Technology ConnectionsDec 10, 2023

I recently noticed that the State of Illinois has changed the font of the *stamping* on license plates.

The design is the same, but the stamped text is a bit thinner and the glyphs are blockier.

I am surprised how much this change is bothering me, to be honest. It has never occurred to me how much that is a defining feature. The first one I saw I assumed had to be fake!

Show threadTechnology ConnectionsDec 10, 2023

But - I'm relieved they're still being stamped.

Shame on all the states that just print them now. Cheapskates.

Show threadNathan WeilDec 10, 2023

@TechConnectify Yeah, but look at all the REALLY COOL plates you can get in Arizona now! Seriously, I do think some are awesome and it's an easy way for the state to make money.

Now if only the other states could catch up and get rid of the front plate too!

I'd like to see something replace plates altogether. They have a lot of flaws.

Show threadTechnology ConnectionsDec 10, 2023

@weiln I disagree so hard on the front plate thing.

Several hit-and-runs get solved every year because the front plate fell off and was left at the scene. I really do not understand the aversion to putting another $1 piece of metal on the front of your car other than aesthetic preferences, and when we're dealing with machines that can kill people aesthetic preferences like that can go eff allllll the way off.

Show threadBrian EnigmaDec 10, 2023
@TechConnectify The one downside I’ve seen with front plates in Portland, because they also have registration stickers, is that they get stolen and re-used as illegal back places on similar-model cars. But that seems like a minor downside and ultimately fixable if the front/rear plates had distinctly different design elements.
Show threadKimDec 10, 2023
@BrianEnigma @TechConnectify With a few exceptions for things like classics with really old plates, British front plates are white, while rears are yellow.

Though I suppose it just means that you have to steal both plates...
Show threadTechnology Connections
@kim @BrianEnigma I like that! Here the only differentiator is that you don't put the renewal sticker on the front plate. But it's easy to fake a sticker.
Dec 10, 2023 at 6:22pmWeb
Show threadKimDec 10, 2023
@TechConnectify @BrianEnigma It's one of the few things about British number plates that makes sense...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_the_United_Kingdom
Vehicle registration plates of the United Kingdom - Wikipedia

Show thread CalebDec 10, 2023

@TechConnectify @kim @BrianEnigma

So Illinois splurges in two plates but cheaps out on a second sticker? That’s odd.

Virginia has two plates and two stickers.