A blackout license plate is a type of vehicle license plate that features a modern, stylish design with a solid black background and white or high- contrast lettering. This design choice gives the plate a sleek, minimalist, and bold appearance compared to traditional license plates. Key features and details about blackout license plates:
- They typically have a solid black background with crisp white lettering for maximum visibility and visual impact.
- Available for various vehicle types, including passenger cars, trucks, motorcycles, RVs, and sometimes mobility-impaired vehicles.
- The design maintains all required legal elements such as registration decals and identification numbers.
- Often available as a specialty or optional plate, usually for an additional fee on top of standard vehicle registration fees.
- Personalization options are commonly available, sometimes with an extra charge.
- They have gained popularity because they offer an inexpensive way for vehicle owners to customize the look of their vehicles and express personal style.
- Blackout plates have been introduced by several states such as North Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa, and others, with availability starting from around 2019 and continuing through 2025.
- The fees and specific regulations vary by state, but typical fees range from $15 to $50 annually or at issuance.
- Some states allow transferring a current plate number to a blackout plate, which then may be treated as a personalized plate with extra fees.
In summary, a blackout license plate is a special type of license plate designed with a black background and contrasting light lettering, intended to provide a sleek, modern look that stands out on vehicles while fulfilling all legal visibility and registration requirements. It is a popular option for vehicle owners wanting a distinctive and stylish plate appearance. This description is based on examples from multiple states including North Dakota, Kansas, Minnesota, Indiana, and Iowa which have recently introduced blackout license plates for their residents.
