19 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 03, 2021, 08:54:12 PM
When is Michigan going to get a nice looking license plate?

1982.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmi84.jpg&hash=6c790d0456f7f8b5c08dd31c09427503f1ad73a6)

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 03, 2021, 09:23:57 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 03, 2021, 09:20:00 PM

Quote from: NoGoodNamesAvailable on May 03, 2021, 08:59:58 PM
Personally, I don't think paper temp tags should exist, at all. As far as I know in NY they only issue metal tags. Temp tags are way too easy to fake and if I see one on the road, especially attached to a hooptie, I assume the car is uninsured and running away if they hit me.

What is your proposed solution for the time between you take possession of a car and the time that you get the title to it issued in your name, then? Even if you could immediately get your license plate with a bill of sale instead of the title, that still raises the question of what to do during times when the dealership is open and the DMV is not (e.g. weekends and any time after 5pm).

There are states, or at least places in certain states, where this already happens. My first car, I bought from a used-car dealer in suburban Chicago on a Saturday evening, and the plates and sticker were put on the car and the registration was handed to me with the rest of the paperwork. I didn't think it was a particularly big deal, and they didn't even pat themselves on the back all that hard for doing it, like they did with the free car wash.

So, on the whole, I don't think that getting rid of temporary plates would be an issue with dealer sales. With private sales, though, things would likely be trickier.

When I sold a car directly to the buyer in the Chicago suburbs, I simply kept the rear plate and let him drive home with the front plate only.
Geez I remember those license plates lol. Still need to come up with something new.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on May 05, 2021, 11:10:51 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 05:17:40 PM

The recent rule change you mention got me curious, and apologies if this has been asked on here before, but what states allow the plate to stay with the owner?


I know Ohio, Maryland, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, and Massachusetts all do.

Some states I know that DON'T are Texas, Arizona, and California.

My limited knowledge outlined above has always made me assume that plates staying with car, not the owner, is a western thing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 05, 2021, 11:38:33 AM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 05, 2021, 11:10:51 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 05:17:40 PM

The recent rule change you mention got me curious, and apologies if this has been asked on here before, but what states allow the plate to stay with the owner?


I know Ohio, Maryland, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, and Massachusetts all do.

Some states I know that DON'T are Texas, Arizona, and California.

My limited knowledge outlined above has always made me assume that plates staying with car, not the owner, is a western thing.
Not sure how accurate this is, but a quick google search shows this map:
(https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-65cf7b82aefca53ed161c8be5a5b1453)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on May 05, 2021, 11:45:56 AM
Quote from: kalvado on May 05, 2021, 11:38:33 AM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 05, 2021, 11:10:51 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 05:17:40 PM

The recent rule change you mention got me curious, and apologies if this has been asked on here before, but what states allow the plate to stay with the owner?


I know Ohio, Maryland, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, and Massachusetts all do.

Some states I know that DON'T are Texas, Arizona, and California.

My limited knowledge outlined above has always made me assume that plates staying with car, not the owner, is a western thing.
Not sure how accurate this is, but a quick google search shows this map:
(https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-65cf7b82aefca53ed161c8be5a5b1453)

I think that's pretty close.  Every state I've lived in, save for CA, has the plate stay with the owner.  In some states, you sell the car and you just keep the plates as a souvenir because it's easier than transferring your plates to the new car (UT comes to mind).  IL and many others incentivize you to use your old plates when you trade in your car. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on May 05, 2021, 12:00:34 PM
Ontario also stays with owner
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 05, 2021, 08:56:40 PM
For states where the plates stay with the car, what happens if you request custom plates? Do you have to return the old plates?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 05, 2021, 09:40:07 PM
It's interesting how the plates stay with the owner in Oregon. Most new cars I see purchased get new license plates. Haven't been a lot where I see a new car with a plate transferred.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DJ Particle on May 06, 2021, 12:06:17 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 05, 2021, 08:56:40 PM
For states where the plates stay with the car, what happens if you request custom plates? Do you have to return the old plates?

Not in Minnesota.  The old plate number just gets retired.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 06, 2021, 03:30:41 PM
Quote from: DJ Particle on May 06, 2021, 12:06:17 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 05, 2021, 08:56:40 PM
For states where the plates stay with the car, what happens if you request custom plates? Do you have to return the old plates?

Not in Minnesota.  The old plate number just gets retired.

Hypothetically, if you physically kept your old plates and then dumped the custom plates a few years later, there's no way to return to those old plates?

I asked specifically because I've ordered custom plates, and WA DOL did not take back my old plates. They gave me a temp tag for my rear window, and I put my old plates on my wall as decoration. But I believe I can still re-register the plate later on if I choose to.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CardInLex on May 07, 2021, 10:18:13 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on May 05, 2021, 11:45:56 AM
Quote from: kalvado on May 05, 2021, 11:38:33 AM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 05, 2021, 11:10:51 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 03, 2021, 05:17:40 PM

The recent rule change you mention got me curious, and apologies if this has been asked on here before, but what states allow the plate to stay with the owner?




I know Ohio, Maryland, New Hampshire, Virginia, Vermont, and Massachusetts all do.

Some states I know that DON'T are Texas, Arizona, and California.

My limited knowledge outlined above has always made me assume that plates staying with car, not the owner, is a western thing.
Not sure how accurate this is, but a quick google search shows this map:
(https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-65cf7b82aefca53ed161c8be5a5b1453)

I think that's pretty close.  Every state I've lived in, save for CA, has the plate stay with the owner.  In some states, you sell the car and you just keep the plates as a souvenir because it's easier than transferring your plates to the new car (UT comes to mind).  IL and many others incentivize you to use your old plates when you trade in your car.

Kentucky is no longer accurate. I have kept my current plate for four different vehicles (May 2017, August 2020, January 2021).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 05:34:07 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 05, 2021, 08:56:40 PM
For states where the plates stay with the car, what happens if you request custom plates? Do you have to return the old plates?

Oklahoma requires you to maintain the registration on both the regular plate and the custom plate. Usually this is achieved by throwing the regular plate in the trunk and only digging it out when you have a new sticker to stick on it. So, before the rules changed, were you to sell the car, I guess you would just put the regular plate back on before you sold it and then cancel the custom plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 07, 2021, 05:35:44 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 05:34:07 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 05, 2021, 08:56:40 PM
For states where the plates stay with the car, what happens if you request custom plates? Do you have to return the old plates?

Oklahoma requires you to maintain the registration on both the regular plate and the custom plate. Usually this is achieved by throwing the regular plate in the trunk and only digging it out when you have a new sticker to stick on it. So, before the rules changed, were you to sell the car, I guess you would just put the regular plate back on before you sold it and then cancel the custom plate.

CHA-CHING $$
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 05:41:40 PM
Well, yeah. When you have a constitution that requires 51 votes in the legislature to cut taxes and 75 votes to raise them, the executive branch gets...creative when it comes to ways to raise money. Monkeying around with license plates is one of them. Another instance of such is the time the governor ordered a general replating, not because there was anything wrong with the plates, but in order to charge a replating fee to plug a hole in the budget.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 07, 2021, 06:14:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 05:41:40 PM
Well, yeah. When you have a constitution that requires 51 votes in the legislature to cut taxes and 75 votes to raise them, the executive branch gets...creative when it comes to ways to raise money. Monkeying around with license plates is one of them. Another instance of such is the time the governor ordered a general replating, not because there was anything wrong with the plates, but in order to charge a replating fee to plug a hole in the budget.

I've learned to never underestimate the government's ability to put funds in the public coffers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on May 07, 2021, 10:52:33 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 07, 2021, 05:41:40 PM
Well, yeah. When you have a constitution that requires 51 votes in the legislature to cut taxes and 75 votes to raise them, the executive branch gets...creative when it comes to ways to raise money. Monkeying around with license plates is one of them. Another instance of such is the time the governor ordered a general replating, not because there was anything wrong with the plates, but in order to charge a replating fee to plug a hole in the budget.
New York has tried that a couple times in the past decade or so, but both times have been defeated by public opposition.  It doesn't help that the plate design after the first attempt was viewed by most people in the state as ugly.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on May 09, 2021, 12:11:43 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 05, 2021, 08:56:40 PM
For states where the plates stay with the car, what happens if you request custom plates? Do you have to return the old plates?

When I first bought a vehicle that was titled in my name, it was in the last year of a 5-year cycle for vanity plates. So, for the first few months of owning the car, I had a regular plate on it. When the opportunity came to get vanity plates, I selected "ROUTE56." I ordered them and paid the vanity plate fee in April. I did have to turn in my general-issue plates when I picked up my new plates alongside my renewal in June/July.

I'm on the fourth iteration of my "ROUTE56" vanity plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 03:36:29 PM
Quote from: route56 on May 03, 2021, 11:55:54 AM
Saw two "paper" license tags on my commute this morning, one with the last three characters "NZZ", the other with the last three characters "PAN". So, it appears that Kansas is avoiding "I" and "O" on general-issue license plates

Since reading this post, I've been paying close attention to Kansas license plate serial numbers–you know, reading license plates instead of watching the road, putting the lives of my family members and the general motoring public in jeopardy for the sake of an insignificant conversation on an internet forum and all.   :D

Anyway, here are my observations.  This is far from scientific or based on actual research, but it's been my experience over the past two weeks.

1.  I've seen far fewer of the letter I and O than one might expect.  The total number of such license plates was probably around five or six.  Besides those that I saw during the period, I also know both my parents' cars have license plates with an I in the serial number.

2.  Kansas switched from embossed to flat plates partway through the ###-Lxx series in 2018.  I saw no instances of the letter I or O on any flat plate, even though probably half of the plates I saw were flat plates.  This suggests that I and O may have been dropped from the serial number pool at some point before then.

3.  I saw no instance of any ###-Ixx or ###-Oxx license plate.  Considering the large number of ###-Hxx and ###-Jxx plates I see every day, this further suggests that I and O may have been dropped from the pool before the end of the ###-Hxx series.

4.  Most interesting but probably least convincing is that the highest serial number I saw containing an I or an O was ###-EVI.  Perhaps they exist, but I did not see any ###-Fxx serial number or higher containing an I or an O.  If my experience is indicative, then those letters may have been dropped as early as 2014.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 18, 2021, 10:48:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 03:36:29 PM
1.  I've seen far fewer of the letter I and O than one might expect.  The total number of such license plates was probably around five or six.  Besides those that I saw during the period, I also know both my parents' cars have license plates with an I in the serial number.

2.  Kansas switched from embossed to flat plates partway through the ###-Lxx series in 2018.  I saw no instances of the letter I or O on any flat plate, even though probably half of the plates I saw were flat plates.  This suggests that I and O may have been dropped from the serial number pool at some point before then.

3.  I saw no instance of any ###-Ixx or ###-Oxx license plate.  Considering the large number of ###-Hxx and ###-Jxx plates I see every day, this further suggests that I and O may have been dropped from the pool before the end of the ###-Hxx series.

4.  Most interesting but probably least convincing is that the highest serial number I saw containing an I or an O was ###-EVI.  Perhaps they exist, but I did not see any ###-Fxx serial number or higher containing an I or an O.  If my experience is indicative, then those letters may have been dropped as early as 2014.

Wisconsin also does not use the letters I, O and Q in any regular issue plate number, although they are certainly available for use in personalized plates.  Also no leading zeros in regular issue plate numbers, WisDOT uses 1001 though 9999.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 01:00:48 PM
I saw probably four I/O license plates on my way to work this morning.  Still all of them were before ###-EVI.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on May 19, 2021, 02:13:26 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 03:36:29 PM
Quote from: route56 on May 03, 2021, 11:55:54 AM
Saw two "paper" license tags on my commute this morning, one with the last three characters "NZZ", the other with the last three characters "PAN". So, it appears that Kansas is avoiding "I" and "O" on general-issue license plates

Since reading this post, I've been paying close attention to Kansas license plate serial numbers–you know, reading license plates instead of watching the road, putting the lives of my family members and the general motoring public in jeopardy for the sake of an insignificant conversation on an internet forum and all.   :D

3.  I saw no instance of any ###-Ixx or ###-Oxx license plate.  Considering the large number of ###-Hxx and ###-Jxx plates I see every day, this further suggests that I and O may have been dropped from the pool before the end of the ###-Hxx series.


It may be that Kansas only use I and O in certain positions.  That is what Ohio does.  I and O will only show up in the middle position of a three-letter prefix.   Very few states use I or O as a leading letter, even if it is used elsewhere in the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:25:04 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 19, 2021, 02:13:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 18, 2021, 03:36:29 PM

Quote from: route56 on May 03, 2021, 11:55:54 AM
Saw two "paper" license tags on my commute this morning, one with the last three characters "NZZ", the other with the last three characters "PAN". So, it appears that Kansas is avoiding "I" and "O" on general-issue license plates

Since reading this post, I've been paying close attention to Kansas license plate serial numbers–you know, reading license plates instead of watching the road, putting the lives of my family members and the general motoring public in jeopardy for the sake of an insignificant conversation on an internet forum and all.   :D

3.  I saw no instance of any ###-Ixx or ###-Oxx license plate.  Considering the large number of ###-Hxx and ###-Jxx plates I see every day, this further suggests that I and O may have been dropped from the pool before the end of the ###-Hxx series.

It may be that Kansas only use I and O in certain positions.

That wasn't true before 2007.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus2%2Fks01a.jpg&hash=3bfff088ac4255af2a2d2f4f637eef62876d6ff0)

I've seen I and O in both the second and third position in the Axx—Exx range, but I haven't seen any I or O anywhere in the Fxx—current range.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on May 19, 2021, 02:44:43 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:25:04 PM
I've seen I and O in both the second and third position in the Axx—Exx range, but I haven't seen any I or O anywhere in the Fxx—current range.

I think I've seen a "FFI," but I haven't seen any "I" or "O" on any regular-issue Kansas plate. (Needless to say, those vowels are needed on personalized plates)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:50:07 PM
Quote from: route56 on May 19, 2021, 02:44:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:25:04 PM
I've seen I and O in both the second and third position in the Axx—Exx range, but I haven't seen any I or O anywhere in the Fxx—current range.

I think I've seen a "FFI," but I haven't seen any "I" or "O" on any regular-issue Kansas plate. (Needless to say, those vowels are needed on personalized plates)

Yeah, FFI wouldn't be all that long after EVI, which I've seen.  It wouldn't surprise me.  But it does seem apparent that, sometime around then, they dropped those two letters from the pool.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 05:01:57 PM
You know, you could just send an email to whatever agency issues license plates and ask them when they did it. :P
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 05:05:29 PM
no way, that would be so nerdy
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 05:42:04 PM
Quote from: KWCH 12 News – 27-NOV-2018
Kansas recalls 731 license plates over ethnic slur complaint

Kansas is recalling hundreds of vehicle license plates on the streets containing the "JAP" lettering in the wake of complaints that they are offensive to Japanese Americans.

The Kansas Department of Revenue said there are 731 active registrations containing that random letter combination on standard license plates. Vehicle owners were sent a letter dated Tuesday asking them to return the plate to their county vehicle office within 30 days for replacement at no cost.

The issue arose last year when a motorist spotted a car with the Kansas plate in traffic near his home in Culver City, California, and took a photo of it. A Kansas woman of Japanese heritage contacted the state after seeing the picture and story in the newspaper put out by the Japanese American Citizens League.

Interestingly, I just saw a Kansas ###-JAP license plate on a car while driving home from work today.   :hmmm:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 06:24:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 05:05:29 PM
no way, that would be so nerdy

Implying that meticulously keeping track of the presence of license plates containing "I" and "O" and correlating them with their place in the numbering sequence to narrow down the date of the change is somehow the less nerdy solution.....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 20, 2021, 11:16:35 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2021, 06:24:19 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 05:05:29 PM
no way, that would be so nerdy

Implying that meticulously keeping track of the presence of license plates containing "I" and "O" and correlating them with their place in the numbering sequence to narrow down the date of the change is somehow the less nerdy solution.....

I'm glad you understand.  I knew you would.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:48 AM
I *think* Arizona has switched back to 7-alphanumeric over the past two weeks or so. I'm seeing a lot of temporary plates with seven digits.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on May 22, 2021, 09:48:45 PM
Quote from: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:48 AM
I *think* Arizona has switched back to 7-alphanumeric over the past two weeks or so. I'm seeing a lot of temporary plates with seven digits.
I feel like Arizona "fixed" something that wasn't broken, in terms of their standard plates. The ABC1234 series could have gone on for awhile, before switching to completely random stuff. For now, ALL new plates that aren't personalized are pretty random mix of 6 characters (or 7 characters)

SM-G975U

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on May 22, 2021, 09:48:45 PM
Quote from: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:48 AM
I *think* Arizona has switched back to 7-alphanumeric over the past two weeks or so. I'm seeing a lot of temporary plates with seven digits.
I feel like Arizona "fixed" something that wasn't broken, in terms of their standard plates. The ABC1234 series could have gone on for awhile, before switching to completely random stuff. For now, ALL new plates that aren't personalized are pretty random mix of 6 characters (or 7 characters)

SM-G975U



Agreed. The new six character plates with a space separating the two groups of three don't look bad, but as a new resident of Arizona, the jumbled up seven character plates, with their overabundance of the "A" character, look like they're trying to convey secret words or something. They just look strange.  They should have just continued with the AAANNNN format they had going on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 23, 2021, 04:26:52 AM
Agreed.  Wisconsin switched from 'NNN-LLL' to 'LLL-NNNN' a couple of years ago because the former ran out of number combinations.  The last that I noticed a day or two ago, WisDOT is now up to plate numbers in the [AMB-xxxx] range.  With no changes, Wisconsin should be good on available plate numbers through the end of the century.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 24, 2021, 11:32:57 AM
Quote from: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on May 22, 2021, 09:48:45 PM
Quote from: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:48 AM
I *think* Arizona has switched back to 7-alphanumeric over the past two weeks or so. I'm seeing a lot of temporary plates with seven digits.
I feel like Arizona "fixed" something that wasn't broken, in terms of their standard plates. The ABC1234 series could have gone on for awhile, before switching to completely random stuff. For now, ALL new plates that aren't personalized are pretty random mix of 6 characters (or 7 characters)

SM-G975U



Agreed. The new six character plates with a space separating the two groups of three don't look bad, but as a new resident of Arizona, the jumbled up seven character plates, with their overabundance of the "A" character, look like they're trying to convey secret words or something. They just look strange.  They should have just continued with the AAANNNN format they had going on.

Colorado was really bad for a while, too.  They were trying to exhaust combinations that used the letter "Q" in any position, I believe, and it led to a lot of random issues.

They seemed to have corrected things now with an ABC-D12 format that should keep them from running out for a long while.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 24, 2021, 07:52:11 PM
I don't get why states with 7-character plates tend to do AAA NNNN instead of AAA NNNA. Provides 456,976,000 combinations as opposed to 175,760,000, and at less risk of spelling dirty words than AAAA NNN.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 24, 2021, 08:16:30 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2021, 07:52:11 PM
I don't get why states with 7-character plates tend to do AAA NNNN instead of AAA NNNA. Provides 456,976,000 combinations as opposed to 175,760,000, and at less risk of spelling dirty words than AAAA NNN.
How much need for that extra capacity is actually there? NY is a fourth most populous state at about 20M. Current LLL-NNNN was started in 2001. 20 years later we're down to KLL-NNNN - i.e. there is another 20 years or so of sequences. Seems like a good run. NNNN-LLL can give another 30 years run, and I wouldn't be surprized if something changes so much over those decades that license plate format would be the least of legacy issues.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 24, 2021, 09:10:53 PM
A large chunk of NY's population doesn't get assigned license plates, though.

Texas started at BBB-#### (they don't use vowels) in 2012, and I believe they're now at PNX-#### if I'm reading this license plate hobbyist site right.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 24, 2021, 09:36:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2021, 09:10:53 PM
A large chunk of NY's population doesn't get assigned license plates, though.

Texas started at BBB-#### (they don't use vowels) in 2012, and I believe they're now at PNX-#### if I'm reading this license plate hobbyist site right.
Advantage of clear separation of letters anddigits.
Without vowels, extra letter would give less than 2x. Without B, and possibly G and D which can be confused with 8, 6 and 0 in NNNL, does it really buy enough combinations?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 25, 2021, 10:33:47 AM
QuoteTexas started at BBB-#### (they don't use vowels) in 2012, and I believe they're now at PNX-#### if I'm reading this license plate hobbyist site right.

What I'm curious about is that California has been using 1ABC234 since the early 80s, and are almost through the 8 series in that.  The current sequence is just a re-arranged ABC1234, but it's taken California nearly 40 years to get through it, where Texas has gone from B-P in about 9??

California still has a much higher population, so I'm curious why they've taken so much longer.

Separate issues for trucks? (though doesn't Texas do this too?)

More specialty plates in CA?

Or is it that Texas re-plates on certain intervals?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 25, 2021, 12:24:52 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 25, 2021, 10:33:47 AM
QuoteTexas started at BBB-#### (they don't use vowels) in 2012, and I believe they're now at PNX-#### if I'm reading this license plate hobbyist site right.

What I'm curious about is that California has been using 1ABC234 since the early 80s, and are almost through the 8 series in that.  The current sequence is just a re-arranged ABC1234, but it's taken California nearly 40 years to get through it, where Texas has gone from B-P in about 9??

California still has a much higher population, so I'm curious why they've taken so much longer.

Separate issues for trucks? (though doesn't Texas do this too?)

More specialty plates in CA?

Or is it that Texas re-plates on certain intervals?

I believe that it is the later.  California has not replated existing cars since the 1960s, when their current number format began.  Texas completely replated over the past few years.  Also, California has a different number sequence for light trucks ('NLNNNNN').

What is California's current plan for when the '8LLLNNN' sequence is exhausted (they are up to [8WUJ---])?  Will they flip to '9LLLNNN'?  Continue to the Ontario format ('LLLLNNN')?  Something else?

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on May 25, 2021, 12:27:05 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 25, 2021, 12:24:52 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 25, 2021, 10:33:47 AM
QuoteTexas started at BBB-#### (they don't use vowels) in 2012, and I believe they're now at PNX-#### if I'm reading this license plate hobbyist site right.

What I'm curious about is that California has been using 1ABC234 since the early 80s, and are almost through the 8 series in that.  The current sequence is just a re-arranged ABC1234, but it's taken California nearly 40 years to get through it, where Texas has gone from B-P in about 9??

California still has a much higher population, so I'm curious why they've taken so much longer.

Separate issues for trucks? (though doesn't Texas do this too?)

More specialty plates in CA?

Or is it that Texas re-plates on certain intervals?

I believe that it is the later.  California has not replated existing cars since the 1960s, when their current number format began.  Texas completely replated over the past few years.  Also, California has a different number sequence for light trucks ('NLNNNNN').

What is California's current plan for when the '8LLLNNN' sequence is exhausted (they are up to [8WUJ---])?  Will they flip to '9LLLNNN'?  Continue to the Ontario format ('LLLLNNN')?  Something else?

Mike

Hmmm, I thought Texas also had separate issues for light trucks?  I remember seeing Texas plates that said "TRUCK" and had a different format.

I'm not sure which way California will go when they exhaust the current series.  They could easily do an ABC1234.  Ideally, they'd space the letters and numbers for improved legibility.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 25, 2021, 12:31:10 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 25, 2021, 10:33:47 AM
QuoteTexas started at BBB-#### (they don't use vowels) in 2012, and I believe they're now at PNX-#### if I'm reading this license plate hobbyist site right.

What I'm curious about is that California has been using 1ABC234 since the early 80s, and are almost through the 8 series in that.  The current sequence is just a re-arranged ABC1234, but it's taken California nearly 40 years to get through it, where Texas has gone from B-P in about 9??

California still has a much higher population, so I'm curious why they've taken so much longer.

Separate issues for trucks? (though doesn't Texas do this too?)

More specialty plates in CA?

Or is it that Texas re-plates on certain intervals?
looks like the later to some extent
QuoteAs of November 1, 2016, the State of Texas will no longer automatically replace your plates after 7 years. However, you may still apply at your county tax office for replacement plates if the license plate needs to be replaced for cosmetic or readability reasons.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on May 26, 2021, 03:35:54 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 25, 2021, 12:24:52 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 25, 2021, 10:33:47 AM
QuoteTexas started at BBB-#### (they don't use vowels) in 2012, and I believe they're now at PNX-#### if I'm reading this license plate hobbyist site right.

What I'm curious about is that California has been using 1ABC234 since the early 80s, and are almost through the 8 series in that.  The current sequence is just a re-arranged ABC1234, but it's taken California nearly 40 years to get through it, where Texas has gone from B-P in about 9??

California still has a much higher population, so I'm curious why they've taken so much longer.

Separate issues for trucks? (though doesn't Texas do this too?)

More specialty plates in CA?

Or is it that Texas re-plates on certain intervals?

I believe that it is the later.  California has not replated existing cars since the 1960s, when their current number format began.  Texas completely replated over the past few years.  Also, California has a different number sequence for light trucks ('NLNNNNN').

What is California's current plan for when the '8LLLNNN' sequence is exhausted (they are up to [8WUJ---])?  Will they flip to '9LLLNNN'?  Continue to the Ontario format ('LLLLNNN')?  Something else?

Mike

I believe 9LLLNNN is doable for passenger cars.  Once they run out of those, presumably California will go to NNNLLA1.  That's what they did when commercial plates rolled over.  They reversed the sequence and went from 8ZNNNNN to NNNNNA1.  BTW, commercial plates ended at 8Z because the 9L series are reserved for tractor units.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DRMan on May 26, 2021, 01:06:57 PM
Quote from: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:47 PM
Quote from: Roadwarriors79 on May 22, 2021, 09:48:45 PM
Quote from: machias on May 22, 2021, 10:32:48 AM
I *think* Arizona has switched back to 7-alphanumeric over the past two weeks or so. I'm seeing a lot of temporary plates with seven digits.
I feel like Arizona "fixed" something that wasn't broken, in terms of their standard plates. The ABC1234 series could have gone on for awhile, before switching to completely random stuff. For now, ALL new plates that aren't personalized are pretty random mix of 6 characters (or 7 characters)

SM-G975U



Agreed. The new six character plates with a space separating the two groups of three don't look bad, but as a new resident of Arizona, the jumbled up seven character plates, with their overabundance of the "A" character, look like they're trying to convey secret words or something. They just look strange.  They should have just continued with the AAANNNN format they had going on.
Yeah, they switched very quickly from 7 "random" characters to 6. Looks like the 3rd and 6th are sequential letters, starting with "??A ??A". They seem to be on "??A ??C" now. Specialty plates follow the same sequence but they may or may not have a space. I don't know why they switched, although I agree the new plates aren't as weird-looking.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 28, 2021, 03:55:26 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:50:07 PM

Quote from: route56 on May 19, 2021, 02:44:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:25:04 PM
I've seen I and O in both the second and third position in the Axx—Exx range, but I haven't seen any I or O anywhere in the Fxx—current range.

I think I've seen a "FFI," but I haven't seen any "I" or "O" on any regular-issue Kansas plate. (Needless to say, those vowels are needed on personalized plates)

Yeah, FFI wouldn't be all that long after EVI, which I've seen.  It wouldn't surprise me.  But it does seem apparent that, sometime around then, they dropped those two letters from the pool.

Update:  I now realize I'm not seeing the letter Q on any license plates from the F series on.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2021, 07:52:11 PM
I don't get why states with 7-character plates tend to do AAA NNNN instead of AAA NNNA. Provides 456,976,000 combinations as opposed to 175,760,000, and at less risk of spelling dirty words than AAAA NNN.

Quote from: kalvado on May 24, 2021, 09:36:54 PM
Advantage of clear separation of letters anddigits.

Behold!  Scott's preferred combination AND clear separation of letters and digits!

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle17.jpg&hash=0ee0547702e32faef7f2e574ac5fdf8dddbcc07f)

This is the series that all Mexican states are shifting to as each runs out of its allotted AAA-NN-NN combinations.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: NJRoadfan on May 28, 2021, 07:18:30 PM
Plate combinations quickly get constrained in states that block out sequences/prefixes for certain plate types. NJ is one such state. They tried to do 7 digit AAA-NNNN general issues in 1992, but switched back to 6 digits due to readability issues. Now that they have gone with the 3M digital plate font, they can likely do 7 digits again. The current ANN-AAA sequence is up to "N" right now, so it'll be a few years until we see any change.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on May 30, 2021, 08:43:56 PM
Arizona update: I've been doing a lot of driving this weekend, and every temporary plate I've seen between Tucson, Globe, and Phoenix has been back to seven digits: six numbers and a letter. One was UNNNNNN, one was NNBNNNN, and the rest were all 3NNNNNB. The "alphabet soup" seems to moved onto to a lot of numbers and one letter.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 01:22:48 PM
Don't see this too often in Broward County! Parked next to us last night.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210602/ada48717911e9443b776f8a7b14c44d0.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 02, 2021, 03:46:48 PM
Quote from: 1995hoo on June 02, 2021, 01:22:48 PM
Don't see this too often in Broward County! Parked next to us last night.

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210602/ada48717911e9443b776f8a7b14c44d0.jpg)


I'm surprised it's still got a current registration.  That base hasn't been issued since around 2007.  I haven't seen one in years–even in Mexico.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on June 02, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
Also, the Federal District doesn't exist anymore, if I remember correctly... It's just Mexico City now
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 02, 2021, 04:03:50 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on June 02, 2021, 04:00:24 PM
Also, the Federal District doesn't exist anymore, if I remember correctly... It's just Mexico City now

License plates switched from the one to the other with the 2016 issue.  But there were two bases between the one |1995hoo| spotted and that 2016 issue–besides which, the 2016 base isn't even the current one anymore.

Long story short:  that plate is four bases old (not counting minor variations).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on June 09, 2021, 02:12:25 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 28, 2021, 03:55:26 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:50:07 PM

Quote from: route56 on May 19, 2021, 02:44:43 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2021, 02:25:04 PM
I've seen I and O in both the second and third position in the Axx—Exx range, but I haven't seen any I or O anywhere in the Fxx—current range.

I think I've seen a "FFI," but I haven't seen any "I" or "O" on any regular-issue Kansas plate. (Needless to say, those vowels are needed on personalized plates)

Yeah, FFI wouldn't be all that long after EVI, which I've seen.  It wouldn't surprise me.  But it does seem apparent that, sometime around then, they dropped those two letters from the pool.

Update:  I now realize I'm not seeing the letter Q on any license plates from the F series on.

I've now spotted EZI and FBQ.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ThatRandomOshawott on June 10, 2021, 08:23:32 PM
Quote from: CardInLex on March 28, 2021, 06:08:33 PM
Kentucky's new flat plate designs continue to roll out. All plates are transitioning to flat plates with all the text right justified. The standard plates (there are two – with/without "IN GOD WE TRUST" ) have a Kentucky icon on the left.

https://secure.kentucky.gov/kytc/plates/web/#9b02e588-632a-4842-bc61-02cedfc3a2fb
More and more cars on the roads here have the new style of Kentucky license plate; about 1/3 of the KY-plate cars have them here. Oddly enough, though, when I received a license plate for my new car last October, it was done in the old embossed metal plate design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on June 11, 2021, 12:19:19 PM
This morning I spotted a car with what looks to be a temporary license plate from California.

The plate was printed, and actually looks like a plate (it has the lipstick font and even expiration) which I don't recall being issued when I bought cars living there.

Anyway, the plate was BL95A02.  Not sure if this is a dealer number or if this is the actual plate number to be issued.  If the latter, it might be California's new sequence?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on June 11, 2021, 08:56:36 PM
The new California temporary license plates are all temporary numbers, not indicative of the vehicle's final plate number or the sequence in use. They are printed out at the dealership but the number is issued by the DMV.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Roadwarriors79 on June 12, 2021, 10:05:07 PM
According to the ADOT website, newer Arizona license plates are going to have a new font.

https://azdot.gov/adot-news/aluminum-supply-chain-issues-temporarily-halt-license-plate-production

SM-G998U1

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on June 22, 2021, 10:35:28 PM
Although this isn't really license plate news, this is probably the best place to ask:

Is anybody able to identify the jurisdiction of this Mexican (I'm assuming) plate? I can't seem to see any actual words, maybe because the license plate cover is covering it. Found this is Oakville, Ontario today.

(https://i.imgur.com/k5IwJDH.png)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on June 22, 2021, 10:51:59 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on June 22, 2021, 10:35:28 PM
Although this isn't really license plate news, this is probably the best place to ask:

Is anybody able to identify the jurisdiction of this Mexican (I'm assuming) plate? I can't seem to see any actual words, maybe because the license plate cover is covering it. Found this is Oakville, Ontario today.

(https://i.imgur.com/k5IwJDH.png)

Definitely Mexican.  The country uses a single pool of plate numbers for all of their states.  According to Wikipedia (YMMV)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Mexico
plates with the letter range from PVA through RDZ are assigned to Morelos State, essentially south suburban Mexico City.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on July 04, 2021, 12:48:37 PM
Going through some old photos and found this:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51289451351_9ad989c156_h.jpg)
WA First seven-digit plate (https://flic.kr/p/2m9gQZn) by Jake Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on July 08, 2021, 04:13:53 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on June 22, 2021, 10:35:28 PM
Although this isn't really license plate news, this is probably the best place to ask:

Is anybody able to identify the jurisdiction of this Mexican (I'm assuming) plate? I can't seem to see any actual words, maybe because the license plate cover is covering it. Found this is Oakville, Ontario today.

(https://i.imgur.com/k5IwJDH.png)

Morelos.

(https://15q.net/mex/mor19.jpg)

PVA-001-A through RDZ-999-Z (http://mexicoplates.moini.net/blocks2016.html)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on July 22, 2021, 10:46:26 AM
The new Arkansas numbering system is out.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E66HqQCUYAsH51l?format=jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on July 22, 2021, 07:29:03 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 22, 2021, 10:46:26 AM
The new Arkansas numbering system is out.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E66HqQCUYAsH51l?format=jpg)

That ought to last a state with their population quite a long time.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on July 22, 2021, 10:09:42 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on July 22, 2021, 07:29:03 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on July 22, 2021, 10:46:26 AM
The new Arkansas numbering system is out.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E66HqQCUYAsH51l?format=jpg)

That ought to last a state with their population quite a long time.
Yes. The 000 AAA pattern lasted about 25 years, or about a year per leading letter of the alphabet. They should be able to extend that to about 2.6 years with the AAA 00A pattern, which would last them well over 60 years, not accounting for growth.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: zzyzx on July 25, 2021, 05:16:11 PM
Since when did RI switch to the California-esque format for their plates? Also I thought they were in the middle of a redesign?

Given their small population, the 1AA123 format should last them several more years:

(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20210725/ddbba13df30b24742bab271c9c8a1c74.jpg)


iPhone
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on July 25, 2021, 06:06:42 PM
Quote from: zzyzx on July 25, 2021, 05:16:11 PM
Since when did RI switch to the California-esque format for their plates?

2020, I think.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ski-man on September 17, 2021, 01:55:51 PM
Like all this great info. I always look at the different plates on all my trips.........
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 17, 2021, 02:04:05 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 24, 2021, 11:32:57 AM
Colorado was really bad for a while, too.  They were trying to exhaust combinations that used the letter "Q" in any position, I believe, and it led to a lot of random issues.

They seemed to have corrected things now with an ABC-D12 format that should keep them from running out for a long while.

Mine is AAA-111 with a Q in it that was issued in 2016.  I think they used a lot of Q's on the specialty plates, as I haven't seen as many on the standard.

Chris
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US20IL64 on September 17, 2021, 02:20:01 PM
There are still quite a few cars in Chicago area with illegible plate #'s, paint peeling off, on the older Lincoln format. Folks are supposed get new plates, but some just keep putting stickers on them, even if they get a temp "T".

Also, too many expired tags,  :pan: Used to be an easy ticket.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on September 17, 2021, 02:29:45 PM
Quote from: US20IL64 on September 17, 2021, 02:20:01 PM
There are still quite a few cars in Chicago area with illegible plate #'s, paint peeling off, on the older Lincoln format. Folks are supposed get new plates, but some just keep putting stickers on them, even if they get a temp "T".

Also, too many expired tags,  :pan: Used to be an easy ticket.



I'm not sure if they've changed it, but in the wake of 2020, Oregon wasn't enforcing expired tags.  The DMV was backlogged and by appointment only (which is actually a great idea) and last I heard police weren't pulling people over for tags.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on September 17, 2021, 03:58:38 PM
Tag renewal is something that's easily enough done on the Internet. The only reason I do it in person is because Oklahoma charges a fee of a few dollars to do it that way.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: renegade on September 17, 2021, 04:19:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 17, 2021, 03:58:38 PM
Tag renewal is something that's easily enough done on the Internet. The only reason I do it in person is because Oklahoma charges a fee of a few dollars to do it that way.
Same here in Michigan.  I made an appointment to update my driver license to be "Real-ID" compliant, six months out.    "Next-day" appointments are virtually non-existent.  Walk-ins are prohibited.  Expiration dates were waived, but that's ended now.  My vehicle registrations have remained current thanks to renewing online.  It's easier to eat the cost than to deal with the aggravation of an in-person visit.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US20IL64 on September 17, 2021, 05:14:46 PM
IL # scheme is LL NNNNN for about 5-6 years, from previous LNN NNNN 1990's to 201?
Went from 6 to 7 characters about late 90's?
And, first 2 letters are sequenced: AA, AB ... now in the C's.

When 6 characters, long time it was LL NNNN, going back to 1950's? Then around 1984 mixed in LLL NNN. Multi-year started in 1979, and were meant to be every 5 years. But, 1984 version stuck around until late 1990's [?]  And, could keep plates, but many started aging badly. So, Sec. of State* decided to "re-plate the state", with Lincoln's picture and red characters. The recent design, with half of Abe's face, 2017.

*Some are starting to call SoS office 'the DMV', from TV shows and non-local influence.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on September 17, 2021, 05:35:18 PM
Quote from: renegade on September 17, 2021, 04:19:04 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 17, 2021, 03:58:38 PM
Tag renewal is something that's easily enough done on the Internet. The only reason I do it in person is because Oklahoma charges a fee of a few dollars to do it that way.
Same here in Michigan.  I made an appointment to update my driver license to be "Real-ID" compliant, six months out.    "Next-day" appointments are virtually non-existent.  Walk-ins are prohibited.  Expiration dates were waived, but that's ended now.  My vehicle registrations have remained current thanks to renewing online.  It's easier to eat the cost than to deal with the aggravation of an in-person visit.

Oh, REAL ID has been a shitshow in Oklahoma. We have this system of what's called tag agencies, which are private businesses that essentially do the Department of Public Safety's work for them in exchange for a cut of the fees. Works really well because every town has at least one of them, so you don't have to wait in line with everyone else in the county. Before REAL ID, they would take the picture and input your data and the system would print your ID right there at the counter so you could get it in minutes.

REAL ID requires all IDs to be issued directly by the central licensing bureau. So now you just get a receipt while your ID arrives in the mail later. Months later. Worse, the DPS system is apparently so slow that it takes 30 minutes to get all of the info added into the system. Tag agencies aren't allowing walk-ins for license renewals anymore–either they're doing an appointment system (which usually has a month-long lead time) or telling you "we open at 6:00 am, show up then and get in line and maybe we'll get to you before close". (Meanwhile, for tag renewals, it's the same as always, walk in and do a 5-minute transaction.) It's gotten bad enough that the DPS has had to rent out convention centers in OKC and Tulsa, renewing licenses directly, to try and catch up with the expired-license backlog.

Fortunately, Oklahoma still offers non-REAL ID licenses, so I just opted for one of those (I never fly commercially) and was able to renew it online. They required me to submit a photo, but they just used the one that was on my previous license, so I ended up reusing the one I took for my driver license on my OMMA card. At some point, when they get things ironed out, I might go back and upgrade to a REAL ID license.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on September 18, 2021, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on September 17, 2021, 02:04:05 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 24, 2021, 11:32:57 AM
Colorado was really bad for a while, too.  They were trying to exhaust combinations that used the letter "Q" in any position, I believe, and it led to a lot of random issues.

They seemed to have corrected things now with an ABC-D12 format that should keep them from running out for a long while.

Mine is AAA-111 with a Q in it that was issued in 2016.  I think they used a lot of Q's on the specialty plates, as I haven't seen as many on the standard.

Chris

Maybe...Maybe not...as Colorado just said that plates will now be non-transferable, meaning if you trade in your old car for a new one, you cannot move the plate over to the new car anymore without going through some expensive vanity plate route.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on September 19, 2021, 07:52:20 PM
I haven't seen the "new font" Arizona was suppose to introduce a couple of months ago, but I'm still seeing two distinct variations of plate numbers on temp tags: 1. two sets of three digits (mix of letters and numbers) separated by a space and 2. five numerals followed by a "U" or five numerals prefixed with a "B".  Are the five numerals plate numbers temporary, because I haven't seen any permanent plate with this configuration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on September 20, 2021, 01:17:54 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on September 17, 2021, 03:58:38 PM
Tag renewal is something that's easily enough done on the Internet. The only reason I do it in person is because Oklahoma charges a fee of a few dollars to do it that way.

Interesting - it's actually a tad bit cheaper to renew online in Ohio than go in person.  It baffles me that anyone with internet availability still goes to the BMV for plate renewal.  And now, that I am 65, I am eligible for an 8-year driver license, so I don't plan on visiting a BMV office again until 2029, unless I buy a new vehicle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on September 20, 2021, 01:19:19 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on September 18, 2021, 02:19:59 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on September 17, 2021, 02:04:05 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 24, 2021, 11:32:57 AM
Colorado was really bad for a while, too.  They were trying to exhaust combinations that used the letter "Q" in any position, I believe, and it led to a lot of random issues.

They seemed to have corrected things now with an ABC-D12 format that should keep them from running out for a long while.

Mine is AAA-111 with a Q in it that was issued in 2016.  I think they used a lot of Q's on the specialty plates, as I haven't seen as many on the standard.

Chris

Maybe...Maybe not...as Colorado just said that plates will now be non-transferable, meaning if you trade in your old car for a new one, you cannot move the plate over to the new car anymore without going through some expensive vanity plate route.

Good to know and glad I already moved it from my 2006 Nissan Xterra to my 2019 Jeep Wrangler.

Chris
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on September 20, 2021, 08:58:40 PM
Tennessee is asking folks to vote on proposals for their new standard license plate design: https://www.tn.gov/governor/rate-the-plates
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: chrisdiaz on September 20, 2021, 09:42:40 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on September 20, 2021, 08:58:40 PM
Tennessee is asking folks to vote on proposals for their new standard license plate design: https://www.tn.gov/governor/rate-the-plates
I'm not a tennessee resident, but I hope that #3 wins. I also hope they they make it an option as to whether or not you want "in god we trust"  on your plate, like they have with the current issue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 20, 2021, 09:44:32 PM
The TNVacation bit is tacky.

Also, I think the current plate is miles ahead of all of these. I'm almost glad to have left the state because of it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on September 20, 2021, 09:52:32 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on September 20, 2021, 08:58:40 PM
Tennessee is asking folks to vote on proposals for their new standard license plate design: https://www.tn.gov/governor/rate-the-plates

I like #2 for readability compared to #1, but I fear it could be confused with the NY Excelsior plates, so I would vote #1 if I were Tennessean.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on September 20, 2021, 10:58:33 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on September 20, 2021, 08:58:40 PM
Tennessee is asking folks to vote on proposals for their new standard license plate design: https://www.tn.gov/governor/rate-the-plates
I grew up in Tennessee and actually prefer the current plate to any of these.  If I had to pick one of the new ones, though, I would go with #3.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on September 21, 2021, 07:50:12 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on September 20, 2021, 09:44:32 PM
The TNVacation bit is tacky.

Also, I think the current plate is miles ahead of all of these. I'm almost glad to have left the state because of it.

I'm not a fan of any of the designs, and I think these designs will boost sales of the umpteen bazillion specialty plates.

However, I was amused by some discussion I saw on Reddit over whether the blue-background plates would fail because of clashing with too many vehicle colors, or whether the blue-background plates have the advantage of highlighting just how big a problem extended use of drive-away tags has become in the state (especially around Memphis).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on September 21, 2021, 09:25:40 AM
I would like to know when Wisconsin is going to drop the design that it has had since the 1980s, and fix their manufacturing process so they stop peeling.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on September 21, 2021, 03:50:53 PM
Quote from: rlb2024 on September 20, 2021, 10:58:33 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on September 20, 2021, 08:58:40 PM
Tennessee is asking folks to vote on proposals for their new standard license plate design: https://www.tn.gov/governor/rate-the-plates
I grew up in Tennessee and actually prefer the current plate to any of these.  If I had to pick one of the new ones, though, I would go with #3.

Personally, I think the current design is about the best of any of the flat plates (disclaimer: to me, the flat plates look phony and cheap, so that's my perspective). That said, I'd probably vote for #1 because the white on blue looks decent on MT (flat) plates and having the state name within the outline plays homage to TN plates of 50 years ago that had this same feature - saying TENN within the state silhouette. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on September 22, 2021, 01:33:34 PM
The design is really good. All of them. Just drop the web address, "...we trust" bit, and the state slogan, and it's a winner.

I would vote for #2 without the aforementioned items.

edit: actually, the state slogan is good. Keep that, but maybe move it to where the web address it. Needs a bit more symmetry.

edit 2: apparently the web address is required. Silly.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on September 22, 2021, 06:11:11 PM
I spent so much time critiquing the plates that I never said which one I like best, which is the fourth one. It's the most subdued of the bunch.

Also, is that a bar code on the right of the plate? That's new.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on September 22, 2021, 06:54:09 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on September 22, 2021, 01:33:34 PM
The design is really good. All of them. Just drop the web address, "...we trust" bit, and the state slogan, and it's a winner.

I would vote for #2 without the aforementioned items.

edit: actually, the state slogan is good. Keep that, but maybe move it to where the web address it. Needs a bit more symmetry.

edit 2: apparently the web address is required. Silly.
Just curious -- how many states have some type of web address on their plates?  Also, the "...we trust" is an optional selection, and the current plates have the tnvacation web address on them.

If they go with the one of the blue plates, what color will the county name sticker be?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on September 22, 2021, 07:38:52 PM
If I were a license plate designer I would be very tempted to do the malicious-compliance thing and put the web address on the edge of the plate right next to the barcode (and the same size, too).

I'd do the same with memorial highway designations if I worked for the DOT.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on October 05, 2021, 09:08:49 PM
Tennessee's new standard plate design announced: https://www.wkrn.com/news/tennessee-news/new-tennessee-license-plate-design-unveiled/

(Amazingly, it's the one I voted for.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on October 06, 2021, 01:04:03 AM
I'm seeing a lot more of the California digital plates, and I'm really enjoying them.

(No, I'm not)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on October 06, 2021, 09:39:09 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on September 21, 2021, 09:25:40 AM
I would like to know when Wisconsin is going to drop the design that it has had since the 1980s, and fix their manufacturing process so they stop peeling.

IIRC, Wisconsin had a new baseplate design ready sometime around 2000, and it was nixed at the last minute, the new "design" being letters changing from red to black, and a reversal of the ABC 123 format.  Perhaps someone else can confirm this?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on October 13, 2021, 10:34:55 PM
Alabama will have new license plates in 2022 (https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2021/10/12/new-alabama-license-plate-designs-coming-2022/6102171001/)

QuoteAlabama will have a new standard-issue license plate in 2022.

The new design the state has chosen has the image of a beach with www. alabama .travel at the bottom. The new plate also includes the phrase "Heart of Dixie" inside of a heart on the right bottom corner. The plate will replace the current mountain scene design.

(https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/10/12/PMOY/588c5657-139d-40ab-bc4f-1d58605a13e2-6LXUJZTVTZANDD6ARZT52QQ2MU.jpg?width=660&height=347&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on October 13, 2021, 10:44:06 PM
WHY INCLUDE WEBSITES ON LICENSE PLATES!?!?!?!??!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on October 14, 2021, 07:04:52 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on October 13, 2021, 10:44:06 PM
WHY INCLUDE WEBSITES ON LICENSE PLATES!?!?!?!??!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!

at least it's in.small.print
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on October 14, 2021, 07:33:33 PM
Quote from: andrepoiy on October 13, 2021, 10:44:06 PM
WHY INCLUDE WEBSITES ON LICENSE PLATES!?!?!?!??!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!
To mess up with automatic plate readers
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on October 15, 2021, 10:58:22 PM
I find it quite irritating that "good design" is now synonymous with "cool background".

Seriously, there is zero taste in modern license plate design, with very little exception (the new TN is pretty good.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Skye on October 21, 2021, 02:45:08 PM
Ohio is getting new plates

(https://i.imgur.com/ZvID89R.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on October 21, 2021, 02:59:02 PM
Wow. They're going from one of the best plates in the country to one of the worst. That sucks.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on October 21, 2021, 02:59:38 PM
Quote from: Skye on October 21, 2021, 02:45:08 PM
Ohio is getting new plates

(https://i.imgur.com/ZvID89R.jpg)

Apparently the first phots released had the banner coming off the front of the plane, but the state was quick to point out that the banner will be properly placed before plates are manufactured.

According to the articles I read, the new plates will begin being issued on December 29.  None of the articles mentioned whether any of the previous designs still legally on the road will be retired, but if not, that will mean there will be six different legal designs of "standard" plates, dating back to 1996.  (Gold Fade 1996-2001, Bicentennial 2001-2004, Sunburst 2004-2010, Beautiful Ohio 2009-2013, and Ohio Pride 2013-2021).  The oldest two (at least) should be retired, IMO.

None of the articles I read indicate whether or not the new plates will all be flat, or whether stock plates will continue to be embossed.  My fear is that they will all be flat.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bm7 on October 21, 2021, 05:02:53 PM
Ah yes, OhiO, my favorite state.

Why does it seem like states are competing to make the worst plate designs? This one wouldn't even be quite so bad if they didn't have "OhiO" written in such an awful font crammed into the shape of the state, and put the slogan at a readable size and centered it on the bottom of the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: stormwatch7721 on October 21, 2021, 07:03:59 PM
I like that new upcoming Ohio license plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on October 21, 2021, 08:12:58 PM
How much wheat is actually GROWN in Ohio and where?  I've lived for quite a time in Ohio, and remember corn, soybeans, tomatoes, and other crops, but not wheat.  I think corn would've been a better choice.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on October 21, 2021, 08:28:17 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on October 21, 2021, 08:12:58 PM
How much wheat is actually GROWN in Ohio and where?  I've lived for quite a time in Ohio, and remember corn, soybeans, tomatoes, and other crops, but not wheat.  I think corn would've been a better choice.
Looks like OH fell off top-10 winter wheat producing states sometime around 2010. 4% of national winter wheat harvest in 2019
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8536675041_7c2ff5555f.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SkyPesos on October 21, 2021, 08:36:20 PM
I miss the "Beautiful Ohio"  plates that were used for a couple of years in the early 2010s. Those were one of my favorite plate designs, though the current design is simplistic in a nice way.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on October 21, 2021, 10:14:47 PM
Quote from: kalvado on October 21, 2021, 08:28:17 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on October 21, 2021, 08:12:58 PM
How much wheat is actually GROWN in Ohio and where?  I've lived for quite a time in Ohio, and remember corn, soybeans, tomatoes, and other crops, but not wheat.  I think corn would've been a better choice.
Looks like OH fell off top-10 winter wheat producing states sometime around 2010. 4% of national winter wheat harvest in 2019
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8536675041_7c2ff5555f.jpg)

Not enough money in it. When corn and soybean prices tanked in 2013 Ohio farmers (and ones in other states) tried to make up for it by doing wheat in the winter which crashed wheat prices as well. Unfortunately Ohio in the wintertime is a tough place to farm and when wheat prices also tanked it wasn't worth the effort. Also growing popularity of other cover crops. A lot of farmland in Ohio isn't well-drained enough for a good wheat harvest. That includes ours. Too many floods in March and April.

Historical wheat prices: https://www.macrotrends.net/2534/wheat-prices-historical-chart-data (https://www.macrotrends.net/2534/wheat-prices-historical-chart-data)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kurumi on October 21, 2021, 11:16:25 PM
Here's a site where you can report, and keep track of, the "highest" or "newest" plate seen on the road, for states that issue in sequential order: https://www.licenseplates.cc/highs.php?where=CA
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on October 21, 2021, 11:44:06 PM
I agree, Ohio had some nice plates and now wtf are those. Smh
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SkyPesos on October 22, 2021, 12:10:23 AM
Interesting that Florida still uses 6 digit license plates as the 3rd most populous state, when most of the other states with above a population of 7 or 8 million moved onto 7 digits. The next populous state to use 6 digits only have like 2/5 of the population of Florida, and the rest even less.

CA - 7
TX - 7
FL - 6
NY - 7
PA - 7
IL - 7
OH - 7
GA - 7
NC - 7
MI - 7
NJ - 6
VA - 7
WA - 7

Below Washington, it's mostly 6 digits.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SkyPesos on October 22, 2021, 01:18:17 AM
Also, NCDOT made fun of Ohio's new plates on Twitter earlier today:
https://twitter.com/NCDOT/status/1451281408375222284?s=20
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on October 22, 2021, 05:28:14 AM
License plate designs are getting so busy now that they're unreadable...but what's important now is that toll camera or red light camera can read it.  :rolleyes:

Quote from: SkyPesos on October 22, 2021, 01:18:17 AM
Also, NCDOT made fun of Ohio's new plates on Twitter earlier today:

In other news, Ohio issues a new postage stamp:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/US_Airmail_inverted_Jenny_24c_1918_issue.jpg/698px-US_Airmail_inverted_Jenny_24c_1918_issue.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on October 22, 2021, 10:29:29 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on October 22, 2021, 01:18:17 AM
Also, NCDOT made fun of Ohio's new plates on Twitter earlier today

What is it with these two?

They have been in this giant p***ing contest about invention of the airplane for 30 years.  NC has stuck with a fine, but tired plate for decades (is it the longest serving standard plate?) and OH has trolled with this "Birthplace of Aviation"  theme for at least 20. 

Memo:  you are both giant mega states with 1000s and 1000s of huge events happening there, 1000s of natural features, and 1000s of other things to put on a plate, including some great slogans between you like "First in Freedom"  "Beautiful Ohio"  "The Heart Of It All"  "Tar Heal State"  and my favorite "The First Frontier" . 

You have both done and have a LOT more than either have some windy beach where two guys made an airplane, or be where they were born.  I will pick on my own state.  If WV were in the running for this, yes, it is worth fighting about, because nothing the heck else ever happens here.  You are not like that.  Grow up.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on October 22, 2021, 09:32:06 PM
Y'all got Chuck Yeager though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on October 23, 2021, 02:27:05 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on October 22, 2021, 10:29:29 AM
Quote from: SkyPesos on October 22, 2021, 01:18:17 AM
Also, NCDOT made fun of Ohio's new plates on Twitter earlier today

What is it with these two?

They have been in this giant p***ing contest about invention of the airplane for 30 years.  NC has stuck with a fine, but tired plate for decades (is it the longest serving standard plate?) and OH has trolled with this "Birthplace of Aviation"  theme for at least 20. 

Memo:  you are both giant mega states with 1000s and 1000s of huge events happening there, 1000s of natural features, and 1000s of other things to put on a plate, including some great slogans between you like "First in Freedom"  "Beautiful Ohio"  "The Heart Of It All"  "Tar Heal State"  and my favorite "The First Frontier" . 

You have both done and have a LOT more than either have some windy beach where two guys made an airplane, or be where they were born.  I will pick on my own state.  If WV were in the running for this, yes, it is worth fighting about, because nothing the heck else ever happens here.  You are not like that.  Grow up.
Arkansas has had the basic same plate design since 1978 with few tweaks. I liked the version in the early 1990s that had the state name in a red background at top. Then they switched back to the old design when they started the 000AAA series in 1996.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 23, 2021, 02:07:46 PM
I don't like much about how Texas does things, but I have to admit I like the standard license plate design. Clear, simple, bold, and yet unobtrusive.

(https://s.hdnux.com/photos/14/30/75/3247957/3/1200x0.jpg)

If I had the change anything, it would be to get rid of the state outline and move the star to where it is.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: zachary_amaryllis on October 24, 2021, 10:56:31 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 23, 2021, 02:07:46 PM
I don't like much about how Texas does things, but I have to admit I like the standard license plate design. Clear, simple, bold, and yet unobtrusive.

(https://s.hdnux.com/photos/14/30/75/3247957/3/1200x0.jpg)

If I had the change anything, it would be to get rid of the state outline and move the star to where it is.

and easily printed on a laser printer. i've heard (but not confirmed) that kids around here are using fake texas plates when they street race.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on October 24, 2021, 07:10:49 PM
Quote from: zachary_amaryllis on October 24, 2021, 10:56:31 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on October 23, 2021, 02:07:46 PM
I don't like much about how Texas does things, but I have to admit I like the standard license plate design. Clear, simple, bold, and yet unobtrusive.

If I had the change anything, it would be to get rid of the state outline and move the star to where it is.

and easily printed on a laser printer. i've heard (but not confirmed) that kids around here are using fake texas plates when they street race.

I haven't heard that. To be fair, though, any license plate can be printed with an ink jet.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: andrepoiy on October 25, 2021, 07:22:50 PM
Yeah I like standard plates that don't really have anything weird on them, but are still unique enough (such as having a state symbol) that it can be distinguished. Examples include Ontario, Quebec, Texas, California.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on October 26, 2021, 01:52:13 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on October 21, 2021, 02:59:38 PM

According to the articles I read, the new plates will begin being issued on December 29.  None of the articles mentioned whether any of the previous designs still legally on the road will be retired, but if not, that will mean there will be six different legal designs of "standard" plates, dating back to 1996.  (Gold Fade 1996-2001, Bicentennial 2001-2004, Sunburst 2004-2010, Beautiful Ohio 2009-2013, and Ohio Pride 2013-2021).  The oldest two (at least) should be retired, IMO.


It looks like the gold-fade plate will be retired.  Our company (which owns about 30 trucks) got an e-mail from the BMV a couple days ago saying that we have some gold-fade plates in our fleet, and that we will have to replace them next year when they renew.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on October 26, 2021, 04:14:17 PM
There's two gold fades, "The Heart of it All" and "Birthplace of Aviation".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 02, 2021, 02:59:59 PM
What a great plate design. I wish that were the standard design!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on December 02, 2021, 03:17:12 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729

Is it just me, or does it look black?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 02, 2021, 03:49:03 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 02, 2021, 03:17:12 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729

Is it just me, or does it look black?

Just you. :sombrero:  Dark navy for sure, but still blue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on December 02, 2021, 04:17:26 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 02, 2021, 03:49:03 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 02, 2021, 03:17:12 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729

Is it just me, or does it look black?

Just you. :sombrero:  Dark navy for sure, but still blue.

Lol, I checked in MS Paint and you're right, but I still find it hard to see. But regardless, I agree with jakeroot that's it's a nice looking plate. It has distinctive colours, but also very legible (which seems to be an issue with a lot of modern plate designs). I'm glad Ontario is sticking with the blue-on-white plates for that reason (barring the Doug Ford plate fiasco :colorful:).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on December 02, 2021, 10:36:41 PM
A few weeks old but haven't seen it mentioned here, Newfoundland and Labrador is getting a new plate in January for the provincial Come Home Year celebration:
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8f/NFLD-2022-comehomeyear-licenseplate.jpg)
We'll see what the Omicron variant has to say about their plans going forward though
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on December 03, 2021, 12:59:07 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Retro plates have become incredibly popular here in California.  You can barely drive anywhere without seeing a car with the yellow-on-black 60's style plates.  I have 'em on 2 of my cars because I think they look way better.  I really wish that they brought back yellow-on-blue 70's style or the mid-80's style sunset plates as options as well.


Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 04, 2021, 04:51:29 PM
Can anyone explain this California license plate? I have never seen white-on-black:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51725416510_b4640d6bb9_4k.jpg)
Non-standard California Plate (https://flic.kr/p/2mNNhf3) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CardInLex on December 04, 2021, 05:07:50 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 04, 2021, 04:51:29 PM
Can anyone explain this California license plate? I have never seen white-on-black:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51725416510_b4640d6bb9_4k.jpg)
Non-standard California Plate (https://flic.kr/p/2mNNhf3) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr

Closest example I could find is their experimental digital plates. But, this one doesn't look like it's digital.

https://www.cnn.com/videos/cnnmoney/2018/05/29/california-digital-license-plate-pilot-program-orig.cnn
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 04, 2021, 05:13:44 PM
Quote from: CardInLex on December 04, 2021, 05:07:50 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 04, 2021, 04:51:29 PM
Can anyone explain this California license plate? I have never seen white-on-black:

Closest example I could find is their experimental digital plates. But, this one doesn't look like it's digital.

Yeah, it was definitely an embossed non-digital plate. Given the number of modifications made to this Kia Stinger, I'm thinking he must have made the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 04, 2021, 07:37:04 PM
I'm thinking that that is a special 'retro' themed design that (Caltrans?) is offering.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 04, 2021, 08:22:58 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 04, 2021, 07:37:04 PM
I'm thinking that that is a special 'retro' themed design that (Caltrans?) is offering.

Mike

I wasn't able to find it on the DMV website.

Also, note that "California" is written in script, whereas the retro plates (yellow on blue, yellow on black) use the older block-type text.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mukade on December 04, 2021, 08:41:34 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729


I remember the originals from the mid-60s. I think I still have one from my parents' car. That was a great color.

I wonder if Michigan will ever adopt the flat plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on December 04, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Years ago, Ohio had a special Red-On-Amber plate that was issued to drivers with DUI convictions.  Basically giving the driver a plate that pretty much allowed them to drive to work and/or school.  When the semi-suspension was over, the driver would get their regular plates back.

Perhaps these are special plates that give those with DUI charges the same limited driving permissions that Ohio gave???
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ski-man on December 06, 2021, 04:18:43 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 04, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Years ago, Ohio had a special Red-On-Amber plate that was issued to drivers with DUI convictions.  Basically giving the driver a plate that pretty much allowed them to drive to work and/or school.  When the semi-suspension was over, the driver would get their regular plates back.

Perhaps these are special plates that give those with DUI charges the same limited driving permissions that Ohio gave???

A great idea. But you know someone now a days would sue that the plate would be singling them out and be infringing on their rights or some crap like that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 06, 2021, 04:45:51 PM
Quote from: ski-man on December 06, 2021, 04:18:43 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 04, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Years ago, Ohio had a special Red-On-Amber plate that was issued to drivers with DUI convictions.  Basically giving the driver a plate that pretty much allowed them to drive to work and/or school.  When the semi-suspension was over, the driver would get their regular plates back.

