Which U.S. state has the best (or worst) license plate slogan in your opinion?
Posted by pitapevatra@reddit | AskAnAmerican | View on Reddit | 299 comments
BAMspek@reddit
California. It just says “California”. Straight to the point, I like that.
PhysicsEagle@reddit
Not a slogan, but Texas used to have a space shuttle on the license plate. The reason for removing it was left as an exercise for the taxpayer.
CheesE4Every1@reddit
Tennessee is not the volunteer state anymore. That should just be completely gotten rid of for anything of modern times.
m1kemahoney@reddit
Michigan brought back “Water Wonderland” and “Water-Winter Wonderland”.
claudiatiedemann@reddit
I’ve always chuckled at “Virginia is for Lovers”.
ReversedFrog@reddit
It's where my wife and I first became a couple, so I have a soft spot for that.
TormentDubz_EDM@reddit
It should be Ohio instead
didyouseeben@reddit
Having not driven through Virginia much until my 20s, I thought they were ripping off Hawthorne Heights for some reason when I first saw it.
big_little_guy_@reddit
The full phrase is “Virginia is for lovers of history”
EightEqualsSignD@reddit
Oklahoma updated theirs to "Imagine That!" which is...not great.
Even worse, they use the same plate as a vanity plate, but the vanity plate had the state motto on it (Labor omnia vincit).
myfavcolorisbrown@reddit
Before that it was “Oklahoma is OK”
ramnet88@reddit
It hasn't been “Oklahoma is OK” since the 1990s.
Before "Imagine That" it was "Explore / TravelOK.com" and before that it was "Native America"
dachjaw@reddit
I don’t know. I always thought that one was … well … ok.
MattieShoes@reddit
NGL, kinda like that one. Mildly clever and kind of self aware
AncientGuy1950@reddit
Which only slightly beat out "Trees are made of Wood!"
mdavis360@reddit
With a waving hand going 🫱
TormentDubz_EDM@reddit
Idk about you but I like it
EightEqualsSignD@reddit
It's a major step down from Native America, at least.
ticklethycatastrophe@reddit
On the other hand, the Tulsa flag plate is banging. https://www.newson6.com/story/6250b6e28a3fc17e4f3e422d/state-legislature-approves-license-plate-with-tulsa-flag-design
EightEqualsSignD@reddit
I got a vanity plate when they implemented the ugly ass scissor tail. I'm rocking a department of wildlife horny toad.
ticklethycatastrophe@reddit
My wife has one of the bison plates. It’s sharp.
Must be OKC haters downvoting the Tulsa flag plate.
melodypowers@reddit
Oof
Clean-Entry-262@reddit
My favorite was always “Stars Fell On” at the top, and “Alabama” at the bottom …but I don’t think they do that one anymore.
musical_dragon_cat@reddit
"New Mexico, USA" because the rest of the country doesn't know we exist. That big USA on there is just a big middle finger to out-of-state law enforcement and I'm all for it!
TormentDubz_EDM@reddit
Liberal, KS didn’t get the memo. They must have thought I was trafficking drugs because I had a New Mexico plate at the time and my license plate lights just happened to be out
TormentDubz_EDM@reddit
Land of Enchantment
littleblacklemon@reddit
The new PA plates that say "Let Freedom Ring" are pretty corny and also ironic considering that we're a technofeudal police state
daft_plant001100@reddit
Like, I'm not from the east, but 'Live free or die' is pretty fire.
Traditional-Ad-8737@reddit
Also as someone from New Hampshire, it’s taken seriously: you are not legally required to wear a seatbelt after 18 yrs of age (though encouraged to), or wear a motorcycle helmet. And you can pick up your non taxed, discounted liquor at any number of huge warehouse like stores run by the state, located just off the highway. That said, I really love living here for various other reasons.
lechydda@reddit
To be fair, as someone who lives here, the motto isn’t really taken seriously except in those few cases (which are pretty stupid things to think are about “freedom”). I appreciate the slogan and think it’s great in theory, and I like the lack of certain regulations and income tax in NH … but they can’t even decide on how to properly repeal the state car inspection law. Plus a hundred other regulations and taxes and whatnot … NH doesn’t really live up to its license place unless you only count stupid people not wearing seatbelts or helmets on the road.
