The Coolest Of The Cool
One of the best part of any long drive, no matter how old you are, is playing the license plate game. It's also just downright fun when you spot a Hawaii or Alaska plate somewhere in the lower 48. License plates are a great opportunity for states to flex their creative muscles and decide what iconic symbols they want to share with the rest of the world.
1. New Mexico
New Mexico has two default plates available and they both rock. The older one is yellow on turquoise with the Zia sun symbol also seen on the flag. The newer one is a sleek black and yellow number accented with a pair of chile peppers. It's also the only plate that has to clarify that it's in the US.
2. Florida
Part of the reason why we love Florida's plates so much is how consistent they are. The iconic state outline and orange combo was first introduced in 1997 and, aside from some minor facelifts, has stayed the same since. Sweet and simple.
3. North Carolina
North Carolina's plate is a little busy, but it works. Its tasteful use of red, white, and blue makes it subtly patriotic without being gaudy. Sure, the text could be shadowed or outlined so it doesn't blend into the design, but the pride in "First in Flight" makes up for it.
4. Wyoming
Saddle up, pardner, you're in cowboy country now. Wyoming law requires plates to be redesigned every 8 years, but the cowboy and bucking bronco decal is part of the deal. So, while you'll still likely see the older, scenic plates on the road, keep an eye out for the new ones featuring the state flag!
5. Nebraska
Nebraska's plate is a real sleeper hit. Of all the states, they've had some of the most creative and varied designs. The current plates depict a Roman character harnessing the power of the four elements while also honoring the creative power of Nebraskans.
6. Utah
Utah offers a couple of standard plates, but the arch plate is the most iconic. Featuring the beehive state's beloved Delicate Arch against a colorful but not overwhelming background of blue, white, and orange, this plate is fun and instantly recognizable.
7. Colorado
The green and white alpine design on these plates has varied a bit in altitude and color over the past few decade, but we love how the current iteration makes the mountains look snow-capped. Ironically, given Colorado's high altitude, this plate gives the design plenty of room to breathe. The plate isn't cluttered with slogans or tourism websites, just clean and simple Colorado.
8. Vermont
Clean, green, and beautiful Vermont's license plate is one of the simplest on the list, and the most timeless. When it comes to colors, you don't see a lot of solid backgrounds, nor this particular lush shade of forest green. Vermont's is also the only license plate where the text is sunken in (or "debossed") rather than elevated.
9. Wisconsin
Wisconsin's license plate looks like a relic from the '80s, and we love that. You don't really see this sort of italicized, sans-serif font on other plates, and relegating most of the design elements to the top right corner keeps this plate from looking cluttered. It's charmingly kitschy.
10. South Carolina
South Carolina's plates toe the line between cliche and classy, but they do so in a way that works. If we're being honest, the bones of this plate are nothing special, but South Carolina's iconic crescent moon and palmetto tree make it feel special. The lovely motto helps with the heavy lifting.
11. Georgia
Okay, we'll be the first to admit that Georgia's standard plates are not good. There's way too much going on from the three different fonts to the ombre background and the various fruits. Georgia's alternate plates, however are distinctive and iconic.
12. North Dakota
The rough rider state uses an ombre background to showcase a gorgeous badlands sunrise. The Badlands just poking out at the bottom remind you just how big the sky is out there. We also love that the bison is staring at you head on, as if daring you to just try and tailgate.
13. South Dakota
South Dakota's license plates feature—what else—Mount Rushmore. We love the watercolor look of this plate and the semi-transparent lettering. We also love that the faces on Mt. Rushmore are mostly covered up so they're just peeking out around the letters, which is charming.
14. Hawaii
We promise we're not including this one just for the novelty of seeing it on the mainland. This is one of the more restrained plates, and it does so to beautiful effect. No bells and whistles, just a simple rainbow to symbolize the state's beauty, diversity, and Aloha spirit.
15. Louisiana
Louisiana tragically retired their pelican plates at the end of last year, but their new plates are still pretty cool. The red cursive font is similar to California's, but gets an edge for the unique hand-lettering. However, if they're taking requests for future plates, we humbly request that they put a gator on that thing.
16. Michigan
We say this with nothing but love in our heart, but Michigan's standard license plate is giving bottled water logo in the best way possible. This is only fitting for the great lakes state; that wavy M always makes us want to get out onto the water. The alternative winter wonderland plates are nothing to sneeze at either.
17. New Hampshire
Unlike most states, New Hampshire hasn't updated their design since 1999! The Old Man of the Mountain is technically fine, but it's the logo that really draws the eye. LIVE FREE OR DIE is, without a doubt, the coolest state motto, and they're right to display it front and center.
18. Arizona
Purple is a grossly underused color in terms of license plates, so we're glad that Arizona has some purple mountain majesty on display. This plate is unique and well-balanced in terms of design. Not much else to say about it, other than good job, Arizona.
19. Idaho
Some people may disagree with us on this one, but, similarly to Minnesota, we think that the kitsch of this plate adds a lot of charm. Clearly the designer has been schooled on using the rule of thirds, keeping this potato-themed plate from veering into overstimulation territory. It looks like a bag of frozen fries, and it rules.
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20. Montana
We love a plate that incorporates the state's shape. Montana is, generally speaking, just the right shape for this idea, but we think they could go a bit further and make the whole thing Montana-shaped. If that's too much to ask for, we're just happy to look at the striking white and navy blue.