Perhaps these are special plates that give those with DUI charges the same limited driving permissions that Ohio gave???

A great idea. But you know someone now a days would sue that the plate would be singling them out and be infringing on their rights or some crap like that.


It's a terrible idea.  We as a society don't easily identify people for offenses for other crimes in this manner. We shouldn't do it for this either.

And there is no evidence this work.  At best, Ohio's DUI rates are no different than the rest of the country's.

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pdf/impaired_driving/drunk_driving_in_oh.pdf
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on December 06, 2021, 04:48:13 PM
I want to bring back the public stocks.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jzn110 on December 06, 2021, 09:54:38 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729

It looks like these are replacing the green/white/blue "Spectacular Peninsulas" plates, as the Michigan SOS no longer lists them as an available option on their website.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 06, 2021, 10:12:17 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 06, 2021, 04:45:51 PM
Quote from: ski-man on December 06, 2021, 04:18:43 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 04, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Years ago, Ohio had a special Red-On-Amber plate that was issued to drivers with DUI convictions.  Basically giving the driver a plate that pretty much allowed them to drive to work and/or school.  When the semi-suspension was over, the driver would get their regular plates back.

Perhaps these are special plates that give those with DUI charges the same limited driving permissions that Ohio gave???

A great idea. But you know someone now a days would sue that the plate would be singling them out and be infringing on their rights or some crap like that.


It's a terrible idea.  We as a society don't easily identify people for offenses for other crimes in this manner. We shouldn't do it for this either.

And there is no evidence this work.  At best, Ohio's DUI rates are no different than the rest of the country's.

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/pdf/impaired_driving/drunk_driving_in_oh.pdf

In Oklahoma, they actually print the words SEX OFFENDER in red over your photo on your driver license. I was always a little weirded out when I carded someone at work to do a credit card transaction and got one of those. That's not information I want to have.

There's a little more justification for having a DUI offender flagged while operating a motor vehicle, but there's no guarantee that the person driving the car is going to be in the process of reoffending (or even that the offender is the one driving at the time), so the plates are not very useful as a warning device. The benefit would primarily be for law enforcement, and these days that can be handled by a notation displayed on the computer when performing a plate lookup.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 06, 2021, 10:33:39 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 02, 2021, 02:27:10 PM
Michigan brings back retro "Water Winter Wonderland" yellow on blue license plate as an alternate plate choice:

(https://content.govdelivery.com/attachments/fancy_images/MISOS/2021/12/5250313/3853471/water-winter-wonderland-sample_crop.jpg)

Link:  https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MISOS/bulletins/2fed729

Any new option that doesn't incorporate the godawful "Pure Michigan" tagline is a good thing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on December 07, 2021, 04:42:25 PM
Especially when you see a really rusty car with the Pure Michigan tags. "Now that's Pure Michigan"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on December 08, 2021, 04:22:24 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 04, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Years ago, Ohio had a special Red-On-Amber plate that was issued to drivers with DUI convictions.  Basically giving the driver a plate that pretty much allowed them to drive to work and/or school.  When the semi-suspension was over, the driver would get their regular plates back.

Perhaps these are special plates that give those with DUI charges the same limited driving permissions that Ohio gave???

Ohio still has these.  From a distance they look like old New Mexico plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tigerwings on December 08, 2021, 05:52:09 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on December 08, 2021, 04:22:24 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 04, 2021, 10:12:46 PM
Years ago, Ohio had a special Red-On-Amber plate that was issued to drivers with DUI convictions.  Basically giving the driver a plate that pretty much allowed them to drive to work and/or school.  When the semi-suspension was over, the driver would get their regular plates back.

Perhaps these are special plates that give those with DUI charges the same limited driving permissions that Ohio gave???

Ohio still has these.  From a distance they look like old New Mexico plates.


Rusting cars; Awful roads; Detroit; Pure Michigan.    (I can rip on my hometown)

There are plenty of (not so) Pure Michigan spoofs on YouTube.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on December 10, 2021, 12:19:54 PM
I think (think) that you only get the yellow DUI tags if the car is shared for work commuting with another family member and that they do them in lieu of ignition interlocks. I again think it has something to do with making someone that has never been charged with OMVI (Ohio's term) blow into the interlock -- that being the family member that uses the car that didn't get the DUI. Cars with the yellow tags can be pulled over at any time to check for sobriety of the person who got the DUI.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on December 10, 2021, 12:34:51 PM
Oregon has recently updated their Cultural Trust plate. I'm liking the new design!

(https://www-koin-com.cdn.ampproject.org/ii/F2/s/www.koin.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2021/09/Celebrate-Oregon-license-plate.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 10, 2021, 02:31:16 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.


Yep.  I like it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on December 10, 2021, 03:07:43 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.
I'm with you on this.  Too busy.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on December 10, 2021, 04:11:16 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.

Of course it's also a flat-printed plate, so that makes the legend blend even more into the background. I think legibility would be improved greatly if all of the characters were given a black outline or drop shadow.  One has to wonder how much review these designs undergo with regards to practical concerns like contrast and readability.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on December 10, 2021, 04:26:34 PM
Quote from: jdbx on December 10, 2021, 04:11:16 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.

Of course it's also a flat-printed plate, so that makes the legend blend even more into the background. I think legibility would be improved greatly if all of the characters were given a black outline or drop shadow.  One has to wonder how much review these designs undergo with regards to practical concerns like contrast and readability.

Not enough review in Ontario at least (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-licence-plate-foi-findings-1.6154105 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-licence-plate-foi-findings-1.6154105)). The now-discontinued plates are almost impossible to read at night! It's embarrassing that these were issued, and the fact that they haven't been recalled.
(https://i.cbc.ca/1.5466562.1582025401!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/sgt-steve-koopman.jpg)

I'm also of the opinion that while the Oregon one does looks cool, it isn't practical for a licence plate design (it'd probably be hard to read from a distance).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on December 10, 2021, 05:56:48 PM
I do think the new Cultural Trust plate is an improvement over the previous version.

(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ba/2b/3d/ba2b3d0363c99bb21586d23571feea88.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: wanderer2575 on December 19, 2021, 10:53:06 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.

I agree with jakeroot.  It's not supposed to be a f***ing advertisement for tourism, but that's what a lot of license plates have become.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 19, 2021, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 19, 2021, 10:53:06 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.

I agree with jakeroot.  It's not supposed to be a f***ing advertisement for tourism, but that's what a lot of license plates have become.



Why can't it be an advertisement for tourism?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on December 19, 2021, 01:22:39 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 19, 2021, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 19, 2021, 10:53:06 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.

I agree with jakeroot.  It's not supposed to be a f***ing advertisement for tourism, but that's what a lot of license plates have become.



Why can't it be an advertisement for tourism?
https://youtu.be/YU0q1ztAemw
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The Nature Boy on December 19, 2021, 01:27:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 19, 2021, 10:53:06 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.

I agree with jakeroot.  It's not supposed to be a f***ing advertisement for tourism, but that's what a lot of license plates have become.

"Pure Michigan" and "MyFlorida.com" are the biggest offenders here.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 19, 2021, 02:25:58 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on December 19, 2021, 01:27:25 PM
Quote from: wanderer2575 on December 19, 2021, 10:53:06 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 01:42:55 PM
Quote from: jayhawkco on December 10, 2021, 12:57:53 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 10, 2021, 12:43:21 PM
That is hilariously awful, holy shit.

And to think Pacific Wonderland is one of the best plate designs ever. Get it together, Oregon.

Eh.  Color me one of the ones that thinks it's kinda cool.  Legible and interesting.

I disagree completely. The white typeface disappears into the design on the left, and the "n" in Oregon disappears into the mountain.

The background is incredible, but it does not belong on a license plate. It's simply too complex.

I agree with jakeroot.  It's not supposed to be a f***ing advertisement for tourism, but that's what a lot of license plates have become.

"Pure Michigan" and "MyFlorida.com" are the biggest offenders here.

Although the whole idea of tourism-focused plates isn't a thing I love either, neither of those plates are bad designs. Both are easy to read (minus the Mackinac Bridge design) with strongly-contrasting backgrounds, which is of utmost importance with a plate. The new Oregon Trust plate is, simply, not readable and the background blends too much with the numbering.

California is another example of a state with a URL that is actually totally amazing, an absolutely classic design. I love the old block lettering and would love to see it return, but the current plate is still great even with the "DMV" URL.

Can't remember if I mentioned it before, but I will say it again in the event that I didn't: pictures are not designs.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on December 19, 2021, 03:07:54 PM
I saw my first blue Michigan plate today.  The state name and slogan are printed and the plate number is embossed. It looks like the sticker is supposed to go in the bottom right given the small white imprint.

(https://i.imgur.com/zW6whky.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on December 19, 2021, 09:52:04 PM
Beginning in 2022 on Colorado:  Once you get rid of your vehicle, that particular standard-issue license plate cannot be used again...unless you pay extra as it then becomes a "Vanity Plate".

https://denvergazette.com/news/local/colorado-law-to-require-new-license-plates-when-vehicle-is-sold-transferred/article_1bd178a2-602c-11ec-a1a1-7faef2517acb.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on December 19, 2021, 10:30:08 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 19, 2021, 09:52:04 PM
Beginning in 2022 on Colorado:  Once you get rid of your vehicle, that particular standard-issue license plate cannot be used again...unless you pay extra as it then becomes a "Vanity Plate".

https://denvergazette.com/news/local/colorado-law-to-require-new-license-plates-when-vehicle-is-sold-transferred/article_1bd178a2-602c-11ec-a1a1-7faef2517acb.html

Been this way in NY for a long while.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on December 30, 2021, 06:37:21 PM
Does anybody know what the next move for California plates will be?? According to The High Road, the current registration is in the 8Zxxxxx. I thought I read on here they wouldn't be using 9.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on December 30, 2021, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 30, 2021, 06:37:21 PM
Does anybody know what the next move for California plates will be?? According to The High Road, the current registration is in the 8Zxxxxx. I thought I read on here they wouldn't be using 9.

They probably won't use 9 because 9 is used for heavy commercial trucks like tractors.

My bet is that after 8ZZZ999 they flip to 000AAA1 followed by 001AAA1, 002AAA1 similar to how they did for commercial vehicles.  Once 8Z99999 was passed, it went to 00000A1, 00001A1, 00002A1 etc.

What is wild to me is that the same basic design has now been in use since 1994, save for very slight changes (like the DMV url)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 31, 2021, 09:49:44 PM
Quote from: jdbx on December 30, 2021, 07:13:27 PM
What is wild to me is that the same basic design has now been in use since 1994, save for very slight changes (like the DMV url)

Heck, minus the font, the only thing that has ever changed about modern California plates is the background color. The exception being the briefly-standard Golden State plate in 1987, with its extra decoration.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: BakoCondors on January 01, 2022, 05:58:05 PM
Quote from: jdbx on December 30, 2021, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 30, 2021, 06:37:21 PM
Does anybody know what the next move for California plates will be?? According to The High Road, the current registration is in the 8Zxxxxx. I thought I read on here they wouldn’t be using 9.

They probably won't use 9 because 9 is used for heavy commercial trucks like tractors.

My bet is that after 8ZZZ999 they flip to 000AAA1 followed by 001AAA1, 002AAA1 similar to how they did for commercial vehicles.  Once 8Z99999 was passed, it went to 00000A1, 00001A1, 00002A1 etc.


I hope not. The reversed number/letter blocks annoy me. I was hoping to find out firsthand, having recently bought a new car but I got 8YV----  :angry:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on January 02, 2022, 01:29:57 PM
I would like to see California go to both the 'LLLL-NNN numbering format that is now used in Ontario AND to the "license plates stay with the cars' owners" scheme that most states use instead of the current "Stay with the car" and the numbers are retired when the car is scrapped or noved out of the state as is now used in California.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on January 02, 2022, 02:13:44 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 02, 2022, 01:29:57 PM
I would like to see California go to both the 'LLLL-NNN numbering format that is now used in Ontario AND to the "license plates stay with the cars' owners" scheme that most states use instead of the current "Stay with the car" and the numbers are retired when the car is scrapped or noved out of the state as is now used in California.

I don't see the issue with the plates staying with the car. It's a system used in many other places outside the US.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on January 02, 2022, 03:46:50 PM
It's better than the old Oklahoma system of "license plates stay with the car, except sometimes when you buy a car the tag agency sometimes says you have to get a new one, and sometimes you can keep the plate that was on it".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on January 02, 2022, 10:34:15 PM
Plates "stay with the owner" can create a weird secondary market for plates like you see in the UK where some plates are worth over 1 million Pounds.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on January 02, 2022, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on January 02, 2022, 10:34:15 PM
Plates "stay with the owner" can create a weird secondary market for plates like you see in the UK where some plates are worth over 1 million Pounds.
Plates stay with the owner works in many US states. It really helps that custom plates with an arbitrary message are just a few dollars more than regular ones - so anyone can pay and get a really unique plate to their liking.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on January 03, 2022, 11:19:27 AM
Quote from: BakoCondors on January 01, 2022, 05:58:05 PM
Quote from: jdbx on December 30, 2021, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 30, 2021, 06:37:21 PM
Does anybody know what the next move for California plates will be?? According to The High Road, the current registration is in the 8Zxxxxx. I thought I read on here they wouldn't be using 9.

They probably won't use 9 because 9 is used for heavy commercial trucks like tractors.

My bet is that after 8ZZZ999 they flip to 000AAA1 followed by 001AAA1, 002AAA1 similar to how they did for commercial vehicles.  Once 8Z99999 was passed, it went to 00000A1, 00001A1, 00002A1 etc.


I hope not. The reversed number/letter blocks annoy me. I was hoping to find out firsthand, having recently bought a new car but I got 8YV----  :angry:


I think a straight ABC1234 would work just fine.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on January 03, 2022, 07:12:33 PM
Quick question regarding Massachusetts plates. I understand that the last digit is the registration month and that plates ending in 0 expire in October. I haven't seen a new October issue since January 2020. All plates issued in the Bay State issued after October always have September registration now with a last digit of 9. We are now onto 4AAA 19 through 4ZZZ 99 as of now. Has the state completely done away with October plates? It was bad enough seeing September plates issued in March. If so, then that means no more plates with the number 0.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on January 05, 2022, 07:37:17 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 02, 2022, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on January 02, 2022, 10:34:15 PM
Plates "stay with the owner" can create a weird secondary market for plates like you see in the UK where some plates are worth over 1 million Pounds.
Plates stay with the owner works in many US states. It really helps that custom plates with an arbitrary message are just a few dollars more than regular ones - so anyone can pay and get a really unique plate to their liking.
Though Colorado has now dropped that system, in favor of nixing the plate when the car is sold. The owner can keep it for nostalgia sake, but it can't be used on another vehicle again. The reason for the change was that the plates are losing their reflectivity after 5-10 years, though ironically the old white on green plates, issued 1977-2000, don't have a retroreflective layer and thus mostly remain quite visible. The paint used on the characters had reflective elements in it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on January 05, 2022, 08:09:54 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 05, 2022, 07:37:17 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 02, 2022, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on January 02, 2022, 10:34:15 PM
Plates "stay with the owner" can create a weird secondary market for plates like you see in the UK where some plates are worth over 1 million Pounds.
Plates stay with the owner works in many US states. It really helps that custom plates with an arbitrary message are just a few dollars more than regular ones - so anyone can pay and get a really unique plate to their liking.
Though Colorado has now dropped that system, in favor of nixing the plate when the car is sold. The owner can keep it for nostalgia sake, but it can't be used on another vehicle again. The reason for the change was that the plates are losing their reflectivity after 5-10 years, though ironically the old white on green plates, issued 1977-2000, don't have a retroreflective layer and thus mostly remain quite visible. The paint used on the characters had reflective elements in it.
That's a bit different story. SOmeone may keep a car for 20 years, someone else trading them often. if 5-10 years is the service limit of a plate - and I totally believe in that - why not have plates with an expiration date of X renewal cycles; preferably with an option of getting same number on a replaced plate?
I already complained about NY trying (and failing) to do that is the most inconsistent and ugly way possible...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jzn110 on January 05, 2022, 10:22:53 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 19, 2021, 03:07:54 PM
I saw my first blue Michigan plate today.  The state name and slogan are printed and the plate number is embossed. It looks like the sticker is supposed to go in the bottom right given the small white imprint.

(https://i.imgur.com/zW6whky.jpg)

I was behind one in traffic the other night, and only the "Michigan" and "Water-Winter Wonderland" text was reflective. The serial number was not, and made the plate very difficult to read in the reflection of my headlights.

I assume that the serial numbers were supposed to be reflective but they screwed up in production, but if not, then I suspect they'll be fixing the design relatively soon like they did with the current Mackinac Bridge plate (switched the lettering from white to black and made the background lighter).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on January 08, 2022, 05:41:46 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 05, 2022, 08:09:54 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 05, 2022, 07:37:17 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 02, 2022, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on January 02, 2022, 10:34:15 PM
Plates "stay with the owner" can create a weird secondary market for plates like you see in the UK where some plates are worth over 1 million Pounds.
Plates stay with the owner works in many US states. It really helps that custom plates with an arbitrary message are just a few dollars more than regular ones - so anyone can pay and get a really unique plate to their liking.
Though Colorado has now dropped that system, in favor of nixing the plate when the car is sold. The owner can keep it for nostalgia sake, but it can't be used on another vehicle again. The reason for the change was that the plates are losing their reflectivity after 5-10 years, though ironically the old white on green plates, issued 1977-2000, don't have a retroreflective layer and thus mostly remain quite visible. The paint used on the characters had reflective elements in it.
That's a bit different story. SOmeone may keep a car for 20 years, someone else trading them often. if 5-10 years is the service limit of a plate - and I totally believe in that - why not have plates with an expiration date of X renewal cycles; preferably with an option of getting same number on a replaced plate?
I already complained about NY trying (and failing) to do that is the most inconsistent and ugly way possible...

Nevada is also a "plates can stay with owner" state for most types of plates, although the plates are supposed to be surrendered to the DMV is not used on another vehicle with 30 or 60 days. I believe this is, in part, because Nevada has so many different types of plates that can come with extra fees. There are many charitable plates with different designs whose extra fees support various causes; there are plates for veterans, first responders, etc.; and a high number of personalized plates, including personalized charitable plates–I believe at one time, if not still, Nevada had the highest amount per capita of personalized plates in the U.S. So many of those wouldn't make sense to keep with the car and a new owner.

To combat the problem of wear and loss of reflectivity on license plates, the 2015 Nevada Legislature passed a bill implementing a rolling reissue program, which the DMV implemented in July 2016. The owner of any license plate more than 8 years old will receive new plates when they renew vehicle registration, even for special plates whose designs are no longer available. However, the classic pre-1982 blue plates, certain older replica blue plates, and the commemorative plates for Nevada's 125th & 150th anniversaries are exempt from reissue. (It's odd that the commemorative plates aren't reissued...many of the 125th anniversary plates still on the road date from 1989-1990 and are in pretty bad shape...) The rolling reissue implementation also roughly corresponds the timeframe of Nevada's return to embossed license plates (having switched to flat plates around 2003, IIRC).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on January 09, 2022, 06:57:16 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 05, 2022, 08:09:54 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 05, 2022, 07:37:17 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 02, 2022, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on January 02, 2022, 10:34:15 PM
Plates "stay with the owner" can create a weird secondary market for plates like you see in the UK where some plates are worth over 1 million Pounds.
Plates stay with the owner works in many US states. It really helps that custom plates with an arbitrary message are just a few dollars more than regular ones - so anyone can pay and get a really unique plate to their liking.
Though Colorado has now dropped that system, in favor of nixing the plate when the car is sold. The owner can keep it for nostalgia sake, but it can't be used on another vehicle again. The reason for the change was that the plates are losing their reflectivity after 5-10 years, though ironically the old white on green plates, issued 1977-2000, don't have a retroreflective layer and thus mostly remain quite visible. The paint used on the characters had reflective elements in it.
That's a bit different story. SOmeone may keep a car for 20 years, someone else trading them often. if 5-10 years is the service limit of a plate - and I totally believe in that - why not have plates with an expiration date of X renewal cycles; preferably with an option of getting same number on a replaced plate?
I already complained about NY trying (and failing) to do that is the most inconsistent and ugly way possible...
Minnesota replaces all license plates after they are seven years old. One advantage to this practice is that it allows the state to recycle license plate combinations in the LLL-nnn followed by nnn-LLL sequences. That avoids the need to use four letters or seven characters or resorting to a jumbled letter-number hodgepodge to get the needed combinations.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on January 09, 2022, 08:43:37 PM
Quote from: roadfro on January 08, 2022, 05:41:46 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 05, 2022, 08:09:54 PM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on January 05, 2022, 07:37:17 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 02, 2022, 10:54:05 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on January 02, 2022, 10:34:15 PM
Plates "stay with the owner" can create a weird secondary market for plates like you see in the UK where some plates are worth over 1 million Pounds.
Plates stay with the owner works in many US states. It really helps that custom plates with an arbitrary message are just a few dollars more than regular ones - so anyone can pay and get a really unique plate to their liking.
Though Colorado has now dropped that system, in favor of nixing the plate when the car is sold. The owner can keep it for nostalgia sake, but it can't be used on another vehicle again. The reason for the change was that the plates are losing their reflectivity after 5-10 years, though ironically the old white on green plates, issued 1977-2000, don't have a retroreflective layer and thus mostly remain quite visible. The paint used on the characters had reflective elements in it.
That's a bit different story. SOmeone may keep a car for 20 years, someone else trading them often. if 5-10 years is the service limit of a plate - and I totally believe in that - why not have plates with an expiration date of X renewal cycles; preferably with an option of getting same number on a replaced plate?
I already complained about NY trying (and failing) to do that is the most inconsistent and ugly way possible...

Nevada is also a "plates can stay with owner" state for most types of plates, although the plates are supposed to be surrendered to the DMV is not used on another vehicle with 30 or 60 days. I believe this is, in part, because Nevada has so many different types of plates that can come with extra fees. There are many charitable plates with different designs whose extra fees support various causes; there are plates for veterans, first responders, etc.; and a high number of personalized plates, including personalized charitable plates–I believe at one time, if not still, Nevada had the highest amount per capita of personalized plates in the U.S. So many of those wouldn't make sense to keep with the car and a new owner.


I always felt Illinois had a very high take rate on vanity plates in the '90s. Maybe they were really easy to get and/or cheap back then?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on January 14, 2022, 06:38:53 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2022, 07:12:33 PM
Quick question regarding Massachusetts plates. I understand that the last digit is the registration month and that plates ending in 0 expire in October. I haven't seen a new October issue since January 2020. All plates issued in the Bay State issued after October always have September registration now with a last digit of 9. We are now onto 4AAA 19 through 4ZZZ 99 as of now. Has the state completely done away with October plates? It was bad enough seeing September plates issued in March. If so, then that means no more plates with the number 0.

You may be right. I haven't seen any new October plates in a while, either. I bought and registered a new car last January and got a September-expiring plate when I (think) I would have ordinarily gotten an October plate. My brother registered his new car in September, 2020 and got an April-expiring plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on January 14, 2022, 07:38:21 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 14, 2022, 06:38:53 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2022, 07:12:33 PM
Quick question regarding Massachusetts plates. I understand that the last digit is the registration month and that plates ending in 0 expire in October. I haven't seen a new October issue since January 2020. All plates issued in the Bay State issued after October always have September registration now with a last digit of 9. We are now onto 4AAA 19 through 4ZZZ 99 as of now. Has the state completely done away with October plates? It was bad enough seeing September plates issued in March. If so, then that means no more plates with the number 0.

You may be right. I haven't seen any new October plates in a while, either. I bought and registered a new car last January and got a September-expiring plate when I (think) I would have ordinarily gotten an October plate. My brother registered his new car in September, 2020 and got an April-expiring plate.

Yesterday, I saw a new January plate issued to a Subaru at my work, series 4AAA 11, which proves my point.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on January 15, 2022, 10:06:30 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 14, 2022, 07:38:21 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 14, 2022, 06:38:53 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2022, 07:12:33 PM
Quick question regarding Massachusetts plates. I understand that the last digit is the registration month and that plates ending in 0 expire in October. I haven't seen a new October issue since January 2020. All plates issued in the Bay State issued after October always have September registration now with a last digit of 9. We are now onto 4AAA 19 through 4ZZZ 99 as of now. Has the state completely done away with October plates? It was bad enough seeing September plates issued in March. If so, then that means no more plates with the number 0.

You may be right. I haven't seen any new October plates in a while, either. I bought and registered a new car last January and got a September-expiring plate when I (think) I would have ordinarily gotten an October plate. My brother registered his new car in September, 2020 and got an April-expiring plate.

Yesterday, I saw a new January plate issued to a Subaru at my work, series 4AAA 11, which proves my point.

I wonder what will happen when the Commonwealth runs out of the NAAA NN format (9ZZZ 99)? Since we seem to be obsessed with the last numeric digit being the expiration date, that moment may be coming sooner rather than later.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on January 15, 2022, 10:55:15 AM
Maybe the state has plans for a general reissue and this is part of it? Who knows.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kefkafloyd on January 22, 2022, 07:36:08 PM
Keep in mind that 1ABC 23 was first used exclusively for October plates several years ago while other schemas (e.g. 1AB 234, 12A 345, and 123 AB4) were still being issued. This was done specifically to stop the usage of 123 AB4 plates that ended in a zero, as they were being confused with old greenies that ended in an Oscar (123-ABC, e.g. 731-BZO versus 731 BZ0). They may have decided to put October registrations on pause to allow 1AAA 23 to fill out the other months. I doubt they've run out of October registrations in that range, but since they're issuing more in other months they want the registration revenue to balance out over the year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on February 04, 2022, 12:59:34 PM
Quote from: jdbx on December 30, 2021, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 30, 2021, 06:37:21 PM
Does anybody know what the next move for California plates will be?? According to The High Road, the current registration is in the 8Zxxxxx. I thought I read on here they wouldn't be using 9.

They probably won't use 9 because 9 is used for heavy commercial trucks like tractors.

My bet is that after 8ZZZ999 they flip to 000AAA1 followed by 001AAA1, 002AAA1 similar to how they did for commercial vehicles.  Once 8Z99999 was passed, it went to 00000A1, 00001A1, 00002A1 etc.

What is wild to me is that the same basic design has now been in use since 1994, save for very slight changes (like the DMV url)


The CA DMV has made a liar of me.  I saw a vehicle today driving around with 9AACxxx so it looks like we will roll through to 9ZZZ999 before California flips the numbering order.  I give that about 4-5 years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on February 04, 2022, 04:01:57 PM
Quote from: jdbx on February 04, 2022, 12:59:34 PM
Quote from: jdbx on December 30, 2021, 07:13:27 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 30, 2021, 06:37:21 PM
Does anybody know what the next move for California plates will be?? According to The High Road, the current registration is in the 8Zxxxxx. I thought I read on here they wouldn't be using 9.

They probably won't use 9 because 9 is used for heavy commercial trucks like tractors.

My bet is that after 8ZZZ999 they flip to 000AAA1 followed by 001AAA1, 002AAA1 similar to how they did for commercial vehicles.  Once 8Z99999 was passed, it went to 00000A1, 00001A1, 00002A1 etc.

What is wild to me is that the same basic design has now been in use since 1994, save for very slight changes (like the DMV url)


The CA DMV has made a liar of me.  I saw a vehicle today driving around with 9AACxxx so it looks like we will roll through to 9ZZZ999 before California flips the numbering order.  I give that about 4-5 years.

As of today, the High Road website has California's highest reported regular car plate number sighting as (CA) [9ACZ068].  Interesting.

Their highest current Wisconsin regular car plate number sighting is (WI) [ANZ-5866].

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:46:51 AM
Welp, looks like Tennessee is following in the same footsteps of Ontario:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-new-plates-arent-readable-by-license-plate-readers-at-night
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on February 17, 2022, 09:46:22 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:46:51 AM
Welp, looks like Tennessee is following in the same footsteps of Ontario:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-new-plates-arent-readable-by-license-plate-readers-at-night

The fact that they're both a similar colour-scheme makes it that much funnier. :D Does anyone know if they use the same manufacturer?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 17, 2022, 12:16:34 PM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:46:51 AM
Welp, looks like Tennessee is following in the same footsteps of Ontario:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-new-plates-arent-readable-by-license-plate-readers-at-night
Are they using readers for anything traffic related, like tolls  - or just for surveillance? Article sounds like there is no real purpose other than big government one..
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 17, 2022, 03:02:04 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 17, 2022, 12:16:34 PM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:46:51 AM
Welp, looks like Tennessee is following in the same footsteps of Ontario:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-new-plates-arent-readable-by-license-plate-readers-at-night
Are they using readers for anything traffic related, like tolls  - or just for surveillance? Article sounds like there is no real purpose other than big government one..

Either way, I would think a plate that is readable at night is better than one that isn't.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on February 17, 2022, 03:58:35 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on February 17, 2022, 03:02:04 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 17, 2022, 12:16:34 PM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:46:51 AM
Welp, looks like Tennessee is following in the same footsteps of Ontario:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-new-plates-arent-readable-by-license-plate-readers-at-night
Are they using readers for anything traffic related, like tolls  - or just for surveillance? Article sounds like there is no real purpose other than big government one..

Either way, I would think a plate that is readable at night is better than one that isn't.

The low-contrast with a flat-printed plate is already a strike against them.  I would bet that an embossed plate with the same color scheme would not have the same problems.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on February 19, 2022, 12:07:54 AM
Just looked up current highs on The High Road. I'm seeing the current high in California is 9AGY110. it looks like the standard passenger plates will go into the 9 series.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 15, 2022, 10:42:14 AM
The Rhode Island DMV has unveiled the finalists for its new license plate design. There will be a vote on what plate gets picked. Once a design is selected, the current wave plates will be phased out starting July 1 and will take two years.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/14/ri-unveil-license-plate-finalists/7025898001/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 11:48:29 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 15, 2022, 10:42:14 AM
The Rhode Island DMV has unveiled the finalists for its new license plate design. There will be a vote on what plate gets picked. Once a design is selected, the current wave plates will be phased out starting July 1 and will take two years.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/14/ri-unveil-license-plate-finalists/7025898001/

Continuing my trend of thinking that recent plate designs are not good, I don't think any of the new designs are better than the existing one. Of the five finalists, though, I would prefer the upper left one.

(https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/03/14/NPRJ/659245ff-1c3c-471e-8dff-968b99087e58-RI_License_plates.png)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 11:56:33 AM
I like the center one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 15, 2022, 01:34:31 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 15, 2022, 10:42:14 AM
The Rhode Island DMV has unveiled the finalists for its new license plate design. There will be a vote on what plate gets picked. Once a design is selected, the current wave plates will be phased out starting July 1 and will take two years.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/14/ri-unveil-license-plate-finalists/7025898001/

A couple of other notes: the numbers will be screened and not embossed. Also, they're allowing people to keep their current numbers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 15, 2022, 01:36:24 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 11:48:29 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 15, 2022, 10:42:14 AM
The Rhode Island DMV has unveiled the finalists for its new license plate design. There will be a vote on what plate gets picked. Once a design is selected, the current wave plates will be phased out starting July 1 and will take two years.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/14/ri-unveil-license-plate-finalists/7025898001/

Continuing my trend of thinking that recent plate designs are not good, I don't think any of the new designs are better than the existing one. Of the five finalists, though, I would prefer the upper left one.

(https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/03/14/NPRJ/659245ff-1c3c-471e-8dff-968b99087e58-RI_License_plates.png)

While I like the Pell Bridge montage of the center one and the upper right one, I think the top left or bottom rift ones are best.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 15, 2022, 01:56:33 PM
Don't like any.

I would probably take a modified version of the bottom right, but with the ocean less cartoonish and without the yellow fade.

I would also take a modified version of the center plate, but with the lighthouse symbol removed and the state name font changed to something readable.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 02:12:01 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on March 15, 2022, 01:56:33 PM
I would also take a modified version of the center plate, but with the lighthouse symbol removed and the state name font changed to something readable.

Yeah, that font is atrocious.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Vocalicacorn187 on March 15, 2022, 03:58:48 PM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on February 17, 2022, 02:46:51 AM
Welp, looks like Tennessee is following in the same footsteps of Ontario:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessees-new-plates-arent-readable-by-license-plate-readers-at-night

Are they going to go back to the old plates after spending millions of dollars on plates that don't work.

Also Ontario is getting rid of the plate sticker and will not be charging to renew your plate. They will also be refunding any fees you've paid from March 1 2020.

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2022/03/12/renewal-fees-ontario-licence-plate-stickers-ends/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 15, 2022, 04:53:04 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 11:48:29 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 15, 2022, 10:42:14 AM
The Rhode Island DMV has unveiled the finalists for its new license plate design. There will be a vote on what plate gets picked. Once a design is selected, the current wave plates will be phased out starting July 1 and will take two years.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/14/ri-unveil-license-plate-finalists/7025898001/

Continuing my trend of thinking that recent plate designs are not good, I don't think any of the new designs are better than the existing one. Of the five finalists, though, I would prefer the upper left one.

(https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/03/14/NPRJ/659245ff-1c3c-471e-8dff-968b99087e58-RI_License_plates.png)

I like the lower left. It's subtle and the typography isn't quite as atrocious as the others.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2022, 05:15:21 PM
Middle with the top right's header.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 06:12:11 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on March 15, 2022, 05:15:21 PM
Middle with the top right's header.

(https://www.jaintele.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Nokia_Invalid_Selection.jpg)

:-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on March 15, 2022, 09:26:02 PM
Lower right looks like it was made at home using Office 97.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 15, 2022, 09:33:46 PM
Quote from: GCrites80s on March 15, 2022, 09:26:02 PM
Lower right looks like it was made at home using Office 97.

I think you mean GeoCities.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on March 16, 2022, 12:24:00 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2022, 11:48:29 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 15, 2022, 10:42:14 AM
The Rhode Island DMV has unveiled the finalists for its new license plate design. There will be a vote on what plate gets picked. Once a design is selected, the current wave plates will be phased out starting July 1 and will take two years.

https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2022/03/14/ri-unveil-license-plate-finalists/7025898001/

Continuing my trend of thinking that recent plate designs are not good, I don't think any of the new designs are better than the existing one. Of the five finalists, though, I would prefer the upper left one.

(https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2022/03/14/NPRJ/659245ff-1c3c-471e-8dff-968b99087e58-RI_License_plates.png)

I'd pick the top right. But screened plates never look as good as embossed plates - so it's unfortunate that yet another state has fallen for that scam. And the earlier story in the thread about plate readers having issues with the new TN plate (which is actually attractive) is not surprising. The glare off of screened plates at night often makes them impossible to read from certain angles.  Which is why our great-grandfathers knew enough to issue embossed plates (even though they weren't able to make them retro-reflective back then).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 17, 2022, 05:30:41 AM
Speaking of RI, here's a hot take on the contest that brought us the design finalists above.

https://riliberator.com/2022/03/15/license-plates-civic-design-and-public-engagement/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 19, 2022, 08:57:56 AM
The new RI plate redesigns aren't all that popular, even among graphic arts professionals.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwinx6q9nNL2AhVJVs0KHW7VBu4QxfQBKAB6BAgEEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bostonglobe.com%2F2022%2F03%2F18%2Fmetro%2Fgraphic-design-professors-unimpressed-by-ri-license-plate-choices%2F&usg=AOvVaw3Sn7zyMvCQaZy-WearOyHM
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 19, 2022, 09:59:35 AM
I do agree that they look too similar to each other. The bottom left and top right designs are basically the same thing. I'd personally go for the top right design. But those flat plates look hideous. It was bad enough when New Jersey switched.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 19, 2022, 10:22:54 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 19, 2022, 09:59:35 AM
I do agree that they look too similar to each other. The bottom left and top right designs are basically the same thing. I'd personally go for the top right design. But those flat plates look hideous. It was bad enough when New Jersey switched.

Not to mention the insider-y way the designs were picked and the fact that Rhode Islanders, like all New Englanders, take anything to do with license plates quite seriously.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on March 19, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
What happened to just having the state name, the serial numbers, and maybe a motto, in the state colors? Why all the graphics and swirls and different typography and the like? This applies to any state.

Now get off my lawn.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 19, 2022, 04:27:28 PM
Quote from: machias on March 19, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
What happened to just having the state name, the serial numbers, and maybe a motto, in the state colors? Why all the graphics and swirls and different typography and the like? This applies to any state.

Now get off my lawn.

Because what passes for good taste these days is not what used to pass for good taste.

Many would claim that modern license plates are basically a billboard for that state, and that's true in some cases. But I think the real problem is that, if you showed a room full of people a regular blank plate, and then showed them one with a bunch of graphics on it, more than half would probably pick the plate that has all the stupid graphics on it.

Australia does it right: standard issue blank plates, pay more for graphics and other stuff.

Advancements in plate production technology probably haven't helped either, to be fair.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 22, 2022, 08:31:22 AM
Not to mention that since the 1980s, many states and interest groups have decided that having their own specialty plate with graphics is a good moneymaker/advertisement (tho many causes are worthy) look at the # of specialty plates available in Virginia and Florida, for example. This has bled into the standard plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on March 22, 2022, 09:53:05 AM
Quote from: jzn110 on January 05, 2022, 10:22:53 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 19, 2021, 03:07:54 PM
I saw my first blue Michigan plate today.  The state name and slogan are printed and the plate number is embossed. It looks like the sticker is supposed to go in the bottom right given the small white imprint.

(https://i.imgur.com/zW6whky.jpg)

I was behind one in traffic the other night, and only the "Michigan" and "Water-Winter Wonderland" text was reflective. The serial number was not, and made the plate very difficult to read in the reflection of my headlights.

I assume that the serial numbers were supposed to be reflective but they screwed up in production, but if not, then I suspect they'll be fixing the design relatively soon like they did with the current Mackinac Bridge plate (switched the lettering from white to black and made the background lighter).
That one is a throwback plate from the 1960's so I'm not sure what they'll change on it. The color scheme will still be the same.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 22, 2022, 10:53:48 AM
I saw my first new Tennessee plate last Friday on MA 1A in Revere.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on March 22, 2022, 11:07:06 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 22, 2022, 10:53:48 AM
I saw my first new Tennessee plate last Friday on MA 1A in Revere.

Funny that I also hadn't noticed one until last week, and I'm thirty minutes from Tennessee's border!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: fillup420 on March 24, 2022, 05:26:27 PM
Quote from: machias on March 19, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
What happened to just having the state name, the serial numbers, and maybe a motto, in the state colors? Why all the graphics and swirls and different typography and the like? This applies to any state.

Now get off my lawn.

Thats why I have always liked NC plates, nice and minimalist
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on March 24, 2022, 05:35:34 PM
Quote from: fillup420 on March 24, 2022, 05:26:27 PM
Quote from: machias on March 19, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
What happened to just having the state name, the serial numbers, and maybe a motto, in the state colors? Why all the graphics and swirls and different typography and the like? This applies to any state.

Now get off my lawn.

Thats why I have always liked NC plates, nice and minimalist

Ditto Wisconsin.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on March 28, 2022, 02:40:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 22, 2022, 09:53:05 AM
Quote from: jzn110 on January 05, 2022, 10:22:53 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 19, 2021, 03:07:54 PM
I saw my first blue Michigan plate today.  The state name and slogan are printed and the plate number is embossed. It looks like the sticker is supposed to go in the bottom right given the small white imprint.

(https://i.imgur.com/zW6whky.jpg)

I was behind one in traffic the other night, and only the "Michigan" and "Water-Winter Wonderland" text was reflective. The serial number was not, and made the plate very difficult to read in the reflection of my headlights.

I assume that the serial numbers were supposed to be reflective but they screwed up in production, but if not, then I suspect they'll be fixing the design relatively soon like they did with the current Mackinac Bridge plate (switched the lettering from white to black and made the background lighter).
That one is a throwback plate from the 1960's so I'm not sure what they'll change on it. The color scheme will still be the same.

That's a great looking plate and a fine example for others to follow. The throwback CA gold on black specialty plate is another. They look great.  The only thing about the MI plate I'd be unhappy about is that you only get one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LateSleeper on March 30, 2022, 05:50:43 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on March 28, 2022, 02:40:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 22, 2022, 09:53:05 AM
Quote from: jzn110 on January 05, 2022, 10:22:53 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 19, 2021, 03:07:54 PM
I saw my first blue Michigan plate today.  The state name and slogan are printed and the plate number is embossed. It looks like the sticker is supposed to go in the bottom right given the small white imprint.


I was behind one in traffic the other night, and only the "Michigan" and "Water-Winter Wonderland" text was reflective. The serial number was not, and made the plate very difficult to read in the reflection of my headlights.

I assume that the serial numbers were supposed to be reflective but they screwed up in production, but if not, then I suspect they'll be fixing the design relatively soon like they did with the current Mackinac Bridge plate (switched the lettering from white to black and made the background lighter).
That one is a throwback plate from the 1960's so I'm not sure what they'll change on it. The color scheme will still be the same.

That's a great looking plate and a fine example for others to follow. The throwback CA gold on black specialty plate is another. They look great.  The only thing about the MI plate I'd be unhappy about is that you only get one.

I'm fairly certain the Michigan throwback is considered fully reflective. The dark blue background is reflective sheeting, same as the black CA throwbacks or the black IL White Sox specialty plates. With all reflective sheeting plates, the embossed numbers are painted with non-reflective paint, so at night or if you shine a flashlight at one, the reflective background seems to light up as it reflects, and the numbers appear dark. So even dark plates like the MI and CA throwbacks will reflect back as almost white with dark numbers and with just a tint of the blue (or black). In other words they reflect back like inverted images.

The companies that make reflective sheeting (I'm probably preaching to the choir here) have developed dark reflective sheeting in the last 10-20 years that make those plate possible while still adhering to the state's reflection standards. Another clue is the sheeting includes the flat text at the top and bottom. If the plate were dipped in non-reflective paint, then the text would have to be stenciled to get that effect - they'd probably just emboss the state name and slogan in that case.

I'm planning to get a MI throwback sample from the Michigan Secretary of State (they're only $10 if they still have them) and I'll let y'all know if I'm wrong! I promise!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on March 30, 2022, 06:27:39 PM
The way most embossed plates I've seen worked, the design (including numbers) is printed over top of white reflective sheeting in a translucent ink that allows some amount of light through to reflect off of the reflective sheeting. (This is also how multi-colored reflective signs, and most flat-printed plates, work.)

Here's an example of a 1990s Oklahoma plate lit only by camera flash to illustrate this.
(https://i.imgur.com/0tVeZsg.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jzn110 on March 30, 2022, 11:35:34 PM
Quote from: LateSleeper on March 30, 2022, 05:50:43 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on March 28, 2022, 02:40:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 22, 2022, 09:53:05 AM
Quote from: jzn110 on January 05, 2022, 10:22:53 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 19, 2021, 03:07:54 PM
I saw my first blue Michigan plate today.  The state name and slogan are printed and the plate number is embossed. It looks like the sticker is supposed to go in the bottom right given the small white imprint.


I was behind one in traffic the other night, and only the "Michigan" and "Water-Winter Wonderland" text was reflective. The serial number was not, and made the plate very difficult to read in the reflection of my headlights.

I assume that the serial numbers were supposed to be reflective but they screwed up in production, but if not, then I suspect they'll be fixing the design relatively soon like they did with the current Mackinac Bridge plate (switched the lettering from white to black and made the background lighter).
That one is a throwback plate from the 1960's so I'm not sure what they'll change on it. The color scheme will still be the same.

That's a great looking plate and a fine example for others to follow. The throwback CA gold on black specialty plate is another. They look great.  The only thing about the MI plate I'd be unhappy about is that you only get one.

I'm fairly certain the Michigan throwback is considered fully reflective. The dark blue background is reflective sheeting, same as the black CA throwbacks or the black IL White Sox specialty plates. With all reflective sheeting plates, the embossed numbers are painted with non-reflective paint, so at night or if you shine a flashlight at one, the reflective background seems to light up as it reflects, and the numbers appear dark. So even dark plates like the MI and CA throwbacks will reflect back as almost white with dark numbers and with just a tint of the blue (or black). In other words they reflect back like inverted images.

The companies that make reflective sheeting (I'm probably preaching to the choir here) have developed dark reflective sheeting in the last 10-20 years that make those plate possible while still adhering to the state's reflection standards. Another clue is the sheeting includes the flat text at the top and bottom. If the plate were dipped in non-reflective paint, then the text would have to be stenciled to get that effect - they'd probably just emboss the state name and slogan in that case.

I'm planning to get a MI throwback sample from the Michigan Secretary of State (they're only $10 if they still have them) and I'll let y'all know if I'm wrong! I promise!
I'm pretty sure only the "Michigan" and "Water-Winter Wonderland" are reflective. The blue background and embossed serials are not, so you don't get the "negative reflection" like the original version of the Mackinac Bridge plates tried to do with the white serials.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jzn110 on March 30, 2022, 11:37:36 PM
Quote from: machias on March 19, 2022, 02:58:06 PM
What happened to just having the state name, the serial numbers, and maybe a motto, in the state colors? Why all the graphics and swirls and different typography and the like? This applies to any state.

Now get off my lawn.

Why? Because technology was developed that made it possible. They did it because they could. Whether they should is a matter of subjective taste.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 31, 2022, 05:04:26 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on March 19, 2022, 10:22:54 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on March 19, 2022, 09:59:35 AM
I do agree that they look too similar to each other. The bottom left and top right designs are basically the same thing. I'd personally go for the top right design. But those flat plates look hideous. It was bad enough when New Jersey switched.

Not to mention the insider-y way the designs were picked and the fact that Rhode Islanders, like all New Englanders, take anything to do with license plates quite seriously.

The voting has ended in RI for the new designs. Not sure when the final design will be revealed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on March 31, 2022, 12:24:04 PM
Quote from: LateSleeper on March 30, 2022, 05:50:43 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on March 28, 2022, 02:40:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on March 22, 2022, 09:53:05 AM
Quote from: jzn110 on January 05, 2022, 10:22:53 PM
Quote from: catch22 on December 19, 2021, 03:07:54 PM
I saw my first blue Michigan plate today.  The state name and slogan are printed and the plate number is embossed. It looks like the sticker is supposed to go in the bottom right given the small white imprint.


I was behind one in traffic the other night, and only the "Michigan" and "Water-Winter Wonderland" text was reflective. The serial number was not, and made the plate very difficult to read in the reflection of my headlights.

I assume that the serial numbers were supposed to be reflective but they screwed up in production, but if not, then I suspect they'll be fixing the design relatively soon like they did with the current Mackinac Bridge plate (switched the lettering from white to black and made the background lighter).
That one is a throwback plate from the 1960's so I'm not sure what they'll change on it. The color scheme will still be the same.

That's a great looking plate and a fine example for others to follow. The throwback CA gold on black specialty plate is another. They look great.  The only thing about the MI plate I'd be unhappy about is that you only get one.

I'm fairly certain the Michigan throwback is considered fully reflective. The dark blue background is reflective sheeting, same as the black CA throwbacks or the black IL White Sox specialty plates. With all reflective sheeting plates, the embossed numbers are painted with non-reflective paint, so at night or if you shine a flashlight at one, the reflective background seems to light up as it reflects, and the numbers appear dark. So even dark plates like the MI and CA throwbacks will reflect back as almost white with dark numbers and with just a tint of the blue (or black). In other words they reflect back like inverted images.

Can confirm.  I love the throwback CA plate and have it on all of my vehicles, and the entire plate is reflective.  Obviously not as reflective as a light-colored background, but the entire plate reflects with a slightly greenish tint.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StarlightRunner on March 31, 2022, 07:47:37 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on March 30, 2022, 06:27:39 PM
The way most embossed plates I've seen worked, the design (including numbers) is printed over top of white reflective sheeting in a translucent ink that allows some amount of light through to reflect off of the reflective sheeting. (This is also how multi-colored reflective signs, and most flat-printed plates, work.)

Here's an example of a 1990s Oklahoma plate lit only by camera flash to illustrate this.

What a beaut.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on April 07, 2022, 10:24:50 AM
The new RI license plate design has been selected 


https://www.abc6.com/mckee-matos-to-hold-media-briefing-to-discuss-issues-of-the-day-unveil-license-plate-design/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on April 07, 2022, 10:29:00 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 07, 2022, 10:24:50 AM
The new RI license plate design has been selected 


https://www.abc6.com/mckee-matos-to-hold-media-briefing-to-discuss-issues-of-the-day-unveil-license-plate-design/

That was my favourite of the options given, so I can't complain, but I'll still miss the existing one (it's one of the best in the US IMO).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 07, 2022, 10:32:43 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on April 07, 2022, 10:29:00 AM
I'll still miss the existing one (it's one of the best in the US IMO).

The existing one has a rather unique combination of being subtle yet easily identifiable.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on April 18, 2022, 07:54:20 AM
More on the new design (and the designer) of the new Rhode Island license plate.   

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=newssearch&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjx46WYxp33AhVYhYkEHVHBBxMQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAI&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.independentri.com%2Fnews%2Farticle_51c86976-bb6b-11ec-a5c7-c7405ab86149.html&usg=AOvVaw0wFYdXHn1RkJk6WRS_pOB5
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Tendies on May 01, 2022, 12:13:31 AM
Figured I'd explain Arizona's new scrambled plate numbering system, since nobody else has done a thourough explanation.
Arizona plates are still sequential, albeit in a strange way. Think of it as progressing from the inside out, in a way. There are new sequences for 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 digit plates. Each position (except the fourth digit), starts at A, progresses to Z (Excluding I, O, Q, U), followed by 0-9. Each plate type used the format which can fit the most characters, so standard plates get 7, disabled and motorcycle plates get 6, certain specialties get 5, etc. The 7 digit series was discontinued in February 2020 in the the S#A#D#A series, due to readability issues. It has been replaced by the 6 series with a space in the middle. The 6 series continued being used on 6 character bases, although without the space. I don't know why it needed to be this complicated, but it was done to simplify the system using universal serial formats, rather than different formats for every single variant, specialty, and combination thereof.

Interestingly, passenger fleet (rental cars) and apportioned vehicles retain the old formats, with passenger fleet vehicles receiving numbers starting in the CWL series (jumping from CWB), and apporitoned vehicles receiving AL##### plates jumping from approximately AK20000. These (and dealer plates) seem to be the only plate types that still recieve normal-ish plate numbers. Even government plates get scrambled numbers (although the "Grand Canyon State" motto now reads "Government" instead).

The 7 series starts at AAA1AAA, which is followed by AAA2AAA, all the way up to AAA9AAA.
Then, digit 2 advances to B: ABA0AAA. This continutes to AZA9AAA, which is followed by A0A0AAA, A0A1AAA... A9A9AAA.
The next digit to flip is 6: AAA0ABA. This continues to A9A9A9A.
Next digit to flip is 1: BAA0AAA... 99A9A9A
Digit 5 is next. AAA0BAA... S#A#D#A (discontinued here)

The 6 series is almost identical, save for a slightly differing digit order:
AAA 0AA
AAA 9AA      
ABA 0AA      (advances every 10)
A9A 9AA      
AAA 0BA      (advances every 320)
A9A 99A      
BAA 0AA      (advances every 10,240)
99A 99A
AAA 0AB      (advances every 327,680)
So far, the highest I've personally observed is in the N#A ##H series. The last letter seems to move once every ~2 months.
Expanding on this, the mixing of letters and numbers in the same positions gives way to 4 different combinations of letters and numbers
5 letter 1 number      32%
4 letter 2 number      44%
3 letter 3 number      20%
2 letter 4 number       3%
Breaking these down into specific configurations:
AAA 1AA             32%
AAA 11A             15%
A1A 1AA             15%
A1A 11A              7%
1AA 1AA             15%
1AA 11A              7%
11A 1AA              7%
11A 11A              3%
Note that no specific configuration has any meaning; the one assigned to any vehicle is out of pure chance.

The 5 series is also scrambled, and it's fixed number is in position 3
AA1AA
AA9AA
BA0AA
9A9AA
AA0BA
9A99A
AB0AA

The 4 series is similar in that it mixes letters and numbers in the same digit positions, but is not scrambled, unlike the other two. These are mostly found on historic vehicle plates, which in the past used an AAA1 serial format. The last digit is always a number. This one is currently in the C### or D### series.
AAA1
AAA9
AAB0
AA99
...

The 3 series follows the same rules as the 4 series, although it is fairly rare. I've only observed a handful of these.

Side note here, anybody know whats up with the all white '24 registration stickers?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 01, 2022, 05:57:57 AM
Damn, now that's how you make a first post. Welcome to the forums.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:39:02 AM
Quote from: Tendies on May 01, 2022, 12:13:31 AM
Expanding on this, the mixing of letters and numbers in the same positions gives way to 4 different combinations of letters and numbers
5 letter 1 number      32%
4 letter 2 number      44%

Pet peeve of mine:  when license plate serial numbers have more letters than numerals.  It bugs me that this will be true of three-fourths of Arizona's license plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on May 02, 2022, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:39:02 AM
Quote from: Tendies on May 01, 2022, 12:13:31 AM
Expanding on this, the mixing of letters and numbers in the same positions gives way to 4 different combinations of letters and numbers
5 letter 1 number      32%
4 letter 2 number      44%


Pet peeve of mine:  when license plate serial numbers have more letters than numerals.  It bugs me that this will be true of three-fourths of Arizona's license plates.


Delaware having all numbers, except for maybe a letter or two in front (there are now specialty plates with as many as three letters in front) took some getting used to.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 02, 2022, 01:13:37 PM
I'm about two months away from renewing my registration. I'm going to get one of the throwback Michigan plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on May 02, 2022, 06:31:27 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on May 02, 2022, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:39:02 AM
Quote from: Tendies on May 01, 2022, 12:13:31 AM
Expanding on this, the mixing of letters and numbers in the same positions gives way to 4 different combinations of letters and numbers
5 letter 1 number      32%
4 letter 2 number      44%


Pet peeve of mine:  when license plate serial numbers have more letters than numerals.  It bugs me that this will be true of three-fourths of Arizona's license plates.


Delaware having all numbers, except for maybe a letter or two in front (there are now specialty plates with as many as three letters in front) took some getting used to.

I've always wondered why Delaware hasn't run out of plate combinations with all numbers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 02, 2022, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 02, 2022, 06:31:27 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on May 02, 2022, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:39:02 AM
Quote from: Tendies on May 01, 2022, 12:13:31 AM
Expanding on this, the mixing of letters and numbers in the same positions gives way to 4 different combinations of letters and numbers
5 letter 1 number      32%
4 letter 2 number      44%


Pet peeve of mine:  when license plate serial numbers have more letters than numerals.  It bugs me that this will be true of three-fourths of Arizona's license plates.


Delaware having all numbers, except for maybe a letter or two in front (there are now specialty plates with as many as three letters in front) took some getting used to.

I've always wondered why Delaware hasn't run out of plate combinations with all numbers.

I think it's a keep-your-own-plate state, and once you get assigned a number all further plate replacements keep the same number. So if you live in DE your entire life, every car you own will have the same plate number.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 03, 2022, 11:55:34 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2022, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 02, 2022, 06:31:27 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on May 02, 2022, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:39:02 AM
Quote from: Tendies on May 01, 2022, 12:13:31 AM
Expanding on this, the mixing of letters and numbers in the same positions gives way to 4 different combinations of letters and numbers
5 letter 1 number      32%
4 letter 2 number      44%


Pet peeve of mine:  when license plate serial numbers have more letters than numerals.  It bugs me that this will be true of three-fourths of Arizona's license plates.


Delaware having all numbers, except for maybe a letter or two in front (there are now specialty plates with as many as three letters in front) took some getting used to.

I've always wondered why Delaware hasn't run out of plate combinations with all numbers.

I think it's a keep-your-own-plate state, and once you get assigned a number all further plate replacements keep the same number. So if you live in DE your entire life, every car you own will have the same plate number.

Doesn't Delaware also recycle 'retired' plate numbers?  I seriously doubt that they currently have over one million active vehicle registrations.

mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on May 03, 2022, 12:01:37 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 03, 2022, 11:55:34 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 02, 2022, 09:02:39 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 02, 2022, 06:31:27 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on May 02, 2022, 10:50:47 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:39:02 AM
Quote from: Tendies on May 01, 2022, 12:13:31 AM
Expanding on this, the mixing of letters and numbers in the same positions gives way to 4 different combinations of letters and numbers
5 letter 1 number      32%
4 letter 2 number      44%


Pet peeve of mine:  when license plate serial numbers have more letters than numerals.  It bugs me that this will be true of three-fourths of Arizona's license plates.


Delaware having all numbers, except for maybe a letter or two in front (there are now specialty plates with as many as three letters in front) took some getting used to.

I've always wondered why Delaware hasn't run out of plate combinations with all numbers.

I think it's a keep-your-own-plate state, and once you get assigned a number all further plate replacements keep the same number. So if you live in DE your entire life, every car you own will have the same plate number.

Doesn't Delaware also recycle 'retired' plate numbers?  I seriously doubt that they currently have over one million active vehicle registrations.

mike

Yes they do.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on May 03, 2022, 02:01:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 02, 2022, 09:39:02 AM
Pet peeve of mine:  when license plate serial numbers have more letters than numerals.  It bugs me that this will be true of three-fourths of Arizona's license plates.

My pet peeve with Connecticut's current license plate number series is that there is too much of an imbalance between letters and numbers.

Currently, plates are being issued in AA 00000 format.   I wish when they went to 7 characters they had gone to AAA 0000 instead.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on May 03, 2022, 02:01:28 PM
Currently, plates are being issued in AA 00000 format.   I wish when they went to 7 characters they had gone to AAA 0000 instead.

Doesn't bother me at all.  In my opinion, serial numbers should be primarily numbers, with letters merely serving to increase the pool of serials to draw from.

I also dislike it when the serial number is broken up into multiple blocks, yet letters and numerals are jumbled together in each block.  To me, half the point of dividing it into blocks is to separate letters from numerals.

So, for example...

I dislike this approach (I wish the B were separated from the numerals):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmt17b.jpg&hash=3da1277a9a3c998ccaab8e2d7c14ca670bc62125)

And this is ridiculous (no easier to parse than if they weren't separated into two blocks):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus5%2Ftn21d.jpg&hash=763f3e4a8609dcfcc900368bacaf07bc10be404a)

For these reasons, I actually don't mind this one so much (at least they don't even try):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus1%2Fal20b.jpg&hash=6faa4fac0043fce3db534ad38ad2b641af3847e2)

If letters absolutely must outnumber numerals, then I prefer that there at least not be a four-letter block.  So, for example, the most recent Mexican issues are at least tolerable:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle17.jpg&hash=0ee0547702e32faef7f2e574ac5fdf8dddbcc07f)

Much better, in my opinion, than this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fcdn%2Fon04.jpg&hash=beef744a2bc46eb5eafdce3fbfc995fba8b80e10)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on May 03, 2022, 03:54:53 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM

I also dislike it when the serial number is broken up into multiple blocks, yet letters and numerals are jumbled together in each block.  To me, half the point of dividing it into blocks is to separate letters from numerals.


I agree with you.  Missouri is bad at this.

There is no reason why every state in the union cannot use one of the following formats (with a space or separator between the letters and numbers), with judicious replacements every 20 years or so.

AAA-nnnn (it will take even California over 45 years to exhaust this same number of plates in their current nXXXnnn format)
AAA-nnn
AA-nnnn

These can be reversed as well (e.g., after ZZ-9999 comes 0000-AA)

I know some states like to code either counties and/or expiration months into their plate numbers, but that can be achieved while still using the formats above.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on May 03, 2022, 04:12:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
If letters absolutely must outnumber numerals, then I prefer that there at least not be a four-letter block.  So, for example, the most recent Mexican issues are at least tolerable:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle17.jpg&hash=0ee0547702e32faef7f2e574ac5fdf8dddbcc07f)

Much better, in my opinion, than this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fcdn%2Fon04.jpg&hash=beef744a2bc46eb5eafdce3fbfc995fba8b80e10)

Nah, Ontario's is great since you can get four letter words (assuming they're not rude, in which case they'll skip those!). Though my brother says mine, CLJT, looks like a certain body part. :-D

That Alabama example is the worst one of the bunch you posted IMO. 7 characters with a confusing pattern of letters and numbers, no spaces, and a distracting background too. You can't get much worse in terms of trying to read and remember that plate!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LateSleeper on May 06, 2022, 08:22:14 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on May 03, 2022, 02:01:28 PM
My pet peeve with Connecticut's current license plate number series is that there is too much of an imbalance between letters and numbers.

Currently, plates are being issued in AA 00000 format.   I wish when they went to 7 characters they had gone to AAA 0000 instead.

I think Connecticut realized that with AAA 0000, they'd be stuck in the "A" series long enough to provide sarcastic New Yorkers with years of wry comments.

Here in Illinois we went from A 000000 to AA 00000, which seems logical - one letter to two, seven digits total. We have AAA 0000's, but they're mostly for company sedan fleets or vanities and they're hardly ever seen. I'm sure we'll go to AAA 0000 next, as letters after numbers are for non-passenger plates in Illinois.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on May 07, 2022, 01:12:16 AM
Also not a fan of the Ontario AAAA 000 combination, although it becomes slightly less annoying each time, kind of like 4-deck headlines in newspapers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on May 07, 2022, 08:40:45 PM
The latest 3-space-3 in Arizona are much more readable than the scrambled seven character plates. Plus, they're much less likely to look like words.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on May 16, 2022, 10:55:54 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on May 03, 2022, 04:12:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
If letters absolutely must outnumber numerals, then I prefer that there at least not be a four-letter block.  So, for example, the most recent Mexican issues are at least tolerable:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle17.jpg&hash=0ee0547702e32faef7f2e574ac5fdf8dddbcc07f)

Much better, in my opinion, than this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fcdn%2Fon04.jpg&hash=beef744a2bc46eb5eafdce3fbfc995fba8b80e10)

Nah, Ontario's is great since you can get four letter words (assuming they're not rude, in which case they'll skip those!). Though my brother says mine, CLJT, looks like a certain body part. :-D

That Alabama example is the worst one of the bunch you posted IMO. 7 characters with a confusing pattern of letters and numbers, no spaces, and a distracting background too. You can't get much worse in terms of trying to read and remember that plate!
The pictures didn't come through on my computer so I don't know if you're talking about the old Alabama plates or the new ones being issued this year, but I like the new ones.  They are much easier to read than the old ones.  Alabama replaces all plates every five years by state law, so there has to be a jumble of letters and numbers so that there's no duplication during the replacement cycle.  The first one or two numbers represent the county, which I like being able to see what part of the state the vehicle is from.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on May 16, 2022, 11:10:58 AM
Quote from: rlb2024 on May 16, 2022, 10:55:54 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on May 03, 2022, 04:12:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
If letters absolutely must outnumber numerals, then I prefer that there at least not be a four-letter block.  So, for example, the most recent Mexican issues are at least tolerable:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle17.jpg&hash=0ee0547702e32faef7f2e574ac5fdf8dddbcc07f)

Much better, in my opinion, than this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fcdn%2Fon04.jpg&hash=beef744a2bc46eb5eafdce3fbfc995fba8b80e10)

Nah, Ontario's is great since you can get four letter words (assuming they're not rude, in which case they'll skip those!). Though my brother says mine, CLJT, looks like a certain body part. :-D

That Alabama example is the worst one of the bunch you posted IMO. 7 characters with a confusing pattern of letters and numbers, no spaces, and a distracting background too. You can't get much worse in terms of trying to read and remember that plate!
The pictures didn't come through on my computer so I don't know if you're talking about the old Alabama plates or the new ones being issued this year, but I like the new ones.  They are much easier to read than the old ones.  Alabama replaces all plates every five years by state law, so there has to be a jumble of letters and numbers so that there's no duplication during the replacement cycle.  The first one or two numbers represent the county, which I like being able to see what part of the state the vehicle is from.

