SC Tag Buffett: Grab a plate, there’s plenty for everyone!
April 1, 2008
Okay…no, I’m not months behind by sharing the “newest SC plate” but last week’s subcommittee hearing made me want to do some more research to get the answer to this question: How many license plates does our state have?
Seems each summer when we go to the Cape San Blas, Fla (note: we do go to SC beaches too) my family notices Space Shuttle Plates, Panther Plates, Manatee Plates, and all sorts of other Florida tags. I couldn’t help but comment on how many tags they had down there.
Well, I have spoken too soon. Read on for the answer on how many plates we have. For a hint, you can take a peek here.
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SCDMV license plate facts
The license plates originally issued by the division were a far cry from today’s standard. They were not even a consistent size from year to year until the mid 1930’s. The largest license plate was issued in 1926 and measured 5 by 16¾ inches. Since 1956, all license plates have been produced at the standard size 6 by 12 inches. During the early production of the license plates, the expiration date was actually imprinted into the plate. It has only been within the past 30 years that expiration stickers have been used on the license plates. The appearance of the plates has also changed quite a bit over the past 88 years. The plates produced in 1916 and 1917 had the county and town in which the vehicle was registered on the plate. In 1926, the division attempted to create a more decorative plate by including a palmetto tree. In the 1930’s, the license plates began to carry slogans such as “The Iodine State” (1932) and “The Iodine Products State” (1933).
The current “Smiling Faces Beautiful Places” license plate, which will be replaced by the winning license plate design, went into circulation in 1998. There are currently 2.7 million plates of this type currently registered in South Carolina. According to a state law that went into effect in 2002, the department is required to issue a new license plate at least every six years. The new license plates will be issued beginning July 1, 2008.
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Ok….so the answer? Counting the new one above, SC has more than 100 different license plates…and counting! Guess what? Tomorrow in Motor Vehicles Subcommitee we have another plate being proposed.
Efforts to stop this “give-everyone-a-plate program” get thrawted every time. On on side, I can understand everyone having pride in their group and wanting to raise funds for that group (that’s supposedly the reason behind them all). On the other hand, isn’t 100+ different tags a little too much? What if some organization, group who most Sandlappers consider “offensive” want a plate? Do we just give plates to any group that wants?
Apparently so. You’d be surprised how easy it actually is to get your organization a plate.
Comments
2 Responses to “SC Tag Buffett: Grab a plate, there’s plenty for everyone!”
Got something to say?
I feel it is a problem that has arisen mainly because of the fact that organizations can use these plates to raise money. Because so many organizations have found this as a profitable way and also a great way to advertise you organization you are correct in how you say no.
It is my understanding that most organization must meet the requirements of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles policy RG-504. This 19 page document does have certain guidelines that must be met and there is a design review panel. One of the main requirements is they must be a nonprofit. So far I have not seen any abuse with plates coming through this process.
As for bills coming through the general assembly it is my understanding that these plates are ones that do not meet the requirements of the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles policy RG-504 (usually they are not non-profits) so the organization goes through their representative and gets a bill pushed introduced.
As a side note they are starting to use a new process that produces the plates digitally. I have heard that this may allow them to print upon demand. The old process required them to actually produce a large amount and then store them until they are purchased.
Well thanks for all your hard work and no I don’t have a plate idea yet. Well give me a second I do help coach youth wrestling?
Sincerely,
Ralph Bell
How about a plate for the “Eliminate SC Vanity Plates Association”? I could set up a non-profit & we could get some funding from this.