Chapter
The History of License Plates in the United States
11:06 - 19:05 (07:58)
The history of license plates in the United States dates back to 1901 when New York became the first state to require them on cars. The following years saw various designs and controversies, including a brown potato license plate that was mistaken for poop and a recent Ohio license plate with an airplane printed backwards.
Clips
In early 1900s New York, car owners had to put their own initials on their vehicles as a way to identify them in case of misbehavior on the road.
11:06 - 12:26 (01:19)
Summary
In early 1900s New York, car owners had to put their own initials on their vehicles as a way to identify them in case of misbehavior on the road. This led to a trend of personalized plates made of wood, leather, and various creative materials until official license plates were issued in 1903.
ChapterThe History of License Plates in the United States
EpisodeHow License Plates Work
PodcastStuff You Should Know
In 1903, license plates for vehicles had a watershed year in the United States.
12:26 - 14:23 (01:57)
Summary
In 1903, license plates for vehicles had a watershed year in the United States. Despite Cleveland being the first city to require license plates, Massachusetts was the first state to implement a numbered license plate system, with number one belonging to Frederick Tudor, a member of the Highway Commission.
ChapterThe History of License Plates in the United States
EpisodeHow License Plates Work
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The use of movie slate bullets in printed material was an accident but a happy one for the speaker who prefers bulleted lists.
14:23 - 15:40 (01:17)
Summary
The use of movie slate bullets in printed material was an accident but a happy one for the speaker who prefers bulleted lists.
ChapterThe History of License Plates in the United States
EpisodeHow License Plates Work
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The longest slogan streak in the US is Maine's "Vacationland" which has been on Maine's license plate since 1936.
15:40 - 16:55 (01:14)
Summary
The longest slogan streak in the US is Maine's "Vacationland" which has been on Maine's license plate since 1936. Other quirky designs have included a brown potato which looked like poop, and Florida's grapefruit which resembled a cartoon bomb.
ChapterThe History of License Plates in the United States
EpisodeHow License Plates Work
PodcastStuff You Should Know
In 2021, Ohio issued a new license plate featuring a banner being pulled by the Wright Brothers airplane, but the airplane was facing the wrong way, causing it to become known as the "bomb license plate," and in 1971, 3M started supplying reflective sheeting to license plates.
16:55 - 19:05 (02:10)
Summary
In 2021, Ohio issued a new license plate featuring a banner being pulled by the Wright Brothers airplane, but the airplane was facing the wrong way, causing it to become known as the "bomb license plate," and in 1971, 3M started supplying reflective sheeting to license plates.