Are you using Chrome? I switched to Firefox because I was tired of images not loading on the forum. :pan:

The Alabama plate I was talking about is in this link (http://www.15q.net/us1/al20b.jpg). I looked up the latest plate (2022) and it looks better in terms of contrast between the black serial number and yellow background: https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2021/10/12/new-alabama-license-plate-designs-coming-2022/6102171001/ (https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2021/10/12/new-alabama-license-plate-designs-coming-2022/6102171001/)

Replacing every plate every five years seems wasteful, though I understand other states do that to. So if you get a new plate on the fourth year, even though it's in great shape, you're forced to get a new one next year? That seems silly to me. Is there an extra charge for getting the replacement plate?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on May 16, 2022, 12:16:09 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on May 16, 2022, 11:10:58 AM
Quote from: rlb2024 on May 16, 2022, 10:55:54 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on May 03, 2022, 04:12:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
If letters absolutely must outnumber numerals, then I prefer that there at least not be a four-letter block.  So, for example, the most recent Mexican issues are at least tolerable:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fmex%2Fnle17.jpg&hash=0ee0547702e32faef7f2e574ac5fdf8dddbcc07f)

Much better, in my opinion, than this:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fcdn%2Fon04.jpg&hash=beef744a2bc46eb5eafdce3fbfc995fba8b80e10)

Nah, Ontario's is great since you can get four letter words (assuming they're not rude, in which case they'll skip those!). Though my brother says mine, CLJT, looks like a certain body part. :-D

That Alabama example is the worst one of the bunch you posted IMO. 7 characters with a confusing pattern of letters and numbers, no spaces, and a distracting background too. You can't get much worse in terms of trying to read and remember that plate!
The pictures didn't come through on my computer so I don't know if you're talking about the old Alabama plates or the new ones being issued this year, but I like the new ones.  They are much easier to read than the old ones.  Alabama replaces all plates every five years by state law, so there has to be a jumble of letters and numbers so that there's no duplication during the replacement cycle.  The first one or two numbers represent the county, which I like being able to see what part of the state the vehicle is from.

Are you using Chrome? I switched to Firefox because I was tired of images not loading on the forum. :pan:

The Alabama plate I was talking about is in this link (http://www.15q.net/us1/al20b.jpg). I looked up the latest plate (2022) and it looks better in terms of contrast between the black serial number and yellow background: https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2021/10/12/new-alabama-license-plate-designs-coming-2022/6102171001/ (https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2021/10/12/new-alabama-license-plate-designs-coming-2022/6102171001/)

Replacing every plate every five years seems wasteful, though I understand other states do that to. So if you get a new plate on the fourth year, even though it's in great shape, you're forced to get a new one next year? That seems silly to me. Is there an extra charge for getting the replacement plate?
I don't live in Alabama so I'm not sure if there is an extra charge but I doubt it.  Mississippi does a similar replacement cycle and there's no extra charge when new plates are issued -- I used to handle it for my in-laws.

I actually prefer the replacement cycle -- makes it easier to tell when someone hasn't renewed their tags in a long time.  Here in Louisiana there's no tag replacement -- some tags are over 20 years old and look it.  And since all renewal stickers are white with black printing regardless of year you have to look really hard to see if tags are current.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 16, 2022, 03:23:51 PM
Quote from: rlb2024 on May 16, 2022, 10:55:54 AM
The pictures didn't come through on my computer

Quote from: 7/8 on May 16, 2022, 11:10:58 AM
Are you using Chrome?

Right-click  →  Open image in new tab
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on May 17, 2022, 04:25:59 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 16, 2022, 03:23:51 PM
Quote from: rlb2024 on May 16, 2022, 10:55:54 AM
The pictures didn't come through on my computer

Quote from: 7/8 on May 16, 2022, 11:10:58 AM
Are you using Chrome?

Right-click  →  Open image in new tab

I know, but that gets tiresome quickly, particularly in the photo game threads.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 17, 2022, 04:42:04 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on May 17, 2022, 04:25:59 PM

Quote from: kphoger on May 16, 2022, 03:23:51 PM

Quote from: rlb2024 on May 16, 2022, 10:55:54 AM
The pictures didn't come through on my computer

Quote from: 7/8 on May 16, 2022, 11:10:58 AM
Are you using Chrome?

Right-click  →  Open image in new tab

I know, but that gets tiresome quickly, particularly in the photo game threads.

I didn't know if |rlb2024| was aware.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 17, 2022, 06:11:10 PM
Chrome developers don't understand how the internet works, so they made the egregious decision to block images served over HTTP if they appear in an HTTPS page (like the forum is) for "security reasons". Of course, anyone who spends more than fifteen seconds thinking about this would realize this is a dumb decision because a user with no web space of their own is subject to the whims of whatever configuration the source of an image is. You can't dictate that a site you don't own use HTTPS just so you can post an image from there. That is, they forgot that people occasionally post on sites other than the high-dollar corporate social media platforms that have billions of dollars to blow hosting their users' images.

I think you can disable this behavior in Chrome, but honestly it's probably better to just delete it and use Firefox, lest the Chrome devs decide to start blocking pages with a suspicious number of vowels, or with background colors they don't agree with, or hosted on servers in no-front-license-plate states, or whatever bee gets in their bonnet that day.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 12:03:10 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
I also dislike it when the serial number is broken up into multiple blocks, yet letters and numerals are jumbled together in each block.  To me, half the point of dividing it into blocks is to separate letters from numerals.

So, for example...

I dislike this approach (I wish the B were separated from the numerals):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmt17b.jpg&hash=3da1277a9a3c998ccaab8e2d7c14ca670bc62125)

So the reason this particular one is divided into blocks is county coding; this one is specifically from Deer Lodge County. I'm assuming the B is because they ran out of number-only plates like Laramie County has in Wyoming, but I don't know how MT works.
Wyoming's main system is C-00000 where the last five numbers are the plate number. When they run out of numbers in a county, as happened a couple months ago in Cheyenne, it goes to 00-0000A. South Dakota's current system is CA0-000 for the first 9 counties and CCA-000 for the other 57, with numbers being replaced by letters as they run out of plates. In my opinion, SD should move to a WY-like system of CC-AAA-000 so that each county has the same number of available plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: FrCorySticha on May 19, 2022, 12:38:12 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 12:03:10 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
I also dislike it when the serial number is broken up into multiple blocks, yet letters and numerals are jumbled together in each block.  To me, half the point of dividing it into blocks is to separate letters from numerals.

So, for example...

I dislike this approach (I wish the B were separated from the numerals):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmt17b.jpg&hash=3da1277a9a3c998ccaab8e2d7c14ca670bc62125)

So the reason this particular one is divided into blocks is county coding; this one is specifically from Deer Lodge County. I'm assuming the B is because they ran out of number-only plates like Laramie County has in Wyoming, but I don't know how MT works.
Wyoming's main system is C-00000 where the last five numbers are the plate number. When they run out of numbers in a county, as happened a couple months ago in Cheyenne, it goes to 00-0000A. South Dakota's current system is CA0-000 for the first 9 counties and CCA-000 for the other 57, with numbers being replaced by letters as they run out of plates. In my opinion, SD should move to a WY-like system of CC-AAA-000 so that each county has the same number of available plates.

Originally MT plates were either #-000000 for counties 1-9 or ##-00000 for the rest of the counties. There used to be #T-00000/##T-0000 on pickup trucks, or #C-00000 for vehicles licensed in the larger cities (Billings, Missoula, etc.). Once the original run of numbers for each county runs out, they move to #-00000A/##-0000A. Recently they've started issuing #-00000B/##-0000B.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 19, 2022, 03:05:25 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 12:03:10 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
I also dislike it when the serial number is broken up into multiple blocks, yet letters and numerals are jumbled together in each block.  To me, half the point of dividing it into blocks is to separate letters from numerals.

So, for example...

I dislike this approach (I wish the B were separated from the numerals):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmt17b.jpg&hash=3da1277a9a3c998ccaab8e2d7c14ca670bc62125)

So the reason this particular one is divided into blocks is county coding; this one is specifically from Deer Lodge County. I'm assuming the B is because they ran out of number-only plates like Laramie County has in Wyoming, but I don't know how MT works.
Wyoming's main system is C-00000 where the last five numbers are the plate number. When they run out of numbers in a county, as happened a couple months ago in Cheyenne, it goes to 00-0000A. South Dakota's current system is CA0-000 for the first 9 counties and CCA-000 for the other 57, with numbers being replaced by letters as they run out of plates. In my opinion, SD should move to a WY-like system of CC-AAA-000 so that each county has the same number of available plates.

I feel like the best way to handle it is the way Kansas does, where all county plates come from the same number pool and the county is indicated by a two-letter code sticker in the corner. (Oklahoma does this too, but our county sticker is combined with the month sticker so you can't read either of them.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
Quote from: FrCorySticha on May 19, 2022, 12:38:12 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 12:03:10 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 03, 2022, 02:36:29 PM
I also dislike it when the serial number is broken up into multiple blocks, yet letters and numerals are jumbled together in each block.  To me, half the point of dividing it into blocks is to separate letters from numerals.

So, for example...

I dislike this approach (I wish the B were separated from the numerals):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmt17b.jpg&hash=3da1277a9a3c998ccaab8e2d7c14ca670bc62125)

So the reason this particular one is divided into blocks is county coding; this one is specifically from Deer Lodge County. I'm assuming the B is because they ran out of number-only plates like Laramie County has in Wyoming, but I don't know how MT works.
Wyoming's main system is C-00000 where the last five numbers are the plate number. When they run out of numbers in a county, as happened a couple months ago in Cheyenne, it goes to 00-0000A. South Dakota's current system is CA0-000 for the first 9 counties and CCA-000 for the other 57, with numbers being replaced by letters as they run out of plates. In my opinion, SD should move to a WY-like system of CC-AAA-000 so that each county has the same number of available plates.

Originally MT plates were either #-000000 for counties 1-9 or ##-00000 for the rest of the counties. There used to be #T-00000/##T-0000 on pickup trucks, or #C-00000 for vehicles licensed in the larger cities (Billings, Missoula, etc.). Once the original run of numbers for each county runs out, they move to #-00000A/##-0000A. Recently they've started issuing #-00000B/##-0000B.
So it is like Wyoming then! Good to know.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 19, 2022, 03:05:25 AM
I feel like the best way to handle it is the way Kansas does, where all county plates come from the same number pool and the county is indicated by a two-letter code sticker in the corner. (Oklahoma does this too, but our county sticker is combined with the month sticker so you can't read either of them.)
I mean the KS one works fairly well; county coding plates seems to be a thing in the Northern Plains and northern Mountain West (NE, SD, WY, MT, and ID all county code in the plate number), I remember when the last redesign for SD happened they talked about refreshing the numbering system (it's designed so the 9 largest counties have the most plates, but 1-9 aren't the 9 largest counties anymore) but all the small-town folks complained that they'd have to memorize a different system to know where everyone was from.

I know a guy from Cody, WY (Park Co., #11) who dismissively calls people from Big Horn County (#9) "Niners" and swears that none of them can drive properly.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 06:57:08 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
but all the small-town folks complained that they'd have to memorize a different system to know where everyone was from.

Why is that a problem?

Keep in mind that I grew up in Kansas, and at one point had memorized all of its two-letter county codes as well as several of Nebraska's number codes.  But it doesn't actually have much practical value–just for curiosity's sake.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 07:11:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 06:57:08 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
but all the small-town folks complained that they'd have to memorize a different system to know where everyone was from.

Why is that a problem?

Keep in mind that I grew up in Kansas, and at one point had memorized all of its two-letter county codes as well as several of Nebraska's number codes.  But it doesn't actually have much practical value–just for curiosity's sake.
No, the complaint was that they already had one system memorized, and they didn't want to memorize another (sorry if I wasn't clear on that). You know how much resistance to change there is in the Plains...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 19, 2022, 07:24:48 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 07:11:12 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 06:57:08 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 06:41:01 PM
but all the small-town folks complained that they'd have to memorize a different system to know where everyone was from.

Why is that a problem?

Keep in mind that I grew up in Kansas, and at one point had memorized all of its two-letter county codes as well as several of Nebraska's number codes.  But it doesn't actually have much practical value–just for curiosity's sake.
No, the complaint was that they already had one system memorized, and they didn't want to memorize another (sorry if I wasn't clear on that). You know how much resistance to change there is in the Plains...
Either county information is useful enough to have it on the plate for everyone to see, or why bother with such encoding at all?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 08:17:43 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 19, 2022, 07:24:48 PM
No, the complaint was that they already had one system memorized, and they didn't want to memorize another (sorry if I wasn't clear on that). You know how much resistance to change there is in the Plains...

Oh, no, I understood perfectly well.  It's just that, if I were the one making the decision, my answer would be So what?  What point is there, besides idle curiosity, in knowing where someone else's car is registered?

Quote from: kalvado on May 19, 2022, 07:24:48 PM
Either county information is useful enough to have it on the plate for everyone to see, or why bother with such encoding at all?

I'm not up on the history of the process, but I believe it's an artifact of license plates being issued at the county level.  I must imagine it's both easier and more foolproof to have each county's block of license plates all bear the same code/stamp/sticker/whatever.  That is to say, it's not particularly useful for everyone to see, but it's still useful for the issuance process.

One question I have is this:  if I move to a different county in Kansas, do I get a new license plate, or do I get a county code sticker to put over the existing one, or does it just stay the same with a Sedgwick county-coded plate?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on May 19, 2022, 11:49:13 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 08:17:43 PMI'm not up on the history of the process, but I believe it's an artifact of license plates being issued at the county level.  I must imagine it's both easier and more foolproof to have each county's block of license plates all bear the same code/stamp/sticker/whatever.  That is to say, it's not particularly useful for everyone to see, but it's still useful for the issuance process.

In the old days, I think the county code itself was part of the plate number, stamped vertically to the left of the number block.  The system broke down in large-population counties sometime in the 1970's or 1980's, when the statewide common number pool and county stickers were introduced.  (Nebraska reached this point a decade or so ago with Douglas and Sarpy Counties, which are now broken out of the county numbering scheme and assigned plates out of a three-letter, three-digit pool.)

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 08:17:43 PMOne question I have is this:  if I move to a different county in Kansas, do I get a new license plate, or do I get a county code sticker to put over the existing one, or does it just stay the same with a Sedgwick county-coded plate?

You keep your plate but get a sticker for the new county.

Unless things have changed in the past decade or so, it is not routine for there to be a county identifier on specialty bases.

I have heard that when one is negotiating access to private land for hunting, it is an advantage not to show up in a car that has a SG plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on May 20, 2022, 12:58:19 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 19, 2022, 11:49:13 PM
(Nebraska reached this point a decade or so ago with Douglas and Sarpy Counties, which are now broken out of the county numbering scheme and assigned plates out of a three-letter, three-digit pool.)
Lancaster too; some truck plates in NE still retain the 1, 2, and 58(?) numbering.

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 19, 2022, 11:49:13 PM
I have heard that when one is negotiating access to private land for hunting, it is an advantage not to show up in a car that has a SG plate.
Farmers and ranchers don't like city people everywhere lol. Wonder if a WY or JO would inspire the same reaction (I bet it would).

Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 08:17:43 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 19, 2022, 07:11:12 PM
No, the complaint was that they already had one system memorized, and they didn't want to memorize another (sorry if I wasn't clear on that). You know how much resistance to change there is in the Plains...

Oh, no, I understood perfectly well.  It's just that, if I were the one making the decision, my answer would be So what?  What point is there, besides idle curiosity, in knowing where someone else's car is registered?
Because you're a small-town busybody who carries way too much weight in the election and likes to write down what county that people are from that pass your house? Not saying I agree with it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 20, 2022, 02:38:03 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 19, 2022, 08:17:43 PM
One question I have is this:  if I move to a different county in Kansas, do I get a new license plate, or do I get a county code sticker to put over the existing one, or does it just stay the same with a Sedgwick county-coded plate?

In Oklahoma, we were transferring a car (at the time, the tags stayed with the car, now they stay with the owner like in most other states) that was previously owned in Pontotoc (PO) county to our address in Cleveland (CL) County. We only got a new county sticker because we specifically asked the tag agent for one (neither of us want to be associated with Pontotoc County). I got the impression that, had we not asked, the tag agency would have happily let us drive around with PO tags until the plate needed to be replaced.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 09:13:34 AM
Quote from: kalvado on May 19, 2022, 07:24:48 PM
Either county information is useful enough to have it on the plate for everyone to see, or why bother with such encoding at all?

I seem to remember that, on occasion, I've seen or heard an amber/silver/periwinkle alert that included something like "blue Ford pickup with Reno County tags".  That way, when you pull into a gas station and see a blue Ford pickup with Douglas County tags, you don't feel like calling the cops.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 20, 2022, 10:03:55 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 09:13:34 AM
Quote from: kalvado on May 19, 2022, 07:24:48 PM
Either county information is useful enough to have it on the plate for everyone to see, or why bother with such encoding at all?

I seem to remember that, on occasion, I've seen or heard an amber/silver/periwinkle alert that included something like "blue Ford pickup with Reno County tags".  That way, when you pull into a gas station and see a blue Ford pickup with Douglas County tags, you don't feel like calling the cops.
And that requires people memorizing county encoding... So we're back to square one - if you need that information on a plate, you want people being able to read it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 10:19:04 AM
Quote from: kalvado on May 20, 2022, 10:03:55 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 09:13:34 AM

Quote from: kalvado on May 19, 2022, 07:24:48 PM
Either county information is useful enough to have it on the plate for everyone to see, or why bother with such encoding at all?

I seem to remember that, on occasion, I've seen or heard an amber/silver/periwinkle alert that included something like "blue Ford pickup with Reno County tags".  That way, when you pull into a gas station and see a blue Ford pickup with Douglas County tags, you don't feel like calling the cops.

And that requires people memorizing county encoding... So we're back to square one - if you need that information on a plate, you want people being able to read it.

No, not really.  Come on.  You can be pretty confident that DG does not stand for Reno.  And some others are pretty obvious:  what could WY be except Wyandotte, what could FO be except Ford, what could SG be except Sedgwick, what could NT be except Norton, what could SU be except Sumner, what could AT be except Atchison, etc.

There are, however, some that I can't seem to keep straight whenever I see them on license plates:  for example, I can never remember if NO is Neosho or Norton, or if SN is Shawnee or Sherman.  But even then, that isn't exactly 'square one'.

And of course, that sort of thing doesn't work so well in states with numeric codes, such as Nebraska.  I've never known more than about five Nebraska county codes at any one time.

For what it's worth, vehicle registration used to come in a manila envelope with something like this map on the outside of the envelope:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fksbems.org%2Fhtml%2520pages%2Fcounties.gif&hash=049cd45062190aa96265c4500bbd722025d3a208)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 20, 2022, 10:23:37 AM
I am most happy living in a state that does not put any mention of 'county' on my car's license plates (Wisconsin).  It does add an element of anonymity to mindlessly driving around the state.

:nod:

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 10:27:07 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 20, 2022, 10:23:37 AM
I am most happy living in a state that does not put any mention of 'county' on my car's license plates (Wisconsin).  It does add an element of anonymity to mindlessly driving around the state.

:nod:

The flip side of this is when I'm 700 miles from home, and then I see someone else from the same county filling up with gas at the next pump over.  It's a conversation starter.  That phenomenon is of even greater weight if you're from a small county.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on May 20, 2022, 04:16:34 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 10:27:07 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 20, 2022, 10:23:37 AM
I am most happy living in a state that does not put any mention of 'county' on my car's license plates (Wisconsin).  It does add an element of anonymity to mindlessly driving around the state.

:nod:

The flip side of this is when I'm 700 miles from home, and then I see someone else from the same county filling up with gas at the next pump over.  It's a conversation starter.  That phenomenon is of even greater weight if you're from a small county.
Hah, I've done that too! My gut assumption is anyone with a 9 SD plate I either know them or someone who knows them.

Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 10:19:04 AM
And of course, that sort of thing doesn't work so well in states with numeric codes, such as Nebraska.  I've never known more than about five Nebraska county codes at any one time.
Coming from a numeric code state, if they need to announce something out here they'll say the number if it's not a local county (i.e. "16 plates" instead of "Campbell County plates" out in the Hills. If it's 15 plates, they'll just say Butte County because everyone out here knows Butte is 15.).

When my folks first moved to Spearfish from East River, someone went into the hospital my mom worked at and said in a really loud voice "Who has the Day County license plates?" and then proceeded to talk my poor mother senseless about goings-on in Webster. Needless to say they changed the plates over as soon as they could after that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 20, 2022, 05:09:31 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 10:19:04 AM
For what it's worth, vehicle registration used to come in a manila envelope with something like this map on the outside of the envelope:

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fksbems.org%2Fhtml%2520pages%2Fcounties.gif&hash=049cd45062190aa96265c4500bbd722025d3a208)

I wish a map like this existed for Oklahoma's county codes, yet in the 10 years or so that we've had county codes, that information has somehow never ended up on the Internet. Which kind of sucks, because Oklahoma's codes seem to be a lot less regular than Kansas's (McClain County is ML, for instance).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 06:40:02 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 20, 2022, 05:09:31 PM
I wish a map like this existed for Oklahoma's county codes, yet in the 10 years or so that we've had county codes, that information has somehow never ended up on the Internet. Which kind of sucks, because Oklahoma's codes seem to be a lot less regular than Kansas's (McClain County is ML, for instance).

Working on it...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 20, 2022, 08:08:01 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 20, 2022, 05:09:31 PM
I wish a map like this existed for Oklahoma's county codes, yet in the 10 years or so that we've had county codes, that information has somehow never ended up on the Internet. Which kind of sucks, because Oklahoma's codes seem to be a lot less regular than Kansas's (McClain County is ML, for instance).

Here you go, sir!

https://i.imgur.com/wXWBtKD.png

(https://i.imgur.com/wXWBtKD.png)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
Incredible, thank you! Where'd you dig that up from?

As I expected, some of these are slightly silly. Texas County is TX, presumably to match the postal abbreviation of the state, yet Delaware County gets DL instead of DE and Washington gets WS instead of WA. Carter County is CR instead of CA, presumably to avoid besmirching the citizens of Ardmore with any association with the hated Californians. I also probably would have changed things around to give MC to McClain County since it has a bigger (and growing) population than McCurtain County, probably giving McCurtain MR and Marshall ML.

I think I remember reading somewhere that Kansas's county code system is so orderly that there is only one instance where the county code is not the first two letters of the county name, where doing so would not cause a conflict with another county.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: chrisdiaz on May 23, 2022, 12:35:11 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 20, 2022, 10:23:37 AM
I am most happy living in a state that does not put any mention of 'county' on my car's license plates (Wisconsin).  It does add an element of anonymity to mindlessly driving around the state.

:nod:

Mike

Can agree with this. In New York, we don't have counties on the plates, but oftentimes your local car dealer will install a plate frame that says Nissan of *city/town name* for example. When my family and I were going on a road trip from Long Island to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I took off the plate frames so people wouldn't know we were tourists.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2022, 12:45:58 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on May 23, 2022, 12:35:11 AM
In New York, we don't have counties on the plates, but oftentimes your local car dealer will install a plate frame that says Nissan of *city/town name* for example. When my family and I were going on a road trip from Long Island to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I took off the plate frames so people wouldn't know we were tourists.

I take those frames off even when I'm not going to be traveling.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on May 23, 2022, 06:52:19 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2022, 12:45:58 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on May 23, 2022, 12:35:11 AM
In New York, we don't have counties on the plates, but oftentimes your local car dealer will install a plate frame that says Nissan of *city/town name* for example. When my family and I were going on a road trip from Long Island to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I took off the plate frames so people wouldn't know we were tourists.

I take those frames off even when I'm not going to be traveling.
I've always thought about taking the frames off, but have been too lazy to do so.  Never had a problem being perceived as a tourist.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 23, 2022, 09:44:28 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2022, 12:45:58 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on May 23, 2022, 12:35:11 AM
In New York, we don't have counties on the plates, but oftentimes your local car dealer will install a plate frame that says Nissan of *city/town name* for example. When my family and I were going on a road trip from Long Island to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I took off the plate frames so people wouldn't know we were tourists.

I take those frames off even when I'm not going to be traveling.
The best I saw is a NY license plate with a TX frame. Apparently, someone moved and changed plates, but decided to keep the frame...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 23, 2022, 12:42:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
...Washington gets WS instead of WA...

It may be worth noting that Washington State's license plates, at one time, used "WS". But that could always mean "Washington State", as in WSDOT (Washington State DOT).

EDIT: Actually, it was WN, not WS. Welp, now I'm confused :-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2022, 01:15:20 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
Incredible, thank you! Where'd you dig that up from?

As I expected, some of these are slightly silly. Texas County is TX, presumably to match the postal abbreviation of the state, yet Delaware County gets DL instead of DE and Washington gets WS instead of WA.

These seem to be following Coast Guard abbreviations rather than the Postal Service ones, perhaps coincidentally, though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on May 23, 2022, 05:33:25 PM
^^ Wisconsin boats use "WS".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 09:43:13 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
Incredible, thank you! Where'd you dig that up from?

I made it in MSPaint for you.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
As I expected, some of these are slightly silly. Texas County is TX, presumably to match the postal abbreviation of the state, yet Delaware County gets DL instead of DE and Washington gets WS instead of WA. Carter County is CR instead of CA, presumably to avoid besmirching the citizens of Ardmore with any association with the hated Californians. I also probably would have changed things around to give MC to McClain County since it has a bigger (and growing) population than McCurtain County, probably giving McCurtain MR and Marshall ML.

It doesn't look at all random or silly to me.  Actually, it looks rather well planned-out.  See below for my detailed analysis of each of the specific ones you pointed out.

I assume Delaware County is DL instead of DE, because DE are the first two letters of Dewey County as well.  Instead, they are DL and DW–first and third letters of each.

Likewise Carter County:  CA are the first two letters of Caddo County and Canadian County as well.  So for all three, they went with the first and third letters instead.

Likewise with Washington County:  WA are the first two letters of Wagoner County and Washita County as well.  Instead, they are WS, WG, and WT.  For Wagoner and Washington, they again went with the first and third letters.  For Washita, they used the letter that does not appear in any other W county.

And likewise all of the Mc counties, which all begin with the first two letters.  McCurtain and McIntosh get the first and third letters.  For McClain, they used the letter that does not appear in any other Mc county.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
I think I remember reading somewhere that Kansas's county code system is so orderly that there is only one instance where the county code is not the first two letters of the county name, where doing so would not cause a conflict with another county.

I'm having difficulty parsing what you mean there.  Kansas has loads of county codes that aren't the first two letters–Sedgwick included.

I'd appreciate an example or counterexample to illustrate what you're trying to say.  Here are the county codes in alphabetical order, if that helps:

AL. Allen   AN. Anderson     AT. Atchison    BA. Barber    BT. Barton
BB. Bourbon    BR. Brown    BU. Butler    CS. Chase    CQ. Chautauqua
CK. Cherokee    CN. Cheyenne    CA. Clark    CY. Clay    CD. Cloud
CF. Coffey    CM. Comanche    CL. Cowley    CR. Crawford    DC. Decatur
DK. Dickinson    DP. Doniphan    DG. Douglas    ED. Edwards    EK. Elk
EL. Ellis    EW. Ellsworth    FI. Finney    FO. Ford    FR. Franklin
GE. Geary    GO. Gove    GH. Graham    GT. Grant    GY. Gray
GL. Greeley    GW. Greenwood    HM. Hamilton    HP. Harper    HV. Harvey
HS. Haskell    HG. Hodgeman    JA. Jackson    JF. Jefferson    JW. Jewell
JO. Johnson    KE. Kearney    KM. Kingman    KW. Kiowa    LB. Labette
LE. Lane    LV. Leavenworth    LC. Lincoln    LN. Linn    LG. Logan
LY. Lyon    MN. Marion    MS. Marshall    MP. McPherson    ME. Meade
MI. Miami    MC. Mitchell    MG. Montgomery    MR. Morris    MT. Morton
NM. Nemaha    NO. Neosho    NS. Ness    NT. Norton    OS. Osage
OB. Osborne    OT. Ottawa    PN. Pawnee    PL. Phillips    PT. Pottawatomie
PR. Pratt    RA. Rawlins    RN. Reno    RP. Republic    RC. Rice
RL. Riley    RO. Rooks    RH. Rush    RS. Russell    SA. Saline
SC. Scott    SG. Sedgwick    SW. Seward    SN. Shawnee    SD. Sheridan
SH. Sherman    SM. Smith    SF. Stafford    ST. Stanton    SV. Stevens
SU. Sumner    TH. Thomas    TR. Trego    WB. Wabaunsee    WA. Wallace
WS. Washington    WH. Wichita    WL. Wilson    WO. Woodson    WY. Wyandotte
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on May 24, 2022, 10:13:59 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 23, 2022, 06:52:19 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2022, 12:45:58 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on May 23, 2022, 12:35:11 AM
In New York, we don't have counties on the plates, but oftentimes your local car dealer will install a plate frame that says Nissan of *city/town name* for example. When my family and I were going on a road trip from Long Island to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I took off the plate frames so people wouldn't know we were tourists.

I take those frames off even when I'm not going to be traveling.
I've always thought about taking the frames off, but have been too lazy to do so.  Never had a problem being perceived as a tourist.


I take the frames off immediately because I aint providing free advertising for the car dealer.  (My wife had me put them back on her car when I took them off though.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 11:12:57 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 24, 2022, 10:13:59 AM
Quote from: Rothman on May 23, 2022, 06:52:19 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on May 23, 2022, 12:45:58 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on May 23, 2022, 12:35:11 AM
In New York, we don't have counties on the plates, but oftentimes your local car dealer will install a plate frame that says Nissan of *city/town name* for example. When my family and I were going on a road trip from Long Island to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I took off the plate frames so people wouldn't know we were tourists.

I take those frames off even when I'm not going to be traveling.
I've always thought about taking the frames off, but have been too lazy to do so.  Never had a problem being perceived as a tourist.


I take the frames off immediately because I aint providing free advertising for the car dealer.  (My wife had me put them back on her car when I took them off though.)
Depends on a service dealership provided. I am OK recommending to my friends  those who is doing a good job for me - trainer, realtor,  doctor, contractor, dealer...
Once (if) things get sour, frames come off and recommendations dry out. I sent my dealership frames back to the dealer after getting "we want your car back!" letter (one of periods when used car supply was running low). My response was "I cannot sell back the entire car, but I am sending you back a small piece of what you sold" 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 11:23:15 AM
Service the dealership provided?  These are the last three dealerships I've bought from:

https://goo.gl/maps/vZb6kKRAUQBmHDt4A
https://goo.gl/maps/WRunwQhySa6uGCSD6
https://goo.gl/maps/LXM177VPvFg1cFJ4A

Not the sort of dealership that provides continuing "service" after your purchase.  And I make no promises as to what condition the other vehicles on the lot tend to be in.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on May 24, 2022, 11:47:33 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 11:23:15 AM
Service the dealership provided?  These are the last three dealerships I've bought from:

https://goo.gl/maps/vZb6kKRAUQBmHDt4A
https://goo.gl/maps/WRunwQhySa6uGCSD6
https://goo.gl/maps/LXM177VPvFg1cFJ4A

Not the sort of dealership that provides continuing "service" after your purchase.  And I make no promises as to what condition the other vehicles on the lot tend to be in.


I only buy new, but generally do not return to the dealer for service.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:19:17 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 11:23:15 AM
Service the dealership provided?  These are the last three dealerships I've bought from:

https://goo.gl/maps/vZb6kKRAUQBmHDt4A
https://goo.gl/maps/WRunwQhySa6uGCSD6
https://goo.gl/maps/LXM177VPvFg1cFJ4A

Not the sort of dealership that provides continuing "service" after your purchase.  And I make no promises as to what condition the other vehicles on the lot tend to be in.
Well, even then buying experience can differ. A simple question is "would you recommend your friend going there?" may be a reasonable test if you want to keep the frame on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 12:28:54 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:19:17 PM
Well, even then buying experience can differ. A simple question is "would you recommend your friend going there?" may be a reasonable test if you want to keep the frame on.

When I've only had one single transaction with a business, I'm not about to go around recommending that business to every person who ends up behind me in traffic.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:51:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 12:28:54 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:19:17 PM
Well, even then buying experience can differ. A simple question is "would you recommend your friend going there?" may be a reasonable test if you want to keep the frame on.

When I've only had one single transaction with a business, I'm not about to go around recommending that business to every person who ends up behind me in traffic.
Well, there are many one-time transactions. Realtors in particular are one-and-done.
I mean it's totally your call, but I don't feel bad having a frame of a place where I bought my car, and actually had it serviced there a few time. THe only reason I wouldn't recommend those guys to you is that you're unlikely to do car shopping in upstate NY in near future. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 20, 2022, 12:58:19 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 19, 2022, 11:49:13 PMI have heard that when one is negotiating access to private land for hunting, it is an advantage not to show up in a car that has a SG plate.

Farmers and ranchers don't like city people everywhere lol. Wonder if a WY or JO would inspire the same reaction (I bet it would).

I am sure it would!  At the same time, a person rolling up with a WY or SG plate is not going to be suspected of having more money than he or she knows what to do with.




I keep my license plates unframed.  While the main reason is that I just don't care for the look, it also helps remove obscuration of the plate as a possible excuse for a traffic stop.

In terms of dealers, I don't have especially strong feelings one way or another because, in my family, we keep cars long enough that the meaningful relationship is with the manufacturer, whose engineering decisions and assembly-line quality control influence our eventual costs in terms of major maintenance and repair.  We've also lived in Wichita long enough to be leery of the big names in autos locally.  Whenever practicable, we avoid dealing with the Steven family, whose multiple dealerships include Wichita's only Toyota franchise, because of their reputation for sharp business practices.  Although Fords don't appeal to us to begin with because of their mediocre reliability, it's difficult for us to hear of Rusty Eck Ford without remembering that the founder went to federal prison in the 1970's for income tax evasion and, at the time of his death 25 years later, was under indictment for having sex with a 14-year-old girl.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on May 24, 2022, 01:51:13 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
I keep my license plates unframed.  While the main reason is that I just don't care for the look, it also helps remove obscuration of the plate as a possible excuse for a traffic stop.

I have something like this:

(https://www.driveaccord.net/attachments/image-jpg.49253/)

which allows for a finished look without obscuring anything of the plate itself.

Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
In terms of dealers, I don't have especially strong feelings one way or another because, in my family, we keep cars long enough that the meaningful relationship is with the manufacturer, whose engineering decisions and assembly-line quality control influence our eventual costs in terms of major maintenance and repair.  We've also lived in Wichita long enough to be leery of the big names in autos locally.  Whenever practicable, we avoid dealing with the Steven family, whose multiple dealerships include Wichita's only Toyota franchise, because of their reputation for sharp business practices.  Although Fords don't appeal to us to begin with because of their mediocre reliability, it's difficult for us to hear of Rusty Eck Ford without remembering that the founder went to federal prison in the 1970's for income tax evasion and, at the time of his death 25 years later, was under indictment for having sex with a 14-year-old girl.

I have no particular affinity for dealerships, either, although for me it's mostly because I have never had an experience buying a car from one that I would consider pleasant.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on May 24, 2022, 05:14:01 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:51:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 12:28:54 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:19:17 PM
Well, even then buying experience can differ. A simple question is "would you recommend your friend going there?" may be a reasonable test if you want to keep the frame on.

When I've only had one single transaction with a business, I'm not about to go around recommending that business to every person who ends up behind me in traffic.
Well, there are many one-time transactions. Realtors in particular are one-and-done.
I mean it's totally your call, but I don't feel bad having a frame of a place where I bought my car, and actually had it serviced there a few time. THe only reason I wouldn't recommend those guys to you is that you're unlikely to do car shopping in upstate NY in near future.

When I first moved back to Ohio from New Hampshire, I had to have my car serviced.  It still had NH plates on it.  When I got it back from the dealer, they had installed one of their dealership frames on it.  The next week, when I replaced my NH plates with OH plates, that frame went in the trash.  I thought that was a pretty ballsy move on the dealership's part.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 05:16:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 09:43:13 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
Incredible, thank you! Where'd you dig that up from?

I made it in MSPaint for you.

Cool, thanks! Where'd you get the data from? At some point I'd like to update the inaccurate map on Wikipedia's "list of counties in Oklahoma" page, and while it's acceptable to me, I don't think they'll let me use "my friend Kyle" as a source. :P

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 09:43:13 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
As I expected, some of these are slightly silly. ...

It doesn't look at all random or silly to me.  Actually, it looks rather well planned-out.  ...

I suppose there was some degree of logic to it, but I think I put more of a premium on the principle of least astonishment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_least_astonishment), that is, "a layperson can easily guess what the code is/what a code means", than DPS did. Part of that would be giving the county with a higher population a "better code", so to speak (thus why I'd have given McClain MC and find something else for McCurtain).

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 09:43:13 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PM
I think I remember reading somewhere that Kansas's county code system is so orderly that there is only one instance where the county code is not the first two letters of the county name, where doing so would not cause a conflict with another county.

I'm having difficulty parsing what you mean there.  Kansas has loads of county codes that aren't the first two letters–Sedgwick included.

I'd appreciate an example or counterexample to illustrate what you're trying to say.

Sure. The counties starting with B both contain examples and one counterexample–they are all the first two letters, except Barton (which gets BT, because Barber uses BA). However, the counterexample is Bourbon, which gets BB, even though nobody in Kansas has BO.

Looking at the list, however, the assertion that I read is proven to be incorrect–there's plenty of counterexamples, including SG.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 05:49:52 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 05:16:38 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 09:43:13 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 21, 2022, 07:54:29 PMI think I remember reading somewhere that Kansas's county code system is so orderly that there is only one instance where the county code is not the first two letters of the county name, where doing so would not cause a conflict with another county.

I'm having difficulty parsing what you mean there.  Kansas has loads of county codes that aren't the first two letters–Sedgwick included.

I'd appreciate an example or counterexample to illustrate what you're trying to say.

Sure. The counties starting with B both contain examples and one counterexample–they are all the first two letters, except Barton (which gets BT, because Barber uses BA). However, the counterexample is Bourbon, which gets BB, even though nobody in Kansas has BO.

Looking at the list, however, the assertion that I read is proven to be incorrect–there's plenty of counterexamples, including SG.

Scott--could you have been referring to the section of the Wikipedia article on Kansas license plates that explains the county coding system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Kansas#County_coding)?

A large fraction of the cases where the license plate code isn't the first two letters of the county name have the first letter of the second syllable as the second letter.  However, even here there are exceptions--for example, CK (Cherokee) and CQ (Chautauqua).  11 of the 105 counties start with C and I find their codes to be the most difficult to retain in memory.

As the article notes, before 1950 Kansas had a county-number system similar to Nebraska's, except the basis was 1920 census population rather than 1926 vehicle registrations.  Under the old system, JO was 19.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 06:00:01 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 24, 2022, 05:14:01 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:51:22 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 12:28:54 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 24, 2022, 12:19:17 PM
Well, even then buying experience can differ. A simple question is "would you recommend your friend going there?" may be a reasonable test if you want to keep the frame on.

When I've only had one single transaction with a business, I'm not about to go around recommending that business to every person who ends up behind me in traffic.
Well, there are many one-time transactions. Realtors in particular are one-and-done.
I mean it's totally your call, but I don't feel bad having a frame of a place where I bought my car, and actually had it serviced there a few time. THe only reason I wouldn't recommend those guys to you is that you're unlikely to do car shopping in upstate NY in near future.

When I first moved back to Ohio from New Hampshire, I had to have my car serviced.  It still had NH plates on it.  When I got it back from the dealer, they had installed one of their dealership frames on it.  The next week, when I replaced my NH plates with OH plates, that frame went in the trash.  I thought that was a pretty ballsy move on the dealership's part.
Next week? You are a very patient person....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on May 24, 2022, 06:13:27 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
I keep my license plates unframed.  While the main reason is that I just don't care for the look, it also helps remove obscuration of the plate as a possible excuse for a traffic stop.
Same here, with one minor exception; we hit a deer a few years ago and partially shredded the license plate. It started to bend along the seam earlier this year, so I got a frame from my alma mater to keep the plate from falling apart. It only partially obscures the registration sticker, but you can still tell it has the right year color. If I ever get pulled over for it before next January (when I get a new sticker) I'll explain the situation and tell the cop that I'll head to the county treasurer's office and get an unnecessary new sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:12:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 05:16:38 PM
Where'd you get the data from? At some point I'd like to update the inaccurate map on Wikipedia's "list of counties in Oklahoma" page, and while it's acceptable to me, I don't think they'll let me use "my friend Kyle" as a source. :P

Unfortunately for your purposes, I just assume Eric Tanner's page (https://allaboutlicenseplates.com/displayPage.asp?country=US&p=County%20Codes&jurisdiction=Oklahoma&code=ok) was accurate.  He is the editor of PLATES magazine, published by ALPCA, though, so he must have some reliable source for his information.  He's obviously something of an expert, considering that, in 1995, he co-authored a book titled License Plates County Codes of the United States and Canada.  Why not ask him what his primary source is?  His phone number (publicly published elsewhere on his website) is 616-456-7330.

By the way, I haven't bothered cross-checking my map against the current Wikipedia page on Oklahoma license plate county codes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Oklahoma#County_coding).  Judging by the footnote reference in the same section, though, I'm guessing the data came straight out of Eric Tanner's website anyway.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 05:16:38 PM
I suppose there was some degree of logic to it, but I think I put more of a premium on the principle of least astonishment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_least_astonishment), that is, "a layperson can easily guess what the code is/what a code means", than DPS did.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again.  I don't think a layperson's understanding matters all that much when it comes to these decisions.  All that really matters is that the plates get distributed to the correct locations, right?  I don't imagine they really care if we can keep Grady and Greer straight, so long as the right plates end up at the right office.

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 05:16:38 PM
The counties starting with B both contain examples and one counterexample–they are all the first two letters, except Barton (which gets BT, because Barber uses BA). However, the counterexample is Bourbon, which gets BB, even though nobody in Kansas has BO.

Looking at the list, however, the assertion that I read is proven to be incorrect–there's plenty of counterexamples, including SG.

Oh, OK.  I really did understand you, then.  Yes, there is a boatload of counterexamples–such that we must dismiss the notion that it's actually a guiding principle at all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 05:49:52 PM
Scott--could you have been referring to the section of the Wikipedia article on Kansas license plates that explains the county coding system (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Kansas#County_coding)?

That could have been it, yes.

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:12:11 PM
By the way, I haven't bothered cross-checking my map against the current Wikipedia page on Oklahoma license plate county codes (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Oklahoma#County_coding).  Judging by the footnote reference in the same section, though, I'm guessing the data came straight out of Eric Tanner's website anyway.

Well, if someone's put the list on there already, I can at least justify updating the map on matching that list, even if it's unsourced. Having two unsourced, incompatible lists is a less tenuous situation than having one unsourced list that's consistent between two instances, and having it based on something at that least claims to be from the real world is better than something some guy made up to fill spaces on a map.

Quote from: kphoger on May 24, 2022, 08:12:11 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 24, 2022, 05:16:38 PM
I suppose there was some degree of logic to it, but I think I put more of a premium on the principle of least astonishment (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_least_astonishment), that is, "a layperson can easily guess what the code is/what a code means", than DPS did.

I've said it before, but I'll say it again.  I don't think a layperson's understanding matters all that much when it comes to these decisions.  All that really matters is that the plates get distributed to the correct locations, right?  I don't imagine they really care if we can keep Grady and Greer straight, so long as the right plates end up at the right office.

Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

For what it's worth, there are a couple little quirks to the Oklahoma license plate coding system:
- I think you can still request a non-county-coded sticker if you want. I keep seeing stickers of the design used before county codes existed even on the blue plates introduced years after the county stickers were introduced.
- License plates in Oklahoma are issued through a private business called a tag agency. You can conduct business with any tag agency in the state to fulfill whatever license-plate-and-driver-license-related needs you have. They apply the correct month-and-county and year stickers for you behind the counter when they issue you a plate. I am pretty sure that each tag agency only stocks the twelve stickers of the county they are in; this implies that if my parents in McClain County were to get a new license plate while running errands in Norman, they'd end up with a CL sticker instead of an ML one.

Quote from: SD Mapman on May 24, 2022, 06:13:27 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
I keep my license plates unframed.  While the main reason is that I just don't care for the look, it also helps remove obscuration of the plate as a possible excuse for a traffic stop.
Same here, with one minor exception; we hit a deer a few years ago and partially shredded the license plate. It started to bend along the seam earlier this year, so I got a frame from my alma mater to keep the plate from falling apart. It only partially obscures the registration sticker, but you can still tell it has the right year color. If I ever get pulled over for it before next January (when I get a new sticker) I'll explain the situation and tell the cop that I'll head to the county treasurer's office and get an unnecessary new sticker.

Were I in that position, I'd probably try to get the whole plate replaced as soon as financially feasible (unless the fee structure is such that "never" is when that would be).

Potential license plate damage due to small debris and other objects striking the front bumper cover is one reason why I'm glad Oklahoma is not a front-plate state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?
So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 10:06:41 AM
Quote from: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM

Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.

I'm aware of the phenomenon.

(1) I'm guessing that's not what they actually said.

(2) What do cops do in other states?  Give all in-state drivers a pass, not just in-county drivers?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: gonealookin on May 25, 2022, 12:57:25 PM
A new one available in Nevada.  It never ends... (https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/specialty-ufc-license-plate-now-available-in-nevada-2578356/)  :rolleyes:

(https://dmv.nv.gov/img/plates/ufc.png)

QuoteThe UFC joins the Raiders and the Golden Knights as professional sports organizations with Nevada specialty license plates. As of April 30, the Golden Knights plates have 61,656 active registrations, while the Raiders have 30,218.

The recently launched UFC Foundation focuses on advocating for youth, public service, equality and for those overcoming critical and life threatening illnesses.
...
The DMV offers 50 license plates that support charitable causes, including 10 styles of veteran plates that support the Nevada Veterans Homes, according to Kevin Malone, DMV spokesman. The DMV offers another 28 specialty plates available to the public that do not support a charity, such as 1982 replica plates and classic vehicle plates.

The Golden Knights have been in Nevada longer, but I think the Raiders are catching up fast as I see a lot of the Raiders' silver and black ones (the first two letters on the standard nonpersonalized Raiders plate being AL) up here in Northern Nevada.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on May 25, 2022, 02:36:35 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 24, 2022, 05:14:01 PM
When I first moved back to Ohio from New Hampshire, I had to have my car serviced.  It still had NH plates on it.  When I got it back from the dealer, they had installed one of their dealership frames on it.  The next week, when I replaced my NH plates with OH plates, that frame went in the trash.  I thought that was a pretty ballsy move on the dealership's part.

The only circumstance I would even consider letting a dealer put an advertising frame on my vehicle would be if it included a discount on services.  And even then, I would simply remove it when I got home, and re-install it prior to my next service visit.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 08:59:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

What, you expect the Oklahoma government to actually give reasons for the things it does?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:18:40 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 08:59:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

What, you expect the Oklahoma government to actually give reasons for the things it does?
At least have some reasons, even if they are unpublished. Is that still too much to ask?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DJ Particle on May 25, 2022, 11:34:58 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on May 25, 2022, 12:57:25 PM
A new one available in Nevada.  It never ends... (https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/mma-ufc/specialty-ufc-license-plate-now-available-in-nevada-2578356/)  :rolleyes:

(https://dmv.nv.gov/img/plates/ufc.png)

I read that as "WOOO HOOO!!!"  🤣
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on May 26, 2022, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

Quote from: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM
So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.

I was thinking about this...  If that's the real reason, then it wouldn't matter that the codes make any sense at all.  Caddo County could be XW, and Oklahoma County could be YP, and Tulsa County could be IB.  All the cop in Anadarko would have to know is whether or not the vehicle they pulled over is from Caddo County or not:  anything other than XW, which he sees on every car in his county every day, is from somewhere else.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 26, 2022, 09:52:35 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 26, 2022, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

Quote from: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM
So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.

I was thinking about this...  If that's the real reason, then it wouldn't matter that the codes make any sense at all.  Caddo County could be XW, and Oklahoma County could be YP, and Tulsa County could be IB.  All the cop in Anadarko would have to know is whether or not the vehicle they pulled over is from Caddo County or not:  anything other than XW, which he sees on every car in his county every day, is from somewhere else.
Maybe knowing few urban codes for fat cats to sponsor local budget is also a good idea.
But that reinforces what was said before - those codes are not for general public and actually against general public interest.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on May 26, 2022, 12:51:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 26, 2022, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

Quote from: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM
So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.

I was thinking about this...  If that's the real reason, then it wouldn't matter that the codes make any sense at all.  Caddo County could be XW, and Oklahoma County could be YP, and Tulsa County could be IB.  All the cop in Anadarko would have to know is whether or not the vehicle they pulled over is from Caddo County or not:  anything other than XW, which he sees on every car in his county every day, is from somewhere else.
If there's an intent to minimize the odds that someone would fight the ticket in court, then a plate from as far away as possible is ideal.  And, of course, urban/rural/other biases could filter in.  I've heard that driving with Yankee plates in the South makes on a cop magnet, for example.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on May 26, 2022, 01:03:18 PM
Quote from: vdeane on May 26, 2022, 12:51:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 26, 2022, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

Quote from: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM
So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.

I was thinking about this...  If that's the real reason, then it wouldn't matter that the codes make any sense at all.  Caddo County could be XW, and Oklahoma County could be YP, and Tulsa County could be IB.  All the cop in Anadarko would have to know is whether or not the vehicle they pulled over is from Caddo County or not:  anything other than XW, which he sees on every car in his county every day, is from somewhere else.
If there's an intent to minimize the odds that someone would fight the ticket in court, then a plate from as far away as possible is ideal.  And, of course, urban/rural/other biases could filter in.  I've heard that driving with Yankee plates in the South makes on a cop magnet, for example.
I've been pulled over a couple of times in the South and I find the Yankee variable to only be one factor.  A speed trap is a speed trap, after all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 27, 2022, 07:47:47 AM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on May 23, 2022, 12:35:11 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on May 20, 2022, 10:23:37 AM
I am most happy living in a state that does not put any mention of 'county' on my car's license plates (Wisconsin).  It does add an element of anonymity to mindlessly driving around the state.

:nod:

Mike

Can agree with this. In New York, we don't have counties on the plates, but oftentimes your local car dealer will install a plate frame that says Nissan of *city/town name* for example. When my family and I were going on a road trip from Long Island to Buffalo/Niagara Falls, I took off the plate frames so people wouldn't know we were tourists.
By the way, there are county specific plates in NY.
If you do registration through county clerk office - most popular in pre-internet days in rural areas without dmv offices - county keeps a good chunk of all fees, and may issue a AB 123 type plate. These are general issue plates. I don't see a lot of them, and codes run out. I remember that from a scandal - TY being Rensselaer county (for Troy) ran out, and clerk used her initials for the next batch...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on May 27, 2022, 01:14:35 PM
In Wisconsin, any county or municipal 'wheel' taxes are collected by WisDOT at plate renewal time and remitted by them to the proper agencies.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on May 27, 2022, 08:21:05 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on May 24, 2022, 06:13:27 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on May 24, 2022, 01:12:34 PM
I keep my license plates unframed.  While the main reason is that I just don't care for the look, it also helps remove obscuration of the plate as a possible excuse for a traffic stop.
Same here, with one minor exception; we hit a deer a few years ago and partially shredded the license plate. It started to bend along the seam earlier this year, so I got a frame from my alma mater to keep the plate from falling apart. It only partially obscures the registration sticker, but you can still tell it has the right year color. If I ever get pulled over for it before next January (when I get a new sticker) I'll explain the situation and tell the cop that I'll head to the county treasurer's office and get an unnecessary new sticker.

Were I in that position, I'd probably try to get the whole plate replaced as soon as financially feasible (unless the fee structure is such that "never" is when that would be).

Potential license plate damage due to small debris and other objects striking the front bumper cover is one reason why I'm glad Oklahoma is not a front-plate state.
I'd rather get the new sticker than the plate; I like that it was one of the first "new" plates that Lawrence County issued (there were only 172 cars before us and I think we went up there in December). Plus, you can see on the back one I'm up-to-date on everything.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 27, 2022, 10:29:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 26, 2022, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

Quote from: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM
So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.

I was thinking about this...  If that's the real reason, then it wouldn't matter that the codes make any sense at all.  Caddo County could be XW, and Oklahoma County could be YP, and Tulsa County could be IB.  All the cop in Anadarko would have to know is whether or not the vehicle they pulled over is from Caddo County or not:  anything other than XW, which he sees on every car in his county every day, is from somewhere else.

Well, having a good set of general-purpose, well-publicized county abbreviations is helpful. I would imagine if you saw a tweet that said "Tornado warning for HP and KM counties, take cover now. Cell expected to reach SG in 30 minutes #kswx" you'd at least have some idea of what was going on.

Actually, part of the reason why I've wanted the Oklahoma county codes is because I have a spreadsheet for my business where I track in-state sales by county and city, so I can keep track of sales taxes I owe. Since most of my in-state sales are to CL/ML/OK that's how I enter them, but I know at some point I'm going to get a random Web order from Haskell County or something and need to put something else in that column.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 28, 2022, 08:20:09 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 27, 2022, 10:29:06 PM
Quote from: kphoger on May 26, 2022, 09:43:22 AM
Quote from: kphoger on May 25, 2022, 09:25:52 AM

Quote from: Scott5114 on May 25, 2022, 07:25:53 AM
Unlike in Kansas, since the 2009 the actual plate numbers have nothing to do with the counties at all. For a year or two there was no way to identify the county a license plate was issued in at all. The current letter code stickers were only implemented when law enforcement complained about the lack of information. So I suspect that's who the intended end user of the current system is. Sure, you can train an OHP officer to memorize all 77 codes, but I suspect that a small town cop in Stringtown or whatever is probably a lot closer to a layperson than society would care to admit.

Forgive my ignorance, but why would a police officer need to easily identify what county a license plate is from?

Quote from: kalvado on May 25, 2022, 09:59:20 AM
So that they don't piss off local tax base too much... Robin Hood tax should be applied to strangers, preferably out of state ones.

I was thinking about this...  If that's the real reason, then it wouldn't matter that the codes make any sense at all.  Caddo County could be XW, and Oklahoma County could be YP, and Tulsa County could be IB.  All the cop in Anadarko would have to know is whether or not the vehicle they pulled over is from Caddo County or not:  anything other than XW, which he sees on every car in his county every day, is from somewhere else.

Well, having a good set of general-purpose, well-publicized county abbreviations is helpful. I would imagine if you saw a tweet that said "Tornado warning for HP and KM counties, take cover now. Cell expected to reach SG in 30 minutes #kswx" you'd at least have some idea of what was going on.

Actually, part of the reason why I've wanted the Oklahoma county codes is because I have a spreadsheet for my business where I track in-state sales by county and city, so I can keep track of sales taxes I owe. Since most of my in-state sales are to CL/ML/OK that's how I enter them, but I know at some point I'm going to get a random Web order from Haskell County or something and need to put something else in that column.
It may be a good idea in general but may be pretty hard to implement.
First, there is little reason for an average person to remember counties beyond adjacent ones. NY has 62 counties, 12 of them with <50k population. 
Next, how much confusion can those codes cause? It is totally possible for a small business to get customers from the adjacent state. So, 62 county codes for NY should not overlap with 67 in PA, 14 in MA, 14 in VT and 8 in MA. Probably beneficial is codes shouldn't include 50 states and 13 candaian territories abbreviations (TX for Texas county mentioned above is ready for confusion - e.g. for a long haul traveler "TX county" in weather message), and maybe 200-something country specific internet domains.

There are FIPS codes, which may be not very human-friendly, but designed to be unique.

Last, but not the least. Is there a good reason to have those codes on license plates?
Oh, and would overlapping MA and PA codes cause problems in NY?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on May 28, 2022, 11:37:22 AM
Colorado's license plates make it to the big time:

https://theathletic.com/news/colorado-rockies-uniform-city-connect/BrPiblTH9l0Y/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on May 30, 2022, 11:35:58 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 28, 2022, 11:37:22 AM
Colorado's license plates make it to the big time:

https://theathletic.com/news/colorado-rockies-uniform-city-connect/BrPiblTH9l0Y/

Love to see it. Colorado has a great license plate! Possibly my favorite in the country.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DRMan on June 07, 2022, 09:12:05 AM
California is piloting vinyl license plate wraps, to be used on the front of your car in place of a traditional plate. From https://uni-watch.com:

https://www.motor1.com/news/590018/how-to-get-front-license-plate-wrap-california/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on June 07, 2022, 10:43:50 AM
Quote from: DRMan on June 07, 2022, 09:12:05 AM
California is piloting vinyl license plate wraps, to be used on the front of your car in place of a traditional plate. From https://uni-watch.com:

https://www.motor1.com/news/590018/how-to-get-front-license-plate-wrap-california/
Looks like a good idea, actually. I am a bit surprized by the cost, $90+. I would think such sticker itself shouldn't cost much more than Aluminum plate, which is largely a sticker on a base anyway.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on June 09, 2022, 11:28:33 AM
That's not just "smoother", it lets the plate work around things like cameras and radar sensors for driving aids.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on July 07, 2022, 11:38:03 AM
Just went to SOS and got my new Michigan license plate. My old one was in bad shape, it was peeling and in a few spots. Went with the Water Winter Wonderland one and like the looks of that plate better than our old plates. This one is actually a throwback to the 1960's but it's available again and they look nice. Almost like Delaware's except it says Michigan of course and Water Winter Wonderland instead of First State.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LateSleeper on July 07, 2022, 05:04:33 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on July 07, 2022, 11:38:03 AM
Just went to SOS and got my new Michigan license plate. My old one was in bad shape, it was peeling and in a few spots. Went with the Water Winter Wonderland one and like the looks of that plate better than our old plates. This one is actually a throwback to the 1960's but it's available again and they look nice. Almost like Delaware's except it says Michigan of course and Water Winter Wonderland instead of First State.
Shine a flashlight at the plate at night, see if the dark blue background reflects back. If it's reflective, it'll look like it's lit up from behind, almost white with a hint of the navy blue. I believe different angles produce different levels of reflection.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: pderocco on July 08, 2022, 03:12:42 AM
Quote from: DRMan on June 07, 2022, 09:12:05 AM
California is piloting vinyl license plate wraps, to be used on the front of your car in place of a traditional plate. From https://uni-watch.com:

https://www.motor1.com/news/590018/how-to-get-front-license-plate-wrap-california/

I keep hearing that California requires front plates. Yet several percent of all cars don't have them, including mine. Even when stopped for another reason, I've never had a cop mention my lack of a front plate. Obviously, they don't enforce it.

Actually, I'm wondering when California will abandon embossed plates, and switch to those ugly "screened" ones used by so many states. (I think they're probably ink-jet printed, not screened.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: halork on July 08, 2022, 04:42:01 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 30, 2022, 11:35:58 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 28, 2022, 11:37:22 AM
Colorado's license plates make it to the big time:

https://theathletic.com/news/colorado-rockies-uniform-city-connect/BrPiblTH9l0Y/

Love to see it. Colorado has a great license plate! Possibly my favorite in the country.

Horrible as a baseball uniform. Green is NOT a Rockies color. Even has the yellow expiration sticker on the sleeve.  Maybe next they can dress up Ohio State in blue uniforms and Michigan in red this fall.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on July 08, 2022, 12:40:29 PM
Quote from: halork on July 08, 2022, 04:42:01 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on May 30, 2022, 11:35:58 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on May 28, 2022, 11:37:22 AM
Colorado's license plates make it to the big time:

https://theathletic.com/news/colorado-rockies-uniform-city-connect/BrPiblTH9l0Y/

Love to see it. Colorado has a great license plate! Possibly my favorite in the country.

Horrible as a baseball uniform. Green is NOT a Rockies color. Even has the yellow expiration sticker on the sleeve.  Maybe next they can dress up Ohio State in blue uniforms and Michigan in red this fall.
Well we have unretired the old blue and yellow license plates from the 1960's and they look almost like Michigan's colors, I'd be wondering if a Michigan State fan has passed on this plate and gone with the ugly one just because of the color of the plate. Since Ohio State is in another state they wouldn't apply unless they are living in Michigan for some reason or another.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 01:20:01 PM
Quote from: pderocco on July 08, 2022, 03:12:42 AM
Quote from: DRMan on June 07, 2022, 09:12:05 AM
California is piloting vinyl license plate wraps, to be used on the front of your car in place of a traditional plate. From https://uni-watch.com:

https://www.motor1.com/news/590018/how-to-get-front-license-plate-wrap-california/

I keep hearing that California requires front plates. Yet several percent of all cars don't have them, including mine. Even when stopped for another reason, I've never had a cop mention my lack of a front plate. Obviously, they don't enforce it.

Actually, I'm wondering when California will abandon embossed plates, and switch to those ugly "screened" ones used by so many states. (I think they're probably ink-jet printed, not screened.)

Here in Wisconsin (requires front plates), there is an exception to requiring a front plate if the car was built without a place to put one.

YMMV.

