License plates are one of the most effective ways for a state to advertise itself to the world. And since a license plate design is usually much more long-lasting than an ad campaign, the choice of design is very important. This is a topic that weighed heavily on my mind as I drove home from Cape Cod last weekend, believe it or not. So in an effort to be as scientific (anal) as possible, I rated all 50 U.S. plates based on the following criteria:
- Typeface - Fonts used, as well as their arrangement, are considered.
- Text - Includes mottoes, slogans, or any other information. Points are deducted for any use of county names or websites.
- Color scheme
- Logo/illustration - The use of any pictures or illustrations is graded.
- Overall appeal - Taken as a whole, how does it look?
Each plate was given a total point value based on each category (10 points max), and then an average was calculated. Next to each entry you’ll see the individual scores and an average. The category scores are listed in order, so a score of 5/7/4/8/6 is read as 5 for typeface, 7 for text, 4 for color scheme, etc. As an additional note, only base plates were graded. Special-issue plates, no matter how nice, were not considered. So now that all the egghead stuff is out of the way, let’s judge!
Hon. Mention - U.S. Virgin Islands (7/5/8/8/9, Avg. Score 7.4)
Although the Virgin Islands are obviously not a U.S. state (duh), I had to include this plate. The font, which would look silly on any state tag, is perfect here, and I love the fish illustrations. Overall, a very attractive issue that ranks with the best of the continental U.S.
#10 - Oklahoma (6/6/5/7/7, Avg. Score 6.2)
I’m not enamored of the color scheme here, but the font is strong and the Native American motif is great. Sure, it’s paltry compensation for being screwed by the White Man, but I guess it’s something at least.
#8 (tie) - North Carolina (6/6/6/7/7) & Vermont (6/5/9/5/7) (Avg. Score 6.4)
Two very different designs tie for eighth place. North Carolina’s plate features a simple but effective silhouette featuring the Wright Brothers’ famous plane, along with the state name represented with a funky font choice. Vermont’s plate scores on the strength of its simple but appealing white-on-green color scheme. The tree in the upper left corner is too small to have any impact, though.
#7 - Kansas (6/n.a./6/7/7, Avg. Score 6.5)
A very nice design (featuring the capitol building in Topeka) and a bold font work well for Kansas. The appeal is strengthened due to the very spare usage of text.
#5 (tie) - Arizona (7/5/7/7/7) & New Mexico (6/5/8/6/8) (Avg. Score 6.6)
A pair of southwest neighbors kick off the Top 5. I really dug the previous Arizona entry (the stark red and white one) but the new one has its charm as well. The clean font and desert scene are very nice. New Mexico’s attractiveness depends on whether or not you like the choice of the hot air balloon. I don’t care for it a great deal but it is a bold choice, so that’s worth something. The preponderance of brown and yellow is very striking.
#3 (tie) - New York (7/5/7/8/7) & Rhode Island (7/5/7/7/8) (Avg. Score 6.8)
New York’s iconic Statue of Liberty-on-white design was replaced in 2001. Although I loved the old design, this one is extremely striking. The twin design elements of Niagara Falls and the NYC skyline (featuring the Empire State Building) work well here, and the various shades of blue were well-chosen. Rhode Island’s plate, which debuted in late 1996, replaced a rather uninspired design. The current one retains the anchor design element, and adds a very nice stylized ocean wave. The muted color scheme is very good, and the font is strong.
#2 - Alaska (7/5/10/5/10, Avg. Score 7.4)
This is not a plate most of us in the Lower 48 see very often, which is a shame. The basic design elements on this one have been in place since 1971, with some variations and interruptions. Other than the “Alaska” font, this plate is decidedly old school, which I love. The color scheme and overall appearance get the only top marks of any plate. The blue-on-yellow scheme is striking. The only things keeping this entry from the top spot are the uninspired inclusion of the state flag and nickname.
#1 - Colorado (9/n.a./8/8/9, Avg. Score 8.5)
Just as with the Vermont plate, Colorado’s green & white color scheme is a huge plus. The long-used mountain theme is simple but effective, and the font used for the state name is excellent. Less is definitely more here. Not much else to say!
For more information on these state plates, head on over to http://www.15q.net/usindex.html.
