License Plates of the 1960s
Though license plates serve a utilitarian purpose first and foremost, they also serve as miniature works of graphic art and tiny time capsules. Though once seen as a simple and necessary identification tag, plates from the 1960s and other eras have become coveted by enthusiasts and collectors. As each American state has its own department of motor vehicles, the history and features – including design, issuing practices and numbering – of 1960s license plates vary depending on the state.
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Early License Plates
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A knowledge of license plates before the 1960s helps enthusiasts understand the origins of plates from the decade. The concept of vehicle regulation appeared as early as 1892, leading to the introduction of license plates in 1903. As they did in the 1960s and continue to do in the modern era, license plates helped states register vehicles and tax drivers. While sheet iron and porcelain composed early plates, tin became the norm by 1920, which was around the same time states began to use inmate labor to produce plates. Through the late 1950s, plates were not standardized in size.
Early Sixties
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By 1957, 6 by 12 inches became the standard size for license plates in all American states. Up until about 1965, license plates from many states often contained detailed information and codes displaying congressional districts, county designations and police troop identification. The mid-1960s gave birth to the vanity plate, which allowed drivers to customize the letters and numbers or add distinct graphics, often related to political causes or other interests.
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Mid-to-Late Sixties
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In some states, the mid-to-late 1960s saw the introduction of hearse and ambulance plates. This time period also brought about staggered registration for civilian vehicles, meaning plates expired every two years. The staggered system eventually led to the modern decal system. By the end of the 1960s, most states used reflective sheeting produced by 3M in the manufacture of their plates. This sheeting gives plates a reflective quality useful for reading them at night.
Since the 1960s
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Since their introduction, vanity plates have thrived as a means of personal expression and revenue for the state, often donated to causes such as veterans' care and environmental preservation. The 1970s saw the introduction of antique plates for vintage automobiles and special plates for amateur, or HAM, radio operators. In the early 1990s, most state plates stopped displaying congressional districts, county designations and police codes. States began relying on computers to contain this information.
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References
- American Number Plates: All You Need to Know About American License Plates
- MassDOT: History of the Plate
- State of Washington Department of Licensing: License Plate History
- LicensePlates.tv: License Plates History
- Brevard Tax Collector: History of Florida's License Plates
- Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles: Vermont DMV Plate History
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