Plates here are still embossed and a few years ago WisDOT did test an inkjet printed special issue design.  The best that I can tell, the results were unsatisfactory.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on July 08, 2022, 01:37:58 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 01:20:01 PM
Quote from: pderocco on July 08, 2022, 03:12:42 AM
Quote from: DRMan on June 07, 2022, 09:12:05 AM
California is piloting vinyl license plate wraps, to be used on the front of your car in place of a traditional plate. From https://uni-watch.com:

https://www.motor1.com/news/590018/how-to-get-front-license-plate-wrap-california/

I keep hearing that California requires front plates. Yet several percent of all cars don't have them, including mine. Even when stopped for another reason, I've never had a cop mention my lack of a front plate. Obviously, they don't enforce it.

Actually, I'm wondering when California will abandon embossed plates, and switch to those ugly "screened" ones used by so many states. (I think they're probably ink-jet printed, not screened.)

Here in Wisconsin (requires front plates), there is an exception to requiring a front plate if the car was built without a place to put one.


Not sure about that. My wife got pulled over for not having a front plate on a car that "was built without a place to put one," and was given a sixty day warning. We eventually got one put on, but had to drill holes through the bumper to do it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on July 08, 2022, 01:57:51 PM
Several years ago, when I got a new (to me) car, my mechanic did the same thing (drilled a pair of self-tapping screws into the bumper), so I guess that that was a place to legally put one.

Mike.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on July 08, 2022, 02:47:57 PM
Quote from: pderocco on July 08, 2022, 03:12:42 AM
Quote from: DRMan on June 07, 2022, 09:12:05 AM
California is piloting vinyl license plate wraps, to be used on the front of your car in place of a traditional plate. From https://uni-watch.com:

https://www.motor1.com/news/590018/how-to-get-front-license-plate-wrap-california/
I keep hearing that California requires front plates. Yet several percent of all cars don't have them, including mine. Even when stopped for another reason, I've never had a cop mention my lack of a front plate. Obviously, they don't enforce it.

That really depends on jurisdiction.  There are certain areas that are notorious for front-plate tickets, especially from parking enforcement officers.  That includes San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Walnut Creek from personal experience.  I don't like the way a front plate looks on my car, so I got a detachable mount that takes 15 seconds to install and remove for when I am going to be parking somewhere that I expect to get hassled.  I don't see the two plate law going away any time soon, law enforcement agencies are pretty adamant about that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tigerwings on July 08, 2022, 06:04:15 PM
When I moved to Colorado my lease truck didn't have a front mount, so I zipped tied the plate to the front bumper.

I had a co-worker their get stopped twice for no front plate. She said it was a police excuse for DWB.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: LateSleeper on July 12, 2022, 01:41:52 AM
My 04 Corolla has a smooth front bumper - no license plate mount. It's always had two screws drilled into it that hold the front plate. I got the same number re-made on IL's new design, screwed it in where the old plate was. Honestly, I don't know what's holding the screws in place...!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on July 12, 2022, 11:29:28 PM
A lot of vehicles in Texas have stopped carrying front plates as well. They still issue two plates for front and back. I first noticed it about 4 years ago after I had left the state for a few months and came back. Must be a low police priority or at some point the state made front plates optional.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on July 13, 2022, 05:17:33 AM
My old "˜01 Civic was purchased when I lived in Pennsylvania (one of two NE states not requiring s front plate). Then. I moved to Florida (also no front plate). When I returned home to MA, I had my local mechanic drill holes in the front bumper for the front plate. I believe there was a space for a license plate but no bracket.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on October 10, 2022, 06:57:01 AM
More on the new RI "5-wave"  plate:

https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/new-wave-license-plates-to-be-distributed-next-year/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on October 10, 2022, 07:39:08 AM
The thing that I'm seeing with Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland license plates is that people are putting the tabs in the wrong corner. They go in the lower right corner where the white line is at not the upper right corner like on the old plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on October 10, 2022, 10:54:42 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 10, 2022, 07:39:08 AM
The thing that I'm seeing with Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland license plates is that people are putting the tabs in the wrong corner. They go in the lower right corner where the white line is at not the upper right corner like on the old plates.
Heh.  They should all be fined.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on October 10, 2022, 08:56:27 PM
Quote from: Rothman on October 10, 2022, 10:54:42 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 10, 2022, 07:39:08 AM
The thing that I'm seeing with Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland license plates is that people are putting the tabs in the wrong corner. They go in the lower right corner where the white line is at not the upper right corner like on the old plates.
Heh.  They should all be fined.

You'd get a kick out of the inexplicably popular Oklahoma practice of putting the stickers on alternating sides (thus completely obscuring the county/month sticker).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: epzik8 on October 10, 2022, 09:32:01 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on October 10, 2022, 06:57:01 AM
More on the new RI "5-wave"  plate:

https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/new-wave-license-plates-to-be-distributed-next-year/

Don't fix what isn't broken
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on October 10, 2022, 10:01:08 PM
I've seen on the older white plates with blue lettering people putting the tab right in the middle of the plate between the letters and numbers. When I was born Michigan had a black plate with white lettering and the tab went in the lower right corner on that plate too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on November 15, 2022, 08:49:19 PM
We're getting new plates, just like the rumor I heard this June said we were: https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833 (https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 18, 2022, 10:05:16 AM
The Commonwealth of Kentucky has a new plate option:

https://www.kfvs12.com/2022/10/06/gov-beshear-announces-new-team-kentucky-license-plate-option/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: brad2971 on November 18, 2022, 10:12:52 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on November 15, 2022, 08:49:19 PM
We're getting new plates, just like the rumor I heard this June said we were: https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833 (https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833)

https://listen.sdpb.org/arts-life/2022-11-15/south-dakota-to-issue-new-license-plate-design-in-2023

That's...about as close to digital photograph quality as one can get with a general-issue license plate. Much better than the 2016 version. Good job, South Dakota DMV and Dept. of Revenue.

OTOH, Nebraska's new plates starting next year...yeesh: https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/05/31/live-nebraskas-new-license-plate-design-unveiled/. BTW, Nebraska: It's time to tell the rural counties to get on the same license plate AAA-123 scheme that Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster counties have; especially if, unlike Colorado, the state requires its citizens to get new plates every six years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PM
I actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

On the other hand, South Dakota, what's the point? It's basically a carbon-copy of the current plate. And don't you have something other than Mount Rushmore that you're proud of, that you could use for a change?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on November 19, 2022, 12:49:14 AM
Quote from: brad2971 on November 18, 2022, 10:12:52 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on November 15, 2022, 08:49:19 PM
We're getting new plates, just like the rumor I heard this June said we were: https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833 (https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833)

https://listen.sdpb.org/arts-life/2022-11-15/south-dakota-to-issue-new-license-plate-design-in-2023

That's...about as close to digital photograph quality as one can get with a general-issue license plate. Much better than the 2016 version. Good job, South Dakota DMV and Dept. of Revenue.

OTOH, Nebraska's new plates starting next year...yeesh: https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/05/31/live-nebraskas-new-license-plate-design-unveiled/. BTW, Nebraska: It's time to tell the rural counties to get on the same license plate AAA-123 scheme that Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster counties have; especially if, unlike Colorado, the state requires its citizens to get new plates every six years.
On that note, why in the hell, in 2022 is it necessary to code things by county - or month, for that matter - Alabama's serials look like a mess these days, West Virginia is dumb, Missouri...yeah. But back to counties, what purpose does that serve? It certainly makes the new Ohio plate look ugly.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on November 19, 2022, 06:30:56 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 10, 2022, 10:01:08 PM
I've seen on the older white plates with blue lettering people putting the tab right in the middle of the plate between the letters and numbers. When I was born Michigan had a black plate with white lettering and the tab went in the lower right corner on that plate too.
Missouri used to have the sticker well (indentation) in the middle of the plate to combat sticker theft. The thinking was that criminals wouldn't be able to easily cut out the sticker from the middle of the plate, as opposed to a corner. I'm not sure if this practice is still done.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 19, 2022, 06:44:14 AM
Quote from: 6a on November 19, 2022, 12:49:14 AM
Quote from: brad2971 on November 18, 2022, 10:12:52 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on November 15, 2022, 08:49:19 PM
We're getting new plates, just like the rumor I heard this June said we were: https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833 (https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=31833)

https://listen.sdpb.org/arts-life/2022-11-15/south-dakota-to-issue-new-license-plate-design-in-2023

That's...about as close to digital photograph quality as one can get with a general-issue license plate. Much better than the 2016 version. Good job, South Dakota DMV and Dept. of Revenue.

OTOH, Nebraska's new plates starting next year...yeesh: https://www.ksnblocal4.com/2022/05/31/live-nebraskas-new-license-plate-design-unveiled/. BTW, Nebraska: It's time to tell the rural counties to get on the same license plate AAA-123 scheme that Douglas, Sarpy, and Lancaster counties have; especially if, unlike Colorado, the state requires its citizens to get new plates every six years.
On that note, why in the hell, in 2022 is it necessary to code things by county - or month, for that matter - Alabama's serials look like a mess these days, West Virginia is dumb, Missouri...yeah. But back to counties, what purpose does that serve? It certainly makes the new Ohio plate look ugly.

Massachusetts also codes its plates by month (i.e. 9 is September). Not sure why states using months are so intent on maintaining them.  As for counties, I imagine that the main reason for using them is revenue.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: brad2971 on November 19, 2022, 12:09:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PM
I actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

On the other hand, South Dakota, what's the point? It's basically a carbon-copy of the current plate. And don't you have something other than Mount Rushmore that you're proud of, that you could use for a change?

One can easily say the same thing about Colorado always having an outline of the Rocky Mountains on its plates. Or Arizona always having either a cactus or the "Grand Canyon State" on its plates. Or Texas having the Lone Star. Or Florida having an orange. You get the picture.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on November 19, 2022, 12:54:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PM
I actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

On the other hand, South Dakota, what's the point? It's basically a carbon-copy of the current plate. And don't you have something other than Mount Rushmore that you're proud of, that you could use for a change?

The Corn Palace?

BTW, I still really like the current Wisconsin late design, even though it is over 20 years old.  The only real issue that I have had with it is the poor quality materials problem that tWisDOT had with their 3M plates from a few years ago.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on November 19, 2022, 01:00:44 PM
^^ Besides color changes, that design was implemented in 1986.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on November 19, 2022, 07:52:29 PM
Quote from: brad2971 on November 19, 2022, 12:09:13 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PM
I actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

On the other hand, South Dakota, what's the point? It's basically a carbon-copy of the current plate. And don't you have something other than Mount Rushmore that you're proud of, that you could use for a change?

One can easily say the same thing about Colorado always having an outline of the Rocky Mountains on its plates. Or Arizona always having either a cactus or the "Grand Canyon State" on its plates. Or Texas having the Lone Star. Or Florida having an orange. You get the picture.

I suppose, although the Rocky Mountains, saguaro cacti, and the Grand Canyon are all natural features of the relevant states and would be there regardless. Mount Rushmore is a manmade monument, and so I sort of feel that maybe it should be rotated out for other things more frequently. (The Crazy Horse monument is right down the road, for instance, and the Corn Palace would be interesting.)

But what it really boils down to is that the Colorado Rocky Mountain plate is just a much better design than the South Dakota one. It doesn't take a whole lot of artistic talent to slap a serial number over a photo of Mount Rushmore and call it good.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on November 21, 2022, 09:02:52 AM
West Virginia -  indeed "dumb" .  The system is again approaching exhausting a numbering pattern, in a state so small that a standard three letters - three numbers would NEVER be exhausted.  Further it requires every office (55 county sheriffs, some with branches, 28 DMV offices, to keep 12 plates on hand just for "class A" , leaving out all the other types of vehicles they keep plates on hand for, rather than one.  The state said they were going to a simple month sticker 20 years ago, and even issued them to to the vanity plates, but nothing ever came of it.

They also said they were going to issue a "double vanity"  plates for double the price, but nothing ever came of that either.  "Double vanity"  means both a logo and a special letter combination.  For example, today you can get the logo of a college, but it comes with a standardized letter number combination, or you can get a vanity letter combination, but not both.

Another dumb thing I found out was they printed all of the organization plates all at once.  A buddy of mine is in the Shrine, which the format for Shrine plates is NNNN BK (Beni Kedem is the name of the local Shrine).  So he has his birth year for the four numbers.  He had had it so long the paint is peeling.  So he asked for a new one.  Well, he could not get a replacement with the same number because they printed every plate, from 0000 to 9999 all at once and have a storage room full of all the unissued ones, but cannot redo any.  Apparently this applies to the whole set of logo plates.  There are some for small colleges or upper military awards that have only a couple dozen issues, but they printed all 10000 possible numbers.  They also still offer NASCAR plates, all of which have likewise been sitting in storage for over 20 years, and all of which are for drivers long since retired, or dead. 

Missouri - The "thieves clip off the renewal sicker"  is one of those "gone viral"  deals.  Missouri tried to join the rest of society will corner stickers, but the yip-yappers starting this wives' tale and they went back to the center deal.  Despite the fact that it seems not to be a problem in any other state, and the number will show up as void in any cop data base, regardless of what color the sticker is.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on November 21, 2022, 04:02:25 PM
Quote from: 6a on November 19, 2022, 12:49:14 AM

On that note, why in the hell, in 2022 is it necessary to code things by county - or month, for that matter - Alabama's serials look like a mess these days, West Virginia is dumb, Missouri...yeah. But back to counties, what purpose does that serve? It certainly makes the new Ohio plate look ugly.

I agree the white county stickers look bad on Ohio's new plate.  However, being curious by nature, I like to see what part of the state someone is from.   I'm old enough to remember when Ohio plates were coded by county, and even if you didn't know the whole system, you could tell the region by the pattern of numbers and letters (e.g., Cleveland area was XX-NNNN, Cincinnati area was NNNN-XX.  Central Ohio was either all-numeric or X-NNNNN, etc.)  That system was discontinued in 1980.  Here's a link to the complete coding used from 1932-1980 http://15q.net/ohco.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on November 21, 2022, 04:44:29 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on November 21, 2022, 04:02:25 PM
Quote from: 6a on November 19, 2022, 12:49:14 AM

On that note, why in the hell, in 2022 is it necessary to code things by county - or month, for that matter - Alabama's serials look like a mess these days, West Virginia is dumb, Missouri...yeah. But back to counties, what purpose does that serve? It certainly makes the new Ohio plate look ugly.

I agree the white county stickers look bad on Ohio's new plate.  However, being curious by nature, I like to see what part of the state someone is from.   I'm old enough to remember when Ohio plates were coded by county, and even if you didn't know the whole system, you could tell the region by the pattern of numbers and letters (e.g., Cleveland area was XX-NNNN, Cincinnati area was NNNN-XX.  Central Ohio was either all-numeric or X-NNNNN, etc.)  That system was discontinued in 1980.  Here's a link to the complete coding used from 1932-1980 http://15q.net/ohco.html
An interesting question is if someone (like you or me) wants to let others know those details. FL had a good point about tourist safety, IMHO.
Of course, I would like to have an "I am from upstate!" banner while driving with a NY plate in NYC. Other  than that, I am not interested even in displaying state info... 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on November 21, 2022, 07:35:38 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on November 21, 2022, 09:02:52 AM
Another dumb thing I found out was they printed all of the organization plates all at once.  A buddy of mine is in the Shrine, which the format for Shrine plates is NNNN BK (Beni Kedem is the name of the local Shrine).  So he has his birth year for the four numbers.  He had had it so long the paint is peeling.  So he asked for a new one.  Well, he could not get a replacement with the same number because they printed every plate, from 0000 to 9999 all at once and have a storage room full of all the unissued ones, but cannot redo any.  Apparently this applies to the whole set of logo plates.  There are some for small colleges or upper military awards that have only a couple dozen issues, but they printed all 10000 possible numbers.  They also still offer NASCAR plates, all of which have likewise been sitting in storage for over 20 years, and all of which are for drivers long since retired, or dead. 

I mean, being someone who's ordered commercial print work done, that makes sense to me. It's a lot cheaper on a per-unit basis to print 10,000 copies of something at once than 1 copy. The reason is that you have to calibrate the printer at the beginning of each print run to make sure the colors are correct and the printing plates line up properly. That involves printing off a few dozen test copies that just get junked. (I have a few of these test sheets for my playing cards, still on the original sheet and uncut.)

Say you need to do 10 test plates before you can start running off good ones. If you run off 10,000 at once, the cost of each plate is $X + ($X * 0.001), since the price of the 10 test plates is spread among the 10,000 good plates. If you run off just one plate, the cost of the one plate you run off is $X * 11. So if the state actually did that, you'd have some fiscal fundamentalist yapping about how the state is wasting money printing one-off plates for people.

As for the NASCAR plates, the stupid thing here is that the state is using official materials to advertise for a private for-profit entity. That the employees of this entity are not guaranteed to be on the job for long enough to issue 10,000 plates is merely a compounding factor.

Quote from: SP Cook on November 21, 2022, 09:02:52 AM
Missouri - The "thieves clip off the renewal sicker"  is one of those "gone viral"  deals.  Missouri tried to join the rest of society will corner stickers, but the yip-yappers starting this wives' tale and they went back to the center deal.  Despite the fact that it seems not to be a problem in any other state, and the number will show up as void in any cop data base, regardless of what color the sticker is.

Given that the choice of sticker placement is essentially arbitrary, who cares where it is? Some states put theirs on the bottom corners, others on the top corners. Missourians apparently like it being in the center. If that's a problem for automated plate readers, it's kind of on them for writing shitty software that isn't aware of the Missouri plate layout. Debug your shit before you ship it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 22, 2022, 05:53:00 AM
I remember sticker theft being a big deal when I lived in PA. Many vehicles had the corner where the sticker was cut off, and many of the older plates with the "T"  temporary tags were popular I suspect past their initial expiration. It seems that they are being phased out in some places (PA included).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 12:18:21 PM
I'm happy Michigan changes it up. We don't have the Mackinac Bridge on all our plates and I'm happy we have a choice now between the ugly standard plate we have had since 2013 with the Pure Michigan across the top and that ugly seawave with the website on the bottom. I replaced that plate with the throwback Water Winter Wonderland one and like that plate much better.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on November 22, 2022, 12:46:10 PM
Counties - I do not see the point in noting the county unless there is some point to it, such as different counties charging differently for plates, different emission regulations, different taxes such that it would make sense to register a car at a relative or friends home.  Florida, where the county name seems to be optional and not used in the largest county (Dade) at all seems odd.  Back when Kentucky has a very plain plate, the county was the same font on the stamped plates.  Kentucky has an Ohio county so there were plates that read Kentucky / NNN LLL / Ohio, which had to be confusing to law enforcement and meter maids. 

South Dakota - Didn't they even change their flag from "Sunshine State"  to "Mount Rushmore State"  a few years ago?  South Dakota, all the love in the world, is pretty much all about Mount Rushmore.  The Crazy Horse thing isn't finished and may never be, the Corn Palace is just a thing to hook tourists on the way to Mount Rushmore, as is Wall Drug.  If they did away with Mount Rushmore, then the only other alternative is the farm themes that several other states already do. 

To me the state that needs a refresh and diversity is North Carolina.  They have alternates, but they have been on the same basic series since 1982 all on the same single historical event.  In a state with plenty of history, commerce, and geographic features they could tout. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 02:13:43 PM
Quote from: 6a on November 19, 2022, 12:49:14 AM
why in the hell, in 2022 is it necessary to code things by county - or month, for that matter

Because, if you remove coding of any sort, then you run the risk of ending up with "brilliant" ideas like this...

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus1%2Faz21yga.jpg&hash=aed5e3f9ef775731ad981217e7e516ba4ad8b6dc)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 22, 2022, 10:54:44 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 12:18:21 PM
I'm happy Michigan changes it up. We don't have the Mackinac Bridge on all our plates and I'm happy we have a choice now between the ugly standard plate we have had since 2013 with the Pure Michigan across the top and that ugly seawave with the website on the bottom. I replaced that plate with the throwback Water Winter Wonderland one and like that plate much better.

I always thought the Pure Michigan plate was really good. Dead simple, but clearly recognizable from a distance as Michigan with the blue wave and large centered "M". Very easy to read, no BS behind the numbers. The new Water Winter Wonderland is a great plate too, maybe one of my favorites in the US up there with Oregon's Pacific Wonderland plate.

Not keen on the Mackinaw Bridge plate, the design is good but I would have picked a different time of day. The sunset/sunrise color is a tough background for either white or black numbering.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 22, 2022, 10:56:23 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 02:13:43 PM
Quote from: 6a on November 19, 2022, 12:49:14 AM
why in the hell, in 2022 is it necessary to code things by county - or month, for that matter

Because, if you remove coding of any sort, then you run the risk of ending up with "brilliant" ideas like this...

http://15q.net/us1/az21yga.jpg

Wouldn't it depend on the overall pattern? WA does not use county coding of any sort, but their plates are a logical AAA0000 pattern.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 10:58:00 PM
AZ's plate would be ten thousand times better if they hadn't contracted the "ARIZONA" text out to ODOT.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 22, 2022, 10:58:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 10:58:00 PM
AZ's plate would be ten thousand times better if they hadn't contracted the "ARIZONA" text out to ODOT.

(https://media.tenor.com/gsw5YOH3VuAAAAAM/testify-bart.gif)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 11:07:58 PM
I've always liked Washington's license plates for some reason.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on November 22, 2022, 11:23:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 11:07:58 PM
I've always liked Washington's license plates for some reason.

The only flaw that I can see in Washington's current design is that they should include a dash '-' between the letters and numbers to make it easier to read.

mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 11:27:20 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 22, 2022, 11:23:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 11:07:58 PM
I've always liked Washington's license plates for some reason.

The only flaw that I can see in Washington's current design is that they should include a dash '-' between the letters and numbers to make it easier to read.

mike
Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland license plates are that way where it's just the six numbers and letters all in a row. Washington used to have the - in between the numbers though. Not sure what year they stopped doing that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 23, 2022, 06:06:10 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 22, 2022, 11:23:17 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 11:07:58 PM
I've always liked Washington's license plates for some reason.

The only flaw that I can see in Washington's current design is that they should include a dash '-' between the letters and numbers to make it easier to read.

I think that would require them to adopt a new lettering style. The current style is too wide to permit a dash, best I can tell.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on November 23, 2022, 10:07:27 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 22, 2022, 10:56:23 PM

Quote from: kphoger on November 22, 2022, 02:13:43 PM

Quote from: 6a on November 19, 2022, 12:49:14 AM
why in the hell, in 2022 is it necessary to code things by county - or month, for that matter

Because, if you remove coding of any sort, then you run the risk of ending up with "brilliant" ideas like this...

http://15q.net/us1/az21yga.jpg

Wouldn't it depend on the overall pattern? WA does not use county coding of any sort, but their plates are a logical AAA0000 pattern.

Of course.  I was joking that, if they open themselves up to new ideas, then they open themselves up to terrible ideas.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on November 23, 2022, 11:35:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 10:58:00 PM
AZ's plate would be ten thousand times better if they hadn't contracted the "ARIZONA" text out to ODOT.

Given the success of so many "retro" reissues in other states like California, Nevada, and Michigan, it would be cool if Arizona were to bring back the white-on-red design as a special issue. I always thought it was one of the most beautiful designs, both for its unique style and simplicity.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on November 23, 2022, 09:27:22 PM
Quote from: jdbx on November 23, 2022, 11:35:19 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 22, 2022, 10:58:00 PM
AZ's plate would be ten thousand times better if they hadn't contracted the "ARIZONA" text out to ODOT.

Given the success of so many "retro" reissues in other states like California, Nevada, and Michigan, it would be cool if Arizona were to bring back the white-on-red design as a special issue. I always thought it was one of the most beautiful designs, both for its unique style and simplicity.

It wasn't unique. Missouri had the same color scheme.

As for retro, there's been talk of bringing New Jersey's previous color scheme of tan on blue back as an optional plate. I haven't heard much about it in a while though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on November 23, 2022, 09:34:36 PM
Quote from: signalman on November 23, 2022, 09:27:22 PM
It wasn't unique. Missouri had the same color scheme.

Yep!  I remember license plate spotting as a kid back then, and the only way to tell them apart at a distance is that Arizona had a white blob in the middle (cactus), and Missouri had a colored blob in the middle (sticker).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus1%2Faz97.jpg&hash=faa187bcedc902025adfc674f2ede2c8f161add6)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmo96.jpg&hash=5d53f86e413848314fa87ff467fad68caaf81fff)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on November 24, 2022, 04:37:45 PM
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/11/24/giant-step-forward-kosovo-serbia-reach-deal-on-vehicle-plates
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on November 30, 2022, 11:56:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 19, 2022, 12:54:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PM
I actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

On the other hand, South Dakota, what's the point? It's basically a carbon-copy of the current plate. And don't you have something other than Mount Rushmore that you're proud of, that you could use for a change?

The Corn Palace?

If the governor were from Mitchell I could see that happening...

Quote from: SP Cook on November 22, 2022, 12:46:10 PM
Counties - I do not see the point in noting the county unless there is some point to it, such as different counties charging differently for plates, different emission regulations, different taxes such that it would make sense to register a car at a relative or friends home.  Florida, where the county name seems to be optional and not used in the largest county (Dade) at all seems odd.  Back when Kentucky has a very plain plate, the county was the same font on the stamped plates.  Kentucky has an Ohio county so there were plates that read Kentucky / NNN LLL / Ohio, which had to be confusing to law enforcement and meter maids. 

South Dakota - Didn't they even change their flag from "Sunshine State"  to "Mount Rushmore State"  a few years ago?  South Dakota, all the love in the world, is pretty much all about Mount Rushmore.  The Crazy Horse thing isn't finished and may never be, the Corn Palace is just a thing to hook tourists on the way to Mount Rushmore, as is Wall Drug.  If they did away with Mount Rushmore, then the only other alternative is the farm themes that several other states already do. 

There's slightly different wheel taxes in each county (variance of $1-$2 per wheel). Why is everyone here so against county coding? I think it's a neat way to organize it.

We went away from the Sunshine State so people wouldn't confuse us with Florida back in the 80s. As a local, Mt. Rushmore is just a big rock, but we really don't have anything else noteworthy. You could do something with the state seal (https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/STMAAOSweZxhqGCb/s-l500.png) but that would get busy. Can confirm, Crazy Horse will never be finished (leastaways unless the Ziolkowski's adjust how they manage the project). The Corn Palace is Mitchell's high school basketball gym (seriously) that they decorated in the 1920s and somehow kept with it.

As far as current alternative designs, we do have the Native Dignity plates:
(https://dor.sd.gov/media/iwujcdjw/dignitystatue-plate.png)
That's the only alternative design we really have (outside of firefighter/tribal plates). Personally, I think a Crazy Horse plate would have been better than the Dignity statue, but I'm in the minority who dislike the statue (mainly because it ruined a perfectly good view of the Missouri at Chamberlain, probably wouldn't have minded if they'd put it somewhere else).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on December 01, 2022, 08:29:14 AM
I don't think there's any incentive any longer to finish the Crazy Horse statue.  The owners are just milking the attraction and investing in side projects now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 01, 2022, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on November 30, 2022, 11:56:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 19, 2022, 12:54:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PM
I actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

On the other hand, South Dakota, what's the point? It's basically a carbon-copy of the current plate. And don't you have something other than Mount Rushmore that you're proud of, that you could use for a change?

The Corn Palace?

If the governor were from Mitchell I could see that happening...

Quote from: SP Cook on November 22, 2022, 12:46:10 PM
Counties - I do not see the point in noting the county unless there is some point to it, such as different counties charging differently for plates, different emission regulations, different taxes such that it would make sense to register a car at a relative or friends home.  Florida, where the county name seems to be optional and not used in the largest county (Dade) at all seems odd.  Back when Kentucky has a very plain plate, the county was the same font on the stamped plates.  Kentucky has an Ohio county so there were plates that read Kentucky / NNN LLL / Ohio, which had to be confusing to law enforcement and meter maids. 

South Dakota - Didn't they even change their flag from "Sunshine State"  to "Mount Rushmore State"  a few years ago?  South Dakota, all the love in the world, is pretty much all about Mount Rushmore.  The Crazy Horse thing isn't finished and may never be, the Corn Palace is just a thing to hook tourists on the way to Mount Rushmore, as is Wall Drug.  If they did away with Mount Rushmore, then the only other alternative is the farm themes that several other states already do. 

There's slightly different wheel taxes in each county (variance of $1-$2 per wheel). Why is everyone here so against county coding? I think it's a neat way to organize it.

Some people are a bit worried about how secure their vehicle would be (including when they are in it!) if they are from a place that is well outstate (ie, Michigan's upper peninsula) and drove their car to and parked it somewhere in downtown Detroit and the fact that their car is registered in Menominee instead of Wayne County is noted on their car's license plate.

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 12:03:42 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 01, 2022, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on November 30, 2022, 11:56:07 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 19, 2022, 12:54:36 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PM
I actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

On the other hand, South Dakota, what's the point? It's basically a carbon-copy of the current plate. And don't you have something other than Mount Rushmore that you're proud of, that you could use for a change?

The Corn Palace?

If the governor were from Mitchell I could see that happening...

Quote from: SP Cook on November 22, 2022, 12:46:10 PM
Counties - I do not see the point in noting the county unless there is some point to it, such as different counties charging differently for plates, different emission regulations, different taxes such that it would make sense to register a car at a relative or friends home.  Florida, where the county name seems to be optional and not used in the largest county (Dade) at all seems odd.  Back when Kentucky has a very plain plate, the county was the same font on the stamped plates.  Kentucky has an Ohio county so there were plates that read Kentucky / NNN LLL / Ohio, which had to be confusing to law enforcement and meter maids. 

South Dakota - Didn't they even change their flag from "Sunshine State"  to "Mount Rushmore State"  a few years ago?  South Dakota, all the love in the world, is pretty much all about Mount Rushmore.  The Crazy Horse thing isn't finished and may never be, the Corn Palace is just a thing to hook tourists on the way to Mount Rushmore, as is Wall Drug.  If they did away with Mount Rushmore, then the only other alternative is the farm themes that several other states already do. 

There's slightly different wheel taxes in each county (variance of $1-$2 per wheel). Why is everyone here so against county coding? I think it's a neat way to organize it.

Some people are a bit worried about how secure their vehicle would be (including when they are in it!) if they are from a place that is well outstate (ie, Michigan's upper peninsula) and drove their car to and parked it somewhere in downtown Detroit and the fact that their car is registered in Menominee instead of Wayne County is noted on their car's license plate.

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).

Mike
And where exactly on any of our license plates is the county it's registered in noted? There is nothing on my car that tells you what county my car is registered in.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on December 01, 2022, 12:06:25 PM
Quote from: SD Mapman on November 30, 2022, 11:56:07 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on November 22, 2022, 12:46:10 PM
Counties - I do not see the point in noting the county unless there is some point to it, such as different counties charging differently for plates, different emission regulations, different taxes such that it would make sense to register a car at a relative or friends home.  Florida, where the county name seems to be optional and not used in the largest county (Dade) at all seems odd.  Back when Kentucky has a very plain plate, the county was the same font on the stamped plates.  Kentucky has an Ohio county so there were plates that read Kentucky / NNN LLL / Ohio, which had to be confusing to law enforcement and meter maids. 

There's slightly different wheel taxes in each county (variance of $1-$2 per wheel). Why is everyone here so against county coding? I think it's a neat way to organize it.

You can have different tax schemes by county without putting the registered county on the plate or having a plate letter/number scheme based on county.

Nevada does exactly this. With our lack of a state income tax, vehicle registrations are one of our primary funding sources. Several counties collect, through the DMV, supplemental government services taxes dependent upon the county in which the vehicle is based. We do this despite a lack of county stamp/embossing or county sticker on the plate (which would detract from the design of all the special charitable/collegiate/etc plates we have). It's also helpful in case one moves to another part of the state that you can keep your current plate without alteration–as I did officially after finishing college...just had to update my address and pay the different taxes & fees at the next registration cycle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on December 01, 2022, 12:57:58 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 01, 2022, 11:55:51 AMSome people are a bit worried about how secure their vehicle would be (including when they are in it!) if they are from a place that is well outstate (ie, Michigan's upper peninsula) and drove their car to and parked it somewhere in downtown Detroit and the fact that their car is registered in Menominee instead of Wayne County is noted on their car's license plate.

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).

I have driven in 48 of the 50 states, and in a vehicle with Kansas plates in 47 of them, and I have never had my vehicle broken into while out of state, despite leaving a car parked and unattended in notoriously sketchy places such as East St. Louis.  The key is to keep the car interior picked up so that nothing is visible through the windows and to remain alert while walking around ("Condition Yellow to avoid Condition Red").

I have never wanted to carry a gun while travelling, either on my person or in my vehicle.  I don't work in security, so I don't have reasons to carry that are related to specific risk or occupational posture.  Besides being a liability nightmare in interstate travel, guns--especially good-quality semiautomatic pistols like a Glock, never mind a Colt 1911 or a Browning Hi-Power--are theft magnets.  In my local area, criminals often obtain guns by stealing them out of vehicles.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PMI actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

I'm not fond of the new Nebraska plate:  a design based on a floor mosaic in the state capitol is too inside-baseball.  I think I would have gone for one that uses the capitol tower, like the State Patrol badge.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 01, 2022, 01:27:57 PM
Quote

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).



If you are in Chicago, then Illinois gun laws and not Wisconsin's, would apply.  While many states have reciprocity with one another (my permit is good in 39 states) Illinois remains an outlier. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 01, 2022, 01:43:40 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on December 01, 2022, 12:57:58 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 01, 2022, 11:55:51 AMSome people are a bit worried about how secure their vehicle would be (including when they are in it!) if they are from a place that is well outstate (ie, Michigan's upper peninsula) and drove their car to and parked it somewhere in downtown Detroit and the fact that their car is registered in Menominee instead of Wayne County is noted on their car's license plate.

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).

I have driven in 48 of the 50 states, and in a vehicle with Kansas plates in 47 of them, and I have never had my vehicle broken into while out of state, despite leaving a car parked and unattended in notoriously sketchy places such as East St. Louis.  The key is to keep the car interior picked up so that nothing is visible through the windows and to remain alert while walking around ("Condition Yellow to avoid Condition Red").

I have never wanted to carry a gun while travelling, either on my person or in my vehicle.  I don't work in security, so I don't have reasons to carry that are related to specific risk or occupational posture.  Besides being a liability nightmare in interstate travel, guns--especially good-quality semiautomatic pistols like a Glock, never mind a Colt 1911 or a Browning Hi-Power--are theft magnets.  In my local area, criminals often obtain guns by stealing them out of vehicles.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PMI actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

I'm not fond of the new Nebraska plate:  a design based on a floor mosaic in the state capitol is too inside-baseball.  I think I would have gone for one that uses the capitol tower, like the State Patrol badge.
There are actual realistic concerns and there are peace of mind considerations.
Broken into probably doesn't depend on location that much, I suspect. Tourists from far away may be seen as fat pigs; those traveling  across the state... Not from my perspective. More targeted traffic enforcement seem to be a real thing though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on December 01, 2022, 02:34:51 PM
Quote from: kphoger on November 23, 2022, 09:34:36 PM
Quote from: signalman on November 23, 2022, 09:27:22 PM
It wasn't unique. Missouri had the same color scheme.

Yep!  I remember license plate spotting as a kid back then, and the only way to tell them apart at a distance is that Arizona had a white blob in the middle (cactus), and Missouri had a colored blob in the middle (sticker).

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus1%2Faz97.jpg&hash=faa187bcedc902025adfc674f2ede2c8f161add6)

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmo96.jpg&hash=5d53f86e413848314fa87ff467fad68caaf81fff)

You make a fair point. I completely forgot about Missouri's old design. Perhaps I am just a fan of the retro plate designs. We lived in Arizona during the 1990's, and I liked the red plates at the time.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on December 01, 2022, 02:47:22 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 01, 2022, 01:43:40 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on December 01, 2022, 12:57:58 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 01, 2022, 11:55:51 AMSome people are a bit worried about how secure their vehicle would be (including when they are in it!) if they are from a place that is well outstate (ie, Michigan's upper peninsula) and drove their car to and parked it somewhere in downtown Detroit and the fact that their car is registered in Menominee instead of Wayne County is noted on their car's license plate.

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).

I have driven in 48 of the 50 states, and in a vehicle with Kansas plates in 47 of them, and I have never had my vehicle broken into while out of state, despite leaving a car parked and unattended in notoriously sketchy places such as East St. Louis.  The key is to keep the car interior picked up so that nothing is visible through the windows and to remain alert while walking around ("Condition Yellow to avoid Condition Red").

I have never wanted to carry a gun while travelling, either on my person or in my vehicle.  I don't work in security, so I don't have reasons to carry that are related to specific risk or occupational posture.  Besides being a liability nightmare in interstate travel, guns--especially good-quality semiautomatic pistols like a Glock, never mind a Colt 1911 or a Browning Hi-Power--are theft magnets.  In my local area, criminals often obtain guns by stealing them out of vehicles.

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 18, 2022, 11:32:46 PMI actually like the Nebraska design, but then again I'm a sucker for classical-style artwork. (And it's quite nice to see a plate from the center of the country that has something to say other than "WE FARM HERE, GOD DAMN IT!")

I'm not fond of the new Nebraska plate:  a design based on a floor mosaic in the state capitol is too inside-baseball.  I think I would have gone for one that uses the capitol tower, like the State Patrol badge.
There are actual realistic concerns and there are peace of mind considerations.
Broken into probably doesn't depend on location that much, I suspect. Tourists from far away may be seen as fat pigs; those traveling  across the state... Not from my perspective. More targeted traffic enforcement seem to be a real thing though.

I live outside of San Francisco, one of the automobile burglary hotspots in all of California. While the problem happens all over town, tourists are a prime target and the burglars LOVE going to places frequented by tourists.  The reason why is that tourists often have all of their luggage in their car. If they look inside the window of a car and see a bunch of suitcases or a backpack, they know there are probably several items of value inside which they can then fence.  The best advice is that you should never leave anything of value in your car, don't even leave anything that gives the impression of value in your car, like an empty backpack or any sort of box or packaging. It blows my mind how often I see neighbors complain on NextDoor about how their wallet or laptop was stolen from their car.

Bringing it back on-topic, even though California does not code plates differently by location, there are several easy ways to spot rental cars, which are a prime target for break-in.  California issues a special fleet registration decal such as the one below. Most (but not all) rental cars have that type of fleet registration, and also many rental car company place decals with bar codes in visible locations on exterior windows. The thieves all know this.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.plateshack.com%2Fy2k%2FCalifornia5%2Fcafleet2018.jpg&hash=352c5af168198647eff22497bd636d78ba565092)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 04:21:30 PM
I still would like to know where on any of Michigan's license plates that you can tell which county the car is registered in. My whole point is that there isn't anything on the license plates to indicate which county you are registered in so no one in Wayne County is going to be able to know that your car is registered in Menominee County. In fact I highly doubt that anyone in Wayne County is even going to take the time to figure where Menominee County even is.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 01, 2022, 04:49:48 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 01, 2022, 11:55:51 AM
I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).

I have driven in, through, and around Chicago hundreds of times and have never had that worry.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 04:56:54 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 01, 2022, 04:49:48 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 01, 2022, 11:55:51 AM
I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).

I have driven in, through, and around Chicago hundreds of times and have never had that worry.
Same here with Michigan plates. Are they more hostile to people from Wisconsin than Michigan though?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:00:12 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 22, 2022, 10:54:44 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 22, 2022, 12:18:21 PM
I'm happy Michigan changes it up. We don't have the Mackinac Bridge on all our plates and I'm happy we have a choice now between the ugly standard plate we have had since 2013 with the Pure Michigan across the top and that ugly seawave with the website on the bottom. I replaced that plate with the throwback Water Winter Wonderland one and like that plate much better.

I always thought the Pure Michigan plate was really good. Dead simple, but clearly recognizable from a distance as Michigan with the blue wave and large centered "M". Very easy to read, no BS behind the numbers. The new Water Winter Wonderland is a great plate too, maybe one of my favorites in the US up there with Oregon's Pacific Wonderland plate.

Not keen on the Mackinaw Bridge plate, the design is good but I would have picked a different time of day. The sunset/sunrise color is a tough background for either white or black numbering.
I've always thought that the Pure Michigan plate was rather ugly. The Water Winter Wonderland plate is a throwback plate that has reappeared which is nice because I think it's our nicest license plate. The Mackinac Bridge plate is ok, I like it better than I do the white and blue one but my favorite is the Water Winter Wonderland one by far. That plate actually started out in 1954 as just Water Wonderland and then went to Water Winter Wonderland from 1965-67.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:06:18 PM
The Pure Michigan plates are fine.  But nothing beats the good old pre-2007 white-on-blue scheme.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmi07.jpg&hash=c53db0dd425b69301e50c38a81556afca709f9fc)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:06:18 PM
The Pure Michigan plates are fine.  But nothing beats the good old pre-2007 white-on-blue scheme.

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus3%2Fmi07.jpg&hash=c53db0dd425b69301e50c38a81556afca709f9fc)
I can't stand the slogan Pure Michigan, the blue wave on the bottom makes me seasick and having a website on a license plate is stupid.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:13:44 PM
Since this is my old license plate I don't care if anybody knows the number off it. But this is how bad a Michigan license plate can look after about 8 years.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20221201/894738f3ed860635cf8a147195fa1bcf.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
I don't get the appeal of the solid color plates so many people seem to love. There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Something like the Sacred Rain Arrow plate Oklahoma used during the Henry and early Fallin administrations is the best sort of design, in my opinion. Something visually interesting that doesn't interfere with the numbers at all.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
I can't stand the slogan Pure Michigan

Agreed.  The slogan is bad.  But that doesn't mean the design is bad.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
the blue wave on the bottom makes me seasick

I'm guessing not...

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
and having a website on a license plate is stupid.

Yeah, I think it's silly too, but at least it isn't as stupid as California's great idea to put the DMV's website on it...




Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
I don't get the appeal of the solid color plates so many people seem to love.

It isn't just solid color plates.  I'm generally in favor of license plate designs that feature muted-to-no graphic elements with the serial number in a starkly contrasting color.  These two factors together make for an easily legible license plate, which is kind of the whole point of having them in the first place.  So, for example, the turquoise NM plate passes the first test but fails miserably at the second.  And, while I think using a close-up of the state seal was a pathetic direction to go in, Kansas' current issue passes both tests.  And that's what I like about the old blue Michigan plates:  not only are there no graphics getting in the way of legibility, but the white and blue are a great contrast.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
Something like the Sacred Rain Arrow plate Oklahoma used during the Henry and early Fallin administrations is the best sort of design, in my opinion. Something visually interesting that doesn't interfere with the numbers at all.

Agreed.  The sunbelt design used immediately before that one was also good–one of the best, IMHO.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 06:18:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

The problem isn't so much private citizens not being able to tell what state a plate is from–it's not a huge issue if you or I can't tell what state a car is from–as it is government officials having the same problem. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I had to pay a toll incurred by someone with the same plate number in a different state, just because both states used near-identical license plates and the toll authority couldn't figure out which state it belonged to.

Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
Something like the Sacred Rain Arrow plate Oklahoma used during the Henry and early Fallin administrations is the best sort of design, in my opinion. Something visually interesting that doesn't interfere with the numbers at all.

Agreed.  The sunbelt design used immediately before that one was also good–one of the best, IMHO.

There was another one in between those two:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus4%2Fok95.jpg&hash=eb2ba93e21611361b6ea04710810964625759dd8)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 06:34:55 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
I can't stand the slogan Pure Michigan

Agreed.  The slogan is bad.  But that doesn't mean the design is bad.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
the blue wave on the bottom makes me seasick

I'm guessing not...

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
and having a website on a license plate is stupid.

Yeah, I think it's silly too, but at least it isn't as stupid as California's great idea to put the DMV's website on it...




Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
I don't get the appeal of the solid color plates so many people seem to love.

It isn't just solid color plates.  I'm generally in favor of license plate designs that feature muted-to-no graphic elements with the serial number in a starkly contrasting color.  These two factors together make for an easily legible license plate, which is kind of the whole point of having them in the first place.  So, for example, the turquoise NM plate passes the first test but fails miserably at the second.  And, while I think using a close-up of the state seal was a pathetic direction to go in, Kansas' current issue passes both tests.  And that's what I like about the old blue Michigan plates:  not only are there no graphics getting in the way of legibility, but the white and blue are a great contrast.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
Something like the Sacred Rain Arrow plate Oklahoma used during the Henry and early Fallin administrations is the best sort of design, in my opinion. Something visually interesting that doesn't interfere with the numbers at all.

Agreed.  The sunbelt design used immediately before that one was also good–one of the best, IMHO.
Water Winter Wonderland is a better slogan because that's exactly what Michigan is. Plus the color scheme is nice too. The one you like is blah IMO.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 06:45:51 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 06:18:01 PM
There was another one in between those two:
(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.15q.net%2Fus4%2Fok95.jpg&hash=eb2ba93e21611361b6ea04710810964625759dd8)


Oh, sorry, I thought that's the one you were referring to.  Total brain fart on my part.

I dislike the sacred rain arrow plate because the huge graphic element made all six digits get smooshed together, making the serial number more difficult to parse.  And also because Oklahoma jumped on the flat plate bandwagon at that point...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 07:08:34 PM
I like embossed plates as much as the next guy, but I was glad when we went to a flat plate because the dies we used (as seen in the Osage shield plate) were kind of ugly. I much prefer how our plates use Series C now that they're flat plates.

I didn't really have much problem parsing the Sacred Rain Arrow plates. They were almost always in the form ###AAA (the exception was the random weirdos who paid extra to keep their number from the Osage base, which were extremely rare), so once you saw a few of them it wasn't hard to grok the pattern.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 07:29:10 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
I can't stand the slogan Pure Michigan

Agreed.  The slogan is bad.  But that doesn't mean the design is bad.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
the blue wave on the bottom makes me seasick

I'm guessing not...

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
and having a website on a license plate is stupid.

Yeah, I think it's silly too, but at least it isn't as stupid as California's great idea to put the DMV's website on it...




Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
I don't get the appeal of the solid color plates so many people seem to love.

It isn't just solid color plates.  I'm generally in favor of license plate designs that feature muted-to-no graphic elements with the serial number in a starkly contrasting color.  These two factors together make for an easily legible license plate, which is kind of the whole point of having them in the first place.  So, for example, the turquoise NM plate passes the first test but fails miserably at the second.  And, while I think using a close-up of the state seal was a pathetic direction to go in, Kansas' current issue passes both tests.  And that's what I like about the old blue Michigan plates:  not only are there no graphics getting in the way of legibility, but the white and blue are a great contrast.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
Something like the Sacred Rain Arrow plate Oklahoma used during the Henry and early Fallin administrations is the best sort of design, in my opinion. Something visually interesting that doesn't interfere with the numbers at all.

Agreed.  The sunbelt design used immediately before that one was also good–one of the best, IMHO.
It might look alright to someone like yourself living quite a distance from Michigan and probably not seeing them in a regular basis it probably would look cool.

At the time we had the blue plates up till 2007 I thought they were blah but now I kind of like them too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on December 01, 2022, 07:45:51 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM. . . I think using a close-up of the state seal was a pathetic direction to go in . . .

I do not disagree!

The capitol design (previous base) took some figuring out too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 07:57:33 PM
My one complaint about Kansas is that they stopped using the border that blocked out the upper right corner of the plate, thus making it Kansas-shaped. That is such an easy (and cool) graphical treatment that it's criminal that they stopped doing it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 08:03:49 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 07:29:10 PM
It might look alright to someone like yourself living quite a distance from Michigan and probably not seeing them in a regular basis it probably would look cool.

Michigan plates are fairly common on road trips.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 08:32:16 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 08:03:49 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 07:29:10 PM
It might look alright to someone like yourself living quite a distance from Michigan and probably not seeing them in a regular basis it probably would look cool.

Michigan plates are fairly common on road trips.
You actually like them? I was so happy to be able to get rid of my Pure Michigan plate when I got my new plate I hated that thing on my car.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 09:56:47 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:06:18 PM
The Pure Michigan plates are fine.

...

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 06:34:55 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 05:08:55 PM
I can't stand the slogan Pure Michigan

But that doesn't mean the design is bad.

...

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 08:32:16 PM

You actually like them?

I think I've already established that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
I think the Pure Michigan license plates are the ugliest plates Michigan has ever had. They should have kept the blue plates they had up until 2007. We don't need the Mackinac Bridge on our license plates, I don't think the Great Lakes Splendor plates were bad though. The World's Auto Capital one's that came out in 1996 but didn't last long those were fine. Maybe if I had another state's plate on my car I might think differently but the plate I have on my car now is the Water Winter Wonderland one and I like that plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on December 02, 2022, 08:22:43 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
I think the Pure Michigan license plates are the ugliest plates Michigan has ever had. They should have kept the blue plates they had up until 2007. We don't need the Mackinac Bridge on our license plates, I don't think the Great Lakes Splendor plates were bad though. The World's Auto Capital one's that came out in 1996 but didn't last long those were fine. Maybe if I had another state's plate on my car I might think differently but the plate I have on my car now is the Water Winter Wonderland one and I like that plate.

I agree, I like when states do the throwback designs. Kind of reminds me of the black and gold California plates. Now California is stuck with the stupid DMV website at the bottom.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on December 02, 2022, 09:10:57 AM
I have seen some fugiy plates in my time, but the other day here in Colorado, i happened across one of, if not *THE* ugliest plate I have ever seen:

The Tennessee Fish Plate:  https://tnclerks.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/360000801123/Arts_-_Fish_cls_3635.jpg
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 09:39:55 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:06:18 PM
But nothing beats the good old pre-2007 white-on-blue scheme.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 06:34:55 PM
The one you like is blah IMO.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
They should have kept the blue plates they had up until 2007.

Are you just trolling me now?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 03:00:03 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 09:39:55 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:06:18 PM
But nothing beats the good old pre-2007 white-on-blue scheme.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 06:34:55 PM
The one you like is blah IMO.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
They should have kept the blue plates they had up until 2007.

Are you just trolling me now?
I didn't see where you said that but yeah I like those plates too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 03:05:18 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 02, 2022, 08:22:43 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
I think the Pure Michigan license plates are the ugliest plates Michigan has ever had. They should have kept the blue plates they had up until 2007. We don't need the Mackinac Bridge on our license plates, I don't think the Great Lakes Splendor plates were bad though. The World's Auto Capital one's that came out in 1996 but didn't last long those were fine. Maybe if I had another state's plate on my car I might think differently but the plate I have on my car now is the Water Winter Wonderland one and I like that plate.

I agree, I like when states do the throwback designs. Kind of reminds me of the black and gold California plates. Now California is stuck with the stupid DMV website at the bottom.
Yeah I don't like those DMV website plates California has. When I had my Pure Michigan plate I showed a picture of it yesterday in this thread and when I replaced that plate I had almost the entire website and some of the letters and numbers ripped right off. I think the blue and gold color scheme looks good.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 03:42:59 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 03:00:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 09:39:55 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:06:18 PM
But nothing beats the good old pre-2007 white-on-blue scheme.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 06:34:55 PM
The one you like is blah IMO.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
They should have kept the blue plates they had up until 2007.

Are you just trolling me now?

I didn't see where you said that but yeah I like those plates too.

Then what plate, which you claimed I like, do you think is blah?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on December 02, 2022, 05:16:36 PM
I also appreciate the simplicity of the older plate designs, like the Massachusetts green and white plates (greenies) of my youth. Some of the graphic designs on newer plates, especially those that are de facto advertisements for websites, we could do without.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GeekJedi on December 02, 2022, 08:34:49 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 01, 2022, 01:27:57 PM
Quote

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).




If you are in Chicago, then Illinois gun laws and not Wisconsin's, would apply.  While many states have reciprocity with one another (my permit is good in 39 states) Illinois remains an outlier. 

Correct. Your WI CCP is not valid in Illinois, so you have to keep your stuff locked up in the trunk.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 10:04:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 03:42:59 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 03:00:03 PM

Quote from: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 09:39:55 AM

Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:06:18 PM
But nothing beats the good old pre-2007 white-on-blue scheme.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 01, 2022, 06:34:55 PM
The one you like is blah IMO.

Quote from: Flint1979 on December 02, 2022, 07:31:05 AM
They should have kept the blue plates they had up until 2007.

Are you just trolling me now?

I didn't see where you said that but yeah I like those plates too.

Then what plate, which you claimed I like, do you think is blah?
I thought you said you liked the Pure Michigan one that's the one I think is blah. I'd rather have the pre 2007 plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 10:30:45 PM
To clarify:

1.  The pre-2007 white on blue plates were the best.

2.  The 2007 issue, with the blue band at the top, was pretty good also–notwithstanding the addition of the URL.

3.  The Pure Michigan issue is just fine.  Not quite as good as the others, but better than probably 20% of the states' current issues.

4.  The new Water-Winter Wonderland plates look good on the computer, but I haven't seen one in person yet.  Are all the digits smooshed together, or is there a separation?  If there's no separation, that that's one downside IMHO.  Otherwise really good, though.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 03, 2022, 06:34:33 AM
Going on record once again that nobody mixes up the era of Wisconsin license plates since they have had the same damn design since the mid-80s. A complete travesty.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JoePCool14 on December 03, 2022, 07:00:42 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 03, 2022, 06:34:33 AM
Going on record once again that nobody mixes up the era of Wisconsin license plates since they have had the same damn design since the mid-80s. A complete travesty.
And after all these years, I'm still not sure whether I like Wisconsin's plate design or not. I wouldn't mind a refresh, but I'm sure I'd want it if any new design would be tacky like many others.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: catch22 on December 03, 2022, 07:13:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 10:30:45 PM
To clarify:

1.  The pre-2007 white on blue plates were the best.

2.  The 2007 issue, with the blue band at the top, was pretty good also–notwithstanding the addition of the URL.

3.  The Pure Michigan issue is just fine.  Not quite as good as the others, but better than probably 20% of the states' current issues.

4.  The new Water-Winter Wonderland plates look good on the computer, but I haven't seen one in person yet.  Are all the digits smooshed together, or is there a separation?  If there's no separation, that that's one downside IMHO.  Otherwise really good, though.

No gaps.   Here's the first one I spotted in the wild a few months ago.

(https://i.imgur.com/zW6whky.jpg)

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 03, 2022, 08:32:35 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on December 03, 2022, 07:00:42 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 03, 2022, 06:34:33 AM
Going on record once again that nobody mixes up the era of Wisconsin license plates since they have had the same damn design since the mid-80s. A complete travesty.
And after all these years, I'm still not sure whether I like Wisconsin's plate design or not. I wouldn't mind a refresh, but I'm sure I'd want it if any new design would be tacky like many others.


At this point, I don't care how tacky it is. Just give me something new.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 03, 2022, 08:41:33 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 10:30:45 PM
To clarify:

1.  The pre-2007 white on blue plates were the best.

2.  The 2007 issue, with the blue band at the top, was pretty good also–notwithstanding the addition of the URL.

3.  The Pure Michigan issue is just fine.  Not quite as good as the others, but better than probably 20% of the states' current issues.

4.  The new Water-Winter Wonderland plates look good on the computer, but I haven't seen one in person yet.  Are all the digits smooshed together, or is there a separation?  If there's no separation, that that's one downside IMHO.  Otherwise really good, though.
1. They were nice but I do like the Water Winter Wonderland ones better but those are a nice second. It'd be cool if you could have a choice between that plate and the Water Winter Wonderland one instead of the Pure Michigan one.

2. That wasn't as bad because it didn't feature the Pure Michigan thing. It seems like everything they have done is Pure Michigan this, Pure Michigan that. Even the welcome signs coming into the state say Welcome to Pure Michigan on them.
https://www.google.com/maps/@41.7261799,-83.6886605,3a,15y,316.26h,98.33t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1s_elziCMon2NuV5h477Y_Pw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192

3. It's probably middle of the pack just an average plate IMO. There are some that are worse and some that are better including Michigan's own Water Winter Wonderland plate.

4. They have 6 letters/numbers across the plate with no seperation and honestly it looks pretty good.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on December 03, 2022, 08:42:11 AM
Quote from: catch22 on December 03, 2022, 07:13:24 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 02, 2022, 10:30:45 PM
To clarify:

1.  The pre-2007 white on blue plates were the best.

2.  The 2007 issue, with the blue band at the top, was pretty good also–notwithstanding the addition of the URL.

3.  The Pure Michigan issue is just fine.  Not quite as good as the others, but better than probably 20% of the states' current issues.

4.  The new Water-Winter Wonderland plates look good on the computer, but I haven't seen one in person yet.  Are all the digits smooshed together, or is there a separation?  If there's no separation, that that's one downside IMHO.  Otherwise really good, though.

No gaps.   Here's the first one I spotted in the wild a few months ago.

(https://i.imgur.com/zW6whky.jpg)
The tab is in the wrong corner, it's supposed to be over that white line on the lower right.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 03, 2022, 11:02:28 AM
Quote from: GeekJedi on December 02, 2022, 08:34:49 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 01, 2022, 01:27:57 PM
Quote

I'm sometimes a bit worried about driving a car with Wisconsin plates in Chicago (although that worry is somewhat tempered by Wisconsin's concealed-carry law).




If you are in Chicago, then Illinois gun laws and not Wisconsin's, would apply.  While many states have reciprocity with one another (my permit is good in 39 states) Illinois remains an outlier. 

Correct. Your WI CCP is not valid in Illinois, so you have to keep your stuff locked up in the trunk.

There are more than a few who believe that they'd "rather be judged by twelve than carried by six".

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 09:35:50 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 03, 2022, 06:34:33 AM
Going on record once again that nobody mixes up the era of Wisconsin license plates since they have had the same damn design since the mid-80s. A complete travesty.

The most significant change happened in 2000, when the color changed from (a) blue to red for the state name, (b) red to black for the serial, and (c) blue to red for the slogan/nickname.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on December 05, 2022, 09:59:42 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on December 02, 2022, 09:10:57 AM
I have seen some fugiy plates in my time, but the other day here in Colorado, i happened across one of, if not *THE* ugliest plate I have ever seen:

The Tennessee Fish Plate:  https://tnclerks.zendesk.com/hc/article_attachments/360000801123/Arts_-_Fish_cls_3635.jpg

Wow, and it costs $61.50 a year (https://www.tn.gov/revenue/title-and-registration/license-plates/available-license-plates/arts-commission/arts-fish.html) to have that beauty on your car! It honestly looks a shitpost. :-D It also doesn't say anything about the Tennessee Arts Commission on the plate itself, which leaves you wondering what it's for.

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 06:18:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

The problem isn't so much private citizens not being able to tell what state a plate is from–it's not a huge issue if you or I can't tell what state a car is from–as it is government officials having the same problem. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I had to pay a toll incurred by someone with the same plate number in a different state, just because both states used near-identical license plates and the toll authority couldn't figure out which state it belonged to.

And this is what bothers me about the special plates that many places issue. There should be a unifying theme to them so that it's easy to tell the state/province that it belongs to. I really like that Ontario places a logo on the left side for special plates (https://www.ontario.ca/page/choose-licence-plate-graphic), with the rest of the plate looking like the standard issue. It makes it easy to tell it's an Ontario plate from a distance.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 10:24:42 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 05, 2022, 09:59:42 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 06:18:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

The problem isn't so much private citizens not being able to tell what state a plate is from–it's not a huge issue if you or I can't tell what state a car is from–as it is government officials having the same problem. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I had to pay a toll incurred by someone with the same plate number in a different state, just because both states used near-identical license plates and the toll authority couldn't figure out which state it belonged to.

And this is what bothers me about the special plates that many places issue. There should be a unifying theme to them so that it's easy to tell the state/province that it belongs to. I really like that Ontario places a logo on the left side for special plates (https://www.ontario.ca/page/choose-licence-plate-graphic), with the rest of the plate looking like the standard issue. It makes it easy to tell it's an Ontario plate from a distance.
Maybe it is time to mandate state name being an explicit part of a license plate number rather than a decorative element at the edge? 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 05, 2022, 11:17:11 AM
If we are really serious about "toll by plate"  and all of that, then certainly making the state name readable, and do away with things like alumni plates for out of state colleges (is it a Georgia Alabama fan plate or a Alabama Georgia fan plate? ) and plate frames that obscure the material on the plate, will have to happen. 

Right now it looks like toll authorities are raking in so much dough that they just ignore all of this stuff..
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 05, 2022, 01:12:55 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 10:24:42 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 05, 2022, 09:59:42 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 06:18:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

The problem isn't so much private citizens not being able to tell what state a plate is from–it's not a huge issue if you or I can't tell what state a car is from–as it is government officials having the same problem. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I had to pay a toll incurred by someone with the same plate number in a different state, just because both states used near-identical license plates and the toll authority couldn't figure out which state it belonged to.

And this is what bothers me about the special plates that many places issue. There should be a unifying theme to them so that it's easy to tell the state/province that it belongs to. I really like that Ontario places a logo on the left side for special plates (https://www.ontario.ca/page/choose-licence-plate-graphic), with the rest of the plate looking like the standard issue. It makes it easy to tell it's an Ontario plate from a distance.
Maybe it is time to mandate state name being an explicit part of a license plate number rather than a decorative element at the edge?

I have pondered that within the past few years, having 'Euro' style plates where the first two characters are the postal  abbreviation for the state, province or territory in which the vehicle is registered and the seven after that being the number that the jurisdiction would otherwise have issued to the vehicle (ie, [CA-NLLLNNN] or [WI-LLL-NNNN], with perhaps some way to include the country in the number.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 01:45:17 PM
Mexico handles it by having a nationwide pool of serial numbers, and each state being assigned blocks of serial numbers within it.

So, for example, if you spot a pickup truck from Mexico with license plate HX-3455-C, it doesn't matter that the state name is covered up by a frame:  it's from Jalisco.  Or if you see a passenger car with license plate A14-NVD-4, you can be sure it's a Fronteriza plate from Baja California, even if you can't see the state name.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Halian on December 05, 2022, 02:16:54 PM
Personally, I'm not a fan of most of the graphical issues going around right now, as they're either (IMO) too loud and/or too ugly. Similarly, I'll take a pass on flat plates as a matter of course.

/me pseudorelatedly wonders if a thread for custom/fictional license plate designs already exists
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
Quote from: Halian on December 05, 2022, 02:16:54 PM
/me pseudorelatedly wonders if a thread for custom/fictional license plate designs already exists

I made one for fictional license plate serial blocks (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=27265.0), but that might be too geeky for what you're wanting.

