License Plate News

[CtrlAltDel]

It essentially says that the #AAA### series will likely be exhausted by the end of 2025 instead of 2027 as originally forecast. It also mentions that the new series will be ###AAA#.

[mgk920]

I see.

Mike

[Quillz]

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?

Reversal does make sense for California. They did that some time ago with the commercial license plate scheme. After that, there are many ways you can shuffle six digits around. Doing A123CDE, for example, offers vastly more combinations than the current scheme (1ABC234).

I think it was Max here who suggested just restarting the current system over, since there are very few active plates left between the 1xxx-4xxx range. (I think 4xxx didn't even see use until the late 90s). So you've almost certainly got a whole range of combinations that could be reused with little issue.

[Quillz]

It essentially says that the #AAA### series will likely be exhausted by the end of 2025 instead of 2027 as originally forecast. It also mentions that the new series will be ###AAA#.

Ah, there you go then. Just a reversal of what we have now. And follows what happened with the commercial plates, so that makes sense.

My math is probably wrong but I believe you get around 176 million combinations with the current scheme, so when reversed, that will start over. The current scheme was started around 1980 so if the rate holds the same, should be a good four decades before the reversal runs out. But doing something like A123BCD yields around 457 million combinations!

[jakeroot]

It essentially says that the #AAA### series will likely be exhausted by the end of 2025 instead of 2027 as originally forecast. It also mentions that the new series will be ###AAA#.

Ah, there you go then. Just a reversal of what we have now. And follows what happened with the commercial plates, so that makes sense.

My math is probably wrong but I believe you get around 176 million combinations with the current scheme, so when reversed, that will start over. The current scheme was started around 1980 so if the rate holds the same, should be a good four decades before the reversal runs out. But doing something like A123BCD yields around 457 million combinations!

This reminds me. I'm surprised letters aren't more commonly used on plates. It yields substantially more combinations. Though, I would guess it relates to memorization, with more letters being harder to remember if someone has to quickly write down a plate.

[Road Hog]

I hope they don't go the extreme of Texas, which for its truck series literally reversed the alphanumerics in the late Aughts from right to left, going 111 AA1.

[74/171FAN]

PennDOT's website this morning shows that new license plates are coming out in 2025.

[mgk920]

PennDOT's website this morning shows that new license plates are coming out in 2025.

< thumbs down >

Mike

[74/171FAN]

PennDOT's website this morning shows that new license plates are coming out in 2025.

< thumbs down >

Mike

My opinion is that they look better than what we have now in PA.

[adt1982]

Did they forget to put visitpa.com on the new plate?

[Ted$8roadFan]

Wow. Knowing PA, this is seismic news. It has been 25 years since they last introduced a new plate. It was actually quite innovative for its time by putting its website (www.state.pa.us) on the bottom of the plate at the dawn if the internet age. It's funny how the new plate design is similar to the new welcome signs on the interstates. It's also noteworthy because for the first time in eons, there's no blue or gold to be found.

[mvak36]

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/

I'm not sure the reason, but the new plates are the same design as the old one. The numbers on the plates are just printed instead of being embossed and with 7 characters (####AAA) instead of 6. Not sure what happened to the winning design and why they're not using it.

[SEWIGuy]

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/

I'm not sure the reason, but the new plates are the same design as the old one. The numbers on the plates are just printed instead of being embossed and with 7 characters (####AAA) instead of 6. Not sure what happened to the winning design and why they're not using it.

It's not ready yet. Late 2024.

https://greatbendpost.com/posts/be297c09-9850-48cb-8e25-868c3137237b

[route56]

While we're still waiting for the new Standard plate to roll out, KDOR has released five new designs for the 2025 personalized plate:

https://kansasreflector.com/2024/08/05/kansas-invites-voting-on-five-design-options-for-states-new-personalize-license-plate/

Voting on the new design is this week... you must live in a Kansas ZIP code for your vote to be counted.

[Ted$8roadFan]

ICYMI, Oklahoma will be releasing a news standard plate beginning next month.

https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/new-plates-oklahoma-gets-a-new-license-plate

[74/171FAN]

ICYMI, Oklahoma will be releasing a news standard plate beginning next month.

https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/new-plates-oklahoma-gets-a-new-license-plate

I would like it if the star in the middle did not look so out of place.

[Ted$8roadFan]

Many states choose to use their state's outline, or another icon; that could work here.

