Stuff You Should Know How License Plates Work
Oct 6, 2022
Discover the quirky history of license plates, from their early days designed to catch reckless drivers to the role they've played in culture and comedy. Explore the evolution of designs, including vanity plates and the significance of typography for security. Delve into the fascinating world of specialty tags and the moral implications of prison labor in their production. Plus, hear about the extravagant market for unique plates that serve as status symbols, all sprinkled with humor and intriguing anecdotes.
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License Plate Anecdotes
- Josh Clark mentions a license plate from Louisiana found in a shark's stomach.
- Chuck Bryant recalls a humorous Seinfeld "Ass Man" license plate.
License Plate Origins
- France, not the US, invented license plates in 1893 due to Paris police prefect Louis Lepine.
- Early license plates used initials for identification to curb reckless driving and horse terrorizing.
First Statewide Program
- Massachusetts had the first statewide license plate program, starting with number one.
- Frederick Tudor, son of the "Ice King", received the first license plate, #1, which his family still owns.