You also might enjoy this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8790.msg225454#msg225454) from 2013.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 03:15:36 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 05, 2022, 01:12:55 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 10:24:42 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 05, 2022, 09:59:42 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 06:18:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 01, 2022, 05:56:50 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

Yep, and that's totally fine.  I remember when Iowa looked like Michigan looked like Connecticut, Arizona looked like Missouri, Pennsylvania looked like (old) California, and New Hampshire looked like (old) Washington.  I couldn't always be 100% certain when license plate spotting from the other side of the Interstate on a family road trip, but so what?  No problem otherwise.

The problem isn't so much private citizens not being able to tell what state a plate is from—it's not a huge issue if you or I can't tell what state a car is from—as it is government officials having the same problem. I'd be pretty cheesed off if I had to pay a toll incurred by someone with the same plate number in a different state, just because both states used near-identical license plates and the toll authority couldn't figure out which state it belonged to.

And this is what bothers me about the special plates that many places issue. There should be a unifying theme to them so that it's easy to tell the state/province that it belongs to. I really like that Ontario places a logo on the left side for special plates (https://www.ontario.ca/page/choose-licence-plate-graphic), with the rest of the plate looking like the standard issue. It makes it easy to tell it's an Ontario plate from a distance.
Maybe it is time to mandate state name being an explicit part of a license plate number rather than a decorative element at the edge?

I have pondered that within the past few years, having 'Euro' style plates where the first two characters are the postal  abbreviation for the state, province or territory in which the vehicle is registered and the seven after that being the number that the jurisdiction would otherwise have issued to the vehicle (ie, [CA-NLLLNNN] or [WI-LLL-NNNN], with perhaps some way to include the country in the number.

Mike
Problem is that most cars sold in US have a US-speced license plate holder. Attaching long euro plate wouldn't work. Two lines on a plate may work, though.
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 01:45:17 PM
Mexico handles it by having a nationwide pool of serial numbers, and each state being assigned blocks of serial numbers within it.

So, for example, if you spot a pickup truck from Mexico with license plate HX-3455-C, it doesn't matter that the state name is covered up by a frame:  it's from Jalisco.  Or if you see a passenger car with license plate A14-NVD-4, you can be sure it's a Fronteriza plate from Baja California, even if you can't see the state name.

If you want to keep things readable...  NY has room for 8 symbols on a plate, actually uses 7 -  and consumed last 6 symbol of Kaa-NNNN  within ~30 months. I don't think anyone can squeeze 9 symbols in existing layout.
If we want human-readable 2 symbols state code and still maximum of 8 symbols, there is not enough room. Until you are willing too go for some non-memorizable NYLLNNLN  combinations without spaces... and even then larger states may get problems.
Mexico has about 1/3 of US population, and my gut feeling that there are fewer cars per capita. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 03:39:39 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 03:15:36 PM
I don't think anyone can squeeze 9 symbols in existing layout.

Challenge accepted!  (using Montana's current issue)

(https://i.imgur.com/JlkD0k2.png)

Also, take a look at Nicaragua's current issue.  Same dimensions as US plates, seven digits, with two spaces.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 04:22:40 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 03:39:39 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 03:15:36 PM
I don't think anyone can squeeze 9 symbols in existing layout.

Challenge accepted!  (using Montana's current issue)

(https://i.imgur.com/JlkD0k2.png)

Also, take a look at Nicaragua's current issue.  Same dimensions as US plates, seven digits, with two spaces.
UGLY!!

As for Nicaragua, that is two half-spaces I would say, font is similar to NY in width.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 04:26:29 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 04:22:40 PM
As for Nicaragua, that is two half-spaces I would say, font is similar to NY in width.

Yes, I realize.  Easily accommodated by using narrower dies.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 04:27:27 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 05, 2022, 04:22:40 PM
UGLY!!

I thought Comic Sans would give it the push over the edge that it really needed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 05, 2022, 04:50:51 PM
Quote from: 7/8 on December 05, 2022, 09:59:42 AM
And this is what bothers me about the special plates that many places issue. There should be a unifying theme to them so that it's easy to tell the state/province that it belongs to. I really like that Ontario places a logo on the left side for special plates (https://www.ontario.ca/page/choose-licence-plate-graphic), with the rest of the plate looking like the standard issue. It makes it easy to tell it's an Ontario plate from a distance.

Heh, you'd hate Oklahoma. Not only do we have the state plates and all of its special plates, but every First Nations tribe in the state is also allowed to issue license plates. The bigger tribes just contract it out to the state, which gives them a number pool that doesn't conflict with the main state issue (Chickasaw Nation is CN##### for instance) and the plate at least uses the same font as the Oklahoma plate, so it just looks like an Oklahoma special plate. But some tribes handle their own issue. These tribes have their own number pool and plate design, and handle the issuing and fee collection through their tribal government. Some of them even still use embossed plates.

I kind of wonder how many traffic cameras actually recognize some of the more obscure ones, like the the Otoe-Missouria tribal plate (https://live.staticflickr.com/8086/8589307236_0c2528c188_b.jpg) (every man, woman, and child in the tribe could have three cars and they'd still have a few plate numbers left over in their 4-numerical-digit scheme for anyone who isn't a man, woman, or child). I have access to Chickasaw and Choctaw-plated vehicles, and those are recognized by OTA just fine, of course, but I'm not sure if that's true in states further afield from Oklahoma, as I've never had the opportunity to test it.

Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 03:39:39 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/JlkD0k2.png)

I like the slogan. :nod: Since we've done the "Oklahoma is OK" thing before, though, maybe it should just be "Oklahoma: It's not Texas." Leave it to the reader to decide whether that is a good or bad thing. :P
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 05:15:10 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 05, 2022, 04:50:51 PM
I like the slogan. :nod:

You may be misunderstanding the intent...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 05, 2022, 06:06:27 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 05:15:10 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 05, 2022, 04:50:51 PM
I like the slogan. :nod:

You may be misunderstanding the intent...

I choose to believe it has two interpretations. :bigass:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on December 05, 2022, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
Quote from: Halian on December 05, 2022, 02:16:54 PM
/me pseudorelatedly wonders if a thread for custom/fictional license plate designs already exists

I made one for fictional license plate serial blocks (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=27265.0), but that might be too geeky for what you're wanting.

You also might enjoy this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8790.msg225454#msg225454) from 2013.

Oh hey, that's me from nine years ago!

I think this is a good time to plug the license plate redesign series I finished up a few months ago:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 05, 2022, 07:53:48 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 05, 2022, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
Quote from: Halian on December 05, 2022, 02:16:54 PM
/me pseudorelatedly wonders if a thread for custom/fictional license plate designs already exists

I made one for fictional license plate serial blocks (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=27265.0), but that might be too geeky for what you're wanting.

You also might enjoy this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8790.msg225454#msg225454) from 2013.

Oh hey, that's me from nine years ago!

I think this is a good time to plug the license plate redesign series I finished up a few months ago:

  • California: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE)
  • Alabama - Missouri: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO)
  • Montana - Wyoming: https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE)
  • Canada: https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR (https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR)

I want that Oklahoma plate so damn bad.

(Black-stickered plates are for test drive use only, though. ;) )
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 09:33:30 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 05, 2022, 07:05:54 PM
I think this is a good time to plug the license plate redesign series I finished up a few months ago:

  • California: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE)
  • Alabama - Missouri: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO)
  • Montana - Wyoming: https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE)
  • Canada: https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR (https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR)

American Samoa – The >90% Christian population might not appreciate the star and crescent.
Arizona – Yes!
Arkansas – Dark blue on red is not very legible.
DC – I'm actually rather fond of the current issue.
Hawaii – And lose the rainbow????  What????
Idaho – Yes, yes, yes!  I love you.
Iowa – I hate you for retaining the slashed zeroes.
Kentucky – Ooooh, nice...
Maryland – Pretty snazzy, looks sharp.
Missouri – Wow, for a second I thought it was a real issue.
New Mexico – Your teal option is what should be the teal option now.  Good job.
Oregon – Nice throwback!
Prince Edward Island – Classy.
Québec – Also classy.
Rhode Island – Much less dingy-looking than the current issue.
Texas – Best of all worlds, when it comes to the state's plate history.
Utah – I'm getting throwback vibes from the state name, and they're good vibes.
Yukon – I had high hopes, but they were only half met.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on December 06, 2022, 09:45:37 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 09:33:30 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 05, 2022, 07:05:54 PM
I think this is a good time to plug the license plate redesign series I finished up a few months ago:

  • California: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE)
  • Alabama - Missouri: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO)
  • Montana - Wyoming: https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE)
  • Canada: https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR (https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR)

Idaho – Yes, yes, yes!  I love you.


I think the Idaho plate looks a bit like the old Illinois one:

(https://i.imgur.com/xemwtam.jpg)

Which they would go back to, or at least something similar, if I had my druthers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on December 07, 2022, 03:04:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 09:33:30 AM
American Samoa – The >90% Christian population might not appreciate the star and crescent.

Faith is stronger than license plates, is it not?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on December 07, 2022, 04:14:24 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 05, 2022, 07:05:54 PM

I think this is a good time to plug the license plate redesign series I finished up a few months ago:

  • California: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE)
  • Alabama - Missouri: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO)
  • Montana - Wyoming: https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE)
  • Canada: https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR (https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR)

I like a lot of your designs (most, in fact).  The ones I quibble with are the ones where you did not change the state's goofy numbering system to something more normal, and/or did not include a space or separator between numbers and letters.  6 or 7 characters all run together is hard to read even if it's a predictable pattern like ABC123.  Also, please get rid of the slashed 0s on Iowa's plate.  Overall, good work!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on December 07, 2022, 08:44:40 PM
Quote from: formulanone on December 07, 2022, 03:04:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 09:33:30 AM
American Samoa – The >90% Christian population might not appreciate the star and crescent.

Faith is stronger than license plates, is it not?
Or states that offer plates that affirm one's faith?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on December 07, 2022, 11:11:26 PM
I like your Arkansas redesign, but I too would use black alphanumerics. The state has used variations of the same basic design since 1978. It's time for a change.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 07, 2022, 11:55:07 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 05, 2022, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
Quote from: Halian on December 05, 2022, 02:16:54 PM
/me pseudorelatedly wonders if a thread for custom/fictional license plate designs already exists

I made one for fictional license plate serial blocks (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=27265.0), but that might be too geeky for what you're wanting.

You also might enjoy this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8790.msg225454#msg225454) from 2013.

Oh hey, that's me from nine years ago!

I think this is a good time to plug the license plate redesign series I finished up a few months ago:

  • California: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE)

Random question–which font did you use for the "California" text on this?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 09, 2022, 04:47:38 AM
Fictional license plate slogans moved to: https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=32576.0

This is meant as a news thread. Please keep it free of made up things.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 09, 2022, 04:46:33 PM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 05, 2022, 07:05:54 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
Quote from: Halian on December 05, 2022, 02:16:54 PM
/me pseudorelatedly wonders if a thread for custom/fictional license plate designs already exists

I made one for fictional license plate serial blocks (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=27265.0), but that might be too geeky for what you're wanting.

You also might enjoy this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8790.msg225454#msg225454) from 2013.

Oh hey, that's me from nine years ago!

I think this is a good time to plug the license plate redesign series I finished up a few months ago:

  • California: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138247417/United-Plates-of-America-PART-ONE)
  • Alabama - Missouri: https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO (https://www.behance.net/gallery/138654139/United-Plates-of-America-PART-TWO)
  • Montana - Wyoming: https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE (https://www.behance.net/gallery/143973585/United-Plates-of-America-PART-THREE)
  • Canada: https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR (https://www.behance.net/gallery/151570635/United-Plates-of-America-PART-FOUR)
More than a few of those are really nice, but I'm not putting that red thing on my Ohio car
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 09, 2022, 06:31:53 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
I don't get the appeal of the solid color plates so many people seem to love. There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

You must be assuming that there would only be one color of text on a license plate.  If, however, the serial number is a different color from the state name and slogan, then the pool of good combinations grows substantially larger.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 09, 2022, 06:34:51 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 09, 2022, 06:31:53 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 01, 2022, 05:20:12 PM
I don't get the appeal of the solid color plates so many people seem to love. There's only twenty or so unique color schemes you can do, so that means that you're going to have to have some duplicates between the states.

You must be assuming that there would only be one color of text on a license plate.  If, however, the serial number is a different color from the state name and slogan, then the pool of good combinations grows substantially larger.

This is true, but it undercuts one of the appealing things about a one-color plate from the state's perspective–it is cheaper to manufacture a plate with only two colors, foreground and background.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on December 09, 2022, 06:51:02 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on November 22, 2022, 12:46:10 PM
Counties - I do not see the point in noting the county unless there is some point to it, such as different counties charging differently for plates, different emission regulations, different taxes such that it would make sense to register a car at a relative or friends home.  Florida, where the county name seems to be optional and not used in the largest county (Dade) at all seems odd.  Back when Kentucky has a very plain plate, the county was the same font on the stamped plates.  Kentucky has an Ohio county so there were plates that read Kentucky / NNN LLL / Ohio, which had to be confusing to law enforcement and meter maids. 


Back in college my friends all thought there was a Good County Kentucky because the pickup truck plates said 6000 on the bottom (for under 6000 pounds) instead of the county name as seen on passenger car plates. I knew better but never said anything. We were all from Ohio and attending SSU so we saw a lot of trucks from "Good County". Eventually my friends figured it out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 12, 2022, 11:11:20 AM
Not actually license plate news, but today's Wall Street Journal reports that many states are running out of TP.  No, not toilet paper, but title paper.  That high security watermarked stuff they print titles on.  Paper companies switched during the panic/pandemic to making boxes and other shipping supplies and now states are months behind on titles.

The solution seems obvious.  Many states already offer on-line virtual titles, and if someone wanted a paper one, a unique bar code could be printed on plain paper that would identify it as authentic. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 12, 2022, 11:38:44 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 12, 2022, 11:11:20 AM
Not actually license plate news, but today's Wall Street Journal reports that many states are running out of TP.  No, not toilet paper, but title paper.  That high security watermarked stuff they print titles on.  Paper companies switched during the panic/pandemic to making boxes and other shipping supplies and now states are months behind on titles.

The solution seems obvious.  Many states already offer on-line virtual titles, and if someone wanted a paper one, a unique bar code could be printed on plain paper that would identify it as authentic.
If that would be coupled with secure online verification....
Holding that secure paper - especially if it is an out-of-state transaction -  provides a certain level of assurance that I actually get legal paperwork settled, not just the key. Would it be possible to sell car once at lunch, and a second time at 2 PM with a spare key - before the first buyer has a chance to get to DMV?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CentralCAroadgeek on December 12, 2022, 02:54:21 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 09:33:30 AM
American Samoa – The >90% Christian population might not appreciate the star and crescent.
Arizona – Yes!
Arkansas – Dark blue on red is not very legible.
DC – I'm actually rather fond of the current issue.
Hawaii – And lose the rainbow????  What????
Idaho – Yes, yes, yes!  I love you.
Iowa – I hate you for retaining the slashed zeroes.
Kentucky – Ooooh, nice...
Maryland – Pretty snazzy, looks sharp.
Missouri – Wow, for a second I thought it was a real issue.
New Mexico – Your teal option is what should be the teal option now.  Good job.
Oregon – Nice throwback!
Prince Edward Island – Classy.
Québec – Also classy.
Rhode Island – Much less dingy-looking than the current issue.
Texas – Best of all worlds, when it comes to the state's plate history.
Utah – I'm getting throwback vibes from the state name, and they're good vibes.
Yukon – I had high hopes, but they were only half met.
Quote from: formulanone on December 07, 2022, 03:04:08 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 06, 2022, 09:33:30 AM
American Samoa – The >90% Christian population might not appreciate the star and crescent.

Faith is stronger than license plates, is it not?

Thanks for the feedback!

As I prefaced in the intros for each Behance project, the challenge was to create entirely new plates for places despite how iconic their license plates are (which means having to ditch things like the Hawaiian rainbow). I also wanted to keep the quirks in license plate fonts and formats, such as the Iowa zeroes that I think make that boring 3M font a little more unique.

Quote from: CtrlAltDel on December 06, 2022, 09:45:37 AM
I think the Idaho plate looks a bit like the old Illinois one:

(https://i.imgur.com/xemwtam.jpg)

Which they would go back to, or at least something similar, if I had my druthers.

That was the style I was going for with Idaho!

Idaho has pretty much a lost cause for me. Their current plates already encapsulate very well the only things Idaho has going for it, and any designs with a giant potato would just look like a turd :/

Quote from: Road Hog on December 07, 2022, 11:11:26 PM
I like your Arkansas redesign, but I too would use black alphanumerics. The state has used variations of the same basic design since 1978. It's time for a change.

Arkansas was another tricky state to design for, as it's another state with not too much going for it (despite my research). I chose blue solely because of the flag colors

Quote from: Scott5114 on December 07, 2022, 11:55:07 PM
Random question–which font did you use for the "California" text on this?

The font I used was FinalSix (http://"https://fonts.adobe.com/fonts/finalsix") on Adobe Fonts

Quote from: 6a on December 09, 2022, 04:46:33 PM
More than a few of those are really nice, but I'm not putting that red thing on my Ohio car

I definitely wanted to keep Ohio simple because the past (http://"http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Ohio4/oh2013fleet.jpg") few (http://"http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Ohio5/oh2023-3.jpg") Ohio plates have been extremely busy on the eyes  :-|
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 16, 2022, 02:12:53 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 12, 2022, 02:54:21 PM
I definitely wanted to keep Ohio simple because the past (http://"http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Ohio4/oh2013fleet.jpg") few (http://"http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Ohio5/oh2023-3.jpg") Ohio plates have been extremely busy on the eyes  :-|

I always thought their 2013-2021 graphic was excellent, though the background text was a little too dark.

The current Ohio is awful IMO.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 09:33:21 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 16, 2022, 02:12:53 AM

I always thought their 2013-2021 graphic was excellent, though the background text was a little too dark.

The current Ohio is awful IMO.

I have to agree 100%. The new OH plate is terrible. It's busy, it's no longer embossed and it uses that crap ugly 3M font that you can't read because of the aforementioned busy graphic.  A further demerit for (and this is controversial) now going with only one plate rather than the previous two. Yeah, you've saved money, resulting in a plate that looks like a souvenir trinket that you'd buy at a flea market.

And, for those of you who tout the "saving money" part - did Ohio lower any of the fees that they charge in exchange for now issuing one flat, cheap looking POS plate?   By the way, KY's new plates look like excrement too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 16, 2022, 10:07:18 AM
The Ohio plate is ugly.

But having ANY plate on the front of a nice car is ugly as well. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 16, 2022, 10:13:44 AM
Quote from: CentralCAroadgeek on December 12, 2022, 02:54:21 PM
I definitely wanted to keep Ohio simple because the past (http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Ohio4/oh2013fleet.jpg) few (http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Ohio5/oh2023-3.jpg) Ohio plates have been extremely busy on the eyes  :-|

Fixed those links for you.

Quote from: jakeroot on December 16, 2022, 02:12:53 AM
I always thought their 2013-2021 graphic was excellent, though the background text was a little too dark.

The background text doesn't really affect legibility, but it does make every license plate look dingy.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 16, 2022, 10:07:18 AM
The Ohio plate is ugly.

But having ANY plate on the front of a nice car is ugly as well.

It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate. They're there for identification purposes. That's also why they are (and should be) embossed. Better visibility.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 16, 2022, 12:47:15 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM
It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate. They're there for identification purposes.

I've always thought this too.  However, I'm now questioning how valuable it actually is to be able to identify a car from both front and back.  Generally, I think, it's the rear plate that's valuable in this regard (except for trucks pulling trailers, for which it should be the front plate that's required).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 16, 2022, 02:00:30 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 16, 2022, 12:47:15 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM
It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate. They're there for identification purposes.

I've always thought this too.  However, I'm now questioning how valuable it actually is to be able to identify a car from both front and back.  Generally, I think, it's the rear plate that's valuable in this regard (except for trucks pulling trailers, for which it should be the front plate that's required).
A simple scenario where 2 plates do help: automated parking enforcement on a comb-type parking.  Parking both nose-in or tail-in should allow plate reading.
Now we may try extrapolate to parallel parking...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 03:42:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 16, 2022, 12:47:15 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM
It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate. They're there for identification purposes.

I've always thought this too.  However, I'm now questioning how valuable it actually is to be able to identify a car from both front and back.  Generally, I think, it's the rear plate that's valuable in this regard (except for trucks pulling trailers, for which it should be the front plate that's required).

Admittedly, the rear plate is *more* valuable for identification purposes; however, the front plate is not without value under a number of circumstances. Giving the police every opportunity to do their job is why 2 plates were traditionally issued in pretty much all states at one time - and still are in most countries. We may not necessarily like the reasons for this, but ultimately it's in our best interest. Issuing one plate is laziness; the "it's ugly" excuse is lame and should be ignored.

Oh, and embossed plates are still a lot better than flat. They just are, which is why they were made that way for so many years. At certain angles, glare renders the flat ones illegible. The new flat plate technology is only remarkable in the skills shown by their marketing people to woo civil servants.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 16, 2022, 03:55:18 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 03:42:41 PM
Admittedly, the rear plate is *more* valuable for identification purposes; however, the front plate is not without value under a number of circumstances. Giving the police every opportunity to do their job is why 2 plates were traditionally issued in pretty much all states at one time - and still are in most countries. We may not necessarily like the reasons for this, but ultimately it's in our best interest. Issuing one plate is laziness;

I'm saying that the police have every opportunity to do their job in the large majority of cases without a front license plate.  If they pull me over, then they're behind me anyway.  If they're chasing me, then they're behind me anyway.  If they're writing a parking ticket, then they can walk around the car (and would probably need to anyway to make sure both plates match).  If they're using cameras to catch red light runners or speeders or toll violators, then there are cameras pointing at the vehicle's back end*.  Et cetera.



(*)  Exceptions apply.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 16, 2022, 04:21:17 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 03:42:41 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 16, 2022, 12:47:15 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM
It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate. They're there for identification purposes.

I've always thought this too.  However, I'm now questioning how valuable it actually is to be able to identify a car from both front and back.  Generally, I think, it's the rear plate that's valuable in this regard (except for trucks pulling trailers, for which it should be the front plate that's required).

Admittedly, the rear plate is *more* valuable for identification purposes; however, the front plate is not without value under a number of circumstances. Giving the police every opportunity to do their job is why 2 plates were traditionally issued in pretty much all states at one time - and still are in most countries. We may not necessarily like the reasons for this, but ultimately it's in our best interest. Issuing one plate is laziness; the "it's ugly" excuse is lame and should be ignored.

Oh, and embossed plates are still a lot better than flat. They just are, which is why they were made that way for so many years. At certain angles, glare renders the flat ones illegible. The new flat plate technology is only remarkable in the skills shown by their marketing people to woo civil servants.
There is a balance between ease of enforcement vs cost of operation.
Ugly may not be a good reason, aerodynamics and effect on fuel consumption is a bit better.
There are vehicles with roof markings - police and buses here carry some markings. Plates or markings on car doors may be beneficial  is some cases - parallel parking is one of those.
Question is where the cost-benefit threshold is. I would argue that a messy place like NYC may benefit from even more markings than 2 plates - for example to enable helicopter spotting of specific cars;   while low population density places may get away with just one. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 17, 2022, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM

It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate.

Then you have link to a peer reviewed statistical study that contrasts single plate and dual plate jurisdictions and which proves a statistically significant level of difference in "public safety" between the two.

Look forward to reading it.  Link please.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GeekJedi on December 17, 2022, 01:53:00 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 17, 2022, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM

It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate.

Then you have link to a peer reviewed statistical study that contrasts single plate and dual plate jurisdictions and which proves a statistically significant level of difference in "public safety" between the two.

Look forward to reading it.  Link please.

Since you appear to be excited:

https://tti.tamu.edu/news/study-suggests-using-two-license-plates-saves-resources-for-states-law-enforcement-agencies/

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 17, 2022, 05:10:55 PM
I'm in the awkward position of wanting to move from a one-plate state to a (maybe?) two-plate state* and my car has no way to attach a front plate to it. So I'll have to figure out some way of fixing that if I move.

*The state is Nevada. Everything I find on the internet indicates it's a two-plate state, but I don't remember seeing any front plates when I was there. But maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention? Or it changed recently and none of the websites have been updated?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 17, 2022, 05:38:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 17, 2022, 05:10:55 PM
I'm in the awkward position of wanting to move from a one-plate state to a (maybe?) two-plate state* and my car has no way to attach a front plate to it. So I'll have to figure out some way of fixing that if I move.

*The state is Nevada. Everything I find on the internet indicates it's a two-plate state, but I don't remember seeing any front plates when I was there. But maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention? Or it changed recently and none of the websites have been updated?
it boils down to 2 self-tapping screws into the bumper. Once (if) you have to convert back, you can fill those two holes with epoxy and touchup paint.
The cheap way is to bolt the plate directly to the bumper. nicer is to bolt some plate holder first.
The first link on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Trunknets-Inc-Universal-License-Bracket/dp/B00RIVG814
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: elsmere241 on December 17, 2022, 06:21:41 PM
Saw a Tennessee plate today that was NNNLLLL.  I don't think I've seen that combination before on any state's plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on December 17, 2022, 07:06:29 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 17, 2022, 05:10:55 PM
I'm in the awkward position of wanting to move from a one-plate state to a (maybe?) two-plate state* and my car has no way to attach a front plate to it. So I'll have to figure out some way of fixing that if I move.

*The state is Nevada. Everything I find on the internet indicates it's a two-plate state, but I don't remember seeing any front plates when I was there. But maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention? Or it changed recently and none of the websites have been updated?

When I moved from Florida with my car purchased in Pennsylvania (both one plate states) back to Massachusetts (two plate state), I had my mechanic drill holes in the front bumper to fit the second plate (there was a space sized for a license plate).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on December 17, 2022, 07:07:51 PM
Quote from: elsmere241 on December 17, 2022, 06:21:41 PM
Saw a Tennessee plate today that was NNNLLLL.  I don't think I've seen that combination before on any state's plate.

Those are the new 2022 In God We Trust plates. Saw a bunch of them on my recent road trip down south.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 17, 2022, 09:40:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 17, 2022, 05:10:55 PM
I'm in the awkward position of wanting to move from a one-plate state to a (maybe?) two-plate state* and my car has no way to attach a front plate to it. So I'll have to figure out some way of fixing that if I move.

*The state is Nevada. Everything I find on the internet indicates it's a two-plate state, but I don't remember seeing any front plates when I was there. But maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention? Or it changed recently and none of the websites have been updated?

I thought Nevada only required a front plate if you had the attachment for it. If not, it wasn't required.

You can also buy an attachment that allows you to install a plate on the front tow hitch. Common accessory for modified cars.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 18, 2022, 12:00:14 PM
Quote from: GeekJedi on December 17, 2022, 01:53:00 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 17, 2022, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM

It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate.

Then you have link to a peer reviewed statistical study that contrasts single plate and dual plate jurisdictions and which proves a statistically significant level of difference in "public safety" between the two.

Look forward to reading it.  Link please.

Since you appear to be excited:

https://tti.tamu.edu/news/study-suggests-using-two-license-plates-saves-resources-for-states-law-enforcement-agencies/



That is not on the subject.  It just says it makes life easier for random taxers.   I asked for a showing that "public safety" is actually better in such jurisdictions.  Link please.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GeekJedi on December 18, 2022, 02:05:32 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 18, 2022, 12:00:14 PM
Quote from: GeekJedi on December 17, 2022, 01:53:00 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 17, 2022, 11:15:04 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM

It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate.

Then you have link to a peer reviewed statistical study that contrasts single plate and dual plate jurisdictions and which proves a statistically significant level of difference in "public safety" between the two.

Look forward to reading it.  Link please.

Since you appear to be excited:

https://tti.tamu.edu/news/study-suggests-using-two-license-plates-saves-resources-for-states-law-enforcement-agencies/



That is not on the subject.  It just says it makes life easier for random taxers.   I asked for a showing that "public safety" is actually better in such jurisdictions.  Link please.

When losing an argument, the best thing to do is move the goalposts. So, I gave you proof, now you can provide actual proof to support your claim.

I'll wait.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on December 19, 2022, 01:11:01 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 17, 2022, 05:10:55 PMI'm in the awkward position of wanting to move from a one-plate state to a (maybe?) two-plate state* and my car has no way to attach a front plate to it. So I'll have to figure out some way of fixing that if I move.

There is generally an OEM mounting bracket for a front license plate that is typically just not supplied with the car in states that require a rear plate only.  You should be able to use an online parts catalogue for your year, make, and model to find the part number for ordering purposes.  That is what I would do, to ensure the plate is properly supported and is easy to clean when (as is inevitable for front plates) it picks up bug splatter.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on December 19, 2022, 02:01:54 AM
Quote from: elsmere241 on December 17, 2022, 06:21:41 PM
Saw a Tennessee plate today that was NNNLLLL.  I don't think I've seen that combination before on any state's plate.
All those Ontario plates headed to and from Bonnaroo finally had an effect.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 19, 2022, 07:35:22 PM
Quote from: GeekJedi on December 18, 2022, 02:05:32 PM

Quote from: SP Cook on December 18, 2022, 12:00:14 PM

Quote from: GeekJedi on December 17, 2022, 01:53:00 PM

Quote from: SP Cook on December 17, 2022, 11:15:04 AM

Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 16, 2022, 12:00:56 PM

It's a necessary item for public safety and not a fashion acoutrement. This is why very few countries outside of the US and Canada, permit there to not be a front plate.

Then you have link to a peer reviewed statistical study that contrasts single plate and dual plate jurisdictions and which proves a statistically significant level of difference in "public safety" between the two.

Look forward to reading it.  Link please.

Since you appear to be excited:

https://tti.tamu.edu/news/study-suggests-using-two-license-plates-saves-resources-for-states-law-enforcement-agencies/

That is not on the subject.  It just says it makes life easier for random taxers.   I asked for a showing that "public safety" is actually better in such jurisdictions.  Link please.

When losing an argument, the best thing to do is move the goalposts. So, I gave you proof, now you can provide actual proof to support your claim.

I'll wait.

"Law enforcement" is a rather umbrella vague term.  How can we be sure that the enforcement cited actually increases public safety?  What is stated in the summary is that it increases the "opportunities to identify vehicles" in the context of automatic readers–meaning it's merely a mechanism for issuing tickets after the dangerous maneuver has already occurred.

"Tolling" has no bearing on public safety.

"Parking" has no bearing on public safety.

That leaves us with "Homeland Security", because it makes it easier for CBP to ... ummmm ... "operate more effectively".  Pretty vague there as well, and I have my doubts that it actually translates into increased public safety.

Did you even notice that the word "safety" doesn't even appear?

And oh yeah, where's the actual study?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 12:39:18 AM
I always thought two plates made it easier to identify a hit and run vehicle. In theory, you should always at least be able to catch the rear plate, since all cars except those headed straight towards you are invariably going away from you. But, adrenaline is a real bitch sometimes, and I would think two plates could increase the likelihood that someone would notice and remember a license plate. Kind of two opportunities to notice the plate rather than just one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 20, 2022, 08:31:25 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 19, 2022, 07:35:22 PM
How can we be sure that the enforcement cited actually increases public safety?

Excellent post over all.  To answer this specific question, a study would have to prove, as the uninformed poster suggests, that somehow overall public safety statistics are better in, say, Maryland than in Pennsylvania, or Ontario than in Quebec, or pick any pair you want.   This is what I asked for, and which the poster failed to produce.  Rather googling up a blurb that is not academic in nature and which was off-topic.   Mainly because no such study exist.  No one can prove that front plates in any way are about "public safety" .

Because they are not.  And if you disagree, link please.  Academic article, showing "public safety"  statistics are different between such jurisdictions and then an at least thoughtful explanation of why.  Link please.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
(https://www.acsh.org/sites/default/files/fatal%20car%20accidents%20us%20states%202016.jpg)
Single plate states:
(https://images.cars.com/cldstatic/wp-content/uploads/13573899-1426104484897.jpg)

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:01:41 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 12:39:18 AM
I always thought two plates made it easier to identify a hit and run vehicle. In theory, you should always at least be able to catch the rear plate, since all cars except those headed straight towards you are invariably going away from you. But, adrenaline is a real bitch sometimes, and I would think two plates could increase the likelihood that someone would notice and remember a license plate. Kind of two opportunities to notice the plate rather than just one.
One can make an argument that identifying approaching vehicle also has some value. Stopping an approaching one is easier than engaging in a chase.
Hard to translate that into a solid numbers - but one may argue that even a single license plates doesn't not affect safety per se, only enforcement. Someone driving drunk is unlikely to count plates before starting the engine...   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 20, 2022, 10:05:17 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
(https://www.acsh.org/sites/default/files/fatal%20car%20accidents%20us%20states%202016.jpg)
Single plate states:
(https://images.cars.com/cldstatic/wp-content/uploads/13573899-1426104484897.jpg)

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....


Cmon...  That has nothing to do with the lack of a front license plate. 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-15/the-geography-of-car-deaths-in-america

It's higher speed, more rural driving and a slight correlation to poorer states where people drive older cars.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:25:13 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 20, 2022, 10:05:17 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
...
Single plate states:
...

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....


Cmon...  That has nothing to do with the lack of a front license plate. 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-15/the-geography-of-car-deaths-in-america

It's higher speed, more rural driving and a slight correlation to poorer states where people drive older cars.
Higher speed is probably just a usual bullshit. Not that people follow those speed limits anyway...
More rural would be plausible explanation if I didn't look at statistics in my area. Upstate NY isn't really very urban, but still doesn't get much higher rates as south does. Super-urban NYC, on the other hand....
Older cars and lack of maintenance can easily be an issue. That's why I assume  rudimentary safety inspection is a must. Part of an overall "tighter regulation" package.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on December 20, 2022, 10:56:14 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:25:13 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 20, 2022, 10:05:17 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
...
Single plate states:
...

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....


Cmon...  That has nothing to do with the lack of a front license plate. 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-15/the-geography-of-car-deaths-in-america

It's higher speed, more rural driving and a slight correlation to poorer states where people drive older cars.
Higher speed is probably just a usual bullshit. Not that people follow those speed limits anyway...
More rural would be plausible explanation if I didn't look at statistics in my area. Upstate NY isn't really very urban, but still doesn't get much higher rates as south does. Super-urban NYC, on the other hand....
Older cars and lack of maintenance can easily be an issue. That's why I assume  rudimentary safety inspection is a must. Part of an overall "tighter regulation" package.


I mean, there are actual studies that show correlation between speed limits and fatal accidents. You call that "just a usual bullshit," but are completely OK with posting a couple maps with colors and saying "correlation is good enough?" OK then.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 10:56:25 AM
The obvious outliers there are Pennsylvania, Michigan, Missouri, Wyoming, and Montana.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 11:01:47 AM
Dual license plates lead to lower divorce rates in the under-30 demographic.

(https://i.imgur.com/nlkkp5k.jpg)

(https://images.cars.com/cldstatic/wp-content/uploads/13573899-1426104484897.jpg)

I would say there is a correlation.  Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be obesity rates and time differential from solar noon.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on December 20, 2022, 11:54:34 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:25:13 AMOlder cars and lack of maintenance can easily be an issue. That's why I assume  rudimentary safety inspection is a must. Part of an overall "tighter regulation" package.

(Cough cough)  While I acknowledge I drive a 29-year-old car, I speak with complete disinterest when I say I can't really support measures that burden those who try to help the environment by keeping their current vehicles running.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 12:02:56 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 20, 2022, 10:56:14 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:25:13 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on December 20, 2022, 10:05:17 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
...
Single plate states:
...

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....


Cmon...  That has nothing to do with the lack of a front license plate. 

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-10-15/the-geography-of-car-deaths-in-america

It's higher speed, more rural driving and a slight correlation to poorer states where people drive older cars.
Higher speed is probably just a usual bullshit. Not that people follow those speed limits anyway...
More rural would be plausible explanation if I didn't look at statistics in my area. Upstate NY isn't really very urban, but still doesn't get much higher rates as south does. Super-urban NYC, on the other hand....
Older cars and lack of maintenance can easily be an issue. That's why I assume  rudimentary safety inspection is a must. Part of an overall "tighter regulation" package.


I mean, there are actual studies that show correlation between speed limits and fatal accidents. You call that "just a usual bullshit," but are completely OK with posting a couple maps with colors and saying "correlation is good enough?" OK then.
I went through some of those speed limit studies by IIHS. They do not pass my quality test for an acceptable study. I don't know how they do peer review, but I would turn at least some of those things down as a reviewer, even though my field is physics rather than transportation - but general scientific principles should remain the same.

Sincerely,
Kalvado, PhD. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 12:08:05 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on December 20, 2022, 11:54:34 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:25:13 AMOlder cars and lack of maintenance can easily be an issue. That's why I assume  rudimentary safety inspection is a must. Part of an overall "tighter regulation" package.

(Cough cough)  While I acknowledge I drive a 29-year-old car, I speak with complete disinterest when I say I can't really support measures that burden those who try to help the environment by keeping their current vehicles running.
There is a huge difference between an old beloved car which sees good care and a rusty clunker which falls apart on the road. 
I am pretty sure most of us wouldn't set a foot in a car if brakes and steering are not working properly, or tires are worn down to nothing.  While it is hard to judge brakes from outside, rusty panels somewhat held together by leftover paint are a red flag IMHO...   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 12:14:45 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 11:01:47 AM
Dual license plates lead to lower divorce rates in the under-30 demographic.
....
....

I would say there is a correlation.  Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be obesity rates and time differential from solar noon.
And I wonder if there is a deep common cause here. Probably a lot of socioeconomic involved after all, with government role being part of it.
I am not a huge fan of excess government control, but I really wonder where is a sweet spot for vehicle regulation. I expect  most of us do accept the need for some regulation, question is how different areas are willing to get  and able to afford regulations.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on December 20, 2022, 01:13:58 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
(https://www.acsh.org/sites/default/files/fatal%20car%20accidents%20us%20states%202016.jpg)
Single plate states:
(https://images.cars.com/cldstatic/wp-content/uploads/13573899-1426104484897.jpg)

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....

I believe Ohio and Alaska have repealed their front plate requirements.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 01:20:49 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 20, 2022, 01:13:58 PM
I believe Ohio and Alaska have repealed their front plate requirements.

Oh, great.  Now more kids are going to have to grow up in a single-parent household, due to the impending increase in both traffic accidents and divorce.  Will someone please think of the children!!!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on December 20, 2022, 02:32:39 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on December 20, 2022, 11:54:34 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:25:13 AMOlder cars and lack of maintenance can easily be an issue. That's why I assume  rudimentary safety inspection is a must. Part of an overall "tighter regulation" package.

(Cough cough)  While I acknowledge I drive a 29-year-old car, I speak with complete disinterest when I say I can't really support measures that burden those who try to help the environment by keeping their current vehicles running.

The NHTSA actually did a study. 

In the year 2015, 94% of accidents were caused by driver error, and 2% each by vehicle failures, environment, and "other" .  Of the 2%, 35% were tires, 22% were brakes, 3% were steering/supension/transmission/engine, and 40% was "other" , sue to incomplete police reports.  Even if we attribute all of the "other"  to either tires or brakes, which is all they check in state inspections really, then that works out to about 40K of the over 2M accidents. 

The next step would be to look for a statistically significant difference between inspection jurisdictions and non-inspection jurisdictions.  One would think there would be one, but I really doubt it, considering the very cursory inspection most states perform. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 02:39:58 PM
Even then, comparing states might only be so useful, considering how many "driver error" incidents could be attributed to weather conditions not found with the same frequency between states.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 03:36:15 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 20, 2022, 02:32:39 PM
Quote from: J N Winkler on December 20, 2022, 11:54:34 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 10:25:13 AMOlder cars and lack of maintenance can easily be an issue. That's why I assume  rudimentary safety inspection is a must. Part of an overall "tighter regulation" package.

(Cough cough)  While I acknowledge I drive a 29-year-old car, I speak with complete disinterest when I say I can't really support measures that burden those who try to help the environment by keeping their current vehicles running.

The NHTSA actually did a study. 

In the year 2015, 94% of accidents were caused by driver error, and 2% each by vehicle failures, environment, and "other" .  Of the 2%, 35% were tires, 22% were brakes, 3% were steering/supension/transmission/engine, and 40% was "other" , sue to incomplete police reports.  Even if we attribute all of the "other"  to either tires or brakes, which is all they check in state inspections really, then that works out to about 40K of the over 2M accidents. 

The next step would be to look for a statistically significant difference between inspection jurisdictions and non-inspection jurisdictions.  One would think there would be one, but I really doubt it, considering the very cursory inspection most states perform.
So, again, what makes southern states more accident prone?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Poiponen13 on December 20, 2022, 03:42:02 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 20, 2022, 01:13:58 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
(https://www.acsh.org/sites/default/files/fatal%20car%20accidents%20us%20states%202016.jpg)
Single plate states:
(https://images.cars.com/cldstatic/wp-content/uploads/13573899-1426104484897.jpg)

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....

I believe Ohio and Alaska have repealed their front plate requirements.
All states should use front plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 03:42:58 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on December 20, 2022, 03:42:02 PM
All states should use front plates.

All new islands should use Karo pancake syrup.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 04:07:03 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on December 20, 2022, 08:31:25 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 19, 2022, 07:35:22 PM
How can we be sure that the enforcement cited actually increases public safety?

Excellent post over all.  To answer this specific question, a study would have to prove, as the uninformed poster suggests, that somehow overall public safety statistics are better in, say, Maryland than in Pennsylvania, or Ontario than in Quebec, or pick any pair you want.   This is what I asked for, and which the poster failed to produce.  Rather googling up a blurb that is not academic in nature and which was off-topic.   Mainly because no such study exist.  No one can prove that front plates in any way are about "public safety" .

Because they are not.  And if you disagree, link please.  Academic article, showing "public safety"  statistics are different between such jurisdictions and then an at least thoughtful explanation of why.  Link please.
There are too many variables to make such comparison simple. And simple visual correlation is, apparently, less than convincing
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 04:07:46 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 03:42:58 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on December 20, 2022, 03:42:02 PM
All states should use front plates.

All new islands should use Karo pancake syrup.
Only if it is Jade in color
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 05:24:05 PM
Honestly, I see more correlation between the fatality rate map and the red-and-blue map that's seared into everyone's brain at this point than I do the front-plate map.

(Which makes more sense, since after all the red-and-blue map is going to dictate policies that are likely to have more of an effect on safety than license plate provisioning.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 07:03:42 PM
Remember, kids:  voting Democrat reduces traffic fatalities!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on December 20, 2022, 08:17:17 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:55:20 AM
Well... Lets see....
Fatality rate:
(https://www.acsh.org/sites/default/files/fatal%20car%20accidents%20us%20states%202016.jpg)
Single plate states:
(https://images.cars.com/cldstatic/wp-content/uploads/13573899-1426104484897.jpg)

I would say there is a correlation. Someone may look for numeric data and averages, but for me correlation is good enough. Of course, correlation doesn't imply causation... Another map to put here would be inspection requirement by state - and overall conclusion may be that tighter regulation indeed means safer roads. Looking at these maps, I always ask myself  why  snowy northeast is somehow much safer region to drive than snow-free south....

The thing about Ohio being surrounded by one-plate states until 2020 is that if you were in Columbus or Central Ohio the cops would pay attention to a car with no front plate but within 20-30 miles of the border they didn't notice if you had no front plate unless they pulled you over and also looked at the front of the car. There were too many cars from neighboring states running around for them to dedicate mental bandwidth to whether a passing car was from Ohio or another state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 20, 2022, 08:43:11 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 03:36:15 PM
So, again, what makes southern states more accident prone?

I always thought they were just worse drivers. Not as much seatbelt wearing and more drunk-driving. Anecdotally: there's also a general dimwittedness that seems worse in the south, like failing to yield, vigilantism (like blocking people from zipper merging or chasing people who wronged you), using the wrong lane for something, mobile phone usage, etc.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 08:53:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 07:03:42 PM
Remember, kids:  voting Democrat reduces traffic fatalities!

I mean, it probably honestly does. Democrats tend to favor more stringent regulations on most everything, and also tend to favor greater use of mass transit and less use of private vehicles, so it would stand to reason that this could result in reduced traffic fatality rates. (I'm not going to try to dig up a study proving that it does because I don't really care enough to go through the trouble; I'm just pulling a theory out of my ass here.)

That doesn't necessarily mean that that's a good reason to vote a certain way, however. I got into it with a Wisconsin Democrat on Reddit who was appalled at the fact that I was fine with Oklahoma having 80 mph speed limits and pointed to Oklahoma's higher fatality rate as a reason to why I should be in favor of lower speed limits. My response was basically that I was fine with the fatality rate being higher because the higher speed limit accrues benefits to so many trips that occur without incident. They seemed flabbergasted that someone could look at it from that point of view and ended the discussion with something like "well at least your beliefs are self-consistent" or some such.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 20, 2022, 09:17:08 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 08:53:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 07:03:42 PM
Remember, kids:  voting Democrat reduces traffic fatalities!

I mean, it probably honestly does. Democrats tend to favor more stringent regulations on most everything, and also tend to favor greater use of mass transit and less use of private vehicles, so it would stand to reason that this could result in reduced traffic fatality rates. (I'm not going to try to dig up a study proving that it does because I don't really care enough to go through the trouble; I'm just pulling a theory out of my ass here.)

That doesn't necessarily mean that that's a good reason to vote a certain way, however. I got into it with a Wisconsin Democrat on Reddit who was appalled at the fact that I was fine with Oklahoma having 80 mph speed limits and pointed to Oklahoma's higher fatality rate as a reason to why I should be in favor of lower speed limits. My response was basically that I was fine with the fatality rate being higher because the higher speed limit accrues benefits to so many trips that occur without incident. They seemed flabbergasted that someone could look at it from that point of view and ended the discussion with something like "well at least your beliefs are self-consistent" or some such.
I really wonder what is the %% of all fatalities on those 80 MPH roads? My understanding that there is a noticeable increase with speed limit increase in many cases (not always, though!), but seemingly not enough to trip state-wide statistics.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 09:18:47 PM
I doubt it's very high, given that the vast majority of roads with an 80 MPH speed limit are freeways with low traffic counts. Obviously, going off the road and hitting a tree at 80 MPH isn't going to be good for your general well-being, but...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on December 21, 2022, 08:58:47 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 08:53:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 07:03:42 PM
Remember, kids:  voting Democrat reduces traffic fatalities!

I mean, it probably honestly does. Democrats tend to favor more stringent regulations on most everything, and also tend to favor greater use of mass transit and less use of private vehicles, so it would stand to reason that this could result in reduced traffic fatality rates. (I'm not going to try to dig up a study proving that it does because I don't really care enough to go through the trouble; I'm just pulling a theory out of my ass here.)

That doesn't necessarily mean that that's a good reason to vote a certain way, however. I got into it with a Wisconsin Democrat on Reddit who was appalled at the fact that I was fine with Oklahoma having 80 mph speed limits and pointed to Oklahoma's higher fatality rate as a reason to why I should be in favor of lower speed limits. My response was basically that I was fine with the fatality rate being higher because the higher speed limit accrues benefits to so many trips that occur without incident. They seemed flabbergasted that someone could look at it from that point of view and ended the discussion with something like "well at least your beliefs are self-consistent" or some such.

The only problem with this theorem is that it's clearly not that simple. If it was, you'd find Boston and New York to be bastions of fine driving skill and etiquette. Of course, quite the contrary is true as both areas are full of rude, poorly skilled drivers. So, the red/blue thing falls apart there.

That said, one thing that may make more sense is true:

The southern red states in question are poorer and therefore the average vehicle fleet age is far older and in worse condition than you find (on average) in wealthier "blue" states. Older cars are far more likely to be involved in fatal collisions than newer vehicles.

I'll also note that a disproportionate amount of social issues leading to crime and poverty lie within communities that tend to vote "blue" in those "red" states.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on December 21, 2022, 08:59:52 AM
One thing I want to point out is that the fatality rate map looks closer to the US version of the Human Development Index than the red/blue map. Note the Upper Midwest being better than red/blue would suggest, California (5-way tie for 15th) being below the Northeast, and New Mexico (41st in this map) being bad rather than good. The main exception is Illinois, which ranks 22nd out of 50 despite the color on this map but has very few fatalities.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/95/Map_of_the_U.S._states_by_Human_Development_Index_%282018%29.svg)

By posting here, I will now get an 81-page thread in my unread replies.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 21, 2022, 09:17:37 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on December 21, 2022, 08:58:47 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 20, 2022, 08:53:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on December 20, 2022, 07:03:42 PM
Remember, kids:  voting Democrat reduces traffic fatalities!

I mean, it probably honestly does. Democrats tend to favor more stringent regulations on most everything, and also tend to favor greater use of mass transit and less use of private vehicles, so it would stand to reason that this could result in reduced traffic fatality rates. (I'm not going to try to dig up a study proving that it does because I don't really care enough to go through the trouble; I'm just pulling a theory out of my ass here.)

That doesn't necessarily mean that that's a good reason to vote a certain way, however. I got into it with a Wisconsin Democrat on Reddit who was appalled at the fact that I was fine with Oklahoma having 80 mph speed limits and pointed to Oklahoma's higher fatality rate as a reason to why I should be in favor of lower speed limits. My response was basically that I was fine with the fatality rate being higher because the higher speed limit accrues benefits to so many trips that occur without incident. They seemed flabbergasted that someone could look at it from that point of view and ended the discussion with something like "well at least your beliefs are self-consistent" or some such.

The only problem with this theorem is that it's clearly not that simple. If it was, you'd find Boston and New York to be bastions of fine driving skill and etiquette. Of course, quite the contrary is true as both areas are full of rude, poorly skilled drivers. So, the red/blue thing falls apart there.

That said, one thing that may make more sense is true:

The southern red states in question are poorer and therefore the average vehicle fleet age is far older and in worse condition than you find (on average) in wealthier "blue" states. Older cars are far more likely to be involved in fatal collisions than newer vehicles.

I'll also note that a disproportionate amount of social issues leading to crime and poverty lie within communities that tend to vote "blue" in those "red" states.
Two basic versions here, if you will: worse vehicles or worse drivers. Looks like nobody really thinks it's worse roads.
I suspect worse drivers are at least a contributing factor. Correlation between poverty and instant gratification may be significant factor. Education, both school - including driver ed - and less college can be part of mindset (although I maybe overestimating that).
Going back, I can see how that contribute to reduced regulation (front plates and inspections), less serious family and health altitude (divorce and obesity) and, well, more aggressive driving.
NYC aggressive driving is more of "because I have to" rather than "because I can", and that may make a difference.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:50:26 PM
Does aggressive driving/lack of etiquette actually result in higher accident rates? The obvious answer is that it would, since an aggressive driver probably takes a lot more risks and sometimes they'll misjudge. But perhaps aggressive driving is correlated with greater ability to judge what sort of gaps they can fit in and thus cancels out the higher risks they're taking?

I have no idea if data for this exists. I'm not really sure how you'd even quantify aggressive driving in order to study it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 21, 2022, 05:54:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:50:26 PM
Does aggressive driving/lack of etiquette actually result in higher accident rates? The obvious answer is that it would, since an aggressive driver probably takes a lot more risks and sometimes they'll misjudge. But perhaps aggressive driving is correlated with greater ability to judge what sort of gaps they can fit in and thus cancels out the higher risks they're taking?

I have no idea if data for this exists. I'm not really sure how you'd even quantify aggressive driving in order to study it.
You can look at M-F crash ratio, for example. Testosterone is not a joke
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:58:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 21, 2022, 05:54:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:50:26 PM
Does aggressive driving/lack of etiquette actually result in higher accident rates? The obvious answer is that it would, since an aggressive driver probably takes a lot more risks and sometimes they'll misjudge. But perhaps aggressive driving is correlated with greater ability to judge what sort of gaps they can fit in and thus cancels out the higher risks they're taking?

I have no idea if data for this exists. I'm not really sure how you'd even quantify aggressive driving in order to study it.
You can look at M-F crash ratio, for example. Testosterone is not a joke

I don't think that's really a useful proxy because there are plenty of aggressive female drivers and non-aggressive male drivers. (My wife is far more aggressive than I am.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 21, 2022, 06:02:59 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:58:42 PM
Quote from: kalvado on December 21, 2022, 05:54:46 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:50:26 PM
Does aggressive driving/lack of etiquette actually result in higher accident rates? The obvious answer is that it would, since an aggressive driver probably takes a lot more risks and sometimes they'll misjudge. But perhaps aggressive driving is correlated with greater ability to judge what sort of gaps they can fit in and thus cancels out the higher risks they're taking?

I have no idea if data for this exists. I'm not really sure how you'd even quantify aggressive driving in order to study it.
You can look at M-F crash ratio, for example. Testosterone is not a joke

I don't think that's really a useful proxy because there are plenty of aggressive female drivers and non-aggressive male drivers. (My wife is far more aggressive than I am.)
On average, though, men are more aggressive. Or you have any other explanation for this disparity? It's not limited to driving - significant difference in mortality is on the same page.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: J N Winkler on December 21, 2022, 07:01:56 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 21, 2022, 05:50:26 PMDoes aggressive driving/lack of etiquette actually result in higher accident rates? The obvious answer is that it would, since an aggressive driver probably takes a lot more risks and sometimes they'll misjudge. But perhaps aggressive driving is correlated with greater ability to judge what sort of gaps they can fit in and thus cancels out the higher risks they're taking?

I have no idea if data for this exists. I'm not really sure how you'd even quantify aggressive driving in order to study it.

There have been attempts to develop correlations through driver surveys.  In one study I have read of (reported in the UK), each subject was given a series of statements about driving and asked to register his or her level of agreement with each on a Likert scale.  Those who agreed more with sentiments considered characteristic of aggressive drivers tended to have more citations for traffic offenses and more reported accidents.

In another study I have read of, which I think was carried out in New Zealand using a similar survey methodology, the drivers with the cleanest histories (fewest citations and reported accidents) were found to have very low opinions of others' driving abilities and their own.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 31, 2022, 01:32:00 AM
^^^
Rare redesign that I actually like.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on December 31, 2022, 07:35:47 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

Finally.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Halian on January 02, 2023, 07:58:08 AM
Quote from: kphoger on December 05, 2022, 02:44:45 PM
Quote from: Halian on December 05, 2022, 02:16:54 PM
/me pseudorelatedly wonders if a thread for custom/fictional license plate designs already exists

I made one for fictional license plate serial blocks (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=27265.0), but that might be too geeky for what you're wanting.

You also might enjoy this post (https://www.aaroads.com/forum/index.php?topic=8790.msg225454#msg225454) from 2013.
I 'member them! I ran into them as well on CCSLC, where they were doing hand-drawn ballparks, and ended up being half a sponsor namesake. :D

e: and their excellent United Plates of America series, which they already posted upthread!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on January 03, 2023, 10:01:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.

True enough. I would have preferred a brighter design.  Nonetheless, one of the purposes of the new plates will be used to root out those with expired registrations or faded plates (the old wave plates having been around since 1996).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on January 03, 2023, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 03, 2023, 10:01:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.

True enough. I would have preferred a brighter design.  Nonetheless, one of the purposes of the new plates will be used to root out those with expired registrations or faded plates (the old wave plates having been around since 1996).

Not a fan of flat plates either. It's sad to see so many states ditch the embossed type and switch over to the flat design. It just looks so fugly.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 11:54:50 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2023, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 03, 2023, 10:01:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.

True enough. I would have preferred a brighter design.  Nonetheless, one of the purposes of the new plates will be used to root out those with expired registrations or faded plates (the old wave plates having been around since 1996).

Not a fan of flat plates either. It's sad to see so many states ditch the embossed type and switch over to the flat design. It just looks so fugly.

Very much agree with you. Flat plates are also subject to blinding glare from certain angles that render them illegible and they basically look like a fake trinket from a souvenir shop.

Embossed plates look that part and do a better job of what plates are supposed to do.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on January 03, 2023, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 11:54:50 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2023, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 03, 2023, 10:01:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.

True enough. I would have preferred a brighter design.  Nonetheless, one of the purposes of the new plates will be used to root out those with expired registrations or faded plates (the old wave plates having been around since 1996).

Not a fan of flat plates either. It's sad to see so many states ditch the embossed type and switch over to the flat design. It just looks so fugly.

Very much agree with you. Flat plates are also subject to blinding glare from certain angles that render them illegible and they basically look like a fake trinket from a souvenir shop.

Embossed plates look that part and do a better job of what plates are supposed to do.

Embossed plates  can still be read when the artwork fades and/or peels off, too.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 02:08:56 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 03, 2023, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 11:54:50 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2023, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 03, 2023, 10:01:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.

True enough. I would have preferred a brighter design.  Nonetheless, one of the purposes of the new plates will be used to root out those with expired registrations or faded plates (the old wave plates having been around since 1996).

Not a fan of flat plates either. It's sad to see so many states ditch the embossed type and switch over to the flat design. It just looks so fugly.

Very much agree with you. Flat plates are also subject to blinding glare from certain angles that render them illegible and they basically look like a fake trinket from a souvenir shop.

Embossed plates look that part and do a better job of what plates are supposed to do.

Embossed plates  can still be read when the artwork fades and/or peels off, too.

Mike

True that. And that's a real problem in some states. WI is one of them where many older plates are peeling and the embossing is the only way to tell what the plate number is. IL is another, though they've been dealing with that by replacing older plates with the new design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on January 03, 2023, 05:49:57 PM
But flat plates are cheaper, and with about half the population opposed to funding the government at all for any reason...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 07:01:35 PM
As much as I dislike flat plates, it's hard to imagine the downsides outweight the cost savings.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on January 03, 2023, 07:47:30 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on December 17, 2022, 09:40:24 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on December 17, 2022, 05:10:55 PM
I'm in the awkward position of wanting to move from a one-plate state to a (maybe?) two-plate state* and my car has no way to attach a front plate to it. So I'll have to figure out some way of fixing that if I move.

*The state is Nevada. Everything I find on the internet indicates it's a two-plate state, but I don't remember seeing any front plates when I was there. But maybe I just wasn't paying enough attention? Or it changed recently and none of the websites have been updated?

I thought Nevada only required a front plate if you had the attachment for it. If not, it wasn't required.

You can also buy an attachment that allows you to install a plate on the front tow hitch. Common accessory for modified cars.

NRS 482.265 requires the DMV to issue two license plates to every motor vehicle (except motorcycles and mopeds) upon registration.

In case you decide to move, here is the relevant Nevada law (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/Division/Legal/LawLibrary/NRS/NRS-482.html#NRS482Sec275) regarding display of license plates:
Quote from: Nevada Revised Statutes chapter 482
NRS 482.275  License plates: Display.

1.  The license plates for a motor vehicle other than a motorcycle, moped or motor vehicle being transported by a licensed vehicle transporter must be attached thereto, one in the rear and, except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, one in the front. The license plate issued for all other vehicles required to be registered must be attached to the rear of the vehicle. The license plates must be so displayed during the current calendar year or registration period.

2.  If the motor vehicle was not manufactured to include a bracket, device or other contrivance to display and secure a front license plate, and if the manufacturer of the motor vehicle provided no other means or method by which a front license plate may be displayed upon and secured to the motor vehicle:
      (a) One license plate must be attached to the motor vehicle in the rear; and
      (b) The other license plate may, at the option of the owner of the vehicle, be attached to the motor vehicle in the front.

3.  The provisions of subsection 2 do not relieve the Department of the duty to issue a set of two license plates as otherwise required pursuant to NRS 482.265 or other applicable law and do not entitle the owner of a motor vehicle to pay a reduced tax or fee in connection with the registration or transfer of the motor vehicle. If the owner of a motor vehicle, in accordance with the provisions of subsection 2, exercises the option to attach a license plate only to the rear of the motor vehicle, the owner shall:
      (a) Retain the other license plate; and
      (b) Insofar as it may be practicable, return or surrender both plates to the Department as a set when required by law to do so.

4.  Every license plate must at all times be securely fastened to the vehicle to which it is assigned so as to prevent the plate from swinging and at a height not less than 12 inches from the ground, measuring from the bottom of such plate, in a place and position to be clearly visible, and must be maintained free from foreign materials and in a condition to be clearly legible.


There are plenty of vehicles with front plates displayed. However, it seems to be a lot more common for newer vehicles to not have a a built-in spot for the front plate, instead providing a bracket that the owner would have to add on themselves...so many people don't go through that step. (That applies to me...just never prioritized affixing the bracket.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on January 03, 2023, 08:07:46 PM
So basically, "If you have a front bracket, display two plates, otherwise, just one is fine"? That's got to be one of the most sensible laws I've ever read.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on January 04, 2023, 07:37:43 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 02:08:56 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 03, 2023, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 11:54:50 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2023, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 03, 2023, 10:01:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.

True enough. I would have preferred a brighter design.  Nonetheless, one of the purposes of the new plates will be used to root out those with expired registrations or faded plates (the old wave plates having been around since 1996).

Not a fan of flat plates either. It's sad to see so many states ditch the embossed type and switch over to the flat design. It just looks so fugly.

Very much agree with you. Flat plates are also subject to blinding glare from certain angles that render them illegible and they basically look like a fake trinket from a souvenir shop.

Embossed plates look that part and do a better job of what plates are supposed to do.

Embossed plates  can still be read when the artwork fades and/or peels off, too.

Mike

True that. And that's a real problem in some states. WI is one of them where many older plates are peeling and the embossing is the only way to tell what the plate number is. IL is another, though they've been dealing with that by replacing older plates with the new design.
I wonder if stretching adhesive film upon embossing is a part of a peeling problem. I can certainly see film cracking on my older plates near the root of embossed features...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on January 04, 2023, 07:42:57 AM
More on the new RI license plates. The state is calling its new plates "ocean"  instead of "wave" .

https://dmv.ri.gov/media/1946/download
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on January 04, 2023, 12:11:38 PM
Quote from: kalvado on January 04, 2023, 07:37:43 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 02:08:56 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on January 03, 2023, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on January 03, 2023, 11:54:50 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on January 03, 2023, 10:54:55 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on January 03, 2023, 10:01:43 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 03, 2023, 09:42:52 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on December 30, 2022, 10:34:58 PM
It's official. Rhode Island's new license plates will be issued starting in January.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/rhode-island-will-begin-issuing-new-license-plates-next-week/ar-AA15OLtH

It barely changed.

True enough. I would have preferred a brighter design.  Nonetheless, one of the purposes of the new plates will be used to root out those with expired registrations or faded plates (the old wave plates having been around since 1996).

