Arizona
Why does Arizona have so many specialty license plates? Like, over 100
Arizona is a fast-growing state. Here’s what to know
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The Republic
Consider the license plate.
No, seriously, think about it. Just sitting there, stuck on the back of your car, an identification device that attracts little or no notice unless you get pulled over for speeding or something.
Unless …
For some people, a license plate can be something more. It’s a way for some drivers to express themselves, whether through witty (and not so witty) words and names and such, or through a speciality plate. You have doubtless seen both. I broke up laughing while stuck behind a car with an Idaho plate, detailed with the slogan, “Famous Potatoes.”
Arizona’s plate has a slogan, too: “Grand Canyon State.” It has a little silhouette of a saguaro cactus, too. Fitting, though “Famous Political Scandals” would work, too.
What you may not know about license plates in Arizona, and why would you, is that you have a staggering number of options when it comes to expressing yourself through speciality plates. The state offers 109, ranging from the standard (“Grand Canyon State”) to “In God We Trust” to Verde Valley Wine Trail to, of course, the state’s universities, as well as many, many more.
This week on Valley 101, a podcast by The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com, we answer the question, “Why does Arizona have so many specialty plates?” And we have just the person to answer it: Bill Lamoreaux, the assistant communications director for the Arizona Department of Transportation, specifically the Motor Vehicle Division. He knows a lot about Arizona license plates. And if you tune into the episode, you will, too.
Listen to the episode:
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Reach Goodykoontz at bill.goodykoontz@arizonarepublic.com. Facebook: facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. Subscribe to the weekly Watchlist newsletter.
This episode was produced by Amanda Luberto. You can reach Amanda at amanda.luberto@arizonarepublic.com or follow her on X, formerly Twitter: @amandaluberto.