From Peaches and Cursive to Chickadees and Cacti
America has thousands of license plates to choose from, which means a wide range of winners and losers. Some states hit the lottery with their designs while others live in Snooze Town. Let’s dive into some of the best and worst plates across the country.
1. Virginia
Virginia is not for lovers, and it’s certainly not for lovers of cool license plates. From the lackluster lettering to the bland design, nothing stands out about this concept and it’s an easy one to forget.
2. Maryland
We bet this design thought it was safe—after all, it’s hidden among the 988 other plate designs currently available in Maryland. But we see you, state flag. As interesting as the concept was, it’s barely visible and instead looks like a NASCAR finish line. We’d take the Chesapeake option any day of the week.
3. Georgia
Phew, Georgia and its peaches. There’s nothing wrong with state pride, but this design somehow took things too far while also not taking it far enough. At the end of the day, it’s just…a peach. We’ll grab the adorable sunset plate instead.
4. Massachusetts
Unless you’re a Bruins fan or repping Cape Cod and the Islands, the standard Massachusetts license plate is pretty uninspired. A white background with basic blue lettering atop? Its crammed logo on the bottom doesn’t help either.
ZcarstvnzAuthor of original photo: Dickelbers on Wikimedia
5. California
If Massachusetts isn’t safe, California definitely isn’t off the hook. The only edge it has over other plain plates is the fancy cursive. We’ll also applaud it for not clogging the space with any slogans, which helps it stay sleek. But we really wish this plate displayed more personality, especially for such a colorful state.
6. Pennsylvania
It’s not that Pennsylvania’s license plate is inherently “ugly,” it’s just there’s nothing to it. Compared to full-blown artwork or recognizable emblems, these basic primary colors look like we slapped a Visa on our car.
7. Texas
We’re torn on this one. On the one hand, it’s a dull design that doesn’t seem to do the Lone Star State any justice. On the other hand, its simple concept has been around since the 1950s. While a refresh is welcome, we can appreciate that these guys never wiped their history.
8. New Jersey
Look, we like yellow. It’s bright. It’s happy. It’s just not for all license plates. Though the ombre gives it a unique flair, we can’t get on board with the dull simplicity. However, it scores brownie points for the little state map that breaks up the registration number without cluttering the whole thing.
State of New Jersey on Wikimedia
9. Delaware
You’d think that dark blue plates with gold trim would look a little cooler, but we’re not entirely sold on the idea. We’ll admit that it looks like a retro jersey while also admitting there’s just something missing.
10. Arkansas
You can slap a diamond on your plate all you want—it’s still a crowded design that lacks any real sparkle. From the giant “Arkansas” on top to the huge rock in the center, this cluttered concept looks like a PowerPoint presentation, and it could do with a serious refresh.
Of course, America’s a big place and there are lots of plates that didn’t miss the mark! Let’s explore the ten coolest-looking ones across the country.
1. Nevada
The colors, the skyline, the geometry—we love everything about Nevada’s plate. It’s artistic without going overboard and boasts a simple slogan: “Home means Nevada.” We also love the Western font used for the state name up top. Talk about capturing a state in one little license.
2. Utah
If anything was going to give Nevada a run for its money, it was Utah’s incredible plate. With that stunning scenery and the Delicate Arch smack dab in the middle, the design pays a perfect homage to what makes Utah so grand. It’s hard to argue that life isn’t elevated!
3. Maine
Hang on a minute—we’re not talking about that awful pine tree design that’s on its way. No, we’re talking about the classic chickadee that’s been in circulation for decades! We couldn’t make this list without tipping our caps to the adorable state bird and his pinecone. We’ll miss you, buddy.
4. Colorado
You don’t think Colorado without thinking mountains, which is why this plate works so well. It might not be the Rockies, but it’s still a cool mountainside that gets the job done and reminds you of what makes the state special.
5. Arizona
Warm and cool tones collide on this plate and we’re all for it. From the sunset to the little desert cacti, this picture-perfect scene encapsulates everything we love about the state. It scores bonus points for the slogan tucked away on the side, not scrawled along the bottom.
6. Idaho
It’s hard to capture the beauty of Idaho in one design, but the current one pulled it off. Between the gorgeous views and their beloved spuds, this plate nailed the state’s essence without crowding the real estate.
7. Hawaii
There’s something so charming about Hawaii’s simple design. You may think a rainbow doesn’t offer anything new or exciting, but it’s the history that gets us excited. They’ve had this bad boy going since the early ‘90s and the only thing cooler than the current design is the specialty Hokulea one (it even won an award)!
Phil Whitehouse from London, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
8. Wyoming
Cowboys don’t do it for everyone—and the plate’s latest refresh certainly ruffled some feathers—but we still appreciate the fringed chaps and wild horse. We’re not the biggest fans of the red and black, especially since it looks like dive bar decor, but that historic cowpoke has a special place in our hearts.
9. Oregon
Not everyone likes that big ol’ Douglas Fir between their registration number. Some think it’s a bit too cluttered while others opt for colorful options like Smokey Bear or pollinator bees. That said, we still enjoy the classic design and think it offers just as much charm without all the frills.
Oregon Department of Transportation on Wikimedia
10. Nebraska
Nebraska’s plates have endured some serious changes—and heaven knows we wanted that sower to hit the road—but we don’t hate the new design. Look, it’s not the flashiest, and you have to get real close to recognize the Genius of Creative Energy, but there’s something kind of cool about it.
