Precious time remains to crowd-fund a pretty cool California program.
California in 2012 passed a bill to allow residents to buy personalized plates that look like the old, iconic California plates of days gone by.
But, as with anything in California… there’s a catch. Each generation of license plate needs at least 7,500 people to sign up by December 31, 2014. That’s almost 90 days away.
The 1960’s plate (center) has already crossed the threshold and is going into production. But the 1950’s (left) and 1970’s (right) plates are really hurting. Neither has hit even one-third of the needed reservations. I just sent my $50 off for a 1970’s plate, and may do the same on a second car in a couple weeks.
Of course, if the threshold is not met, DMV will refund your money. It’s just like Kickstarter – either your money will help make it happen, or you’ll get a full refund.
I urge everyone in California with even a passing interest to go make this happen. Once the plates hit the threshold, it should be much easier for California to keep them in production in future years – but we need you to sign up, now.
Sorry this only made it for 1960s… If I was in California, I would have paid for a ’70s plate too. Crazy all three didn’t make it.
Or, maybe CA’s crazy environmental restrictions drove all car enthusiasts out of the state already!
Will there be a new deadline in2016 for 1970 plates ?
No. The only way the 1950’s and 1970’s plates could be offered again, would be for the legislature and governor to pass a new bill… which is unlikely.
We probably are only going to have the 1960’s plate – unless/until some group like SEMA agrees to run the program. This worked well for the pink ribbon plates, which did not have a deadline, because a third-party non-profit agreed to administer the program.
Someone with major interest would have to lead something like that to get it off the ground. It’s possible… but again, unlikely.