Not a fan of flat plates either. It's sad to see so many states ditch the embossed type and switch over to the flat design. It just looks so fugly.

Very much agree with you. Flat plates are also subject to blinding glare from certain angles that render them illegible and they basically look like a fake trinket from a souvenir shop.

Embossed plates look that part and do a better job of what plates are supposed to do.

Embossed plates  can still be read when the artwork fades and/or peels off, too.

Mike

True that. And that's a real problem in some states. WI is one of them where many older plates are peeling and the embossing is the only way to tell what the plate number is. IL is another, though they've been dealing with that by replacing older plates with the new design.
I wonder if stretching adhesive film upon embossing is a part of a peeling problem. I can certainly see film cracking on my older plates near the root of embossed features...

Shortly before WisDOT started issuing plates in the [LLL-NNNN] format, they switched back to Avery as the supplier if the blank plates, dropping 3M.  A few years earlier they dropped Avery for 3M because they were cheaper.  Yepper, you can easily tell when the earlier supplier transition was from the quality of the plates with lower numbers.  Illinois is now reissuing plates with the same numbers to replace their bad ones and Michigan is on a seven year plate replacement rotation (as recommended by the blank plate manufacturer).  In Wisconsin, current design plates stay with the cars' owners and can be transferred to different, newer cars as long as they are in good condition.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on January 04, 2023, 04:55:31 PM
Wisconsin will require replacement of over 10-year-old plates over the next 10 years: https://www.nbc15.com/2022/09/12/wisconsin-dmv-replacing-old-license-plates-over-next-10-years/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on January 05, 2023, 11:05:42 AM
Quote from: Big John on January 04, 2023, 04:55:31 PM
Wisconsin will require replacement of over 10-year-old plates over the next 10 years: https://www.nbc15.com/2022/09/12/wisconsin-dmv-replacing-old-license-plates-over-next-10-years/

Those are the 3M plates plus a few years of use time.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: interstate73 on January 05, 2023, 09:46:14 PM
Hawaii set to replace its rainbow design soon. (https://www.khon2.com/local-news/hawaii-to-say-aloha-to-rainbow-license-plates/)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 10:39:06 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on January 05, 2023, 09:46:14 PM
Hawaii set to replace its rainbow design soon. (https://www.khon2.com/local-news/hawaii-to-say-aloha-to-rainbow-license-plates/)

Man, that means it'll likely be harder to spot them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 06, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 10:39:06 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on January 05, 2023, 09:46:14 PM
Hawaii set to replace its rainbow design soon. (https://www.khon2.com/local-news/hawaii-to-say-aloha-to-rainbow-license-plates/)

Man, that means it'll likely be harder to spot them.

Gather round, and let me tell you about the time I saw an Alaska and a Hawaii license plate on the same day. It was April 10, 2012, a most glorious day for all humanity.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on January 07, 2023, 07:17:25 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 06, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 10:39:06 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on January 05, 2023, 09:46:14 PM
Hawaii set to replace its rainbow design soon. (https://www.khon2.com/local-news/hawaii-to-say-aloha-to-rainbow-license-plates/)

Man, that means it'll likely be harder to spot them.

Gather round, and let me tell you about the time I saw an Alaska and a Hawaii license plate on the same day. It was April 10, 2012, a most glorious day for all humanity.

It would not be a stretch to see Alaska and Hawaii on the same day in Washington State, particularly with the military presence. Both were pretty common.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on January 09, 2023, 01:30:58 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 07, 2023, 07:17:25 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 06, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 10:39:06 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on January 05, 2023, 09:46:14 PM
Hawaii set to replace its rainbow design soon. (https://www.khon2.com/local-news/hawaii-to-say-aloha-to-rainbow-license-plates/)

Man, that means it'll likely be harder to spot them.

Gather round, and let me tell you about the time I saw an Alaska and a Hawaii license plate on the same day. It was April 10, 2012, a most glorious day for all humanity.

It would not be a stretch to see Alaska and Hawaii on the same day in Washington State, particularly with the military presence. Both were pretty common.

I can only imagine such a magical place.  :-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on January 09, 2023, 11:15:32 AM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 09, 2023, 01:30:58 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on January 07, 2023, 07:17:25 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 06, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
Quote from: kphoger on January 05, 2023, 10:39:06 PM
Quote from: interstate73 on January 05, 2023, 09:46:14 PM
Hawaii set to replace its rainbow design soon. (https://www.khon2.com/local-news/hawaii-to-say-aloha-to-rainbow-license-plates/)

Man, that means it'll likely be harder to spot them.

Gather round, and let me tell you about the time I saw an Alaska and a Hawaii license plate on the same day. It was April 10, 2012, a most glorious day for all humanity.

It would not be a stretch to see Alaska and Hawaii on the same day in Washington State, particularly with the military presence. Both were pretty common.

I can only imagine such a magical place.  :-D

I worked at a large agency located on a military base outside of Washington DC, and you could see all 50 states in one day just walking through the parking lot.   Some people would say that was a magical place!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on January 09, 2023, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 06, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
Gather round, and let me tell you about the time I saw an Alaska and a Hawaii license plate on the same day.

I drove cars with Alaska and Hawaii plates on the same day, one day last summer.  :)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on January 09, 2023, 02:17:24 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 09, 2023, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 06, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
Gather round, and let me tell you about the time I saw an Alaska and a Hawaii license plate on the same day.

I drove cars with Alaska and Hawaii plates on the same day, one day last summer.  :)
I hope that was in Puerto Rico? Then we would have an instant winner
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on January 10, 2023, 07:26:27 AM
Quote from: kalvado on January 09, 2023, 02:17:24 PM
Quote from: MikeTheActuary on January 09, 2023, 01:02:05 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on January 06, 2023, 12:30:28 PM
Gather round, and let me tell you about the time I saw an Alaska and a Hawaii license plate on the same day.

I drove cars with Alaska and Hawaii plates on the same day, one day last summer.  :)
I hope that was in Puerto Rico? Then we would have an instant winner

Sadly, no.

Being in Alaska and Hawaii on the same day (part of my finishing getting to all 50 states) was cool enough for me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 10, 2023, 01:25:55 PM
Yeah, I'm sure I've spotted AK and HI plates on the same day multiple times.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Poiponen13 on January 12, 2023, 10:02:57 AM
Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2023, 01:25:55 PM
Yeah, I'm sure I've spotted AK and HI plates on the same day multiple times.
Or all 50 states on same day?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on January 12, 2023, 10:53:05 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on January 12, 2023, 10:02:57 AM

Quote from: kphoger on January 10, 2023, 01:25:55 PM
Yeah, I'm sure I've spotted AK and HI plates on the same day multiple times.

Or all 50 states on same day?

No.  I may have spotted all 50 states on one trip once or twice, but never on the same day.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: FrCorySticha on January 12, 2023, 11:13:15 AM
You can see older plates from all 50 states in the Smithsonian American Art Museum. An artist used license plates to recreate the Preamble to the Constitution. Does this count? https://www.si.edu/object/preamble:saam_1988.39
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on January 17, 2023, 05:04:22 PM
Arkansas appears to have an updated state promo package. Perhaps a hint at a new tag redesign?

(https://www.arkansas.com/themes/custom/ark_cog/dist/images/footer-logo-tourism.webp)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on January 21, 2023, 06:57:38 AM
First image of the new Rhode Island "Ocean"  plate:

http://www.plateshack.com/y2k/Rhode_Island2/ri2025.jpg
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on February 01, 2023, 07:34:27 PM
Colorado is planning to put out at least one new license plate commemorating the state's 150th anniversary.

Two divisions of plate designs are in the running:  one for kids under 13 years old, and one for those 13 and up.

The finalists can be found here:  https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/colorado-anniversary-license-plate/73-2b2c771e-2ef8-456a-868e-a5240905e678
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 01, 2023, 08:42:47 PM
I suppose it goes without saying, but I prefer the 13+ division options.

I think I like Mr Kottler's the most (the first option).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on February 01, 2023, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 01, 2023, 07:34:27 PM
Colorado is planning to put out at least one new license plate commemorating the state's 150th anniversary.

Two divisions of plate designs are in the running:  one for kids under 13 years old, and one for those 13 and up.

The finalists can be found here:  https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/colorado-anniversary-license-plate/73-2b2c771e-2ef8-456a-868e-a5240905e678


Actually, these are all pretty nice. Even the "under 13" ones are leaps and bounds better than those Kentucky plates from the early 'aughts with the smiley face sun.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 01, 2023, 10:07:24 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 01, 2023, 07:34:27 PM
Colorado is planning to put out at least one new license plate commemorating the state's 150th anniversary.

Two divisions of plate designs are in the running:  one for kids under 13 years old, and one for those 13 and up.

The finalists can be found here:  https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/colorado-anniversary-license-plate/73-2b2c771e-2ef8-456a-868e-a5240905e678

I have to admit that I don't like any of them. If there's any bit of living in Texas that's rubbed off on me, it's my appreciation for the simplicity of the license plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on February 01, 2023, 10:29:38 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 01, 2023, 10:07:24 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 01, 2023, 07:34:27 PM
Colorado is planning to put out at least one new license plate commemorating the state's 150th anniversary.

Two divisions of plate designs are in the running:  one for kids under 13 years old, and one for those 13 and up.

The finalists can be found here:  https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/colorado-anniversary-license-plate/73-2b2c771e-2ef8-456a-868e-a5240905e678

I have to admit that I don't like any of them. If there's any bit of living in Texas that's rubbed off on me, it's my appreciation for the simplicity of the license plates.

I like the simplicity of Texas' current plates too, and I also enjoy a bit of design too.

I think the best plates have minimal design and aren't too "busy". I like my Oregon plates. The fir tree makes a good divider.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 02, 2023, 01:04:48 AM
Oregon's Pacific Wonderland may be my favorite plate of all time, up there with Michigan's Water-Winter Wonderland, and Delaware in general.

The standard Oregon plate, I don't like as much. The colors are very...90s. Still, it's a better plate than many states.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on February 02, 2023, 06:15:26 AM
I had been driving around in a rental car for three weeks with Minnesota plates. I was happy to turn that back in and get back in my regular car which has Michigan's Water-Winter Wonderland plate on it. I was like ahhh now I feel like I'm at home.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on February 02, 2023, 09:09:17 AM
I feel the same about Wisconsin's design, simple, distinctive and readable.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on February 02, 2023, 09:29:01 AM
Just saw my first new Rhode Island plate on the road here on Tuesday. I have to say, the design is growing on me and I actually like it better than the old ones.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 02, 2023, 11:20:46 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on February 01, 2023, 10:29:38 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 01, 2023, 10:07:24 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 01, 2023, 07:34:27 PM
Colorado is planning to put out at least one new license plate commemorating the state's 150th anniversary.

Two divisions of plate designs are in the running:  one for kids under 13 years old, and one for those 13 and up.

The finalists can be found here:  https://www.9news.com/article/life/style/colorado-guide/colorado-anniversary-license-plate/73-2b2c771e-2ef8-456a-868e-a5240905e678

I have to admit that I don't like any of them. If there's any bit of living in Texas that's rubbed off on me, it's my appreciation for the simplicity of the license plates.

I like the simplicity of Texas' current plates too, and I also enjoy a bit of design too.

I think the best plates have minimal design and aren't too "busy". I like my Oregon plates. The fir tree makes a good divider.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/16/Oregon_License_Plate3.jpg/1280px-Oregon_License_Plate3.jpg)

If this is the design you mean, I have to admit it's still a bit too busy in the background for me. The old Tennessee plate has a similar but more subtle vibe, although without the tree, which I liked:

(https://www.thedrive.com/content-b/message-editor%2F1645491765886-1602084884387.png)

In any case, let me point out that I am definitely aware that my thoughts here are not necessarily widely shared.


Quote from: jakeroot on February 02, 2023, 01:04:48 AM
The standard Oregon plate, I don't like as much. The colors are very...90s.

Because the '90s were . . . unlikeable?  :-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on February 02, 2023, 05:55:54 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on February 02, 2023, 11:20:46 AM
Because the '90s were . . . unlikeable?  :-D

90 culture is fantastic. What passed for attractive coloring at the time ... less so.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on February 03, 2023, 11:53:52 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 02, 2023, 09:09:17 AM
I feel the same about Wisconsin's design, simple, distinctive and readable.

Mike

Yes, that's another simple, readable plate.

I was glad when they switched from the red to black letters.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on February 04, 2023, 07:10:04 AM
In the spirit of retro license plates, I wouldn't mind it if Massachusetts brought back a modern variation of the blue and white plates from the 60s, the red and white plates of the 70s, and the green and white plates of the 80s.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JoePCool14 on February 04, 2023, 11:10:33 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on February 03, 2023, 11:53:52 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 02, 2023, 09:09:17 AM
I feel the same about Wisconsin's design, simple, distinctive and readable.

Mike

Yes, that's another simple, readable plate.

I was glad when they switched from the red to black letters.

I'd like to see Wisconsin just change the font of their plate to something more modern. The italicized Arial Black reminds me of Office 2003. Everything about the plate works for me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on February 04, 2023, 11:44:25 PM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on February 04, 2023, 11:10:33 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on February 03, 2023, 11:53:52 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 02, 2023, 09:09:17 AM
I feel the same about Wisconsin's design, simple, distinctive and readable.

Mike

Yes, that's another simple, readable plate.

I was glad when they switched from the red to black letters.

I'd like to see Wisconsin just change the font of their plate to something more modern. The italicized Arial Black reminds me of Office 2003. Everything about the plate works for me.
Arial was not well-known in 1986 when they were first issued.  It is in Helvetica italics.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on February 05, 2023, 02:39:45 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 02, 2023, 09:29:01 AM
Just saw my first new Rhode Island plate on the road here on Tuesday. I have to say, the design is growing on me and I actually like it better than the old ones.

Saw a bunch of new "Ocean"  license plates on a trip to RI today. The ones I saw appear to be replacements for existing traditional  AA-000 format plates. While I would still have preferred an alternate design, the Ocean plate design looks good.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on February 07, 2023, 05:20:20 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.

I'm not sure about other states, but an entire cottage industry has popped up here in California where people are bringing in their generic plates to get them wrapped and customized with a variety of colors and backgrounds.  Some of them mimic earlier plate designs and color combinations, where others go to extremes with every combination of color and background you can imagine.  Some shops produce a very professional-looking product, while others look like a sloppy hack job.  None of them are legal, but I am not sure what the odds are of being pulled-over or ticketed for having one of these plates.  I would imagine the odds are higher the more non-standard your plate looks.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on February 07, 2023, 09:42:36 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.

The article mentions Colorado having blackout  plates -- FALSE!!!  Although there is a small independent petition drive going on on the internet to persuade the state to offer one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on February 08, 2023, 09:12:56 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 07, 2023, 09:42:36 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.

The article mentions Colorado having blackout  plates -- FALSE!!!  Although there is a small independent petition drive going on on the internet to persuade the state to offer one.

Yeah, I caught that too. There's a version of the "blackout plate" concept that is available in Texas however (not mentioned). And the very cool classic 60's California plates that have become a big hit are basically the same concept. Only better if you ask me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on February 08, 2023, 03:11:39 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.

I really think more states should do this trick as it's a good way for people to remember that their registration is expiring. My plates end in a 4 therefore it expires in April. I really like that system.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on February 08, 2023, 03:40:53 PM
The use of numbers like that is very wasteful in two ways.  First, the number of possible combinations is too low.  WV is about to exhaust its third set of numbers, this in a very small state with a low population.  Second, it forces 55 sheriff's offices, 22 DMV regional offices, and the HQ to keep twelve different types of plates on hand at all times, and to keep track of all twelve,  when just one is sufficient. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Poiponen13 on February 08, 2023, 04:14:16 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 03:11:39 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.

I really think more states should do this trick as it's a good way for people to remember that their registration is expiring. My plates end in a 4 therefore it expires in April. I really like that system.
Plates could be coded by month of registration instead.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on February 08, 2023, 04:20:14 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 03:11:39 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.

I really think more states should do this trick as it's a good way for people to remember that their registration is expiring. My plates end in a 4 therefore it expires in April. I really like that system.


Wisconsin has a sticker with the month on it. Seems pretty easy to me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on February 08, 2023, 04:57:57 PM
My registration expires in July and I don't have a 7 anywhere in my license plate number so Michigan obviously doesn't do that.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on February 08, 2023, 05:01:30 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on February 08, 2023, 04:20:14 PM

Wisconsin has a sticker with the month on it. Seems pretty easy to me.

Yep, and many states (including CA) do it this way. Its pretty straightforward.

Now, if only WI would get tough on idiots who place their registration stickers all over their rear plates like a toddler would do.  Many states actually have statutes dictating where these things should be placed.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on February 08, 2023, 06:04:26 PM
Georgia uses your birth month. With the ad-valorem tax, it is referred to as a birthday tax.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on February 08, 2023, 06:17:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 08, 2023, 06:04:26 PM
Georgia uses your birth month. With the ad-valorem tax, it is referred to as a birthday tax.
Michigan goes by your birthday. Mine is in June but I have July tabs because somehow I got my mom on the registration her birthday is in July.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on February 08, 2023, 06:53:27 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 08, 2023, 06:17:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 08, 2023, 06:04:26 PM
Georgia uses your birth month. With the ad-valorem tax, it is referred to as a birthday tax.
Michigan goes by your birthday. Mine is in June but I have July tabs because somehow I got my mom on the registration her birthday is in July.

As does New Hampshire and Florida. New Hampshire also does vehicle inspections based on birth months.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 01:07:21 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on February 08, 2023, 04:20:14 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 03:11:39 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.

I really think more states should do this trick as it's a good way for people to remember that their registration is expiring. My plates end in a 4 therefore it expires in April. I really like that system.


Wisconsin has a sticker with the month on it. Seems pretty easy to me.

Wisconsin encoded its regular plate numbers by month of expiration until about 1979 or 1980.  The first letter denoted the month ('A' = January, 'B' = February, etc).  The plate number on my first ever car [V67-053] (Wow, I can still remember it, too!) was an October expiration. This ended when WisDOT started issuing personalized plate numbers.

Some states (ie, New York and Pennsylvania) no longer issue annual plate validation stickers, too.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 05:15:16 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 01:07:21 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on February 08, 2023, 04:20:14 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 03:11:39 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.

I really think more states should do this trick as it's a good way for people to remember that their registration is expiring. My plates end in a 4 therefore it expires in April. I really like that system.


Wisconsin has a sticker with the month on it. Seems pretty easy to me.

Wisconsin encoded its regular plate numbers by month of expiration until about 1979 or 1980.  The first letter denoted the month ('A' = January, 'B' = February, etc).  The plate number on my first ever car [V67-053] (Wow, I can still remember it, too!) was an October expiration. This ended when WisDOT started issuing personalized plate numbers.

Some states (ie, New York and Pennsylvania) no longer issue annual plate validation stickers, too.

Mike
NY issues biannual  validation sticker which goes on a windshield.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 10:47:54 AM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 05:15:16 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 01:07:21 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on February 08, 2023, 04:20:14 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 03:11:39 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.

I really think more states should do this trick as it's a good way for people to remember that their registration is expiring. My plates end in a 4 therefore it expires in April. I really like that system.


Wisconsin has a sticker with the month on it. Seems pretty easy to me.

Wisconsin encoded its regular plate numbers by month of expiration until about 1979 or 1980.  The first letter denoted the month ('A' = January, 'B' = February, etc).  The plate number on my first ever car [V67-053] (Wow, I can still remember it, too!) was an October expiration. This ended when WisDOT started issuing personalized plate numbers.

Some states (ie, New York and Pennsylvania) no longer issue annual plate validation stickers, too.

Mike
NY issues biannual  validation sticker which goes on a windshield.

But not onto the plates themselves.  The plates only serve to identify the vehicles.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on February 09, 2023, 10:54:33 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 06:53:27 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 08, 2023, 06:17:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 08, 2023, 06:04:26 PM
Georgia uses your birth month. With the ad-valorem tax, it is referred to as a birthday tax.
Michigan goes by your birthday. Mine is in June but I have July tabs because somehow I got my mom on the registration her birthday is in July.

As does New Hampshire and Florida. New Hampshire also does vehicle inspections based on birth months.

Texas does it by the month you first registered the car minus one. So, if you register your car in September, it's good till the end of the following August, which I find annoying and cheap, to be honest.

Tennessee did the same thing, except that the registration was good until the end of the same month you registered it.

California has it expire right on the exact day one year later.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 11:47:03 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 10:47:54 AM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 05:15:16 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 01:07:21 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on February 08, 2023, 04:20:14 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 03:11:39 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on February 08, 2023, 01:40:22 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 08, 2023, 09:19:54 AM
Just a question: Is Massachusetts the only state where expiration month is determined by the plate itself? (For those unfamiliar, as long as it's a regular passenger plate, it's the last digit, where 1 is January, 0 is October, and letters are ignored, only using the last one that's actually a digit.)

The registration stickers in Massachusetts are color-coded on a 5-year cycle (last digit 0,5 orange, 1,6 yellow, 2,7 green, 3,8 red, 4,9 blue), so it's very easy to determine from a distance if it's expired – unless it's a commercial plate, in which it can look expired despite being legal, as commercial plates always expire in December.

West Virginia does as well.  The first character is either 1-9 (Jan-Sept), or letter O, N, or D for the last 3 months.

In Missouri, the system, I believe, is also based on the first character - A&B for Jan, C&D for Feb....etc., omitting I and O leaving exactly 2 letters for each month.

I really think more states should do this trick as it's a good way for people to remember that their registration is expiring. My plates end in a 4 therefore it expires in April. I really like that system.


Wisconsin has a sticker with the month on it. Seems pretty easy to me.

Wisconsin encoded its regular plate numbers by month of expiration until about 1979 or 1980.  The first letter denoted the month ('A' = January, 'B' = February, etc).  The plate number on my first ever car [V67-053] (Wow, I can still remember it, too!) was an October expiration. This ended when WisDOT started issuing personalized plate numbers.

Some states (ie, New York and Pennsylvania) no longer issue annual plate validation stickers, too.

Mike
NY issues biannual  validation sticker which goes on a windshield.

But not onto the plates themselves.  The plates only serve to identify the vehicles.

Mike
Well, it depends on what is the keyword for you - "validation sticker" itself, or its location "on a license plate" 
A discussion on whether that glass is half full or half empty...

There may be some difference for enforcement as windshield sticker may be harder to see from a patrol car on the road, but probably that's it.   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 01:50:33 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 11:47:03 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 10:47:54 AM

But not onto the plates themselves.  The plates only serve to identify the vehicles.

Mike

Well, it depends on what is the keyword for you - "validation sticker" itself, or its location "on a license plate" 
A discussion on whether that glass is half full or half empty...

There may be some difference for enforcement as windshield sticker may be harder to see from a patrol car on the road, but probably that's it.   

Several decades ago, New York (state) was having a problem with the annual validation stickers being physically cut off of license plates and then illegally used for faking the renewals on other cars' plates, primarily in NYC.  The state's solution was to then put all of the annual stickers on the inside of the windshield, leaving the plates themselves behind for the sole purpose of identifying the vehicle from a distance.  In NYS, the 'official' 'plate' is the main window sticker - if it's not there....

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 01:56:46 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 01:50:33 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 11:47:03 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 10:47:54 AM

But not onto the plates themselves.  The plates only serve to identify the vehicles.

Mike

Well, it depends on what is the keyword for you - "validation sticker" itself, or its location "on a license plate" 
A discussion on whether that glass is half full or half empty...

There may be some difference for enforcement as windshield sticker may be harder to see from a patrol car on the road, but probably that's it.   

Several decades ago, New York (state) was having a problem with the annual validation stickers being physically cut off of license plates and then illegally used for faking the renewals on other cars' plates, primarily in NYC.  The state's solution was to then put all of the annual stickers on the inside of the windshield, leaving the plates themselves behind for the sole purpose of identifying the vehicle from a distance.  In NYS, the 'official' 'plate' is the main window sticker - if it's not there....

Mike
I know of some people who drove with expired sticker for a while. I guess it is not "if it is not there" but "if they catch you when it is not there"...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on February 09, 2023, 01:59:57 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 01:56:46 PM
I know of some people who drove with expired sticker for a while. I guess it is not "if it is not there" but "if they catch you when it is not there"...

On my walks, I would say that about 1 in 100 Massachusetts cars have an expired registration sticker, and a similar proportion have no front plate when they're required to have one (there are also some illegal New Hampshire no-front-plate cars). As I said before, it's very easy to see if registration is expired from a distance; you just need the last digit of the plate and the color of the sticker square, although the blue and the green are occasionally hard to tell which is which.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 02:13:59 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 09, 2023, 01:59:57 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 01:56:46 PM
I know of some people who drove with expired sticker for a while. I guess it is not "if it is not there" but "if they catch you when it is not there"...

On my walks, I would say that about 1 in 100 Massachusetts cars have an expired registration sticker, and a similar proportion have no front plate when they're required to have one (there are also some illegal New Hampshire no-front-plate cars). As I said before, it's very easy to see if registration is expired from a distance; you just need the last digit of the plate and the color of the sticker square, although the blue and the green are occasionally hard to tell which is which.
And I am not sure if that "able to see" is an advantage or disadvantage. With many police cars having license plate readers to check things out on the fly, probably it matters even less than it used to be anyway
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on February 09, 2023, 02:14:32 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 09, 2023, 01:59:57 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 01:56:46 PM
I know of some people who drove with expired sticker for a while. I guess it is not "if it is not there" but "if they catch you when it is not there"...

On my walks, I would say that about 1 in 100 Massachusetts cars have an expired registration sticker, and a similar proportion have no front plate when they're required to have one (there are also some illegal New Hampshire no-front-plate cars). As I said before, it's very easy to see if registration is expired from a distance; you just need the last digit of the plate and the color of the sticker square, although the blue and the green are occasionally hard to tell which is which.

Of course, one of the very main tenets of all of the 'law' is that you can do whatever you want to - as long as no one else calls you on it.  That said, if you are diving along and you see a police car innocently ambling along in the mirror behind you, assume that your car's plates have already been automatically 'run' and checked for being valid and current as well as for any outstanding warrants. In reality, that does negate the need for annual renewal stickers and is why Pennsylvania eliminated them as a cost and hassle saving measure several years ago.  I'm a bit surprised that this isn't a much more common thing.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on February 12, 2023, 03:37:05 PM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on February 08, 2023, 06:53:27 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 08, 2023, 06:17:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on February 08, 2023, 06:04:26 PM
Georgia uses your birth month. With the ad-valorem tax, it is referred to as a birthday tax.
Michigan goes by your birthday. Mine is in June but I have July tabs because somehow I got my mom on the registration her birthday is in July.

As does New Hampshire and Florida. New Hampshire also does vehicle inspections based on birth months.

South Dakota does it by first letter of your last name, so like A-C are in January, etc, so all your cars are up for renewal at the same time. Nebraska does it by the month you got the plates, so the cars have to be renewed at various times of the year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on February 12, 2023, 03:39:51 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 02:13:59 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 09, 2023, 01:59:57 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 01:56:46 PM
I know of some people who drove with expired sticker for a while. I guess it is not "if it is not there" but "if they catch you when it is not there"...

On my walks, I would say that about 1 in 100 Massachusetts cars have an expired registration sticker, and a similar proportion have no front plate when they're required to have one (there are also some illegal New Hampshire no-front-plate cars). As I said before, it's very easy to see if registration is expired from a distance; you just need the last digit of the plate and the color of the sticker square, although the blue and the green are occasionally hard to tell which is which.
And I am not sure if that "able to see" is an advantage or disadvantage. With many police cars having license plate readers to check things out on the fly, probably it matters even less than it used to be anyway

I think Inspection Stations are supposed to flag faded plates (visible within a certain distance) when vehicles obtain their annual inspection stickers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on February 12, 2023, 03:49:43 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 12, 2023, 03:39:51 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 02:13:59 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 09, 2023, 01:59:57 PM
Quote from: kalvado on February 09, 2023, 01:56:46 PM
I know of some people who drove with expired sticker for a while. I guess it is not "if it is not there" but "if they catch you when it is not there"...

On my walks, I would say that about 1 in 100 Massachusetts cars have an expired registration sticker, and a similar proportion have no front plate when they're required to have one (there are also some illegal New Hampshire no-front-plate cars). As I said before, it's very easy to see if registration is expired from a distance; you just need the last digit of the plate and the color of the sticker square, although the blue and the green are occasionally hard to tell which is which.
And I am not sure if that "able to see" is an advantage or disadvantage. With many police cars having license plate readers to check things out on the fly, probably it matters even less than it used to be anyway

I think Inspection Stations are supposed to flag faded plates (visible within a certain distance) when vehicles obtain their annual inspection stickers.
It's not about "readable", which is obviously a must. It is about plate relaying additional information - county of issue, registration status. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on February 13, 2023, 03:59:55 PM
Quote from: 1 on February 09, 2023, 01:59:57 PMOn my walks, I would say that about 1 in 100 Massachusetts cars have an expired registration sticker, and a similar proportion have no front plate when they're required to have one (there are also some illegal New Hampshire no-front-plate cars). As I said before, it's very easy to see if registration is expired from a distance; you just need the last digit of the plate and the color of the sticker square, although the blue and the green are occasionally hard to tell which is which.

They extended the registration renewal deadlines by a few months during the worst part of the pandemic, for the benefit of those owners who couldn't renew online.  Apparently some vehicle owners took that to mean "don't bother, they won't enforce it anyway."  I see expired plates all the time too.  Massachusetts is one of the few states that I know of, which will immediately confiscate plates on any vehicle with an expired registration and call for a tow if the vehicle is on a public road, but apparently enforcement is still lax enough that lots of people don't bother.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on March 03, 2023, 12:02:06 AM
The results are in:  Two New Colorado plate designs will be available for about 4 years:

https://www.cpr.org/2023/03/01/colorado-150th-anniversary-license-plates/

BTW, the one displayed on the right I'm very tempted to get on the next renewal.

As far as the Pikes Peak or Bust plate on the left, they still need to tweak it in order to be legible!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 03, 2023, 11:27:52 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on March 03, 2023, 12:02:06 AM
The results are in:  Two New Colorado plate designs will be available for about 4 years:

https://www.cpr.org/2023/03/01/colorado-150th-anniversary-license-plates/

BTW, the one displayed on the right I'm very tempted to get on the next renewal.

As far as the Pikes Peak or Bust plate on the left, they still need to tweak it in order to be legible!

Yeah, while I generally don't like busy plates, I could get behind the Pikes Peak one if they made the text white.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on March 03, 2023, 03:05:15 PM
Quote from: CtrlAltDel on March 03, 2023, 11:27:52 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on March 03, 2023, 12:02:06 AM
The results are in:  Two New Colorado plate designs will be available for about 4 years:

https://www.cpr.org/2023/03/01/colorado-150th-anniversary-license-plates/

BTW, the one displayed on the right I'm very tempted to get on the next renewal.

As far as the Pikes Peak or Bust plate on the left, they still need to tweak it in order to be legible!

Yeah, while I generally don't like busy plates, I could get behind the Pikes Peak one if they made the text white.

They definitely need to make the text white. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on March 03, 2023, 08:50:14 PM
It also looks like the state dropped the Colorado tri-colored "C" from the top left corner from the winning design.  Don't know if that made the plate look "too busy", but thats what really made the design cool in the first place.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 05, 2023, 04:17:15 AM
The plate on the right needs bigger numerals

The plate on the left appears to be a piece of artwork that had numerals added to it as an afterthought. It is unusably bad in its current state, IMO.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on March 17, 2023, 09:51:19 AM
Just found out through licenseplates.cc (https://licenseplates.cc/) (a website to track the highest licence plate issues by state/province) that PEI has a new licence plate as of December 2022. They're notably jumping up to a six character format.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-licence-plate-1.6653795 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-licence-plate-1.6653795)
(https://i.cbc.ca/1.6653803.1668626078!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/licence-plates.jpg)

I like the look of the new standard issue plate (top left). It's clean, easy to read, and uses the classic green colour associated with PEI. I'm not a fan of the "Food Island" plate though, something about the food icons looks lame to me.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on March 17, 2023, 09:53:50 AM
Yeah, the standard one looks pretty classy.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on March 19, 2023, 12:16:04 AM
I saw a new Wisconsin sports-specialty plate while driving around Appleton today - In addition to license plates for the Packers, Bucks ('Fear the Deer!'), the Brewers (two different logo designs) plus a few more at the NCAA level, WisDOT is now offering special plates for the Road America race track.  It is black with white letters and numbers plus a simplified track logo.  Are any other racetracks nationwide so honored?

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on March 19, 2023, 08:31:10 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 17, 2023, 09:51:19 AM
Just found out through licenseplates.cc (https://licenseplates.cc/) (a website to track the highest licence plate issues by state/province) that PEI has a new licence plate as of December 2022. They're notably jumping up to a six character format.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-licence-plate-1.6653795 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-licence-plate-1.6653795)
(https://i.cbc.ca/1.6653803.1668626078!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/licence-plates.jpg)

I like the look of the new standard issue plate (top left). It's clean, easy to read, and uses the classic green colour associated with PEI. I'm not a fan of the "Food Island" plate though, something about the food icons looks lame to me.

One of the best new plates in years. I love the border in particular.

Well done, PEI!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 19, 2023, 11:35:24 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on March 17, 2023, 09:51:19 AM
Just found out through licenseplates.cc (https://licenseplates.cc/) (a website to track the highest licence plate issues by state/province) that PEI has a new licence plate as of December 2022. They're notably jumping up to a six character format.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-licence-plate-1.6653795 (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-new-licence-plate-1.6653795)
(https://i.cbc.ca/1.6653803.1668626078!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/original_1180/licence-plates.jpg)

I like the look of the new standard issue plate (top left). It's clean, easy to read, and uses the classic green colour associated with PEI. I'm not a fan of the "Food Island" plate though, something about the food icons looks lame to me.

Yes, love the new PEI standard plate, the best one IMO since this one:

http://www.15q.net/cdn/pei73.jpg
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on March 21, 2023, 09:48:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 19, 2023, 12:16:04 AM
I saw a new Wisconsin sports-specialty plate while driving around Appleton today - In addition to license plates for the Packers, Bucks ('Fear the Deer!'), the Brewers (two different logo designs) plus a few more at the NCAA level, WisDOT is now offering special plates for the Road America race track.  It is black with white letters and numbers plus a simplified track logo.  Are any other racetracks nationwide so honored?

Mike


Alabama offers one for Barber Motorsports Museum, which is on the site of the Barber racetrack.

(https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Barber-Vintage-Motorsports-Museum-2022-300x148.jpg)

I feel you'll never be able to talk your way out of a speeding ticket if you have a racing-inspired plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DRMan on March 21, 2023, 10:05:57 PM
Quote from: formulanone on March 21, 2023, 09:48:10 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 19, 2023, 12:16:04 AM
I saw a new Wisconsin sports-specialty plate while driving around Appleton today - In addition to license plates for the Packers, Bucks ('Fear the Deer!'), the Brewers (two different logo designs) plus a few more at the NCAA level, WisDOT is now offering special plates for the Road America race track.  It is black with white letters and numbers plus a simplified track logo.  Are any other racetracks nationwide so honored?

Mike


Alabama offers one for Barber Motorsports Museum, which is on the site of the Barber racetrack.

(https://www.revenue.alabama.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Barber-Vintage-Motorsports-Museum-2022-300x148.jpg)

I feel you'll never be able to talk your way out of a speeding ticket if you have a racing-inspired plate.

Arizona has a plate for Phoenix Raceway, and another for Barrett-Jackson auto auctions.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on March 22, 2023, 11:22:58 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on March 19, 2023, 12:16:04 AM
Are any other racetracks nationwide so honored?


https://www.in.gov/bmv/registration-plates/license-plates-overview/license-plate-designs/

Little place in Indianapolis, you may have heard of it. 


Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on March 31, 2023, 10:38:42 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on February 07, 2023, 09:42:36 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.

The article mentions Colorado having blackout  plates -- FALSE!!!  Although there is a small independent petition drive going on on the internet to persuade the state to offer one.

I stand corrected...

Just in the past week and a half, I have seen 2 separate sets of white-on-black Colorado plates.  The state is also offering white-on-blue and white-on-red plates as well.  So that is an actual thing now here in the Rockies!!!
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on April 01, 2023, 06:08:51 AM
Maine is contemplating replacing their Chickadee license plates, on the road since 1999.

https://www.wabi.tv/2023/02/14/bye-bye-chickadee-maine-proposes-new-license-plate/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on April 01, 2023, 08:03:37 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 01, 2023, 06:08:51 AM
Maine is contemplating replacing their Chickadee license plates, on the road since 1999.

https://www.wabi.tv/2023/02/14/bye-bye-chickadee-maine-proposes-new-license-plate/

Not a bad time to consider it since Maine is reaching the end of its 1234 AB format sometime this year. I've already seen some ZQ plates on the road and I wonder what they'll do once they reach ZY.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on April 01, 2023, 09:03:13 AM
Quote from: BlueOutback7 on April 01, 2023, 08:03:37 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 01, 2023, 06:08:51 AM
Maine is contemplating replacing their Chickadee license plates, on the road since 1999.

https://www.wabi.tv/2023/02/14/bye-bye-chickadee-maine-proposes-new-license-plate/

Not a bad time to consider it since Maine is reaching the end of its 1234 AB format sometime this year. I've already seen some ZQ plates on the road and I wonder what they'll do once they reach ZY.

It is a good time, after 24+ years of hot summers and very cold winters and the current numbering format nearing exhaustion.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 04, 2023, 02:36:08 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on March 31, 2023, 10:38:42 PM

Quote from: thenetwork on February 07, 2023, 09:42:36 PM

Quote from: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.

The article mentions Colorado having blackout  plates -- FALSE!!!  Although there is a small independent petition drive going on on the internet to persuade the state to offer one.

I stand corrected...

Just in the past week and a half, I have seen 2 separate sets of white-on-black Colorado plates.  The state is also offering white-on-blue and white-on-red plates as well.  So that is an actual thing now here in the Rockies!!!

I just saw a white-on-black Colorado plate here in Wichita the other day, even.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 74/171FAN on April 06, 2023, 05:00:51 PM
PennDOT - Statewide News: PennDOT Announces New License Plates to Help Grow and Sustain Plants and Pollinators (https://www.penndot.pa.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=1037)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on April 07, 2023, 12:29:24 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 06, 2023, 05:00:51 PM
PennDOT - Statewide News: PennDOT Announces New License Plates to Help Grow and Sustain Plants and Pollinators (https://www.penndot.pa.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=1037)

Speaking of 'pollinators', are honeybees even 'native' in North America?

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on April 07, 2023, 12:34:33 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 07, 2023, 12:29:24 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 06, 2023, 05:00:51 PM
PennDOT - Statewide News: PennDOT Announces New License Plates to Help Grow and Sustain Plants and Pollinators (https://www.penndot.pa.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=1037)

Speaking of 'pollinators', are honeybees even 'native' in North America?

Mike
They would be called "invasive species" if we didn't need honeybees so much.
Using the opportunity to advertise a book "Where do camels belong":
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-Camels-Belong-invasive/dp/1781251746
It boils down to -  it's invasive if we don't like it; otherwise its a welcome addition to the ecosystem.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on April 07, 2023, 11:05:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on April 07, 2023, 12:34:33 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 07, 2023, 12:29:24 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 06, 2023, 05:00:51 PM
PennDOT - Statewide News: PennDOT Announces New License Plates to Help Grow and Sustain Plants and Pollinators (https://www.penndot.pa.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=1037)

Speaking of 'pollinators', are honeybees even 'native' in North America?

Mike
They would be called "invasive species" if we didn't need honeybees so much.
Using the opportunity to advertise a book "Where do camels belong":
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-Camels-Belong-invasive/dp/1781251746
It boils down to -  it's invasive if we don't like it; otherwise its a welcome addition to the ecosystem.


I also believe that common earthworms are not native in North America and in fact have had a profound effect on the forest ecosystems here (think in terms of seriously less leaf litter and what all would otherwise normally come with it).

:-o

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on April 08, 2023, 08:59:41 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 07, 2023, 11:05:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on April 07, 2023, 12:34:33 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 07, 2023, 12:29:24 PM
Quote from: 74/171FAN on April 06, 2023, 05:00:51 PM
PennDOT - Statewide News: PennDOT Announces New License Plates to Help Grow and Sustain Plants and Pollinators (https://www.penndot.pa.gov/pages/all-news-details.aspx?newsid=1037)

Speaking of 'pollinators', are honeybees even 'native' in North America?

Mike
They would be called "invasive species" if we didn't need honeybees so much.
Using the opportunity to advertise a book "Where do camels belong":
https://www.amazon.com/Where-Do-Camels-Belong-invasive/dp/1781251746
It boils down to -  it's invasive if we don't like it; otherwise its a welcome addition to the ecosystem.


I also believe that common earthworms are not native in North America and in fact have had a profound effect on the forest ecosystems here (think in terms of seriously less leaf litter and what all would otherwise normally come with it).

:-o

Mike
Ecosystem of northern US and Canada is brand new by ecosystem scale. Just 10 000 years ago the very point I am sitting right now was covered with thick layer of ice from Laurentide ice sheet. That means there were no native plants, earthworms, and very few, if any, animals. Everything that lives around here was introduced - manually or naturally - within past 10k years. That includes earthworms, both still slowly propagating northward from warmer areas where they survived glacier and hitchhikers.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on April 08, 2023, 09:56:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I just saw one today. I’ve seen a few around, but it’s mainly been the Pure Michigan design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: chrisdiaz on April 09, 2023, 10:13:15 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I've seen quite a few. I'm in the Myrtle Beach area.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on April 10, 2023, 11:02:12 AM
I've seen a lot since I'm IN Michigan. I haven't seen one the few times I went outside of the state though. I've got one myself so I see one every single day but it's mostly a mixture of the three plates here. I love how you don't have to get the ugly Pure Michigan plate anymore.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I see them fairly often along the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee. Just saw one yesterday at my local Kwik Trip, gassing up before crossing the border into the land of California-priced gasoline (a.k.a. Illinois). Those MI WWW plates are really very attractive.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on April 11, 2023, 11:15:23 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I see them fairly often along the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee. Just saw one yesterday at my local Kwik Trip, gassing up before crossing the border into the land of California-priced gasoline (a.k.a. Illinois). Those MI WWW plates are really very attractive.
They certainly are a nice choice after being stuck with the Pure Michigan plates for a decade. I also liked the pre 2007 plates that were blue with white lettering/numbering and it simply said MICHIGAN at the top and GREAT LAKES at the bottom but I do like the WWW ones better, they are a throwback plate from the 60's but look real nice in 2023.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on April 11, 2023, 12:07:30 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?
I saw one in South Carolina a few days ago.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 12:49:25 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 11, 2023, 11:15:23 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I see them fairly often along the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee. Just saw one yesterday at my local Kwik Trip, gassing up before crossing the border into the land of California-priced gasoline (a.k.a. Illinois). Those MI WWW plates are really very attractive.
They certainly are a nice choice after being stuck with the Pure Michigan plates for a decade. I also liked the pre 2007 plates that were blue with white lettering/numbering and it simply said MICHIGAN at the top and GREAT LAKES at the bottom but I do like the WWW ones better, they are a throwback plate from the 60's but look real nice in 2023.

Agree!

The color scheme is nice, the uniquely sized font that is embossed into the plate is nice - it's all good.  Just a shame that Michiganders can't get 2 plates.

These retro designs really hit it out of the park: another favorite of mine is the 60's California gold on black plate. It is just fantastic. Too bad they didn't get enough support for the 70's gold on blue plate to have it offered as well (it was an option but didn't get enough orders to be produced). Between the two, I guess I understand why black won out.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on April 11, 2023, 04:01:04 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 10, 2023, 11:02:12 AM
I've seen a lot since I'm IN Michigan. I haven't seen one the few times I went outside of the state though. I've got one myself so I see one every single day but it's mostly a mixture of the three plates here. I love how you don't have to get the ugly Pure Michigan plate anymore.

I've seen two or three here in Ohio, not including the one on my sister's car when she visited earlier this year.  I would probably have seen a lot more if I used I-75 on a regular basis, but my daily commute is all surface streets.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on April 11, 2023, 07:10:23 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 12:49:25 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 11, 2023, 11:15:23 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I see them fairly often along the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee. Just saw one yesterday at my local Kwik Trip, gassing up before crossing the border into the land of California-priced gasoline (a.k.a. Illinois). Those MI WWW plates are really very attractive.
They certainly are a nice choice after being stuck with the Pure Michigan plates for a decade. I also liked the pre 2007 plates that were blue with white lettering/numbering and it simply said MICHIGAN at the top and GREAT LAKES at the bottom but I do like the WWW ones better, they are a throwback plate from the 60's but look real nice in 2023.

Agree!

The color scheme is nice, the uniquely sized font that is embossed into the plate is nice - it's all good.  Just a shame that Michiganders can't get 2 plates.

These retro designs really hit it out of the park: another favorite of mine is the 60's California gold on black plate. It is just fantastic. Too bad they didn't get enough support for the 70's gold on blue plate to have it offered as well (it was an option but didn't get enough orders to be produced). Between the two, I guess I understand why black won out.

I am surprised that the 1970's retro gold-on-blue plates (aka the LA Rams color plates) in California didn't fly. Those were my favorite.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on April 12, 2023, 07:51:34 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 11, 2023, 07:10:23 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 12:49:25 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 11, 2023, 11:15:23 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I see them fairly often along the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee. Just saw one yesterday at my local Kwik Trip, gassing up before crossing the border into the land of California-priced gasoline (a.k.a. Illinois). Those MI WWW plates are really very attractive.
They certainly are a nice choice after being stuck with the Pure Michigan plates for a decade. I also liked the pre 2007 plates that were blue with white lettering/numbering and it simply said MICHIGAN at the top and GREAT LAKES at the bottom but I do like the WWW ones better, they are a throwback plate from the 60's but look real nice in 2023.

Agree!

The color scheme is nice, the uniquely sized font that is embossed into the plate is nice - it's all good.  Just a shame that Michiganders can't get 2 plates.

These retro designs really hit it out of the park: another favorite of mine is the 60's California gold on black plate. It is just fantastic. Too bad they didn't get enough support for the 70's gold on blue plate to have it offered as well (it was an option but didn't get enough orders to be produced). Between the two, I guess I understand why black won out.

I am surprised that the 1970's retro gold-on-blue plates (aka the LA Rams color plates) in California didn't fly. Those were my favorite.


Same here. When the options first came up, I was sure the blue and black versions would have enough sales. The yellow/gold 50's style is nice too but few are old enough to remember them (including me, they were issuing gold on black when I was born). So I did not expect that one to make it - but it was a surprise that blue didn't make it either. That one screams "California" to those of us who grew up in a certain era.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 10:29:28 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 12, 2023, 07:51:34 AM
Quote from: thenetwork on April 11, 2023, 07:10:23 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 12:49:25 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 11, 2023, 11:15:23 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 11, 2023, 09:47:11 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on April 08, 2023, 08:52:04 AM
How far has Michigan's Water Winter Wonderland plate made it so far? I mean has anyone outside of Michigan actually seen one yet?

I see them fairly often along the I-94 corridor between Chicago and Milwaukee. Just saw one yesterday at my local Kwik Trip, gassing up before crossing the border into the land of California-priced gasoline (a.k.a. Illinois). Those MI WWW plates are really very attractive.
They certainly are a nice choice after being stuck with the Pure Michigan plates for a decade. I also liked the pre 2007 plates that were blue with white lettering/numbering and it simply said MICHIGAN at the top and GREAT LAKES at the bottom but I do like the WWW ones better, they are a throwback plate from the 60's but look real nice in 2023.

Agree!

The color scheme is nice, the uniquely sized font that is embossed into the plate is nice - it's all good.  Just a shame that Michiganders can't get 2 plates.

These retro designs really hit it out of the park: another favorite of mine is the 60's California gold on black plate. It is just fantastic. Too bad they didn't get enough support for the 70's gold on blue plate to have it offered as well (it was an option but didn't get enough orders to be produced). Between the two, I guess I understand why black won out.

I am surprised that the 1970's retro gold-on-blue plates (aka the LA Rams color plates) in California didn't fly. Those were my favorite.


Same here. When the options first came up, I was sure the blue and black versions would have enough sales. The yellow/gold 50's style is nice too but few are old enough to remember them (including me, they were issuing gold on black when I was born). So I did not expect that one to make it - but it was a surprise that blue didn't make it either. That one screams "California" to those of us who grew up in a certain era.

I have the gold-on-black plates on both of my cars, I like them so much better than the tired general issue lipstock font plate.  I seem to share that opinion with a lot of other people, because we are now at a point where a significant minority of vehicles have the gold-on-black plates.

What I would like to see them bring back is the sunset Golden State plates that were issued briefly in the mid-1980's.  That was a nice-looking clean design that did not deserve to die on the vine as quickly as it did.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on April 12, 2023, 02:57:33 PM
Quote from: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 10:29:28 AM
What I would like to see them bring back is the sunset Golden State plates that were issued briefly in the mid-1980's.  That was a nice-looking clean design that did not deserve to die on the vine as quickly as it did.

At the time that they came out, I thought they were the best looking plate ever designed. I couldn't believe that they were discontinued a few short years later in favor of a much more boring substitute.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on April 12, 2023, 05:04:12 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on April 12, 2023, 02:57:33 PM
Quote from: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 10:29:28 AM
What I would like to see them bring back is the sunset Golden State plates that were issued briefly in the mid-1980's.  That was a nice-looking clean design that did not deserve to die on the vine as quickly as it did.

I call that one the "80's Movie Plate".  It was a great design.

At the time that they came out, I thought they were the best looking plate ever designed. I couldn't believe that they were discontinued a few short years later in favor of a much more boring substitute.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 05:36:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on April 12, 2023, 05:04:12 PM
Quote from: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 10:29:28 AM
What I would like to see them bring back is the sunset Golden State plates that were issued briefly in the mid-1980's.  That was a nice-looking clean design that did not deserve to die on the vine as quickly as it did.

I call that one the "80's Movie Plate".  It was a great design.


Made famous from the opening credits scene for the TV series "LA Law"
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on April 12, 2023, 06:34:06 PM
Quote from: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 05:36:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on April 12, 2023, 05:04:12 PM
Quote from: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 10:29:28 AM
What I would like to see them bring back is the sunset Golden State plates that were issued briefly in the mid-1980's.  That was a nice-looking clean design that did not deserve to die on the vine as quickly as it did.

I call that one the "80's Movie Plate".  It was a great design.


Made famous from the opening credits scene for the TV series "LA Law"

It didn't last as long as the show. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MattCollopy on April 13, 2023, 05:10:25 PM
I think the old design was so iconic and fit in so well with the Rhode Island vibe. They had been saying they were gonna replace it for many years before and it's awesome that they finally did it. I haven't got a close enough look at one to see but it might have the 3M HD sheeting that they were rolling out in Kansas and Oklahoma and some other states too I think. So they might not peel like some of the older flat plates. I think it's great that they decided to choose this one instead of that ugly white on navy blue plate they were proposing a few years ago.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on April 13, 2023, 07:49:53 PM
Quote from: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 05:36:35 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on April 12, 2023, 05:04:12 PM
Quote from: jdbx on April 12, 2023, 10:29:28 AM
What I would like to see them bring back is the sunset Golden State plates that were issued briefly in the mid-1980's.  That was a nice-looking clean design that did not deserve to die on the vine as quickly as it did.

I call that one the "80's Movie Plate".  It was a great design.


Made famous from the opening credits scene for the TV series "LA Law"

That was one of my favorites.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on April 19, 2023, 01:08:39 AM
Wisconsin has begun issuing special 'fleet' plates for cars, I saw two different ones while driving around Appleton today.  Interesting design element, in the smallest text that I have yet seen as a design element on a plate, they have "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" right below the normally sized state name at the top in an otherwise unadorned design (all black text and letters/numbers) and the word "FLEET" at the bottom.  I don't know if I would reject a car rental if the car did not have normal issue/design plates for the state that I am in.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on April 19, 2023, 09:47:18 AM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 19, 2023, 01:08:39 AM
Wisconsin has begun issuing special 'fleet' plates for cars, I saw two different ones while driving around Appleton today.  Interesting design element, in the smallest text that I have yet seen as a design element on a plate, they have "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" right below the normally sized state name at the top in an otherwise unadorned design (all black text and letters/numbers) and the word "FLEET" at the bottom.  I don't know if I would reject a car rental if the car did not have normal issue/design plates for the state that I am in.

FYI...  https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2021/related/acts/178.pdf
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tman on April 19, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 19, 2023, 01:08:39 AM
Wisconsin has begun issuing special 'fleet' plates for cars, I saw two different ones while driving around Appleton today.  Interesting design element, in the smallest text that I have yet seen as a design element on a plate, they have "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" right below the normally sized state name at the top in an otherwise unadorned design (all black text and letters/numbers) and the word "FLEET" at the bottom.  I don't know if I would reject a car rental if the car did not have normal issue/design plates for the state that I am in.

Mike

I've seen a few around in the past few weeks.

The "America's Dairyland" is quite small on this new fleet design. I hope that this isn't a sign that the standard-issue plates are about to change, as I do like the farm scene and the decent-sized "America's Dairyland" at the bottom. While the current plate may be a bit dated (the font and graphics are certainly not fresh), I really do like it and wouldn't be happy to see it go.

Here's a picture of the new fleet plate I saw on Reddit:

(https://preview.redd.it/dose-any-one-knos-the-name-for-this-plate-type-v0-mo4pa0hfy1ra1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=2a8700a1541a59263ea2ef10397f4a5f7d502785)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on April 20, 2023, 12:50:55 AM
Quote from: tman on April 19, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 19, 2023, 01:08:39 AM
Wisconsin has begun issuing special 'fleet' plates for cars, I saw two different ones while driving around Appleton today.  Interesting design element, in the smallest text that I have yet seen as a design element on a plate, they have "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" right below the normally sized state name at the top in an otherwise unadorned design (all black text and letters/numbers) and the word "FLEET" at the bottom.  I don't know if I would reject a car rental if the car did not have normal issue/design plates for the state that I am in.

Mike

I've seen a few around in the past few weeks.

The "America's Dairyland" is quite small on this new fleet design. I hope that this isn't a sign that the standard-issue plates are about to change, as I do like the farm scene and the decent-sized "America's Dairyland" at the bottom. While the current plate may be a bit dated (the font and graphics are certainly not fresh), I really do like it and wouldn't be happy to see it go.

Here's a picture of the new fleet plate I saw on Reddit:

(https://preview.redd.it/dose-any-one-knos-the-name-for-this-plate-type-v0-mo4pa0hfy1ra1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=2a8700a1541a59263ea2ef10397f4a5f7d502785)

It might have been the cloudy, dreary and gray weather conditions, but the text on the ones that I saw yesterday looked black and not dark blue.  :-P  My current worry regarding any potential changes in the deign of Wisconsin's regular design license plates relates to the latest design of the state's driving license card that has been in circulation for a couple of years now, the prior ones looked like miniature versions of the license plate.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JoePCool14 on April 20, 2023, 10:08:12 AM
Quote from: tman on April 19, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 19, 2023, 01:08:39 AM
Wisconsin has begun issuing special 'fleet' plates for cars, I saw two different ones while driving around Appleton today.  Interesting design element, in the smallest text that I have yet seen as a design element on a plate, they have "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" right below the normally sized state name at the top in an otherwise unadorned design (all black text and letters/numbers) and the word "FLEET" at the bottom.  I don't know if I would reject a car rental if the car did not have normal issue/design plates for the state that I am in.

Mike

I've seen a few around in the past few weeks.

The "America's Dairyland" is quite small on this new fleet design. I hope that this isn't a sign that the standard-issue plates are about to change, as I do like the farm scene and the decent-sized "America's Dairyland" at the bottom. While the current plate may be a bit dated (the font and graphics are certainly not fresh), I really do like it and wouldn't be happy to see it go.

Here's a picture of the new fleet plate I saw on Reddit:

(https://preview.redd.it/dose-any-one-knos-the-name-for-this-plate-type-v0-mo4pa0hfy1ra1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=2a8700a1541a59263ea2ef10397f4a5f7d502785)

This is the definition of over-simplified in my opinion. I think it could be worked into something decent. But this here is very generic right now.

Absolutely would take the current plates over this.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on April 20, 2023, 10:42:51 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 20, 2023, 10:08:12 AM
Quote from: tman on April 19, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 19, 2023, 01:08:39 AM
Wisconsin has begun issuing special 'fleet' plates for cars, I saw two different ones while driving around Appleton today.  Interesting design element, in the smallest text that I have yet seen as a design element on a plate, they have "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" right below the normally sized state name at the top in an otherwise unadorned design (all black text and letters/numbers) and the word "FLEET" at the bottom.  I don't know if I would reject a car rental if the car did not have normal issue/design plates for the state that I am in.

Mike

I've seen a few around in the past few weeks.

The "America's Dairyland" is quite small on this new fleet design. I hope that this isn't a sign that the standard-issue plates are about to change, as I do like the farm scene and the decent-sized "America's Dairyland" at the bottom. While the current plate may be a bit dated (the font and graphics are certainly not fresh), I really do like it and wouldn't be happy to see it go.

Here's a picture of the new fleet plate I saw on Reddit:

(https://preview.redd.it/dose-any-one-knos-the-name-for-this-plate-type-v0-mo4pa0hfy1ra1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=2a8700a1541a59263ea2ef10397f4a5f7d502785)

This is the definition of over-simplified in my opinion. I think it could be worked into something decent. But this here is very generic right now.

Absolutely would take the current plates over this.

There is no indication that Wisconsin is changing its plate design as part of the new plate replacement program.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on April 21, 2023, 01:07:39 AM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on April 20, 2023, 10:42:51 AM
Quote from: JoePCool14 on April 20, 2023, 10:08:12 AM
Quote from: tman on April 19, 2023, 08:48:11 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on April 19, 2023, 01:08:39 AM
Wisconsin has begun issuing special 'fleet' plates for cars, I saw two different ones while driving around Appleton today.  Interesting design element, in the smallest text that I have yet seen as a design element on a plate, they have "AMERICA'S DAIRYLAND" right below the normally sized state name at the top in an otherwise unadorned design (all black text and letters/numbers) and the word "FLEET" at the bottom.  I don't know if I would reject a car rental if the car did not have normal issue/design plates for the state that I am in.

Mike

I've seen a few around in the past few weeks.

The "America's Dairyland" is quite small on this new fleet design. I hope that this isn't a sign that the standard-issue plates are about to change, as I do like the farm scene and the decent-sized "America's Dairyland" at the bottom. While the current plate may be a bit dated (the font and graphics are certainly not fresh), I really do like it and wouldn't be happy to see it go.

Here's a picture of the new fleet plate I saw on Reddit:

(https://preview.redd.it/dose-any-one-knos-the-name-for-this-plate-type-v0-mo4pa0hfy1ra1.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=2a8700a1541a59263ea2ef10397f4a5f7d502785)

This is the definition of over-simplified in my opinion. I think it could be worked into something decent. But this here is very generic right now.

Absolutely would take the current plates over this.

There is no indication that Wisconsin is changing its plate design as part of the new plate replacement program.

I am not expecting any changes in the regular issue design in the foreseeable future, either.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on April 29, 2023, 07:26:31 AM
Rhode Island has a new license plate:

https://www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org/licenseplate
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on April 29, 2023, 12:20:15 PM
At a traffic light in Saginaw there were 6 cars stopped me being one of them and we all had Water Winter Wonderland plates and had the tabs in the correct corner of the plate (lower right).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ski-man on May 02, 2023, 02:17:34 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 29, 2023, 07:26:31 AM
Rhode Island has a new license plate:

https://www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org/licenseplate
I would love a sample plate of this one. Need sample as I would never take one off of someones vehicle. :bigass:
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on May 02, 2023, 05:08:42 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 29, 2023, 07:26:31 AM
Rhode Island has a new license plate:

https://www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org/licenseplate

And it's relatively popular, too, given RI's small size:

https://www.wpri.com/dont-miss/2700-ri-shark-license-plates-ordered-so-far/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on May 02, 2023, 05:19:03 PM
Quote from: ski-man on May 02, 2023, 02:17:34 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 29, 2023, 07:26:31 AM
Rhode Island has a new license plate:

https://www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org/licenseplate
I would love a sample plate of this one. Need sample as I would never take one off of someones vehicle. :bigass:

Not sure if it's possible; to my knowledge, Rhode Island traditionally isn't good at giving out or selling samples. Perhaps the Atlantic Shark Conservancy might. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on May 02, 2023, 05:33:27 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on May 02, 2023, 05:19:03 PM
Quote from: ski-man on May 02, 2023, 02:17:34 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on April 29, 2023, 07:26:31 AM
Rhode Island has a new license plate:

https://www.atlanticsharkinstitute.org/licenseplate
I would love a sample plate of this one. Need sample as I would never take one off of someones vehicle. :bigass:

Not sure if it's possible; to my knowledge, Rhode Island traditionally isn't good at giving out or selling samples. Perhaps the Atlantic Shark Conservancy might. 

Can't wait to see the first one with BRUCE (https://disneynews.us/character/bruce-the-shark/) on it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 27, 2023, 01:28:51 PM
At last count on May 24th there were about 659, 000 winter water wonderland plates on the road and about 4.1 million pure Michigan plates on the road.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 11:00:47 AM
Here's one for the bad and ugly. Your tab is supposed to go in the lower right corner not in the center of the plate.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20230528/3ef1f386c2a55db9cd62e93b2544b3b9.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on May 28, 2023, 11:04:40 AM
I know of a taxi that has four visible stickers: 20/21/22/23. For those not familiar, registration is only every two years in Massachusetts. They can't continue it past four in a row, though; renewing it now would give them a 25 sticker, not a 24 sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 12:08:02 PM
I don't know what's worse in the picture I posted. The tab being in the center of the plate or the ugly plate frame they have around it covering up the words Michigan and Wonderland. I'm going to go with the tab being in the center of the plate because you can remove the plate frame but now you just ruined a perfectly nice license plate there.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 12:08:02 PM
I don't know what's worse in the picture I posted. The tab being in the center of the plate or the ugly plate frame they have around it covering up the words Michigan and Wonderland. I'm going to go with the tab being in the center of the plate because you can remove the plate frame but now you just ruined a perfectly nice license plate there.