[pderocco]

ICYMI, Oklahoma will be releasing a news standard plate beginning next month.

https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/new-plates-oklahoma-gets-a-new-license-plate

I would like it if the star in the middle did not look so out of place.

Reminds me of a former country I wasn't that fond of. But at least they left the hammer and sickle off.

[Scott5114]

ICYMI, Oklahoma will be releasing a news standard plate beginning next month.

https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/new-plates-oklahoma-gets-a-new-license-plate

I would like it if the star in the middle did not look so out of place.

Reminds me of a former country I wasn't that fond of. But at least they left the hammer and sickle off.

Funnily enough, Oklahoma's first flag was red for the same reason as the flag of that country you didn't like. But Oklahoma changed a lot after statehood, and so their flag changed to light blue.

Some people who don't like the current Oklahoma government used the red 46 flag as a protest symbol. It being adopted as the new standard plate is...interesting. I'd be worried people will mistake the 46 as part of the plate number.

In any case, I doubt anyone will be sad to see the Twitter plate go. It came into being as a way to force people to fork over money to patch a hole in the state budget, and the design itself wasn't very popular (and it was likely plagiarized anyway).

[Dustin DeWinn]

A while back NC went to one sticker to save money. Each new plate came with the permanent sticker on the top left which showed the month now just use one with the month and year.

Many states still use two. Is there a way to find out how much each one costs or how much states spend annually on them?

[Scott5114]

Is there a way to find out how much each one costs or how much states spend annually on them?

If you really want to know the exact number, you can probably file a FOIA request, if your state has such a thing.

If you just want a ballpark figure, a quick search shows a four-inch by 150-foot roll of reflective sheeting seems to go for around $100, so divide that by the size of a sticker and add, say, a cent for labor.

[Molandfreak]

Did they forget to put visitpa.com on the new plate?

Yikes. Websites on a license plate are the motoring equivalent of shag carpets. Even worse when they make it look like the state's name is MyFlorida.com

I'd say a change is worth it for that reason alone.

[pderocco]

Did they forget to put visitpa.com on the new plate?

Yikes. Websites on a license plate are the motoring equivalent of shag carpets. Even worse when they make it look like the state's name is MyFlorida.com

I'd say a change is worth it for that reason alone.

California's is the stupidest: dmv.ca.gov. Like who the hell wants to go to that web site?

[Flint1979]

Michigan's Pure Michigan plates have michigan.gov on the bottom in that blue sea wave. I was thrilled when I got to ditch that plate in favor of the WWW plate.

[Road Hog]

Embossed plates are coming back to Texas. From my email inbox:

My Plates launches three new Premium Embossed license plate designs

August 14, 2024 (Austin, TX) – After a 15-year hiatus, Texans can once again order embossed license plates, thanks to My Plates. In August 2024, My Plates proudly launches its new range of "Premium Embossed" specialty license plates, marking the bold return to a beloved style last seen in 2009.

Leading the way is the new Black & Yellow Embossed, a color combination reminiscent of the iconic 1950's era in Texas. In addition to this classic retro option, My Plates is unveiling two groundbreaking designs never before seen in the Lone Star State. Introducing the Black & Gold Embossed and the Blue & Gold Embossed plates that utilize high-definition gold sheeting to create a refined and elegant appearance, setting a new standard for specialty license plates in Texas.

The move to reintroduce embossed plates stems from surveys conducted by My Plates among specialty plate holders and potential customers that showed an overwhelming support for the return of embossed specialty license plates. Following the passage of Senate Bill 702, My Plates is now authorized to offer embossed license plates in Texas.

"My Plates has received numerous requests from plate holders, car collectors, and everyday Texans about bringing back the choice of an embossed license plate," said Steve Farrar, CEO/President of My Plates. "The enthusiasm from our customers made this an easy decision."

The addition of Premium Embossed plates is expected to drive further interest in the specialty plate category, bolstering the program's success. Since its inception in November 2009, the My Plates program has generated over $190 million in new revenue for the Texas general revenue fund.

The new Premium Embossed plates are customization you can really feel and see, with personalized options up to 7-letters that are raised above the surface of the plate, conveniently ordered through the My Plates website.

Additionally, Texans now have the opportunity to pre-order three other exciting designs as part of My Plates' second Premium Embossed release including, Black & White, Gold & Black, and Carbon Fiber. These plates will enter production once they receive 200 paid pre-orders.

 For more details and to start your order for a Premium Embossed license plate, visit MyPlates.com.