California License Plate With ‘Secret Message’ Turns Heads Online

A California driver has garnered attention for acquiring a distinctive license plate that, when reflected in a mirror, forms a phrase deemed illegal under state regulations.

California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) strictly prohibits personalized license plates from being offensive, slang in any language, or resembling existing plates. Despite these stringent guidelines, the driver of a particular truck managed to circumvent these restrictions, as reported by Boing Boing.

The process of personalizing license plates in California allows individuals to create their own combinations of letters, numbers, and characters, within the limits of 2 to 7 characters. However, these personalized plates must adhere to the DMV’s regulations to ensure compliance.

In addition to personalized plates, California offers a variety of specialty plates, including historical, military, and special interest plates. These special interest plates support various state initiatives and programs, ranging from agriculture and the arts to coastal preservation and fire safety.

Military-themed plates such as Congressional Medal of Honor, Gold Star Family, and Purple Heart are available, along with options for veterans’ organizations to demonstrate pride in the nation’s military. Vintage license plates are also offered for motor vehicles of historical interest, produced after 1922 and reaching a minimum age of 24.

The history of license plates dates back to 1901, when New York issued the first license plate under legislation requiring motor vehicle registration. Even then, regulations stipulated the inclusion of the owner’s initials on the plate in a conspicuous manner.

While the allure of personalized plates offers a means of self-expression for drivers, stringent regulations aim to maintain public standards and compliance with state laws, ensuring that license plates remain both distinctive and lawful symbols of vehicle ownership.