The Texas God does whatever They want, apparently.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 02:55:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 12:08:02 PM
I don't know what's worse in the picture I posted. The tab being in the center of the plate or the ugly plate frame they have around it covering up the words Michigan and Wonderland. I'm going to go with the tab being in the center of the plate because you can remove the plate frame but now you just ruined a perfectly nice license plate there.

The Texas God does whatever They want, apparently.
I guess so. I took the picture when I was stopped behind the car at a stop sign but as I was coming up the street behind the car I thought what in the hell is that orange thing in the middle of the plate? As I got closer I saw that it was the tab and thought that belongs in the lower right corner you idiot. I have seen people put them in the upper left corner on that plate a lot, this plate you are supposed to put it in the lower right corner.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 08:32:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 02:55:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 12:08:02 PM
I don't know what's worse in the picture I posted. The tab being in the center of the plate or the ugly plate frame they have around it covering up the words Michigan and Wonderland. I'm going to go with the tab being in the center of the plate because you can remove the plate frame but now you just ruined a perfectly nice license plate there.

The Texas God does whatever They want, apparently.
I guess so. I took the picture when I was stopped behind the car at a stop sign but as I was coming up the street behind the car I thought what in the hell is that orange thing in the middle of the plate? As I got closer I saw that it was the tab and thought that belongs in the lower right corner you idiot. I have seen people put them in the upper left corner on that plate a lot, this plate you are supposed to put it in the lower right corner.

In Oklahoma the moron thing to do is to alternate between the upper right corner, where it's supposed to go, and the upper left, which obscures the month/county sticker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: chrisdiaz on May 29, 2023, 03:25:17 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 08:32:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 02:55:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 12:08:02 PM
I don't know what's worse in the picture I posted. The tab being in the center of the plate or the ugly plate frame they have around it covering up the words Michigan and Wonderland. I'm going to go with the tab being in the center of the plate because you can remove the plate frame but now you just ruined a perfectly nice license plate there.

The Texas God does whatever They want, apparently.
I guess so. I took the picture when I was stopped behind the car at a stop sign but as I was coming up the street behind the car I thought what in the hell is that orange thing in the middle of the plate? As I got closer I saw that it was the tab and thought that belongs in the lower right corner you idiot. I have seen people put them in the upper left corner on that plate a lot, this plate you are supposed to put it in the lower right corner.

In Oklahoma the moron thing to do is to alternate between the upper right corner, where it's supposed to go, and the upper left, which obscures the month/county sticker.

Same for South Carolina, except on the bottom. Plates prior to 2017 had a month sticker in the bottom left and the year sticker in the bottom right. Since then, we have only been receiving a single month and date combined sticker, which is supposed to go in the bottom right. People still manage to put on the bottom left despite the explicit instructions.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 29, 2023, 03:33:15 PM
Quote from: chrisdiaz on May 29, 2023, 03:25:17 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 08:32:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 02:55:14 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 28, 2023, 02:37:28 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 28, 2023, 12:08:02 PM
I don't know what's worse in the picture I posted. The tab being in the center of the plate or the ugly plate frame they have around it covering up the words Michigan and Wonderland. I'm going to go with the tab being in the center of the plate because you can remove the plate frame but now you just ruined a perfectly nice license plate there.

The Texas God does whatever They want, apparently.
I guess so. I took the picture when I was stopped behind the car at a stop sign but as I was coming up the street behind the car I thought what in the hell is that orange thing in the middle of the plate? As I got closer I saw that it was the tab and thought that belongs in the lower right corner you idiot. I have seen people put them in the upper left corner on that plate a lot, this plate you are supposed to put it in the lower right corner.

In Oklahoma the moron thing to do is to alternate between the upper right corner, where it's supposed to go, and the upper left, which obscures the month/county sticker.

Same for South Carolina, except on the bottom. Plates prior to 2017 had a month sticker in the bottom left and the year sticker in the bottom right. Since then, we have only been receiving a single month and date combined sticker, which is supposed to go in the bottom right. People still manage to put on the bottom left despite the explicit instructions.
aaaand... why should anyone care? Fees are paid, and proof is displayed....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 03:44:21 PM
Having two stickers displayed at once can make it hard to determine whether a registration is expired or not when a car goes whizzing past at 70 mph. To be sure, it's still less of a problem than when it happens in Oklahoma, where doing such a thing obscures actual information needed to determine whether the registration is valid or not (since the year stickers contain no month information).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: doglover44 on May 29, 2023, 09:39:29 PM
How many states are getting new plates this year ?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 29, 2023, 10:15:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 03:44:21 PM
Having two stickers displayed at once can make it hard to determine whether a registration is expired or not when a car goes whizzing past at 70 mph. To be sure, it's still less of a problem than when it happens in Oklahoma, where doing such a thing obscures actual information needed to determine whether the registration is valid or not (since the year stickers contain no month information).
Checking stickers in the 70 mph traffic must require vision much better than 20\20....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 10:46:47 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 29, 2023, 10:15:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 03:44:21 PM
Having two stickers displayed at once can make it hard to determine whether a registration is expired or not when a car goes whizzing past at 70 mph. To be sure, it's still less of a problem than when it happens in Oklahoma, where doing such a thing obscures actual information needed to determine whether the registration is valid or not (since the year stickers contain no month information).
Checking stickers in the 70 mph traffic must require vision much better than 20\20....

The years are all color coded. If you know this year's sticker is blue, red stickers are potentially expired (obviously, this means you have to check the month sticker to see whether it is or not, and it's basically illegible from any real distance because Oklahoma is not well known for being run by people of great intellect). Of course, if you see a red sticker in the upper right because the idiot put the blue one on the upper left, that causes a problem.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on May 30, 2023, 07:07:55 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 10:46:47 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 29, 2023, 10:15:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 03:44:21 PM
Having two stickers displayed at once can make it hard to determine whether a registration is expired or not when a car goes whizzing past at 70 mph. To be sure, it's still less of a problem than when it happens in Oklahoma, where doing such a thing obscures actual information needed to determine whether the registration is valid or not (since the year stickers contain no month information).
Checking stickers in the 70 mph traffic must require vision much better than 20\20....

The years are all color coded. If you know this year's sticker is blue, red stickers are potentially expired (obviously, this means you have to check the month sticker to see whether it is or not, and it's basically illegible from any real distance because Oklahoma is not well known for being run by people of great intellect). Of course, if you see a red sticker in the upper right because the idiot put the blue one on the upper left, that causes a problem.
Of course a cop checking those stickers in 70 MPH traffic isn't very wise one... Is expired  registration a primary offence in OK to begin with?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on May 30, 2023, 07:55:24 AM
Quote from: doglover44 on May 29, 2023, 09:39:29 PM
How many states are getting new plates this year ?

As far as standard passenger vehicle tags, thus far Rhode Island as of January (https://dmv.ri.gov/registrations-plates-titles/license-plates/plate-designs-charity-plates). Mississippi's new base (https://www.wlox.com/2023/05/02/mississippi-unveils-new-license-plate-design-theres-not-much-it/) will start with January 2024 renewals.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on May 30, 2023, 10:34:07 AM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 10:46:47 PM
Quote from: kalvado on May 29, 2023, 10:15:57 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on May 29, 2023, 03:44:21 PM
Having two stickers displayed at once can make it hard to determine whether a registration is expired or not when a car goes whizzing past at 70 mph. To be sure, it's still less of a problem than when it happens in Oklahoma, where doing such a thing obscures actual information needed to determine whether the registration is valid or not (since the year stickers contain no month information).
Checking stickers in the 70 mph traffic must require vision much better than 20\20....

The years are all color coded. If you know this year's sticker is blue, red stickers are potentially expired (obviously, this means you have to check the month sticker to see whether it is or not, and it's basically illegible from any real distance because Oklahoma is not well known for being run by people of great intellect). Of course, if you see a red sticker in the upper right because the idiot put the blue one on the upper left, that causes a problem.

I've mentioned this before, but who needs month stickers when in Massachusetts it's just the last digit of the plate?

And since you mentioned it, 2023 is red. 2024 is blue.

That said, misplaced stickers are an issue in Massachusetts. Registration lasts for two years, and the colors rotate on a five-year cycle. I like to pretend that if a plate has three different stickers that aren't in consecutive years (e.g. 21-23-25 qualifies, but not 19-23-25 because 19 and 24 are the same color), it's eternally legal because there will always be cars on the road with at least one of the sticker colors.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on May 30, 2023, 11:00:50 AM
Yeah I can notice when a tag is expired myself. They are color coded by year like for 2024 it's an aqua color, 2023 is orange, 2022 was yellow, 2021 was white, I can't remember 2020 or before that though. This is for the State of Michigan.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on May 30, 2023, 01:47:26 PM
I don't think that Louisiana really cares about expired plates that much.  The renewal stickers are all white with black printing, and have been for at least 15 years.  Car renewals are for 2 years, pickup trucks for 4 years.  You have to look really closely to see if a tag is expired, and I see a bunch of expired ones every day.  Same with brake tags (inspection stickers), although the expiration year is color-coded for them -- at least for the state-issued ones (New Orleans, Kenner, and Westwego issue their own).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SEWIGuy on May 30, 2023, 01:52:46 PM
I doubt law enforcement pays any attention to license registration unless they have to. How many people get pulled over solely for having expired tags?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on May 31, 2023, 03:46:51 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 30, 2023, 01:52:46 PM
I doubt law enforcement pays any attention to license registration unless they have to. How many people get pulled over solely for having expired tags?

Around here it doesn't happen very often; in fact during the height of the pandemic, Ohio allowed people to drive on expired plates.  That grace period is long gone, but I still see cars whose latest sticker is from 2020.

Back in the day, it was pretty common.  A friend of mine had plates that expired on 9/30.  On the morning of October 1, on his way to the DMV, he got pulled over for having expired plates.  This was  in New Hampshire around 1987. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on June 01, 2023, 11:34:43 AM
Quote from: frankenroad on May 31, 2023, 03:46:51 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 30, 2023, 01:52:46 PM
I doubt law enforcement pays any attention to license registration unless they have to. How many people get pulled over solely for having expired tags?

Around here it doesn't happen very often; in fact during the height of the pandemic, Ohio allowed people to drive on expired plates.  That grace period is long gone, but I still see cars whose latest sticker is from 2020.

Back in the day, it was pretty common.  A friend of mine had plates that expired on 9/30.  On the morning of October 1, on his way to the DMV, he got pulled over for having expired plates.  This was  in New Hampshire around 1987.

Nowadays, and I have mentioned this many times before, if you look in your mairrors and find that a police car is right behind you in normal traffic, assume that the plates on your car have already been read and checked for being 'current' as well as for any other outstanding warrants.  Automatic plate readers are standard equipment in modern police cars.  Several states have dropped the issuance of annual renewal stickers as a consequence.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on June 01, 2023, 02:09:19 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on May 30, 2023, 01:52:46 PM
I doubt law enforcement pays any attention to license registration unless they have to. How many people get pulled over solely for having expired tags?
The police in our small town set up roadblocks about twice a year to check for expired brake tags.  That's about the only time I see registration or inspection being checked.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kurumi on June 01, 2023, 06:03:44 PM
https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3xe9/maryland-license-plates-now-inadvertently-advertising-filipino-online-casino

Quote
In 2012, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, Maryland redesigned its standard license plate to read "MARYLAND WAR OF 1812."  The license plates, which were the default between 2012 and 2016, have the URL www.starspangled200.org printed at the bottom.

Sometime within the last year, www.starspangled200.org ... started instead redirecting to a site called globeinternational.info, in which a blinking, bikini-clad woman advertises "Philippines Best Betting Site, Deposit 100 Receive 250."

Go back to the plain two-color scheme each state had, limited to optional county names and official nicknames like "The Garden State", and you avoid this problem :-)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on June 01, 2023, 07:33:27 PM
It has nothing to do with artwork; the problem here is including URLs on license plates, especially ones like the Maryland one that aren't actually controlled by the government.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on June 02, 2023, 07:46:25 AM
https://www.ctinsider.com/projects/2023/ct-dmv-rejected-vanity-license-plates/?_ga=2.232683999.153443636.1685440982-1228410835.1682432004

While the body of the article is a puff-piece focusing on rejected vanity plate requests in Connecticut in 2022, embedded in the article are stats for the number of different specialty plates sold in the state during 2022, as well as a list of all the vanity plates that were approved in state last year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on June 02, 2023, 07:50:33 AM
Quote from: kurumi on June 01, 2023, 06:03:44 PM
https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3xe9/maryland-license-plates-now-inadvertently-advertising-filipino-online-casino

Quote
In 2012, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, Maryland redesigned its standard license plate to read "MARYLAND WAR OF 1812."  The license plates, which were the default between 2012 and 2016, have the URL www.starspangled200.org printed at the bottom.

Sometime within the last year, www.starspangled200.org ... started instead redirecting to a site called globeinternational.info, in which a blinking, bikini-clad woman advertises "Philippines Best Betting Site, Deposit 100 Receive 250."

1. At least it's better than a porn site.

2. Philippines? There, "deposit 100 receive 250" is equivalent to "deposit $2 receive $5" here. Not exactly enticing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 1995hoo on June 02, 2023, 12:28:32 PM
Quote from: kurumi on June 01, 2023, 06:03:44 PM
https://www.vice.com/en/article/4a3xe9/maryland-license-plates-now-inadvertently-advertising-filipino-online-casino

Quote
In 2012, to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812, Maryland redesigned its standard license plate to read "MARYLAND WAR OF 1812."  The license plates, which were the default between 2012 and 2016, have the URL www.starspangled200.org printed at the bottom.

Sometime within the last year, www.starspangled200.org ... started instead redirecting to a site called globeinternational.info, in which a blinking, bikini-clad woman advertises "Philippines Best Betting Site, Deposit 100 Receive 250."

Go back to the plain two-color scheme each state had, limited to optional county names and official nicknames like "The Garden State", and you avoid this problem :-)

The Washington Post is trying to turn this into another of its imaginary scandals by trying to make Maryland look incompetent. Apparently the website functioned just fine until last August and then in December this Filipino company acquired the URL. Given that the website in question was about the 200th anniversary of the British attack on Fort McHenry, it is hardly a surprise to any reasonable person that the website eventually shut down. If anything, the story is simply a cautionary tale about treating anything on the Internet as though it were permanent. Even government agencies reorganize their websites from time to time, and in doing so existing links may "break" even if the same material remains available at a new URL.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on June 03, 2023, 08:47:29 AM
Not sure if this is true:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRoXsb87/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: RyanB06 on June 03, 2023, 08:54:29 AM
https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/06/02/politics/maine-chickadee-license-plate/

New ME license plate in the works; design mirrors original state flag. Looks like it'll be available starting in 2025 as the standard issue replacing the current Chickadee plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on June 03, 2023, 09:02:37 PM
Quote from: Rothman on June 03, 2023, 08:47:29 AM
Not sure if this is true:

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRoXsb87/

Is this a follow-up to the replies above yours? It seems to be true.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on June 04, 2023, 03:39:56 AM
Most cop cars these days have license plate loggers which can tell them instantly not only when the tags expire, but also where you live, where you work, whether you own a firearm, who you're married to, who your favorite football team is and probably your favorite ice cream flavor. Pulling you over for a wrong color tag is just an excuse.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rhen_var on June 04, 2023, 09:44:30 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.
If I am understanding correctly, the blackout plates were included in this bill which was passed in May:

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=house&f=HF2887&ssn=0&y=2023
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: gonealookin on June 05, 2023, 10:18:40 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on May 30, 2015, 07:17:11 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 29, 2015, 01:03:28 PM
Quote from: sandiaman on May 28, 2015, 06:55:48 PM
In New Mexico,  it is legal  to use the same plate  to pile on annual stickers. Some are from the mid 90's (the balloon style plate) and many are barely legible. The owner is  required to pay for a new plate if the car is ticketed for an illegible plate.  This is not right, the state  should not  allow any plate to extend over ten years, that is the shelf life of the average plate.  We have three general  plates in current use  now   (not counting vanity plates), red on gray, red on yellow and the newest , yellow on turquoise.

Re: plates over 10 years.  Come to California.  I think any plate from the mid 50s through today is technically still valid. :-)

Nevada's Assembly has passed AB 484 (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/78th2015/Bill/2226/Overview), which would require that the DMV reissue license plates every 8 years.  Because of the additional fee required at the time of reissuance, this bill requires a 2/3 vote in both the Assembly and Senate to become law.  It squeaked by in the Assembly (actually it didn't get 2/3 on the first vote, but it came up for a second vote and got 2 more Ayes), no idea what might happen in the Senate or on the Governor's desk, but we'll know soon because the legislative session is just about over.

That did become law.

QuoteNRS 482.265  License plates issued upon registration; stickers, tabs or other devices issued upon renewal of registration; reissuance; return of plates; fee for and limitations on issuance of special license plates.

2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 482.2065, 482.266, 482.2705, 482.274, 482.368, 482.379 and 482.37901, every 8 years the Department shall reissue a license plate or plates at the time of renewal of each license plate or plates issued pursuant to this chapter. The Director may adopt regulations to provide procedures for such reissuance.

...but, 8 years later, Nevada's Assembly and Senate have both unanimously passed AB 457 (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/82nd2023/Bill/10465/Overview), which repeals that requirement for reissuance of license plates every 8 years.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on June 08, 2023, 07:27:52 PM
Quote from: rhen_var on June 04, 2023, 09:44:30 PM
Quote from: Fredddie on February 07, 2023, 01:46:41 AM
https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/01/30/blackout-plates-popular-in-other-states-may-be-headed-for-minnesota

Minnesota might get "blackout" plates, which are hugely popular in Iowa.
If I am understanding correctly, the blackout plates were included in this bill which was passed in May:

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=house&f=HF2887&ssn=0&y=2023
Mississippi has them, and they look pretty cool.  Since Mississippi plates have the county name at the bottom, I saw a car from Jones County recently with the vanity blackout plate of "INDIANA".

(Indiana Jones.  Nice.)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on June 10, 2023, 03:32:27 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on June 05, 2023, 10:18:40 PM
Quote from: gonealookin on May 30, 2015, 07:17:11 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on May 29, 2015, 01:03:28 PM
Quote from: sandiaman on May 28, 2015, 06:55:48 PM
In New Mexico,  it is legal  to use the same plate  to pile on annual stickers. Some are from the mid 90's (the balloon style plate) and many are barely legible. The owner is  required to pay for a new plate if the car is ticketed for an illegible plate.  This is not right, the state  should not  allow any plate to extend over ten years, that is the shelf life of the average plate.  We have three general  plates in current use  now   (not counting vanity plates), red on gray, red on yellow and the newest , yellow on turquoise.

Re: plates over 10 years.  Come to California.  I think any plate from the mid 50s through today is technically still valid. :-)

Nevada's Assembly has passed AB 484 (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/78th2015/Bill/2226/Overview), which would require that the DMV reissue license plates every 8 years.  Because of the additional fee required at the time of reissuance, this bill requires a 2/3 vote in both the Assembly and Senate to become law.  It squeaked by in the Assembly (actually it didn't get 2/3 on the first vote, but it came up for a second vote and got 2 more Ayes), no idea what might happen in the Senate or on the Governor's desk, but we'll know soon because the legislative session is just about over.

That did become law.

QuoteNRS 482.265  License plates issued upon registration; stickers, tabs or other devices issued upon renewal of registration; reissuance; return of plates; fee for and limitations on issuance of special license plates.

2.  Except as otherwise provided in NRS 482.2065, 482.266, 482.2705, 482.274, 482.368, 482.379 and 482.37901, every 8 years the Department shall reissue a license plate or plates at the time of renewal of each license plate or plates issued pursuant to this chapter. The Director may adopt regulations to provide procedures for such reissuance.

...but, 8 years later, Nevada's Assembly and Senate have both unanimously passed AB 457 (https://www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/82nd2023/Bill/10465/Overview), which repeals that requirement for reissuance of license plates every 8 years.

I had no idea that was even under consideration. Wonder why they backtracked on that just a few years later...

There are several of the flat Sunset plates from the late 2000s/early 2010s that aged badly (peeling and discolored), particularly in Southern Nevada, that was probably the impetus for the original law to begin with. Not all of those got changed out while the reissuance was in effect
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jzn110 on June 11, 2023, 11:32:40 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on May 27, 2023, 01:28:51 PM
At last count on May 24th there were about 659, 000 winter water wonderland plates on the road and about 4.1 million pure Michigan plates on the road.

What's the statistic on the Mackinac Bridge plates?

Quote from: Flint1979 on May 30, 2023, 11:00:50 AM
Yeah I can notice when a tag is expired myself. They are color coded by year like for 2024 it's an aqua color, 2023 is orange, 2022 was yellow, 2021 was white, I can't remember 2020 or before that though. This is for the State of Michigan.

Michigan rotates between those four colors.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on June 12, 2023, 02:45:01 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 30, 2023, 10:34:07 AMwho needs month stickers when in Massachusetts it's just the last digit of the plate?

Registrations are for two years, so LEO's won't know what year the plate expires without a sticker.  Out-of-state LEO's don't necessarily know Massachusetts' system.  And...some MA plates, such as vanity plates with no numbers, don't even have the expiration month on the plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on June 12, 2023, 07:32:26 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on June 12, 2023, 02:45:01 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 30, 2023, 10:34:07 AMwho needs month stickers when in Massachusetts it's just the last digit of the plate?

Registrations are for two years, so LEO's won't know what year the plate expires without a sticker.  Out-of-state LEO's don't necessarily know Massachusetts' system.  And...some MA plates, such as vanity plates with no numbers, don't even have the expiration month on the plate.

IIRC, vanity plates expire in November or December.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on June 12, 2023, 08:49:57 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on June 12, 2023, 07:32:26 PM
Quote from: SidS1045 on June 12, 2023, 02:45:01 PM
Quote from: 1 on May 30, 2023, 10:34:07 AMwho needs month stickers when in Massachusetts it's just the last digit of the plate?

Registrations are for two years, so LEO's won't know what year the plate expires without a sticker.  Out-of-state LEO's don't necessarily know Massachusetts' system.  And...some MA plates, such as vanity plates with no numbers, don't even have the expiration month on the plate.

IIRC, vanity plates expire in November or December.

They expire in November. I've always wondered why they don't put NOV on vanity plates yet every other plate including commercial has the month abbreviation.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on June 19, 2023, 11:20:31 AM
A few days ago, I saw a 27 sticker on a semi. It was the correct color (green). How did it get one when even 26s haven't come out yet and won't for another six months?

In other news, more than half of the Rhode Island plates I'm seeing now are the new design. Are they really changing over that quickly? I've estimated the half-life of a license plate at 4 years based on how many green MA plates are left on the road, but the RI changeover (and the NY changeover a year or two ago) were much quicker.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on June 19, 2023, 11:50:09 AM
Quote from: 1 on June 19, 2023, 11:20:31 AM
A few days ago, I saw a 27 sticker on a semi. It was the correct color (green). How did it get one when even 26s haven't come out yet and won't for another six months?

In other news, more than half of the Rhode Island plates I'm seeing now are the new design. Are they really changing over that quickly? I've estimated the half-life of a license plate at 4 years based on how many green MA plates are left on the road, but the RI changeover (and the NY changeover a year or two ago) were much quicker.

The new "ocean"  plates are indeed appearing very quickly. I think it is because RI is replacing the old "wave"  plates immediately upon expiration of the previous registration as opposed to a rolling replacement that many states typically do. I've seen the ocean plates with the old-style numbering (AA-NNN) and the newer 1AA-NNN that may have been issued as wave plates starting in late 2020 but prior to January of this year.

(That, or RI residents are buying and registering a lot of new cars).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on July 06, 2023, 12:46:52 AM
How many states are now offering plain black plates as an alternative to their standard plate? In a recent trip across Iowa, I noticed that they seem to be very popular. Colorado is offering these, as well as plain blue or red, and billing them as based on the porcelain plates issued in the 1910s. I've only seen the black Colorado plates, though, not the other two colors. Of course, California has been offering new plates based on the yellow on black 1963 design for several years now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on July 06, 2023, 05:46:58 AM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 06, 2023, 12:46:52 AM
How many states are now offering plain black plates as an alternative to their standard plate? In a recent trip across Iowa, I noticed that they seem to be very popular. Colorado is offering these, as well as plain blue or red, and billing them as based on the porcelain plates issued in the 1910s. I've only seen the black Colorado plates, though, not the other two colors. Of course, California has been offering new plates based on the yellow on black 1963 design for several years now.

Delaware has offered retro black plates for a while now:

https://www.dhptags.com/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on July 06, 2023, 02:24:48 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 06, 2023, 05:46:58 AM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 06, 2023, 12:46:52 AM
How many states are now offering plain black plates as an alternative to their standard plate? In a recent trip across Iowa, I noticed that they seem to be very popular. Colorado is offering these, as well as plain blue or red, and billing them as based on the porcelain plates issued in the 1910s. I've only seen the black Colorado plates, though, not the other two colors. Of course, California has been offering new plates based on the yellow on black 1963 design for several years now.

Delaware has offered retro black plates for a while now:

https://www.dhptags.com/

California does plain black with yellow letters on personalized.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on July 06, 2023, 05:03:11 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on July 06, 2023, 02:24:48 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 06, 2023, 05:46:58 AM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 06, 2023, 12:46:52 AM
How many states are now offering plain black plates as an alternative to their standard plate? In a recent trip across Iowa, I noticed that they seem to be very popular. Colorado is offering these, as well as plain blue or red, and billing them as based on the porcelain plates issued in the 1910s. I've only seen the black Colorado plates, though, not the other two colors. Of course, California has been offering new plates based on the yellow on black 1963 design for several years now.

Delaware has offered retro black plates for a while now:

https://www.dhptags.com/

California does plain black with yellow letters on personalized.

You can also get them sequential. My wife has that on her car. She used to have a personalized one, but we turned it back in after a frightening confrontation with somebody who was harboring a road rage grudge from some perceived slight that had occurred days before.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The High Plains Traveler on July 06, 2023, 07:31:59 PM
Quote from: jdbx on July 06, 2023, 05:03:11 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on July 06, 2023, 02:24:48 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 06, 2023, 05:46:58 AM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 06, 2023, 12:46:52 AM
How many states are now offering plain black plates as an alternative to their standard plate? In a recent trip across Iowa, I noticed that they seem to be very popular. Colorado is offering these, as well as plain blue or red, and billing them as based on the porcelain plates issued in the 1910s. I've only seen the black Colorado plates, though, not the other two colors. Of course, California has been offering new plates based on the yellow on black 1963 design for several years now.

Delaware has offered retro black plates for a while now:

https://www.dhptags.com/

California does plain black with yellow letters on personalized.

You can also get them sequential. My wife has that on her car. She used to have a personalized one, but we turned it back in after a frightening confrontation with somebody who was harboring a road rage grudge from some perceived slight that had occurred days before.


Yes, I noticed that the non-personalized California retro black plates utilize a six character, mixed letter and number combination totally different from the standard seven character combo. I forgot to mention Arizona in my original comment, but the three I've seen outside California (CO, AZ, IA) all utilize the state's standard letter-number character combination on these plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: signalman on July 13, 2023, 06:40:42 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on July 06, 2023, 05:46:58 AM
Quote from: The High Plains Traveler on July 06, 2023, 12:46:52 AM
How many states are now offering plain black plates as an alternative to their standard plate? In a recent trip across Iowa, I noticed that they seem to be very popular. Colorado is offering these, as well as plain blue or red, and billing them as based on the porcelain plates issued in the 1910s. I've only seen the black Colorado plates, though, not the other two colors. Of course, California has been offering new plates based on the yellow on black 1963 design for several years now.

Delaware has offered retro black plates for a while now:

https://www.dhptags.com/
Yes, so long as one has a number low enough to qualify (86999 or lower for porcelain (abbreviated DEL) or 200000  or lower for stainless steel (Delaware spelled out)). PC9999 and C9999 or lower are also eligible for stainless.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on July 21, 2023, 09:00:21 AM
I am surprised that after all these years of specialty plates that Ohio has never issued a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum plate nor has Michigan ever issued a Motown musical plate.  I am sure there would be enough people out there who would pay a little more for the plates, with the extra fees going to charity.

Until then, Arizona has become the first state (that I am aware of) who has issued a Rock & Roll-themed license plate.

I present, the Alice Cooper license plate...

https://azdot.gov/license-plates/alice-coopers-solid-rock

https://consequence.net/2023/07/alice-cooper-arizona-license-plate/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on July 21, 2023, 12:28:52 PM
Quote from: thenetwork on July 21, 2023, 09:00:21 AM
I am surprised that after all these years of specialty plates that Ohio has never issued a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame & Museum plate nor has Michigan ever issued a Motown musical plate.  I am sure there would be enough people out there who would pay a little more for the plates, with the extra fees going to charity.

Until then, Arizona has become the first state (that I am aware of) who has issued a Rock & Roll-themed license plate.

I present, the Alice Cooper license plate...

https://azdot.gov/license-plates/alice-coopers-solid-rock

https://consequence.net/2023/07/alice-cooper-arizona-license-plate/

Nor Minnesota and either Bob Dylan or Prince (but the last i heard, Dylan is still alive).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on July 21, 2023, 06:27:11 PM
A Springsteen plate for New Jersey would be cool.......
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: burgess87 on July 28, 2023, 03:19:13 PM
The New York State DMV has recently issued several new region-specific plates, including a plate for Buffalo Bills fans.

A local resident opted for the Bills plates and decided to go with the random number scheme determined by the DMV.  This, oh boy . . . this backfired on the DMV:

The plate combination is ' 420 FAN '.

https://buffalonews.com/sports/bills/buffalo-bills-fan-420-fan-license-plate-new-york-department-of-motor-vehicles/article_88d30a44-2d65-11ee-967b-0b2178eea41a.html#tracking-source=home-sports
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 01:24:28 PM
Two new Colorado plates now available. (https://kdvr.com/news/local/colorado-day-brings-two-new-state-license-plates/) I like the art vibes on the lefthand one.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvhhfMgC/Colorado-Plates.png)

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on August 02, 2023, 03:57:16 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 01:24:28 PM
Two new Colorado plates now available. (https://kdvr.com/news/local/colorado-day-brings-two-new-state-license-plates/) I like the art vibes on the lefthand one.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvhhfMgC/Colorado-Plates.png)

I really like both of those.  Are they going with black letters/numbers?  As much as I like the left one, black lettering looks like it could provide some legibility issues.


Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 04:48:09 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on August 02, 2023, 03:57:16 PM
Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 01:24:28 PM
Two new Colorado plates now available. (https://kdvr.com/news/local/colorado-day-brings-two-new-state-license-plates/) I like the art vibes on the lefthand one.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvhhfMgC/Colorado-Plates.png)

I really like both of those.  Are they going with black letters/numbers?  As much as I like the left one, black lettering looks like it could provide some legibility issues.

As far as I know, yes. I'll report back when I first see one on the road vis a vis the legibility.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on August 02, 2023, 06:26:50 PM
I like these designs as well. Are these replacing the alpine motif, or are they optional issues?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2023, 07:06:58 PM
On the Colorado DoR website, they're showing the Pikes Peak plates with white lettering.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 07:29:11 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on August 02, 2023, 06:26:50 PM
Are these replacing the alpine motif, or are they optional issues?

Optional.

Quote from: MikeTheActuary on August 02, 2023, 07:06:58 PM
On the Colorado DoR website, they're showing the Pikes Peak plates with white lettering.

Good to know.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen. Rare L for Colorado, who has one of the best standard plate designs in the country.

As a piece of art, I love it. I want it as a wallpaper on my computer. But license plates should not be art-first, readability-second. The fact that it took all the way to final production to finally switch to white numbers tells me that no one actually considered the readability of the plate during the concept and selection phase. Or they did, but didn't have the gut to tell the under-13-year-old that her plate has awful contrast.

This photo of an early production of the plate clearly demonstrates how awful the contrast was with black lettering. White lettering should work fine...still don't get the fascination with art for license plates.

Quote from: cpr.org

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on August 02, 2023, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen.
(https://saleofcar.com/img/kentucky-smiling-sun-license-plate-embossed-free-shipping-clark-county-361475597449/0.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on August 02, 2023, 08:06:18 PM
Obviously designed by the KGB.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 08:16:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 02, 2023, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen.
(https://saleofcar.com/img/kentucky-smiling-sun-license-plate-embossed-free-shipping-clark-county-361475597449/0.jpg)

The smiling sun is silly, but the plate is not that bad. Or it's bad in a different way. It is still leaps and bounds ahead of the CO plate, because it was at least designed as a plate first; notice the open background where the numerals go, with the numerals also contrasting well with the background. The CO plate above is literally just art with undersized numbers tacked on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 09:00:35 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 08:16:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 02, 2023, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen.
(https://saleofcar.com/img/kentucky-smiling-sun-license-plate-embossed-free-shipping-clark-county-361475597449/0.jpg)

The smiling sun is silly, but the plate is not that bad. Or it's bad in a different way. It is still leaps and bounds ahead of the CO plate, because it was at least designed as a plate first; notice the open background where the numerals go, with the numerals also contrasting well with the background. The CO plate above is literally just art with undersized numbers tacked on.

We will definitely have to agree to disagree.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on August 03, 2023, 11:06:39 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 08:16:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 02, 2023, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen.
(https://saleofcar.com/img/kentucky-smiling-sun-license-plate-embossed-free-shipping-clark-county-361475597449/0.jpg)

The smiling sun is silly, but the plate is not that bad. Or it's bad in a different way. It is still leaps and bounds ahead of the CO plate, because it was at least designed as a plate first; notice the open background where the numerals go, with the numerals also contrasting well with the background. The CO plate above is literally just art with undersized numbers tacked on.

Actually, I have to agree with you here; the above KY plate was nice aside from that inane smiling sun (I wonder who the idiot was who thought of that). Otherwise, this plate is 100 times better looking than the flat, off-center, cheap piece of Dollar General crap which passes for a KY plate now.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on August 03, 2023, 12:48:47 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen. Rare L for Colorado, who has one of the best standard plate designs in the country.

As a piece of art, I love it. I want it as a wallpaper on my computer. But license plates should not be art-first, readability-second. The fact that it took all the way to final production to finally switch to white numbers tells me that no one actually considered the readability of the plate during the concept and selection phase. Or they did, but didn't have the gut to tell the under-13-year-old that her plate has awful contrast.

This photo of an early production of the plate clearly demonstrates how awful the contrast was with black lettering. White lettering should work fine...still don't get the fascination with art for license plates.

Quote from: cpr.org


Well said, there should be regulations on legibility. Is there a confirmation that the plate will have white lettering? All the images I can find show it with black.

Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 08:16:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 02, 2023, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen.


The smiling sun is silly, but the plate is not that bad. Or it's bad in a different way. It is still leaps and bounds ahead of the CO plate, because it was at least designed as a plate first; notice the open background where the numerals go, with the numerals also contrasting well with the background. The CO plate above is literally just art with undersized numbers tacked on.

The 1995-1999 South Dakota plates are much worse IMO, the green numerals over the complex beige and white background is headache enducing.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MikeTheActuary on August 03, 2023, 06:42:41 PM
Regarding the new Pikes Peak plate for Colorado, the state DMV website shows it with white text.

https://dmv.colorado.gov/regular-license-plates -- it's under the 150th anniversary U13 section
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 04, 2023, 12:55:15 AM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on August 03, 2023, 11:06:39 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 08:16:32 PM
Quote from: Big John on August 02, 2023, 08:04:24 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen.
(https://saleofcar.com/img/kentucky-smiling-sun-license-plate-embossed-free-shipping-clark-county-361475597449/0.jpg)

The smiling sun is silly, but the plate is not that bad. Or it's bad in a different way. It is still leaps and bounds ahead of the CO plate, because it was at least designed as a plate first; notice the open background where the numerals go, with the numerals also contrasting well with the background. The CO plate above is literally just art with undersized numbers tacked on.

Actually, I have to agree with you here; the above KY plate was nice aside from that inane smiling sun (I wonder who the idiot was who thought of that). Otherwise, this plate is 100 times better looking than the flat, off-center, cheap piece of Dollar General crap which passes for a KY plate now.

I was so bored I recreated the plate. I think the sun is actually a nice element, it just needs some cleaning up...

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53092845653_a8c2849cbf_o.png)
Kentucky Plate Redesign v1 (https://flic.kr/p/2oTCHhz) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on August 04, 2023, 05:30:46 AM
Not sure what the Sun has to do with Kentucky.  The plate just looks like a generic, kids' book landscape.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on August 04, 2023, 06:09:32 AM
IIRC, the smiling sun plate was so unpopular that the Commonwealth replaced it with the unbridle spirit plate within just a couple of years. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on August 04, 2023, 06:47:14 AM
Quote from: Rothman on August 04, 2023, 05:30:46 AM
Not sure what the Sun has to do with Kentucky.  The plate just looks like a generic, kids' book landscape.

That is a perfect summary of the plate, yes. Generic, landscape...kind of kids' book. Both mine and the original.

FWIW, my design was meant to make it less weird with the smiling sun, and that was about it  :-D

Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on August 04, 2023, 06:09:32 AM
IIRC, the smiling sun plate was so unpopular that the Commonwealth replaced it with the unbridle spirit plate within just a couple of years. 

Correct; Jan 2003 to July 2005.

Funny enough, the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association awarded it plate of the year for 2003.

The smiling sun plate was preceded for five years by this plate:

(https://pl8source.com/upnresize/pics/IMG_9322.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on August 04, 2023, 08:17:51 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 04, 2023, 06:47:14 AM
Quote from: Rothman on August 04, 2023, 05:30:46 AM
Not sure what the Sun has to do with Kentucky.  The plate just looks like a generic, kids' book landscape.

That is a perfect summary of the plate, yes. Generic, landscape...kind of kids' book. Both mine and the original.

FWIW, my design was meant to make it less weird with the smiling sun, and that was about it  :-D

Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on August 04, 2023, 06:09:32 AM
IIRC, the smiling sun plate was so unpopular that the Commonwealth replaced it with the unbridle spirit plate within just a couple of years. 

Correct; Jan 2003 to July 2005.

Funny enough, the Automobile License Plate Collectors Association awarded it plate of the year for 2003.

The smiling sun plate was preceded for five years by this plate:

(https://pl8source.com/upnresize/pics/IMG_9322.jpg)

The one you posted was a great plate.  Simple, legible, and the cloud forming the shape of the state was a really nice touch.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on August 07, 2023, 11:46:53 AM
West Virginia has again exhausted our inefficient and unwieldy numbering system. 

First series was *L NNNN, was exhausted in 1982, followed by *LL NNN, which exhausted in 2006, followed by *NL NNN which just exhausted.  In all cases * is the month of expiration 1-9 O N or D.  New series in *NN - NNNL.  The numbers will advance, thus the end letter will be A for several years to come.  The dash is a state map, previous series had no dash.  The base plate remains the same.

The sheer idiocy of a state with 1.7 million people having 7 character plates because of a refusal to abandon the inefficient system is just sad.  NNN LLL, with the month of expiration on a sticker, would never exhaust in this state.

The state also abandoned its practice of mailing motorists their renewal card, a bill, and a pre-addressed envelope, which they had to send back.  With more customers going into the offices or using the kiosks found in many stores, the state realized it was wasting a lot of envelopes.  Motorists will now get a post card reminder, with the cashier or the kiosk printing the renewal card when paid.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on August 07, 2023, 12:00:18 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on August 07, 2023, 11:46:53 AM
West Virginia has again exhausted our inefficient and unwieldy numbering system. 

First series was *L NNNN, was exhausted in 1982, followed by *LL NNN, which exhausted in 2006, followed by *NL NNN which just exhausted.  In all cases * is the month of expiration 1-9 O N or D.  New series in *NN - NNNL.  The numbers will advance, thus the end letter will be A for several years to come.  The dash is a state map, previous series had no dash.  The base plate remains the same.

The sheer idiocy of a state with 1.7 million people having 7 character plates because of a refusal to abandon the inefficient system is just sad.  NNN LLL, with the month of expiration on a sticker, would never exhaust in this state.

The state also abandoned its practice of mailing motorists their renewal card, a bill, and a pre-addressed envelope, which they had to send back.  With more customers going into the offices or using the kiosks found in many stores, the state realized it was wasting a lot of envelopes.  Motorists will now get a post card reminder, with the cashier or the kiosk printing the renewal card when paid.
simple NNN LLL is about 8 million combinations after bad letter combos are taken into account and whatever other rules may be in place.
As a guess, 25-30 years worth of plates. Prrobably older ones would need to be replaced halfway through that time anyway
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on September 29, 2023, 10:39:17 AM
Kansas has started issuing plates with seven characters of the format NNNNLLL.

The plate design has not changed
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 10:44:21 AM
Quote from: route56 on September 29, 2023, 10:39:17 AM
Kansas has started issuing plates with seven characters of the format NNNNLLL.

The plate design has not changed

I can't find anything online about this.  Do you have a link?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on September 29, 2023, 11:13:38 AM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 10:44:21 AM
Quote from: route56 on September 29, 2023, 10:39:17 AM
Kansas has started issuing plates with seven characters of the format NNNNLLL.

The plate design has not changed

I can't find anything online about this.  Do you have a link?
ANother random source:
https://licenseplates.cc/KS
QuoteSeries format changed to 0000ABB on Sept. 8, 2023.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
Quote from: route56 on September 29, 2023, 10:39:17 AM
Kansas has started issuing plates with seven characters of the format NNNNLLL.

The plate design has not changed
Why did they stop the good 123 ABC series which had already issued more than half of its combinations?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 12:46:49 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
Why did they stop the good 123 ABC series

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
which had already issued more than half of its combinations?

You just answered your own question.  The series would have run out in about three or four years anyway.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on September 29, 2023, 01:13:36 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 12:46:49 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
Why did they stop the good 123 ABC series

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
which had already issued more than half of its combinations?

You just answered your own question.  The series would have run out in about three or four years anyway.

Don't series normally run to completion?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 01:35:13 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 29, 2023, 01:13:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 12:46:49 PM

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
Why did they stop the good 123 ABC series

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
which had already issued more than half of its combinations?

You just answered your own question.  The series would have run out in about three or four years anyway.

Don't series normally run to completion?

They usually do, yes.  But exceptions exist.  For example...

The previous Kansas series (ABC 123) was ditched partway through Xxx.

South Carolina switched from 123 ABC to ABC 123 partway through Xxx.

Ohio switched from ABC 123 to ABC 1234 without having used Zxx.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 01:41:19 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 01:35:13 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 29, 2023, 01:13:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 12:46:49 PM

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
Why did they stop the good 123 ABC series

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
which had already issued more than half of its combinations?

You just answered your own question.  The series would have run out in about three or four years anyway.

Don't series normally run to completion?

They usually do, yes.  But exceptions exist.  For example...

The previous Kansas series (ABC 123) was ditched partway through Xxx.

South Carolina switched from 123 ABC to ABC 123 partway through Xxx.

Ohio switched from ABC 123 to ABC 1234 without having used Zxx.
But S is a lot earlier than X or Z, that's T, U, V, W, X, Y and Z still to be issued. I very strongly wonder why they ditched this good series so early.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2023, 01:46:23 PM
Kansas isn't as bad as Arizona's 2020 alphabet soup monstrosity. But unlike Arizona and South Carolina, Kansas isn't growing as much, hence the need for fewer new license plates. So why would it change now?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 02:28:18 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 01:41:19 PM
I very strongly wonder why they ditched this good series so early.

Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on September 29, 2023, 01:46:23 PM
So why would it change now?

I still haven't seen anything official from the state.  No news articles either.  Just the licenseplates.cc page linked to by |kalvado|, and the Wikipedia page was edited by |Stowellg| without adding any corroborating reference.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on September 29, 2023, 03:16:01 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 01:35:13 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 29, 2023, 01:13:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 12:46:49 PM

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
Why did they stop the good 123 ABC series

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
which had already issued more than half of its combinations?

You just answered your own question.  The series would have run out in about three or four years anyway.

Don't series normally run to completion?

They usually do, yes.  But exceptions exist.  For example...

The previous Kansas series (ABC 123) was ditched partway through Xxx.

South Carolina switched from 123 ABC to ABC 123 partway through Xxx.

Ohio switched from ABC 123 to ABC 1234 without having used Zxx.
Wisconsin switched from ABC-123 to 123-ABC partway through Wxx-123, though went full way on 123-ABC before switching to ABC-1234.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tmoore952 on September 29, 2023, 04:15:24 PM
Various thoughts/observations. First post in this thread. I have only read page 90. I probably will repeat something said over the previous 2225 posts, but bear with me.

I remember in the '90s there used to be a Pennsylvania plate (related to Erie - maybe Presque Isle?) that was very hard to read. Brownish background with the characters (letters/numbers) not much different. I lived there in Pennsylvania at the time (near Philadelphia, so a long way from Erie), and thought -- if I was so inclined -- that it would be a good plate to have if you wanted to be able to do things and not get your plate noticed. Driving directly behind people with this plate, I was not able to read the characters much (if at all) and also wouldn't have been able to tell that it was Pennsylvania if I didn't already know.

I have also noticed recently (in the last year) a gold on blue Michigan plate that says "Water and Winter Wonderland" or something similar. Being a Delaware native, I often mistake this for Delaware if I see this from far away. Pennsylvania used to have a gold on blue plate but that went away a while back.

I remember when my family was driving out from Delaware to my sister's wedding in Illinois in 1986, we were driving a Chevorlet Cimarron with Delaware plates. On I-74 somewhere west of Indianapolis (guessing around Crawfordsville), I remember a family looking at us as they passed us by in their car. We figured they had never seen a Delaware license plate before.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Poiponen13 on September 30, 2023, 12:19:05 PM
Has any state ever issued a combination USA or US? Or a state abbreviation?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GaryV on September 30, 2023, 12:44:16 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on September 29, 2023, 04:15:24 PM

I have also noticed recently (in the last year) a gold on blue Michigan plate that says "Water and Winter Wonderland"


It's WATER-WINTER WONDERLAND. A retro plate from 1965. Very popular, probably not in the least because it's the colors of a certain University. I always smirk when I see one with a vanity number - you couldn't get vanity plates back in 1965, so it's truly not vintage!

When Michigan switched to blue on white, there were similar colors in nearby areas - Ontario, Iowa and CT, maybe others. It took a little getting used to the differences, but it didn't take long.

As far as not running out the sequence to the end, I seem to remember that MI switched to a new series when a new plate design came out. Certainly it did for the 2 versions of the plates with the Mackinac Bridge on them.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: US20IL64 on September 30, 2023, 06:45:44 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 30, 2023, 12:19:05 PM
Has any state ever issued a combination USA or US? Or a state abbreviation?

Illinois has issued plates, since they started LL NNNNN series, with first two letters matching an official state abbreviation. Now we are in the E's.

Seen AR, AK, AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, and DE with numbers after.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: route56 on September 30, 2023, 11:41:57 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 10:44:21 AM
I can't find anything online about this.  Do you have a link?

Nothing online about the change, just direct observation which I have posted on social media.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on October 01, 2023, 01:07:03 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 30, 2023, 12:19:05 PM
Has any state ever issued a combination USA or US? Or a state abbreviation?

IIRC, New Mexico plates still say 'NEW MEXICO USA'.  This is due to a (distressing) number of people who think that they are foreign plates.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on October 01, 2023, 08:00:41 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on September 29, 2023, 04:15:24 PM
Various thoughts/observations. First post in this thread. I have only read page 90. I probably will repeat something said over the previous 2225 posts, but bear with me.

I remember in the '90s there used to be a Pennsylvania plate (related to Erie - maybe Presque Isle?) that was very hard to read. Brownish background with the characters (letters/numbers) not much different. I lived there in Pennsylvania at the time (near Philadelphia, so a long way from Erie), and thought -- if I was so inclined -- that it would be a good plate to have if you wanted to be able to do things and not get your plate noticed. Driving directly behind people with this plate, I was not able to read the characters much (if at all) and also wouldn't have been able to tell that it was Pennsylvania if I didn't already know.

I have also noticed recently (in the last year) a gold on blue Michigan plate that says "Water and Winter Wonderland" or something similar. Being a Delaware native, I often mistake this for Delaware if I see this from far away. Pennsylvania used to have a gold on blue plate but that went away a while back.

I remember when my family was driving out from Delaware to my sister's wedding in Illinois in 1986, we were driving a Chevorlet Cimarron with Delaware plates. On I-74 somewhere west of Indianapolis (guessing around Crawfordsville), I remember a family looking at us as they passed us by in their car. We figured they had never seen a Delaware license plate before.
Michigan's plate says WATER - WINTER WONDERLAND. It's a throwback plate that all vehicles registered in Michigan had from 1965-1967. The original plate in the 1950's just said WATER WONDERLAND then WINTER was added later. It is simular to Delaware's plate, actually I just saw a Delaware plate in Michigan yesterday. Delaware's plate is a slightly different color using a more goldish brown color rather than the yellow color of Michigan's. The plate has the color scheme to honor the University of Michigan and yes Michigan State fans get this plate too, it came out in December 2021.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on October 01, 2023, 11:48:53 AM
Quote from: 7/8 on August 03, 2023, 12:48:47 PM
Quote from: jakeroot on August 02, 2023, 07:57:16 PM
The plate on the left was one the worst license plates I have ever seen. Rare L for Colorado, who has one of the best standard plate designs in the country.

As a piece of art, I love it. I want it as a wallpaper on my computer. But license plates should not be art-first, readability-second. The fact that it took all the way to final production to finally switch to white numbers tells me that no one actually considered the readability of the plate during the concept and selection phase. Or they did, but didn't have the gut to tell the under-13-year-old that her plate has awful contrast.

This photo of an early production of the plate clearly demonstrates how awful the contrast was with black lettering. White lettering should work fine...still don't get the fascination with art for license plates.

Quote from: cpr.org


Well said, there should be regulations on legibility. Is there a confirmation that the plate will have white lettering? All the images I can find show it with black.


I could've sworn I saw my first one in the wild the other day, and the lettering was white -- albeit it was still a little too busy and hard to read.  Not as bad as the ^^ example. The other plate commemorating the state's 150th anniversary in a few years was also spotted in the wild.

Speaking of new Colorado plates, the white-on-black "throwback" plate is a hot seller, as I see at least one everytime I leave the house to go somewhere.  The similar red and blue throwback plates have also been spotted on the road, but I have only seen a handful of either.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on October 01, 2023, 12:15:54 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 30, 2023, 12:19:05 PM
Has any state ever issued a combination USA or US? Or a state abbreviation?

Kentucky used its abbreviation "KY" on its plates from 1977 to 1983.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on October 01, 2023, 12:36:30 PM
New Jersey did until 1977.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on October 01, 2023, 08:00:27 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 30, 2023, 12:19:05 PM
Has any state ever issued a combination USA or US? Or a state abbreviation?

Oklahoma issued OK-#### plates on the 1981 base, but they were coded that way for Okfuskee County rather than the state of Oklahoma.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jnewkirk77 on October 02, 2023, 07:36:38 AM
Indiana used either "IND - XX" or "XX - IND" (XX being the 2-digit year) on plates from 1956-73 for passenger plates, and from 1956-93 for trucks and others.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 11:31:41 AM
Quote from: route56 on September 29, 2023, 10:39:17 AM
Kansas has started issuing plates with seven characters of the format NNNNLLL.

The plate design has not changed

Confirmed in the wild.  I've now spotted two Kansas license plates in the 1234ABB series, both in Derby, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tmoore952 on October 02, 2023, 01:21:32 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 01, 2023, 08:00:41 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on September 29, 2023, 04:15:24 PM
Various thoughts/observations. First post in this thread. I have only read page 90. I probably will repeat something said over the previous 2225 posts, but bear with me.

I remember in the '90s there used to be a Pennsylvania plate (related to Erie - maybe Presque Isle?) that was very hard to read. Brownish background with the characters (letters/numbers) not much different. I lived there in Pennsylvania at the time (near Philadelphia, so a long way from Erie), and thought -- if I was so inclined -- that it would be a good plate to have if you wanted to be able to do things and not get your plate noticed. Driving directly behind people with this plate, I was not able to read the characters much (if at all) and also wouldn't have been able to tell that it was Pennsylvania if I didn't already know.

I have also noticed recently (in the last year) a gold on blue Michigan plate that says "Water and Winter Wonderland" or something similar. Being a Delaware native, I often mistake this for Delaware if I see this from far away. Pennsylvania used to have a gold on blue plate but that went away a while back.

I remember when my family was driving out from Delaware to my sister's wedding in Illinois in 1986, we were driving a Chevorlet Cimarron with Delaware plates. On I-74 somewhere west of Indianapolis (guessing around Crawfordsville), I remember a family looking at us as they passed us by in their car. We figured they had never seen a Delaware license plate before.
Michigan's plate says WATER - WINTER WONDERLAND. It's a throwback plate that all vehicles registered in Michigan had from 1965-1967. The original plate in the 1950's just said WATER WONDERLAND then WINTER was added later. It is simular to Delaware's plate, actually I just saw a Delaware plate in Michigan yesterday. Delaware's plate is a slightly different color using a more goldish brown color rather than the yellow color of Michigan's. The plate has the color scheme to honor the University of Michigan and yes Michigan State fans get this plate too, it came out in December 2021.

The color scheme is also the same as the color scheme for the University of Delaware. On a non-traffic note, even the football helmets are the same.

Older Delaware plates (after the time they were all black) had a blue background, wo any hint of green. At some later point that blue became more of a blue-green color.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on October 02, 2023, 10:45:05 PM
Quote from: tmoore952 on October 02, 2023, 01:21:32 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on October 01, 2023, 08:00:41 AM
Quote from: tmoore952 on September 29, 2023, 04:15:24 PM
Various thoughts/observations. First post in this thread. I have only read page 90. I probably will repeat something said over the previous 2225 posts, but bear with me.

I remember in the '90s there used to be a Pennsylvania plate (related to Erie - maybe Presque Isle?) that was very hard to read. Brownish background with the characters (letters/numbers) not much different. I lived there in Pennsylvania at the time (near Philadelphia, so a long way from Erie), and thought -- if I was so inclined -- that it would be a good plate to have if you wanted to be able to do things and not get your plate noticed. Driving directly behind people with this plate, I was not able to read the characters much (if at all) and also wouldn't have been able to tell that it was Pennsylvania if I didn't already know.

I have also noticed recently (in the last year) a gold on blue Michigan plate that says "Water and Winter Wonderland" or something similar. Being a Delaware native, I often mistake this for Delaware if I see this from far away. Pennsylvania used to have a gold on blue plate but that went away a while back.

I remember when my family was driving out from Delaware to my sister's wedding in Illinois in 1986, we were driving a Chevorlet Cimarron with Delaware plates. On I-74 somewhere west of Indianapolis (guessing around Crawfordsville), I remember a family looking at us as they passed us by in their car. We figured they had never seen a Delaware license plate before.
Michigan's plate says WATER - WINTER WONDERLAND. It's a throwback plate that all vehicles registered in Michigan had from 1965-1967. The original plate in the 1950's just said WATER WONDERLAND then WINTER was added later. It is simular to Delaware's plate, actually I just saw a Delaware plate in Michigan yesterday. Delaware's plate is a slightly different color using a more goldish brown color rather than the yellow color of Michigan's. The plate has the color scheme to honor the University of Michigan and yes Michigan State fans get this plate too, it came out in December 2021.

The color scheme is also the same as the color scheme for the University of Delaware. On a non-traffic note, even the football helmets are the same.

Older Delaware plates (after the time they were all black) had a blue background, wo any hint of green. At some later point that blue became more of a blue-green color.
Michigan went to a yellow on green plate in 1968 after the Water-Winter Wonderland one and changed it from Water-Winter Wonderland to Great Lake State. Then went to a red on white plate, white on light gold. I really don't understand why they were changing the color scheme every year in the 60's and 70's.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: roadfro on October 04, 2023, 12:17:40 AM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 30, 2023, 12:19:05 PM
Has any state ever issued a combination USA or US? Or a state abbreviation?

Yes for Nevada:

The "United We Stand" special plates have a stacked 'US' as the first two characters. This plate is still in production.

The special sesquicentennial plate had a stacked "NV" as the first two characters. This plate was produced circa 2013-2016 (the state's 150th anniversary was 10/31/2014).


EDIT: Fixed two typos
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on October 04, 2023, 10:33:48 AM
Quote from: kphoger on October 02, 2023, 11:31:41 AM

Quote from: route56 on September 29, 2023, 10:39:17 AM
Kansas has started issuing plates with seven characters of the format NNNNLLL.

The plate design has not changed

Confirmed in the wild.  I've now spotted two Kansas license plates in the 1234ABB series, both in Derby, one on Saturday and one on Sunday.

It occurs to me now that I may very well end up with one of these new 1234ABC plates next year.  I've read that Kansas was going to start replacing old embossed plates with new flat plates.  Now, I don't know for certain that the plan is still moving ahead, but our car does have an old embossed plate, so maybe we'll be getting a new one when it's time to renew the registration next year.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GaryA on October 04, 2023, 02:44:30 PM
Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 30, 2023, 12:19:05 PM
Has any state ever issued a combination USA or US? Or a state abbreviation?

California issued special plates for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles (with the "dashing stars" logo), for which you could have either a stacked "US" or a stacked "LA".

There were also later Olympics plates (with the US Olympic Training Center logo, or with "USA" above the five rings), which offered either a stacked "US" or stacked "CA".
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: chrisdiaz on October 22, 2023, 05:34:36 PM
At my job's parking lot I saw South Carolina's new license plate letter sequence. I thought it was kind of funny that they didn't finish out the current letter sequence, stopping around halfway through the X's. The standard issue is now NNN LLL. I assume it is going alphabetical as opposed to numbers, as the plate I saw today had letters of AAB. The font was also changed. That was what made me do a double take, as I thought it was a fake plate at first.

The "While I Breathe, I Hope" plate is still the standard issue. No changes were made to the plate design.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DRMan on October 27, 2023, 09:14:23 AM
Arizona has added three specialty plates. That brings the total to 101 choices! Does any state have more options?

https://tucson.com/news/local/adot-three-new-specialty-license-plates-arizona/article_32e96116-7430-11ee-be18-2fc94e97af2f.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Alex on October 27, 2023, 10:15:27 AM
Quote from: DRMan on October 27, 2023, 09:14:23 AM
Arizona has added three specialty plates. That brings the total to 101 choices! Does any state have more options?

https://tucson.com/news/local/adot-three-new-specialty-license-plates-arizona/article_32e96116-7430-11ee-be18-2fc94e97af2f.html

Virginia has 335 based upon the DMV specialty license plate search page (https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on October 27, 2023, 08:22:48 PM
Quote from: Alex on October 27, 2023, 10:15:27 AM
Quote from: DRMan on October 27, 2023, 09:14:23 AM
Arizona has added three specialty plates. That brings the total to 101 choices! Does any state have more options?

https://tucson.com/news/local/adot-three-new-specialty-license-plates-arizona/article_32e96116-7430-11ee-be18-2fc94e97af2f.html

Virginia has 335 based upon the DMV specialty license plate search page (https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search)

Florida has a lot, but closer to 180 (https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/specialtyplates/tagbrochure.pdf) than 300. There's also dozens more special-issue plates which usually aren't available to the public.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on October 27, 2023, 09:11:35 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 27, 2023, 08:22:48 PM
Quote from: Alex on October 27, 2023, 10:15:27 AM
Quote from: DRMan on October 27, 2023, 09:14:23 AM
Arizona has added three specialty plates. That brings the total to 101 choices! Does any state have more options?

https://tucson.com/news/local/adot-three-new-specialty-license-plates-arizona/article_32e96116-7430-11ee-be18-2fc94e97af2f.html

Virginia has 335 based upon the DMV specialty license plate search page (https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search)

Florida has a lot, but closer to 180 (https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/specialtyplates/tagbrochure.pdf) than 300. There's also dozens more special-issue plates which usually aren't available to the public.
For universities, Georgis is the only out of state college included, for reciprocity of Georgia having a number of out of state university license plates, including those in Florida.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: rlb2024 on November 03, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
Which university has the most out-of-state vanity plates?  For example, you can get an LSU license plate in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas (2 varieties).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 05, 2023, 06:46:53 PM
A new vanity license plate just launched here in Okinawa to support the reconstruction of Shuri Castle. The color example is available with an addition 1000 Yen donation, and the monotone is the standard variant. The green edging plate is for businesses, and the yellow for kei cars.

As with all plates in Japan, they are embossed.

(https://www.pref.okinawa.jp/site/doboku/shurijo/kikaku/shurijo/images/numberplate_2.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TheCatalyst31 on November 06, 2023, 09:24:43 PM
Quote from: rlb2024 on November 03, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
Which university has the most out-of-state vanity plates?  For example, you can get an LSU license plate in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, and Texas (2 varieties).

Alabama's got to be up there. You can get their plate in Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio, and Maryland.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: apeman33 on November 08, 2023, 05:58:35 PM
Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 01:35:13 PM
Quote from: 1 on September 29, 2023, 01:13:36 PM

Quote from: kphoger on September 29, 2023, 12:46:49 PM

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
Why did they stop the good 123 ABC series

Quote from: Poiponen13 on September 29, 2023, 11:16:07 AM
which had already issued more than half of its combinations?

You just answered your own question.  The series would have run out in about three or four years anyway.

Don't series normally run to completion?

They usually do, yes.  But exceptions exist.  For example...

The previous Kansas series (ABC 123) was ditched partway through Xxx.

South Carolina switched from 123 ABC to ABC 123 partway through Xxx.

Ohio switched from ABC 123 to ABC 1234 without having used Zxx.

A bit late to the party, but I don't snoop around as much here anymore.

From what I remember, the ABC 000 series got to the S's before the most recent plate design came into effect. What's I distinctly remember seeing STL NNN in Bourbon County.

The highest in the 000 ABC series that I've seen out in the wild is SNC NNN.

So neither of the previous series made it to T, from what I remember.

The only surprise to me was going with NNNN LLL instead of LLL NNNN.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on November 08, 2023, 06:08:24 PM
As for not completing the 123 ABC series...  It's not like they wasted those remaining serial numbers.  They're still available.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: swake on November 08, 2023, 06:26:59 PM
Quote from: formulanone on October 27, 2023, 08:22:48 PM
Quote from: Alex on October 27, 2023, 10:15:27 AM
Quote from: DRMan on October 27, 2023, 09:14:23 AM
Arizona has added three specialty plates. That brings the total to 101 choices! Does any state have more options?

https://tucson.com/news/local/adot-three-new-specialty-license-plates-arizona/article_32e96116-7430-11ee-be18-2fc94e97af2f.html

Virginia has 335 based upon the DMV specialty license plate search page (https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/vehicles/license-plates/search)

Florida has a lot, but closer to 180 (https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/specialtyplates/tagbrochure.pdf) than 300. There's also dozens more special-issue plates which usually aren't available to the public.

