For many gearheads, the right license plate is much more than a legal necessity
For many people, a license plate is nothing more than a legal requirement and one of the formalities when acquiring a new car. It’s a bit more than that for enthusiasts, since the license plate type—and even the number of plates on your car—has quite an impact on the aesthetics.
Recently, a Pennsylvania senator caused an uproar with his goal to make front license plates mandatory in that state. In Indiana, a new blackout license plate is getting a much more positive reception, given its minimalist design. Here’s what you need to know.
Distinctive Blackout Plates Will Be Available Later This Month
As per the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), the stylish new plates will be available to drivers in the state from August 8 via one of the BMV’s branches or kiosks. It’s also possible to order the plates on the BMV’s website.
With white lettering on a black background, the plates look good on most vehicles, particularly on the black Mustang the Indiana BMV used as part of its media day recently. A Shelby Cobra replica and an International Scout SUV were also in attendance to show off the new plates. Considering how popular blacked-out packages are on modern cars, these plates are guaranteed to be popular on models like the Land Rover Defender Octa Black.
Related: Nobody Makes A Luxury Off-Roader As Cool As The New Defender Octa Black
Any Indiana resident registering a passenger motor vehicle, light truck (under 11,000 lbs), motorcycle, or RV will be eligible for one of the new plates.
“The Blackout Plate is a new alternate license plate design launched by the Indiana BMV,” said a statement from the bureau. “It features a bold, all-black design with a clean, modern aesthetic that allows residents to express their individuality.”
Personalization Allowed For An Extra Cost
The BMV says that a personalized message on the blackout plates will be allowed, provided it meets restrictions on character limits. Other specialty plates will still be offered in Indiana.
In terms of pricing, the following fees apply over and above standard registration fees:
$45.00: Alternate license plate design fee$45.00: Personalized license plate message fee (optional)$9.50: Replacement fee if replacing an existing plate prior to its renewal
In our 2024 ranking of the states with the coolest standard license plates, Indiana ranked 35th due to its plates having a bit too much going on, with multiple colors. The new black-and-white plates solve this issue, and it joins other states like California, where black plates are an option. Blackout plates are also available in Kentucky, Iowa, Minnesota, and Mississippi.
When Iowa introduced black plates in 2019, stocks quickly ran low due to their popularity. We expect a similar reception in Indiana over the coming weeks and months.
Related: California makes digital license plates legal for everyone