Oklahoma has more than 250 plates, and that not including tribal plates, and there have to be 100+ different tribal plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 11:47:51 AM
Michigan has brought back the old blue and white plates which were in circulation from 1983 to 2007 two years after bringing back the 1965 to 1967 Water-Winter Wonderland plate. These plates are the ones that say Great Lakes at the bottom. I saw one for the first time in about 15 years today.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on November 10, 2023, 11:59:31 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 11:47:51 AM
Michigan has brought back the old blue and white plates which were in circulation from 1983 to 2007 two years after bringing back the 1965 to 1967 Water-Winter Wonderland plate. These plates are the ones that say Great Lakes at the bottom. I saw one for the first time in about 15 years today.

I'm not seeing anything on the MI Dept of State website indicating a new version of that plate. Yes, it could be so new that the website hasn't caught up. But, if that's the case, how could the owner of the one you saw have ordered it?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 12:23:47 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on November 10, 2023, 11:59:31 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 11:47:51 AM
Michigan has brought back the old blue and white plates which were in circulation from 1983 to 2007 two years after bringing back the 1965 to 1967 Water-Winter Wonderland plate. These plates are the ones that say Great Lakes at the bottom. I saw one for the first time in about 15 years today.

I'm not seeing anything on the MI Dept of State website indicating a new version of that plate. Yes, it could be so new that the website hasn't caught up. But, if that's the case, how could the owner of the one you saw have ordered it?
Because it's a car from a year the plate was in service which can still be used on those cars.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on November 10, 2023, 12:51:54 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 12:23:47 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on November 10, 2023, 11:59:31 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 11:47:51 AM
Michigan has brought back the old blue and white plates which were in circulation from 1983 to 2007 two years after bringing back the 1965 to 1967 Water-Winter Wonderland plate. These plates are the ones that say Great Lakes at the bottom. I saw one for the first time in about 15 years today.

I'm not seeing anything on the MI Dept of State website indicating a new version of that plate. Yes, it could be so new that the website hasn't caught up. But, if that's the case, how could the owner of the one you saw have ordered it?
Because it's a car from a year the plate was in service which can still be used on those cars.

So, it's not really brought back by the DMV. Just a survivor.  Those are cool. Retro plates are a thing now with many states (like yours) bringing back old designs. CA (gold on black) and UT (white on black like they had in the 60s) have two of my favorites of that type now. MI's is up there too.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JCinSummerfield on November 10, 2023, 01:30:11 PM
Just saw an article on mlive.com.  Michigan IS bringing back the blue & white plate, as well as the black and white plate.  Also coming down the pike is the 1976 red, white & blue bicentennial plate, updated for America's semiquincentennial coming in 2026.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: doglover44 on November 10, 2023, 08:08:49 PM
Mi has always had the coolest plates in my opinion
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 08:41:04 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on November 10, 2023, 12:51:54 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 12:23:47 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on November 10, 2023, 11:59:31 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 10, 2023, 11:47:51 AM
Michigan has brought back the old blue and white plates which were in circulation from 1983 to 2007 two years after bringing back the 1965 to 1967 Water-Winter Wonderland plate. These plates are the ones that say Great Lakes at the bottom. I saw one for the first time in about 15 years today.

I'm not seeing anything on the MI Dept of State website indicating a new version of that plate. Yes, it could be so new that the website hasn't caught up. But, if that's the case, how could the owner of the one you saw have ordered it?
Because it's a car from a year the plate was in service which can still be used on those cars.

So, it's not really brought back by the DMV. Just a survivor.  Those are cool. Retro plates are a thing now with many states (like yours) bringing back old designs. CA (gold on black) and UT (white on black like they had in the 60s) have two of my favorites of that type now. MI's is up there too.
It's coming back as well as a few others. I think they are all pretty cool plates I like the Water-Winter Wonderland one the best.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on November 10, 2023, 11:41:08 PM
IIRC, California still has plates from as early as 1964 that are still valid (current number series, too) from when the car was first registered as 'new'.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tigerwings on November 11, 2023, 08:07:20 AM
https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2023/11/decades-later-three-classic-michigan-license-plates-will-return.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 11, 2023, 08:12:41 AM
Personally I'm keeping my Water-Winter Wonderland plate. I like that plate better than the 1983-2007 blue and white one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 11, 2023, 08:48:26 AM
I wonder if it's an indictment of the state's current issue license plate if so many are electing to register (or re-register) their vehicles with vintage plates. Full disclosure: I probably would. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 08:56:16 AM
Michigan's Pure Michigan license plates are pure ugly.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: tigerwings on November 12, 2023, 09:04:20 AM
If I ever move back over the border I would to put my Great Lakes splendor plates back on. Have 3 in the garage.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on November 12, 2023, 11:54:28 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 08:56:16 AM
Michigan's Pure Michigan license plates are pure ugly.

I see enough of them here in NE Wisconsin (driven by Yoopers) to agree and consider that to be a main reason why the state eliminated the front plates, they're that bad.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: The Nature Boy on November 12, 2023, 12:17:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 08:56:16 AM
Michigan's Pure Michigan license plates are pure ugly.

Changing your state name to a tourism logo is usually a bad look. This also applies to Florida.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 02:26:08 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 12, 2023, 11:54:28 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 08:56:16 AM
Michigan's Pure Michigan license plates are pure ugly.

I see enough of them here in NE Wisconsin (driven by Yoopers) to agree and consider that to be a main reason why the state eliminated the front plates, they're that bad.

Mike
It was long before that when they eliminated them sometime in the early 80's when they were using the black and white plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 02:27:25 PM
Quote from: The Nature Boy on November 12, 2023, 12:17:09 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 08:56:16 AM
Michigan's Pure Michigan license plates are pure ugly.

Changing your state name to a tourism logo is usually a bad look. This also applies to Florida.
I also dislike the Welcome to Pure Michigan signs at the state border. I didn't mind it when it said Welcome to Michigan Great Lakes Great Times.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TheCatalyst31 on November 12, 2023, 06:11:44 PM
Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).
California has those too, but they also haven't fully replaced existing license plates since 1963, meaning it's technically possible for a yellow-on-black 1963 base plate to still be on the road. Of course, in practice there are very few plates that hung on that long. A few other states are the same way; I think in Oregon you can still have a plate issued in 1956 on the road.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 12, 2023, 09:15:42 PM
The actual Pure Michigan plate is a really good, simple design. I would keep it, but swap out "Pure Michigan" for block-style "MICHIGAN" on top, in the same shade of blue as the bottom, and then something else in the blue wave on the bottom.

Simple plate designs are a lost cause, I swear. Everyone wants a picture these days, even though they are harder to read.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 09:25:19 PM
I just want a plain plate. I hate the plates with the Mackinac Bridge on them. I also hate the sea wave at the bottom of the stupid Pure Michigan plates oh and the website can go too. Just keep it simple like the Water-Winter Wonderland and Great Lakes license plates. Hopefully these other throwback plates can get more of the Pure Michigan plates off the road and gone for good.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on November 13, 2023, 03:20:47 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 09:25:19 PM
I just want a plain plate. I hate the plates with the Mackinac Bridge on them. I also hate the sea wave at the bottom of the stupid Pure Michigan plates oh and the website can go too. Just keep it simple like the Water-Winter Wonderland and Great Lakes license plates. Hopefully these other throwback plates can get more of the Pure Michigan plates off the road and gone for good.

Water-Winter Wonderland is one of the all-time greats, I'd love to see it brought back as a standard-issue plate.

Similar great design to Water-Winter Wonderland is Oregon's Pacific Wonderland plate. It's so good, I would move to Oregon just to get it...

(https://www.oregonlive.com/resizer/4k1gr51faAp4aNafAR0aS3w1T8E=/1280x0/smart/advancelocal-adapter-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/image.oregonlive.com/home/olive-media/width2048/img/news_impact/photo/pacificwonderlandplatejpg-8475d4bb61093129.jpg)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on November 13, 2023, 06:43:29 AM
Quote from: jakeroot on November 13, 2023, 03:20:47 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 09:25:19 PM
I just want a plain plate. I hate the plates with the Mackinac Bridge on them. I also hate the sea wave at the bottom of the stupid Pure Michigan plates oh and the website can go too. Just keep it simple like the Water-Winter Wonderland and Great Lakes license plates. Hopefully these other throwback plates can get more of the Pure Michigan plates off the road and gone for good.

Water-Winter Wonderland is one of the all-time greats, I'd love to see it brought back as a standard-issue plate.

Similar great design to Water-Winter Wonderland is Oregon's Pacific Wonderland plate. It's so good, I would move to Oregon just to get it...

(https://www.oregonlive.com/resizer/4k1gr51faAp4aNafAR0aS3w1T8E=/1280x0/smart/advancelocal-adapter-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/image.oregonlive.com/home/olive-media/width2048/img/news_impact/photo/pacificwonderlandplatejpg-8475d4bb61093129.jpg)
If I lived in Oregon I'd put that plate on my car for sure.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 12, 2023, 06:11:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).

California has those too, but they also haven't fully replaced existing license plates since 1963, meaning it's technically possible for a yellow-on-black 1963 base plate to still be on the road. Of course, in practice there are very few plates that hung on that long. A few other states are the same way; I think in Oregon you can still have a plate issued in 1956 on the road.

Correct.  I've personally seen a California plate from the "2" series (1980s) on the road here in the Midwest as recently as a couple of years ago.  I mentioned to the owner that she must have had her vehicle for quite a while, that it was cool to see such an old serial number still in use, and she didn't seem to have much clue what I was talking about.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on November 13, 2023, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 12, 2023, 06:11:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).

California has those too, but they also haven't fully replaced existing license plates since 1963, meaning it's technically possible for a yellow-on-black 1963 base plate to still be on the road. Of course, in practice there are very few plates that hung on that long. A few other states are the same way; I think in Oregon you can still have a plate issued in 1956 on the road.

Correct.  I've personally seen a California plate from the "2" series (1980s) on the road here in the Midwest as recently as a couple of years ago.  I mentioned to the owner that she must have had her vehicle for quite a while, that it was cool to see such an old serial number still in use, and she didn't seem to have much clue what I was talking about.
Someone else may have had that vehicle before her as California policy is that the plate stays with the vehicle if ownership changes.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on November 13, 2023, 12:09:50 PM
IMHO, it is a good thing that Wisconsin has keep its present simple basic design for so long, with the only real changes being the color of the numbers and letters.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 14, 2023, 06:25:54 AM
Quote from: Big John on November 13, 2023, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 12, 2023, 06:11:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).

California has those too, but they also haven't fully replaced existing license plates since 1963, meaning it's technically possible for a yellow-on-black 1963 base plate to still be on the road. Of course, in practice there are very few plates that hung on that long. A few other states are the same way; I think in Oregon you can still have a plate issued in 1956 on the road.

Correct.  I've personally seen a California plate from the "2" series (1980s) on the road here in the Midwest as recently as a couple of years ago.  I mentioned to the owner that she must have had her vehicle for quite a while, that it was cool to see such an old serial number still in use, and she didn't seem to have much clue what I was talking about.
Someone else may have had that vehicle before her as California policy is that the plate stays with the vehicle if ownership changes.


In Massachusetts, the green and white plates (greenies) first issued in 1977, can still be used today, although few are remaining. It seems a though more states are eliminating mandatory replacement cycles (if they had them).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on November 14, 2023, 06:57:28 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 14, 2023, 06:25:54 AM
Quote from: Big John on November 13, 2023, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 12, 2023, 06:11:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).

California has those too, but they also haven't fully replaced existing license plates since 1963, meaning it's technically possible for a yellow-on-black 1963 base plate to still be on the road. Of course, in practice there are very few plates that hung on that long. A few other states are the same way; I think in Oregon you can still have a plate issued in 1956 on the road.

Correct.  I've personally seen a California plate from the "2" series (1980s) on the road here in the Midwest as recently as a couple of years ago.  I mentioned to the owner that she must have had her vehicle for quite a while, that it was cool to see such an old serial number still in use, and she didn't seem to have much clue what I was talking about.
Someone else may have had that vehicle before her as California policy is that the plate stays with the vehicle if ownership changes.


In Massachusetts, the green and white plates (greenies) first issued in 1977, can still be used today, although few are remaining. It seems a though more states are eliminating mandatory replacement cycles (if they had them).
Yep.  My parents kept their green-on-white up until only a decade ago or so.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on November 14, 2023, 07:10:55 AM
My mom still has a green plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on November 14, 2023, 08:04:06 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 14, 2023, 06:25:54 AM
Quote from: Big John on November 13, 2023, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 12, 2023, 06:11:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).

California has those too, but they also haven't fully replaced existing license plates since 1963, meaning it's technically possible for a yellow-on-black 1963 base plate to still be on the road. Of course, in practice there are very few plates that hung on that long. A few other states are the same way; I think in Oregon you can still have a plate issued in 1956 on the road.

Correct.  I've personally seen a California plate from the "2" series (1980s) on the road here in the Midwest as recently as a couple of years ago.  I mentioned to the owner that she must have had her vehicle for quite a while, that it was cool to see such an old serial number still in use, and she didn't seem to have much clue what I was talking about.
Someone else may have had that vehicle before her as California policy is that the plate stays with the vehicle if ownership changes.


In Massachusetts, the green and white plates (greenies) first issued in 1977, can still be used today, although few are remaining. It seems a though more states are eliminating mandatory replacement cycles (if they had them).
Wisconsin is doing the opposite.  They have reinstated the mandatory replacement cycle because there is significant deterioration of the plates over time.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on November 15, 2023, 08:08:34 AM
Quote from: Rothman on November 14, 2023, 06:57:28 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 14, 2023, 06:25:54 AM
Quote from: Big John on November 13, 2023, 10:41:45 AM
Quote from: kphoger on November 13, 2023, 10:29:26 AM
Quote from: TheCatalyst31 on November 12, 2023, 06:11:44 PM

Quote from: Scott5114 on November 11, 2023, 03:50:52 AM
These are probably year-of-manufacture programs (e.g. you can display a 1968 plate on a car made in 1968).

California has those too, but they also haven't fully replaced existing license plates since 1963, meaning it's technically possible for a yellow-on-black 1963 base plate to still be on the road. Of course, in practice there are very few plates that hung on that long. A few other states are the same way; I think in Oregon you can still have a plate issued in 1956 on the road.

Correct.  I've personally seen a California plate from the "2" series (1980s) on the road here in the Midwest as recently as a couple of years ago.  I mentioned to the owner that she must have had her vehicle for quite a while, that it was cool to see such an old serial number still in use, and she didn't seem to have much clue what I was talking about.
Someone else may have had that vehicle before her as California policy is that the plate stays with the vehicle if ownership changes.


In Massachusetts, the green and white plates (greenies) first issued in 1977, can still be used today, although few are remaining. It seems a though more states are eliminating mandatory replacement cycles (if they had them).
Yep.  My parents kept their green-on-white up until only a decade ago or so.
I've seen restoration services offered for those plates. While non official, they restore plates to the original specs, and there is no explicit prohibition. So looks like it's not unacceptable to do so.
Car must be parked while the plate is serviced though....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GaryV on November 15, 2023, 09:06:16 AM
Quote from: kalvado on November 15, 2023, 08:08:34 AM
I've seen restoration services offered for those plates. While non official, they restore plates to the original specs, and there is no explicit prohibition. So looks like it's not unacceptable to do so.
Car must be parked while the plate is serviced though....
Ehh, just give me a skateboard, a rope and a couple cans of paint ....
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SidS1045 on November 15, 2023, 02:28:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on November 15, 2023, 08:08:34 AMI've seen restoration services offered for those plates. While non official, they restore plates to the original specs, and there is no explicit prohibition. So looks like it's not unacceptable to do so.
Car must be parked while the plate is serviced though....

This is one such service:  https://houseofjoyfulnoise.com/motor-vehicle-license-plate-refurbishing/

Apparently some inspection stations are recommending this service to customers whose plates would otherwise fail inspection.  I've also heard that, unofficially, State Police troopers are recommending this service.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on November 16, 2023, 01:16:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on November 14, 2023, 08:04:06 AM
Wisconsin is doing the opposite.  They have reinstated the mandatory replacement cycle because there is significant deterioration of the plates over time.

I thought that the delamination in IL plates was bad, but that's nothing compared with the way WI plates deteriorate over time. I see multiple plates that are at least partially down to bare metal every single day.  And given how picky many WI law enforcement agencies are regarding even modest speeding, I'm surprised that illegible plates seem to be ignored up here. Unless they all have a relative in the local PD, which is entirely possible in Wisconsin.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on November 16, 2023, 01:34:18 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on November 16, 2023, 01:16:41 PM
Quote from: Big John on November 14, 2023, 08:04:06 AM
Wisconsin is doing the opposite.  They have reinstated the mandatory replacement cycle because there is significant deterioration of the plates over time.

I thought that the delamination in IL plates was bad, but that's nothing compared with the way WI plates deteriorate over time. I see multiple plates that are at least partially down to bare metal every single day.  And given how picky many WI law enforcement agencies are regarding even modest speeding, I'm surprised that illegible plates seem to be ignored up here. Unless they all have a relative in the local PD, which is entirely possible in Wisconsin.

There was a news item a couple of years ago about WisDOT buying cheaper inferior plate 'blanks' (from3M) and then going back to the old prior supplier (Arvin), this right before they went to the LLL-NNNN number format.  Prior to that first switch, Wisconsin plates were very durable and long lived, suffering only some minor fading over time.  In fact, 3M recommends a seven year replacement cycle on their plates (way too often for something like that, IMHO).

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: machias on November 20, 2023, 07:28:33 PM
I was in Upstate New York this past weekend and a few observations:

1. There's quite a few Empire State plates still around even though the "A" series are over 20 years old. They're holding up quite well.
2. Empire Gold plates are very common, and peeling Empire Gold plates are quite common as well. I asked a relative when they were replacing their peeling plate, and they said they're not nearly as bad as other plates on the road, but he could get a ticket for them.
3. The new Excelsior Plates are well into the "L" series.
4. It's rather cool seeing so many older Empire State plates with held over Liberty plate numbering schemes (like ABC-123, 1AB-C23 or A1B-234). I don't know that I saw Empire Gold or Excelsior Plate with Liberty plates numbering, though I did see some Excelsior Plates with "E" and "F" serials
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 21, 2023, 06:04:52 AM
Quote from: SidS1045 on November 15, 2023, 02:28:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on November 15, 2023, 08:08:34 AMI've seen restoration services offered for those plates. While non official, they restore plates to the original specs, and there is no explicit prohibition. So looks like it's not unacceptable to do so.
Car must be parked while the plate is serviced though....

This is one such service:  https://houseofjoyfulnoise.com/motor-vehicle-license-plate-refurbishing/

Apparently some inspection stations are recommending this service to customers whose plates would otherwise fail inspection.  I've also heard that, unofficially, State Police troopers are recommending this service.

Glad to see that this service exists. I wonder how the refurbished plates will hod up if/when automated plate readers become advanced enough to recognize only newer plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on November 21, 2023, 06:17:32 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on November 21, 2023, 06:04:52 AM
Quote from: SidS1045 on November 15, 2023, 02:28:02 PM
Quote from: kalvado on November 15, 2023, 08:08:34 AMI've seen restoration services offered for those plates. While non official, they restore plates to the original specs, and there is no explicit prohibition. So looks like it's not unacceptable to do so.
Car must be parked while the plate is serviced though....

This is one such service:  https://houseofjoyfulnoise.com/motor-vehicle-license-plate-refurbishing/

Apparently some inspection stations are recommending this service to customers whose plates would otherwise fail inspection.  I've also heard that, unofficially, State Police troopers are recommending this service.

Glad to see that this service exists. I wonder how the refurbished plates will hod up if/when automated plate readers become advanced enough to recognize only newer plates.
What exactly do you mean by "advanced enough"?
Either you assume there is a technical problem with reading this style of plate - then what is that? Lower green/white contrast?  Wrong font?
Given that there is no universal standard for plate design, readers better be flexible at reading anything the human eye can read. There are some plate designs in this thread which would be even more challenging.
Or you assume they will be deliberately set up to ignore still legal plate? Well, that's a court case.

The only situation things may be problematic, IMHO, is if there is a country-wide transition to some smart plates with built-in communication functionality. But that's not even on horizon.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: burgess87 on November 29, 2023, 10:29:39 AM
Quote from: machias on November 20, 2023, 07:28:33 PM
I was in Upstate New York this past weekend and a few observations:

1. There's quite a few Empire State plates still around even though the "A" series are over 20 years old. They're holding up quite well.
2. Empire Gold plates are very common, and peeling Empire Gold plates are quite common as well. I asked a relative when they were replacing their peeling plate, and they said they're not nearly as bad as other plates on the road, but he could get a ticket for them.
3. The new Excelsior Plates are well into the "L" series.
4. It's rather cool seeing so many older Empire State plates with held over Liberty plate numbering schemes (like ABC-123, 1AB-C23 or A1B-234). I don't know that I saw Empire Gold or Excelsior Plate with Liberty plates numbering, though I did see some Excelsior Plates with "E" and "F" serials

What many folks don't know is that the DMV will replace peeling plates at no charge.  In my day job (working for the public library), I've told quite a few people that & hopefully saved them a citation.  I've also seen Empire Gold and Liberty numbering on the new Excelsior plates.  As for my Empire Golds, they're still holding up very well with no peeling.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: TheCleanDemon on November 29, 2023, 10:42:14 AM
I didn't see it mentioned, but Kansas unveiled a new plate....

(https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-22-102045-1024x645.png)

......that was so unpopular that they are now walking it back and revising it.

https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it (https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on November 29, 2023, 10:59:42 AM
Quote from: burgess87 on November 29, 2023, 10:29:39 AM
Quote from: machias on November 20, 2023, 07:28:33 PM
I was in Upstate New York this past weekend and a few observations:

1. There's quite a few Empire State plates still around even though the "A" series are over 20 years old. They're holding up quite well.
2. Empire Gold plates are very common, and peeling Empire Gold plates are quite common as well. I asked a relative when they were replacing their peeling plate, and they said they're not nearly as bad as other plates on the road, but he could get a ticket for them.
3. The new Excelsior Plates are well into the "L" series.
4. It's rather cool seeing so many older Empire State plates with held over Liberty plate numbering schemes (like ABC-123, 1AB-C23 or A1B-234). I don't know that I saw Empire Gold or Excelsior Plate with Liberty plates numbering, though I did see some Excelsior Plates with "E" and "F" serials

What many folks don't know is that the DMV will replace peeling plates at no charge.  In my day job (working for the public library), I've told quite a few people that & hopefully saved them a citation.  I've also seen Empire Gold and Liberty numbering on the new Excelsior plates.  As for my Empire Golds, they're still holding up very well with no peeling.
Wisconsin charges a mandatory plate replacement fee with the only exception being if the peeling plate is less than 5 years old.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 29, 2023, 11:01:44 AM
Quote from: TheCleanDemon on November 29, 2023, 10:42:14 AM
I didn't see it mentioned, but Kansas unveiled a new plate....

(https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-22-102045-1024x645.png)

......that was so unpopular that they are now walking it back and revising it.

https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it (https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it)

Shocking that a plate with University of Missouri colors didn't fly in Kansas.

Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 01:24:28 PM
Two new Colorado plates now available. (https://kdvr.com/news/local/colorado-day-brings-two-new-state-license-plates/) I like the art vibes on the lefthand one.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvhhfMgC/Colorado-Plates.png)

Just ordered the lefthand one for myself yesterday. Saw one on the road the other day and it looked nice.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on November 29, 2023, 11:12:40 AM
"To the stars"???

What is that supposed to mean?  Apparently its the state motto, translated into English?  Also pretty close to the motto of the RAF, and its spin-offs. 

Really? 

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on November 29, 2023, 11:14:39 AM
Quote from: SP Cook on November 29, 2023, 11:12:40 AM
"To the stars"???

What is that supposed to mean?  Apparently its the state motto, translated into English?  Also pretty close to the motto of the RAF, and its spin-offs. 

Really?

It's pretty well known that "ad astra per aspera" is the Kansas motto. One of the most popular local beers in Lawrence is Ad Astra Ale.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on November 29, 2023, 02:37:38 PM
Well, OK then.  When I think of stars, the real type, I would think of NASA in Florida or Texas;  the people type I would think of California. 

When I think of Kansas, I think of wheat.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GaryV on November 29, 2023, 02:46:58 PM
The translation of the whole motto is "to the stars through difficulties".

At least it's not "To the moon". First seeing the "to the stars" plate, I immediately thought of Ralph yelling at Alice.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 7/8 on November 29, 2023, 02:51:01 PM
They should just go back to this beauty (or something similar):

(https://www.aaroads.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2F15q.net%2Fus2%2Fks01.jpg&hash=d090b28739e7c3d34d504816129ba48657babc8c)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: thenetwork on November 29, 2023, 05:42:30 PM

Quote from: JayhawkCO on August 02, 2023, 01:24:28 PM
Two new Colorado plates now available. (https://kdvr.com/news/local/colorado-day-brings-two-new-state-license-plates/) I like the art vibes on the lefthand one.

(https://i.postimg.cc/qvhhfMgC/Colorado-Plates.png)

Just ordered the lefthand one for myself yesterday. Saw one on the road the other day and it looked nice.


[/quote]

Even though that plate on the left is actually WHITE text on the plate in the wild, it's only a tad easier to read in the wild. IMHO, they are still the hardest to read plates in the state.

I wanted to go with the white-on-black and white-on-blue plates for my vehicles last week, but the online plate renewal website told us that in our county (Mesa) we would have had to do it at the license bureau as it did not allow us to order new plates online.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: vdeane on November 29, 2023, 08:29:31 PM
Quote from: TheCleanDemon on November 29, 2023, 10:42:14 AM
I didn't see it mentioned, but Kansas unveiled a new plate....

(https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-22-102045-1024x645.png)

......that was so unpopular that they are now walking it back and revising it.

https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it (https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it)
I'm not surprised.  Maybe they should have asked New York how that design works.  It's very similar to our Empire Gold plates, and people didn't like them here either.  Come to think of it, the Empire Blue plates didn't really start disappearing until the Excelsior plates came out...
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on November 30, 2023, 05:52:26 AM
Apparently, the new Kansas license plate design is unpopular:

https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/28/us/kansas-license-plate-design-backlash/index.html
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on December 01, 2023, 04:44:41 PM
Quote from: vdeane on November 29, 2023, 08:29:31 PM
Quote from: TheCleanDemon on November 29, 2023, 10:42:14 AM
I didn't see it mentioned, but Kansas unveiled a new plate....

(https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Screenshot-2023-11-22-102045-1024x645.png)

......that was so unpopular that they are now walking it back and revising it.

https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it (https://www.kcur.org/news/2023-11-28/kansas-will-redo-its-new-license-plate-design-because-a-lot-of-people-hate-it)
I'm not surprised.  Maybe they should have asked New York how that design works.  It's very similar to our Empire Gold plates, and people didn't like them here either.  Come to think of it, the Empire Blue plates didn't really start disappearing until the Excelsior plates came out...

I'm assuming this is just a sample, but, are they starting a new sequence?  They just switched to 1234ABC a few months ago.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: bulldog1979 on December 01, 2023, 08:48:10 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 02:26:08 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on November 12, 2023, 11:54:28 AM
Quote from: Flint1979 on November 12, 2023, 08:56:16 AM
Michigan's Pure Michigan license plates are pure ugly.

They dropped the requirement for a front plate on April 1, 1981, while the black and white plates were being issued.
I see enough of them here in NE Wisconsin (driven by Yoopers) to agree and consider that to be a main reason why the state eliminated the front plates, they're that bad.

Mike
It was long before that when they eliminated them sometime in the early 80's when they were using the black and white plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on December 03, 2023, 08:15:34 AM
The obvious decision seems to be to make the first "digit" A, B, C, etc., but that's only my suggestion.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Occidental Tourist on December 03, 2023, 12:21:45 PM
I'm assuming they'll reverse it just like they did with commercial vehicles, i.e., when the NLNNNNN series was exhausted several years ago, plate numbers switched to NNNNNLN (with the last digit being the anchor). 99999Z1 rolled over to 11111A2 once NNNNNL1 was exhausted. NNNNNL2 NNNNNL3 is the current range for commercial plates.

So with passenger cars, expect the next series to be NNNLLLN with NNNLLL1 getting exhausted and rolling over to NNNLLL2.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 03, 2023, 01:20:38 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 03, 2023, 08:15:34 AM
The obvious decision seems to be to make the first "digit" A, B, C, etc., but that's only my suggestion.

I agree that going with Ontario's format is best (IMHO, also add a dash'-' between the letters and numbers for readability) - BUT, the words 'best' and 'California' just don't belong together in the same paragraph.  I would also convert to a 'plates stay with the cars' owners' system like is done in most other states, to conserve numbers.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: pderocco on December 03, 2023, 06:47:51 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 03, 2023, 08:15:34 AM
The obvious decision seems to be to make the first "digit" A, B, C, etc., but that's only my suggestion.
They never used 0 for the initial digit. They've done that on current commercial plates, though, so they could get another four years out of the current arrangement.

But the obvious choice would be to mimic Washington, and perhaps some other states, and do three letters and four digits. If they did four letters and three digits, they'd have a long list of words they'd have to disallow.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:28:40 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 03, 2023, 01:20:38 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 03, 2023, 08:15:34 AM
The obvious decision seems to be to make the first "digit" A, B, C, etc., but that's only my suggestion.

I agree that going with Ontario's format is best (IMHO, also add a dash'-' between the letters and numbers for readability) - BUT, the words 'best' and 'California' just don't belong together in the same paragraph.  I would also convert to a 'plates stay with the cars' owners' system like is done in most other states, to conserve numbers.

Mike
How does reselling a car work in this case? I agree this is a better system, but I'm wondering how the process differs.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 04, 2023, 02:32:01 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:28:40 PM
Quote from: mgk920 on December 03, 2023, 01:20:38 PM
Quote from: 1 on December 03, 2023, 08:15:34 AM
The obvious decision seems to be to make the first "digit" A, B, C, etc., but that's only my suggestion.

I agree that going with Ontario's format is best (IMHO, also add a dash'-' between the letters and numbers for readability) - BUT, the words 'best' and 'California' just don't belong together in the same paragraph.  I would also convert to a 'plates stay with the cars' owners' system like is done in most other states, to conserve numbers.

Mike
How does reselling a car work in this case? I agree this is a better system, but I'm wondering how the process differs.

You simply remove the plates and reuse them on the replacement car that you purchase, or you just keep them (for display on a wall, for example).  Whoever buys the car goes to the state office and registers the car in his or her name, getting new plates from them, or puts his or her own saved plates on it.  Easy peasy.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: wriddle082 on December 04, 2023, 02:50:15 AM
South Carolina has recently come to the end of LLLNNN for their standard issue plates and has switched to NNNLLL, but they have changed the font.  Previously the font was pretty much identical to the one that Tennessee uses, but the new font seems to resemble Clearview.  If you look at the 2, you'll see it.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on December 04, 2023, 09:35:56 AM
QuoteYup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).

It's really interesting how it's taken over 40 years to go through 1ABC234.  It's the same amount of combinations as ABC1234, which Texas started using in 2012, and is already into the "T" series.

My guess is that California uses a separate sequence for light trucks and SUVs?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 04, 2023, 09:54:24 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 04, 2023, 09:35:56 AM
QuoteYup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).

It's really interesting how it's taken over 40 years to go through 1ABC234.  It's the same amount of combinations as ABC1234, which Texas started using in 2012, and is already into the "T" series.

My guess is that California uses a separate sequence for light trucks and SUVs?
NY is using ABC1234 as well, and after 22 years it is LHE-1234.
Granted, NY is 2/3 of TX and half of CA population wise, with NYC having low car ownership.   
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: hotdogPi on December 04, 2023, 09:57:20 AM
New Hampshire plates are about 5350000, and they're assigned sequentially. This is about 3.85 numbers per 1 person.

California seems to have about the same ratio of (9×10^3×26^3)/(CA population) ≈ 4.03.

I'm surprised they're that close.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 04, 2023, 10:05:19 AM
Quote from: 1 on December 04, 2023, 09:57:20 AM
New Hampshire plates are about 5350000, and they're assigned sequentially. This is about 3.85 numbers per 1 person.

California seems to have about the same ratio of (9×10^3×26^3)/(CA population) ≈ 4.03.

I'm surprised they're that close.
26^3 is overly optimistic. I usually use a guesstimate of 20 (Q, O, I and all the funny combinations)
That would be a factor of 2 fewer plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jakeroot on December 11, 2023, 02:27:15 AM
Spotted the kei-car version of the Shuri Castle license plate recently released by Okinawa Prefecture. The yellow border is a feature unique to kei cars, and the color version seen here is an optional extra:

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53390198619_550996e03c_h.jpg)
Shuri-jo Kei Plate (rear) (https://flic.kr/p/2pkUHXR) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr

(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53389890931_35e49b715a_h.jpg)
Shuri-jo Kei Plate (front) (https://flic.kr/p/2pkT9uT) by Jacob Root (https://www.flickr.com/photos/62537709@N03/), on Flickr
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 11, 2023, 08:27:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
restarting as 1NAAANN you mean?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 11, 2023, 09:34:17 AM
Quote from: kalvado on December 11, 2023, 08:27:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
restarting as 1NAAANN you mean?
Correct (unless that's already being used for something else).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: mgk920 on December 11, 2023, 01:48:41 PM
'1LLLNNN' was used in the late 1970s when the original, 1960s-era 'LLLNNN' sequence ran out.  '10LLLNNN' could be next and make sense, but that also runs into readability issues.

Mike
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 06:23:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
Because there is no need to introduce eight digits yet. You can just shuffle around the seven digits and every time you open up tens of millions of new combinations. This actually makes a lot of sense, because it's being resourceful. No need to add an eighth digit until every possible way of arranging seven digits has been exhausted.

And as mentioned, assuming license plates don't change size, then adding more and more digits forces them to get smaller and harder to read. Simply reversing the current pattern allows for an entirely new round of 175+ million numbers to be used. And then you rearrange them yet again for another 175+ million. And once you start going with more letters than numbers, you're getting into 400+ million combinations. All before you ever need to worry another adding another digit.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on December 12, 2023, 06:40:56 AM
More on the brewing controversy in Kansas re license plate designs:

https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/five-new-kansas-license-plate-designs-offered-after-first-try-met-with-widespread-disgust/
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kalvado on December 12, 2023, 07:03:08 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 06:23:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
Because there is no need to introduce eight digits yet. You can just shuffle around the seven digits and every time you open up tens of millions of new combinations. This actually makes a lot of sense, because it's being resourceful. No need to add an eighth digit until every possible way of arranging seven digits has been exhausted.

And as mentioned, assuming license plates don't change size, then adding more and more digits forces them to get smaller and harder to read. Simply reversing the current pattern allows for an entirely new round of 175+ million numbers to be used. And then you rearrange them yet again for another 175+ million. And once you start going with more letters than numbers, you're getting into 400+ million combinations. All before you ever need to worry another adding another digit.
True, but rearranging the pattern also breaks memorizing habits. And going for more letters, or for split groups of letters and numbers, also makes memorizing more complicated - even memorizing for a few seconds to type it in.
While 8 symbols is too much (although NY is doing that), coming up with some way of 10 series (2 numbers as a fraction maybe) can be reasonable
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 01:09:43 PM
I'd say maybe consider it after the next round. It just seems wasteful to introduce a seventh digit and then not utilize the fact it allows for hundreds of millions of combos multiple times over. Assuming the next refresh is just reversing what exists now, I'd say go with that, then consider something different.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 01:16:17 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 12, 2023, 06:40:56 AM
More on the brewing controversy in Kansas re license plate designs:

https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/five-new-kansas-license-plate-designs-offered-after-first-try-met-with-widespread-disgust/
Interesting to see Kansas move to seven digits. Well, I actually like the first one shown, which is apparantly the "controversial" one. (Although based on the older article, looks like all they did was change the top from black to dark blue). Likewise, the same design but with the white background looks fine. Also interesting they're using a reversal pattern of what California uses now, which is supposedly what will be in use in California likely within the next year or so.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on December 12, 2023, 05:54:25 PM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 06:23:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
Because there is no need to introduce eight digits yet. You can just shuffle around the seven digits and every time you open up tens of millions of new combinations. This actually makes a lot of sense, because it's being resourceful. No need to add an eighth digit until every possible way of arranging seven digits has been exhausted.

And as mentioned, assuming license plates don't change size, then adding more and more digits forces them to get smaller and harder to read. Simply reversing the current pattern allows for an entirely new round of 175+ million numbers to be used. And then you rearrange them yet again for another 175+ million. And once you start going with more letters than numbers, you're getting into 400+ million combinations. All before you ever need to worry another adding another digit.

It's also worth mentioning that any plate sequence from 1963 onward is still valid in California. It's no small stretch to assume that most of the numbers assigned since then are no longer in use, since plates stay with a car, and the vast majority of cars are no longer on the road much past 25 years. If it was decided that 7 digit serial combinations were all exhausted, it would probably make the most sense to simply have a re-issue.  Example:  Obsolete every plate # prior to the 4LLLNNN series for cars and 6LNNNN series for trucks, and start reissuing those. That gets us back to roughly 1998.  If you have a currently-registered vehicle within that range, you get a new plate at renewal OR get to keep it, and that # gets skipped in the sequence.  If your vehicle was not currently registered, but still had plates in that range, too bad...  get new plates if/when you decide to register it.  For consistency, when reissuing the LLLNNN series, simply prepend a leading 0 for that series.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Scott5114 on December 12, 2023, 05:58:51 PM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 06:23:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
Because there is no need to introduce eight digits yet.


$ perl -e 'print length("10AAANN") . "\n";'
7
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 12, 2023, 06:46:22 PM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 06:23:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
Because there is no need to introduce eight digits yet. You can just shuffle around the seven digits and every time you open up tens of millions of new combinations. This actually makes a lot of sense, because it's being resourceful. No need to add an eighth digit until every possible way of arranging seven digits has been exhausted.

And as mentioned, assuming license plates don't change size, then adding more and more digits forces them to get smaller and harder to read. Simply reversing the current pattern allows for an entirely new round of 175+ million numbers to be used. And then you rearrange them yet again for another 175+ million. And once you start going with more letters than numbers, you're getting into 400+ million combinations. All before you ever need to worry another adding another digit.
I didn't add an eighth digit.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: formulanone on December 13, 2023, 11:31:32 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 12, 2023, 06:46:22 PM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 06:23:34 AM
Quote from: 6a on December 11, 2023, 12:45:02 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 03, 2023, 07:26:24 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on December 03, 2023, 08:14:29 AM
Quote from: Occidental Tourist on December 02, 2023, 04:34:44 PM
California's DMV gets its own license plate history wrong (https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/license-plates-decals-and-placards/california-license-plates/):

1982 – standard plate changed to a white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and "California" in red block letters. Last year any blue/yellow plates were issued.

Yellow-on-blue plates were still the standard plate for passenger cars and pickups through at least 1987.  The Golden State base plate (https://i.imgur.com/RR4MxA9.png) (i.e., "white background with blue characters with a sun graphic and 'California' in red block[sic] letters") was an optional plate for an additional fee.  I believe there was a year where the Golden State base plate did become the standard plate briefly and they didn't issue yellow-on-blue ones anymore, but it was much later than 82 (during 87, I believe), there were many years of overlap where they issued yellow-on-blue and Golden State base plates, and the Golden State base plate was standard issue for less than a year before the state switched over to the ancestor to the current license plate (https://i.imgur.com/0lMK3Xw.jpg).

The phasing out of yellow-on-blue plates was so that they could issue plates with reflective backgrounds.  The Golden State base plate had a white reflective background, and other than one addition paint color (dark yellow), didn't vary much from the post-87 standard issue plate in terms of design or cost.  The eventual evolution of the standard plate into the current unimaginative lipstick standard issue plate (https://i.imgur.com/m2ljDhO.jpg) would have been totally unnecessary if they'd kept the Golden State base plate.


Speaking of California, has the DMV been mute on what they're going to do for their next sequence? I believe they'll exhaust the 1ABC234 at some point in 2024
Yup. My new plates are coming at the end of the year and I'm already seeing cars in the 9T range.

I could have sworn I read somewhere the next pattern was: A000AAA and up from there, which would offer millions more combinations, but I guess that's not actually confirmed? Either way, probably going to need a new system within the next year or so. (The current system started in 1980).
I'm wondering why not just keep counting? Go to 10AAANN, and so on. Then again, many things CA does don't make sense.
Because there is no need to introduce eight digits yet. You can just shuffle around the seven digits and every time you open up tens of millions of new combinations. This actually makes a lot of sense, because it's being resourceful. No need to add an eighth digit until every possible way of arranging seven digits has been exhausted.

And as mentioned, assuming license plates don't change size, then adding more and more digits forces them to get smaller and harder to read. Simply reversing the current pattern allows for an entirely new round of 175+ million numbers to be used. And then you rearrange them yet again for another 175+ million. And once you start going with more letters than numbers, you're getting into 400+ million combinations. All before you ever need to worry another adding another digit.
I didn't add an eighth digit.

^ Bolded for emphasis. 6a went with two digits on the end instead of three.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SD Mapman on December 19, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 01:16:17 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 12, 2023, 06:40:56 AM
More on the brewing controversy in Kansas re license plate designs:

https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/five-new-kansas-license-plate-designs-offered-after-first-try-met-with-widespread-disgust/
Interesting to see Kansas move to seven digits. Well, I actually like the first one shown, which is apparantly the "controversial" one. (Although based on the older article, looks like all they did was change the top from black to dark blue). Likewise, the same design but with the white background looks fine. Also interesting they're using a reversal pattern of what California uses now, which is supposedly what will be in use in California likely within the next year or so.

And a winner has been chosen!
https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansans-choose-ad-astra-license-plate-in-online-vote/ (https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansans-choose-ad-astra-license-plate-in-online-vote/)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: 6a on December 22, 2023, 09:35:39 PM
Quote"Kansans will notice that license plates across the country are moving to simpler designs — that's because of law enforcement and license plate reader requirements. Our No. 1 priority with these license plates is safety."

Someone please tell Ohio.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on December 25, 2023, 04:56:33 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on December 19, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 01:16:17 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 12, 2023, 06:40:56 AM
More on the brewing controversy in Kansas re license plate designs:

https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/five-new-kansas-license-plate-designs-offered-after-first-try-met-with-widespread-disgust/
Interesting to see Kansas move to seven digits. Well, I actually like the first one shown, which is apparantly the "controversial" one. (Although based on the older article, looks like all they did was change the top from black to dark blue). Likewise, the same design but with the white background looks fine. Also interesting they're using a reversal pattern of what California uses now, which is supposedly what will be in use in California likely within the next year or so.

And a winner has been chosen!
https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansans-choose-ad-astra-license-plate-in-online-vote/ (https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansans-choose-ad-astra-license-plate-in-online-vote/)
The plate's border is the state's outline. Very subtle.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on January 05, 2024, 04:11:12 PM
Quote from: Road Hog on December 25, 2023, 04:56:33 AM
Quote from: SD Mapman on December 19, 2023, 12:46:04 AM
Quote from: Quillz on December 12, 2023, 01:16:17 PM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on December 12, 2023, 06:40:56 AM
More on the brewing controversy in Kansas re license plate designs:

https://kansasreflector.com/2023/12/11/five-new-kansas-license-plate-designs-offered-after-first-try-met-with-widespread-disgust/
Interesting to see Kansas move to seven digits. Well, I actually like the first one shown, which is apparantly the "controversial" one. (Although based on the older article, looks like all they did was change the top from black to dark blue). Likewise, the same design but with the white background looks fine. Also interesting they're using a reversal pattern of what California uses now, which is supposedly what will be in use in California likely within the next year or so.

And a winner has been chosen!
https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansans-choose-ad-astra-license-plate-in-online-vote/ (https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/kansans-choose-ad-astra-license-plate-in-online-vote/)
The plate's border is the state's outline. Very subtle.

Which was last used by Kansas in 1980-ish, IIRC.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on January 06, 2024, 10:35:06 AM
And Kentucky switches from the "plate stays with the car" minority to the "plate stays with the seller" majority. 

https://www.wsaz.com/2024/01/04/changes-coming-vehicle-licensing-kentucky/

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: burgess87 on February 27, 2024, 11:42:29 AM
Maine has unveiled their new standard plate, starting in May of 2025:

https://www.wabi.tv/2024/02/26/new-maine-license-plate-designs-unveiled/

The plate features a white base & blue border, with the state name and slogan in green capital letters; a blue star in the top left, and a pine tree on the left side in place of the chickadee.

The registration stickers move to the right side of the plate; month in the top right, year in the bottom right.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: StogieGuy7 on February 27, 2024, 12:10:50 PM
Quote from: burgess87 on February 27, 2024, 11:42:29 AM
Maine has unveiled their new standard plate, starting in May of 2025:

https://www.wabi.tv/2024/02/26/new-maine-license-plate-designs-unveiled/

The plate features a white base & blue border, with the state name and slogan in green capital letters; a blue star in the top left, and a pine tree on the left side in place of the chickadee.

The registration stickers move to the right side of the plate; month in the top right, year in the bottom right.

It's just okay, I don't hate it but find it a bit dull. Perhaps it's the bargain basement font. Also, I'm not sure why ME loves to have an image that offsets the numbers to the right but they've been doing it for a while now. Still it's a lot better than most of those phony looking flat plates with the crap 3M font.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on February 27, 2024, 01:55:04 PM
Quote from: StogieGuy7 on February 27, 2024, 12:10:50 PM
Quote from: burgess87 on February 27, 2024, 11:42:29 AM
Maine has unveiled their new standard plate, starting in May of 2025:

https://www.wabi.tv/2024/02/26/new-maine-license-plate-designs-unveiled/

The plate features a white base & blue border, with the state name and slogan in green capital letters; a blue star in the top left, and a pine tree on the left side in place of the chickadee.

The registration stickers move to the right side of the plate; month in the top right, year in the bottom right.

It's just okay, I don't hate it but find it a bit dull. Perhaps it's the bargain basement font. Also, I'm not sure why ME loves to have an image that offsets the numbers to the right but they've been doing it for a while now. Still it's a lot better than most of those phony looking flat plates with the crap 3M font.

At this point, I consider any embossed plate to be a win.

Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on February 28, 2024, 05:13:44 AM
I actually like the simplicity of the new Maine plate's design. And after 26 years of Maine weather, it is probably past time to replace older plates. Another article mentioned that Mainers who want to keep their current number (apparently includes vanity and low numbers) will eventually need to reserve them. It will be interesting to see what happens with low number and vanity plates

https://www.wmtw.com/article/state-unveils-pine-tree-design-maine-standard-license-plates/46973031
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 12:22:41 PM
I was in Ohio yesterday and someone told me that our Winter Water Wonderland plates look better than Ohio's plates.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: SP Cook on February 28, 2024, 01:02:23 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 12:22:41 PM
I was in Ohio yesterday and someone told me that our Winter Water Wonderland plates look better than Ohio's plates.

Ohio and North Carolina, both mega successful and significant states, need to end this "airplane" feud.  First, no one cares.  Second, these are important states with lots of things to brag about.  If a state like mine had a claim, I get it, this is a backwater and pretty much failed state, so pushing the one big thing make sense, but OH and NC are not that.  Plenty happened in each place.

As to the OH plate, it is just too busy.  As was the one before it, where they couldn't pick a slogan and thus used them all.  I get that a simple "Buckeye State" might get some minority opposition (Cincinnati and Ohio U grads, in my experience, hate OSU and being called "Buckeyes", which is WV slang for Ohio drivers), but "the heart of it all" was a fine slogan.  Ohio is kinda heart shaped, and is the center of the populated part of the country. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on February 28, 2024, 01:58:28 PM
Quote from: jdbx on February 27, 2024, 01:55:04 PM

At this point, I consider any embossed plate to be a win.
THIS ^^^^^^^^^^^
         | | | | | | | | | | |
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GaryV on February 28, 2024, 02:20:36 PM
Quote from: burgess87 on February 27, 2024, 11:42:29 AM
Maine has unveiled their new standard plate, starting in May of 2025:

https://www.wabi.tv/2024/02/26/new-maine-license-plate-designs-unveiled/

The plate features a white base & blue border, with the state name and slogan in green capital letters; a blue star in the top left, and a pine tree on the left side in place of the chickadee.

The registration stickers move to the right side of the plate; month in the top right, year in the bottom right.

Why are there 2 designs? Do you pay extra for the tree?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 03:34:33 PM
Quote from: SP Cook on February 28, 2024, 01:02:23 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 12:22:41 PM
I was in Ohio yesterday and someone told me that our Winter Water Wonderland plates look better than Ohio's plates.

Ohio and North Carolina, both mega successful and significant states, need to end this "airplane" feud.  First, no one cares.  Second, these are important states with lots of things to brag about.  If a state like mine had a claim, I get it, this is a backwater and pretty much failed state, so pushing the one big thing make sense, but OH and NC are not that.  Plenty happened in each place.

As to the OH plate, it is just too busy.  As was the one before it, where they couldn't pick a slogan and thus used them all.  I get that a simple "Buckeye State" might get some minority opposition (Cincinnati and Ohio U grads, in my experience, hate OSU and being called "Buckeyes", which is WV slang for Ohio drivers), but "the heart of it all" was a fine slogan.  Ohio is kinda heart shaped, and is the center of the populated part of the country.
Right. I see Ohio plates quite often where I'm at so I know what their plates look like. I looked at one after getting that comment and thought it looks like jibberish to me really I can't really make anything out of it. I hate Michigan's Pure Michigan plates and was thrilled when I got a chance to replace that ugly plate.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 03:38:32 PM
Speaking of Michigan's license plates, would the people that get the Water Winter Wonderland plates put the registration sticker in the proper place on the plate? It's really not that hard. It goes in the lower right corner, not the upper right, not the lower left, not the upper left and not in the middle of the plate. I also see people that will put a new sticker in a different corner of the plate like they'll have a 24 sticker in one corner, a 23 sticker in another corner, a 22 sticker in another corner and a 21 sticker in yet another corner. Your suppose to cover your old stickers with the new ones. Yeah the god awful Pure Michigan plates have it in the upper right corner but the white line in the lower right corner of the Water Winter Wonderland plates is where the sticker is suppose to go on those plates. I just think it's stupid.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: JayhawkCO on February 28, 2024, 03:41:28 PM
Quote from: GaryV on February 28, 2024, 02:20:36 PM
Quote from: burgess87 on February 27, 2024, 11:42:29 AM
Maine has unveiled their new standard plate, starting in May of 2025:

https://www.wabi.tv/2024/02/26/new-maine-license-plate-designs-unveiled/

The plate features a white base & blue border, with the state name and slogan in green capital letters; a blue star in the top left, and a pine tree on the left side in place of the chickadee.

The registration stickers move to the right side of the plate; month in the top right, year in the bottom right.

Why are there 2 designs? Do you pay extra for the tree?

I'm guessing the tree-less is for vanity plates. In Colorado, the middle image that is common on most of the specialty plates goes away if you do a vanity.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Rothman on February 28, 2024, 04:02:36 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 03:38:32 PM
Speaking of Michigan's license plates, would the people that get the Water Winter Wonderland plates put the registration sticker in the proper place on the plate? It's really not that hard. It goes in the lower right corner, not the upper right, not the lower left, not the upper left and not in the middle of the plate. I also see people that will put a new sticker in a different corner of the plate like they'll have a 24 sticker in one corner, a 23 sticker in another corner, a 22 sticker in another corner and a 21 sticker in yet another corner. Your suppose to cover your old stickers with the new ones. Yeah the god awful Pure Michigan plates have it in the upper right corner but the white line in the lower right corner of the Water Winter Wonderland plates is where the sticker is suppose to go on those plates. I just think it's stupid.
No.  No, they won't.

Life will go on.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 28, 2024, 06:55:13 PM
Quote from: GaryV on February 28, 2024, 02:20:36 PM
Why are there 2 designs? Do you pay extra for the tree?

According to the Portland Press Herald, drivers will get to choose which one they want—with or without the tree.  But trucks will only use the tree one.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: doglover44 on February 29, 2024, 04:50:55 AM
What new states are getting plates this year ?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on February 29, 2024, 05:15:55 AM
I think Mississippi is; not sure who else.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: kphoger on February 29, 2024, 10:01:45 AM
Quote from: doglover44 on February 29, 2024, 04:50:55 AM
What new states are getting plates this year ?

Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 29, 2024, 05:15:55 AM
I think Mississippi is; not sure who else.

Mississippi is not a new state.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Big John on February 29, 2024, 10:42:40 AM
Quote from: kphoger on February 29, 2024, 10:01:45 AM
Quote from: doglover44 on February 29, 2024, 04:50:55 AM
What new states are getting plates this year ?

Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on February 29, 2024, 05:15:55 AM
I think Mississippi is; not sure who else.

Mississippi is not a new state.
:-D
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on March 01, 2024, 09:08:48 PM
I for one am ready for a complete Arkansas makeover. The plate has basically been the same since 1978 with only a few tweaks. I thought the white Arkansas on a red background from the early 1990s was pretty sharp.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/14/Arkansas_license_plate%2C_1989%E2%80%931996_with_August_1996_sticker.png/150px-Arkansas_license_plate%2C_1989%E2%80%931996_with_August_1996_sticker.png)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jzn110 on March 01, 2024, 09:26:50 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 03:38:32 PM
Speaking of Michigan's license plates, would the people that get the Water Winter Wonderland plates put the registration sticker in the proper place on the plate? It's really not that hard. It goes in the lower right corner, not the upper right, not the lower left, not the upper left and not in the middle of the plate. I also see people that will put a new sticker in a different corner of the plate like they'll have a 24 sticker in one corner, a 23 sticker in another corner, a 22 sticker in another corner and a 21 sticker in yet another corner. Your suppose to cover your old stickers with the new ones. Yeah the god awful Pure Michigan plates have it in the upper right corner but the white line in the lower right corner of the Water Winter Wonderland plates is where the sticker is suppose to go on those plates. I just think it's stupid.

Michigan used to stamp an indent on their plates for where the sticker was supposed to go, but they stopped doing that once everything had standardized to top right.

Even though bottom right is historically accurate for the WWW plate, I'm not going to gripe about people putting it top right because it's been that way for well over a decade now (since the OG blue plates were retired).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Flint1979 on March 01, 2024, 09:49:43 PM
Quote from: jzn110 on March 01, 2024, 09:26:50 PM
Quote from: Flint1979 on February 28, 2024, 03:38:32 PM
Speaking of Michigan's license plates, would the people that get the Water Winter Wonderland plates put the registration sticker in the proper place on the plate? It's really not that hard. It goes in the lower right corner, not the upper right, not the lower left, not the upper left and not in the middle of the plate. I also see people that will put a new sticker in a different corner of the plate like they'll have a 24 sticker in one corner, a 23 sticker in another corner, a 22 sticker in another corner and a 21 sticker in yet another corner. Your suppose to cover your old stickers with the new ones. Yeah the god awful Pure Michigan plates have it in the upper right corner but the white line in the lower right corner of the Water Winter Wonderland plates is where the sticker is suppose to go on those plates. I just think it's stupid.
Michigan used to stamp an indent on their plates for where the sticker was supposed to go, but they stopped doing that once everything had standardized to top right.

Even though bottom right is historically accurate for the WWW plate, I'm not going to gripe about people putting it top right because it's been that way for well over a decade now (since the OG blue plates were retired).
Yeah I know the last one was on the white on blue plate. On the WWW plate there is a white line where the tab is supposed to go. Michigan also used to have the month on the lower left and year on the lower right. They should have never gone with the Pure Michigan plate, I got rid of that plate as soon as I could.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: ski-man on March 01, 2024, 10:00:05 PM
Wyoming gets a new plate in 2025
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Road Hog on March 01, 2024, 10:55:39 PM
The Arkansas Tourism site has a new logo, which I posted last year here but disappeared. It's made a comeback.

(https://scontent-dfw5-2.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/398007018_715885623906031_7003460929113070370_n.jpg?_nc_cat=1&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=efb6e6&_nc_ohc=wbxBB9t0LC0AX9ZgAHA&_nc_oc=AQkzlYj03L12gUc-q5pLtx-wlYkfSTDX-KDJpVCssi5tElDUqGV3lVoDqqGWgWcHx-uTVvqmYVUpjc9W22Q6BoSh&_nc_ht=scontent-dfw5-2.xx&oh=00_AfDWR3wRab7q44g67Oy-HspZ4mh7MlZpy6BlKlsrW3k5Eg&oe=65E6B3C7)
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: Ted$8roadFan on March 02, 2024, 05:28:05 AM
Florida will likely get a new base plate in 2025-26.

https://cbs12.com/news/local/legislature-could-take-up-first-change-to-basic-license-plate-since-2003-sunshine-state-oranges-license-plate-florida-november-16-2023
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: DRMan on March 04, 2024, 11:39:15 AM
Massachusetts is adding a Dr. Seuss license plate just in time for his 120th birthday.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/dr-seuss-license-plate-campaign-hits-milestone-goal-just-a-day-before-the-author-s-birthday/ar-BB1jbWRO
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: OCGuy81 on March 06, 2024, 08:29:55 AM
This might warrant a new thread, but where do you see states that are nearing the end of their sequences, like California, going next?

California (discussed here previously) will probably run out of available numbers in 2024.  I think they just reverse it, and start at AAA0001

Oregon.  They've still got a few years left with the current 123 ABC sequence, but after I see them maybe going to an ABC-1234.  It would last a state with their population a long time.

Texas.  I'm thinking they exhaust their ABC-1234 early next year, and flip it to 1234-ABC.

New Jersey.  Maybe a straight ABC-1234 once they exhaust their A01 AAA series?
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: MATraveler128 on March 06, 2024, 08:37:11 AM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 06, 2024, 08:29:55 AM
New Jersey.  Maybe a straight ABC-1234 once they exhaust their A01 AAA series?

New Jersey when they hit Z99 SZZ ended up skipping the T series and jumping straight to the U series. So instead of doing A10 TAA they ended up going to A10 UAA. Also Maine just finished the 1234 AB series before they're supposed to issue the new plates next year. So they've been issuing plates in the 100 JAA series on the existing chickadees. I think they should flip to ABC 1234 format. I believe New Jersey also used that format but scrapped it due to legibility issues.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: epzik8 on March 06, 2024, 09:38:05 AM
Quote from: Ted$8roadFan on March 02, 2024, 05:28:05 AM
Florida will likely get a new base plate in 2025-26.

https://cbs12.com/news/local/legislature-could-take-up-first-change-to-basic-license-plate-since-2003-sunshine-state-oranges-license-plate-florida-november-16-2023

Unforgivable
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: jdbx on March 06, 2024, 12:08:59 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 06, 2024, 08:29:55 AM
This might warrant a new thread, but where do you see states that are nearing the end of their sequences, like California, going next?

California (discussed here previously) will probably run out of available numbers in 2024.  I think they just reverse it, and start at AAA0001


I'd be willing to bet a pretty penny that when California rolls over, the first series that they crank out up in Folsom will be 001AAA1 - 999ZZZ1. 
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on March 12, 2024, 03:27:50 PM
Quote from: OCGuy81 on March 06, 2024, 08:29:55 AM
This might warrant a new thread, but where do you see states that are nearing the end of their sequences, like California, going next?

California (discussed here previously) will probably run out of available numbers in 2024.  I think they just reverse it, and start at AAA0001

Oregon.  They've still got a few years left with the current 123 ABC sequence, but after I see them maybe going to an ABC-1234.  It would last a state with their population a long time.

Texas.  I'm thinking they exhaust their ABC-1234 early next year, and flip it to 1234-ABC.

New Jersey.  Maybe a straight ABC-1234 once they exhaust their A01 AAA series?

I wish California would just go to an ABC-1234 series.  Much more readable.

New Jersey did briefly have an ABC1234 series at one time, but they used the same font, and smushed all the characters together with no space or separator.  They were quickly discontinued because they were "too hard to read"

Nerd that I am, I actually made a spreadsheet to predict when states would run out of numbers in their current format.  I haven't updated it in a few years.  I'll have to dig it up and see what my prediction for California was.  I probably only did about 10-15 states, because each tab was unique based on various factors like what letters the state uses and whether they use leading 0s, as well as the pace at which they historically issue plates (based on the history of plate spotting found at www.licenseplates.cc).
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: frankenroad on March 15, 2024, 02:51:23 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on March 12, 2024, 03:27:50 PM

Nerd that I am, I actually made a spreadsheet to predict when states would run out of numbers in their current format.  I haven't updated it in a few years.  I'll have to dig it up and see what my prediction for California was.  I probably only did about 10-15 states, because each tab was unique based on various factors like what letters the state uses and whether they use leading 0s, as well as the pace at which they historically issue plates (based on the history of plate spotting found at www.licenseplates.cc).

So, I dug up the spreadsheet, which was last updated in April, 2019.  I had California reaching 9ZZZ999 in August of 2023, so I was a little off.  I can assume that Covid had something to do with that but really have not looked closely at how the issuance of plates may have changed during that time.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: CtrlAltDel on March 15, 2024, 11:12:21 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on March 15, 2024, 02:51:23 PM
Quote from: frankenroad on March 12, 2024, 03:27:50 PM

Nerd that I am, I actually made a spreadsheet to predict when states would run out of numbers in their current format.  I haven't updated it in a few years.  I'll have to dig it up and see what my prediction for California was.  I probably only did about 10-15 states, because each tab was unique based on various factors like what letters the state uses and whether they use leading 0s, as well as the pace at which they historically issue plates (based on the history of plate spotting found at www.licenseplates.cc).

So, I dug up the spreadsheet, which was last updated in April, 2019.  I had California reaching 9ZZZ999 in August of 2023, so I was a little off.  I can assume that Covid had something to do with that but really have not looked closely at how the issuance of plates may have changed during that time.

According to this:

http://www.licenseplateinfo.com/txchart/pass-tables.html

Texas has been giving out plates at a fairly even rate since 2012, even through the pandemic. So, that's one small bit of info there.
Title: Re: License Plate News
Post by: GCrites on March 22, 2024, 07:07:47 PM
Ohio did away with mandatory front plates almost four years ago. In every other one plate state I've been to all kinds of stores had a wide variety of novelty front plates out on the floor. In Ohio that is not the case even after all this time. Even auto parts stores have a very small selection if at all. It's mostly military-themed ones I've seen.