Spirited-Dependent82@reddit
As someone also from New Hampshire, one of my biggest pet peeves is people claiming that the motto “live free or die” is related to the lack of specific regulations or a libertarian political philosophy. You can cherry pick examples like the lack of a seatbelt or helmet law, but in reality, the state of New Hampshire regulates most things in the same manner most other states do. Plus, I don’t really understand how a state run liquor monopoly supports the idea that New Hampshire has a limited government mentality.
“Live free or die” just means that it’s better to fight for democracy than to live under tyranny, it doesn’t mean that safety regulations are bad or constitute a lack of liberty. It is similar to “give me liberty or give me death.” Certain political groups just co-opt the motto to support their political beliefs, and will claim that “live free or die” means whatever they specifically believe.
Neat-Ad11@reddit
Well put. This summarizes it nicely. 👍🏻
SkiingAway@reddit
Yup. Not to mention that it's one of the NIMBYiest places around. Good luck getting permission to build anything more dense than a single family house in most places in the state.
lantech@reddit
still can't buy weed legally though
MattieShoes@reddit
Don't they levy additional taxes on capital gains? I mean, probably offset by the no income tax thing... Just thought it was odd
someofyourbeeswaxx@reddit
They make them in prison!!! It’s true, there’s a song about it and everything.
DoubleDongle-F@reddit
I live in NH and I think it's cringe
Special-Reindeer-178@reddit
Its such an ironic motto too given how unfree the state had become over the years
SheenPSU@reddit
How so?
RRR-Mimi-3611@reddit
I’m from that state and it’s a nice thought but highly inaccurate. Marijuana is still illegal here even though every surrounding state has legalized it. How free is that?
SheenPSU@reddit
It’s decriminalized
And marijuana isn’t the litmus test for being “free”. The state isn’t against vices, it just likes the money from it.
Once the state can be the distributor like it is with alcohol it’ll be legalized and dispensaries will be out in with the liquor stores by the end of the week lmao
Porcupine-in-a-tree@reddit
I’m partial to Utah’s “Greatest Snow on Earth” but NH is for sure the best one.
selenamcg@reddit
It no longer says "greatest snow on earth" ... And we no longer have the greatest snow on earth... But both used to be true.
Budsygus@reddit
Yeah, our snow has SUUUUUUUCKED lately. I feel bad for anyone who booked ski vacations for this last winter cuz I'd be pissed if I showed up and everything was just mud and rocks.
DoublePostedBroski@reddit
Isn’t it “Life. Elevated.” ?
Dlax8@reddit
I think that's the Travel Ad slogan, not the license plate saying?
Budsygus@reddit
It's on the plates with the Delicate Arch
Porcupine-in-a-tree@reddit
They have a few standard plates. Life elevated has the delicate arch and Greatest Snow on Earth has snow sports and in god we trust if you want to self-identify as lds to the cars behind you.
manfrombelmonty@reddit
I see all these “live free” rednecks regularly come down to MA to get their legal weed.
Living free indeed
wwb_99@reddit
Passing all the MA residents going across the border for cheap liquor. It is a fair trade.
NeptuneHigh09er@reddit
Well plenty of us say the state motto sarcastically because of our weed laws and other reasons. But we’re not all rednecks, thanks.
getElephantById@reddit
I don't understand why rednecks are getting insulted here. Presumably everyone who wants legal weed in NH also drives across the border to buy it, not just rednecks.
QuietObserver75@reddit
I'm remembering that town in NH where all the libertarians took over and the town ended up infested with bears.
BroughtBagLunchSmart@reddit
Yea, Libertarians came to the state with the goal of destroying it/making it a libertarian paradise, which is the exact same thing.
SnooPeripherals5969@reddit
Grafton. the annoying thing is that libertarians and “free staters” predominantly come to NH from other states with the goal of making NH their libertarian haven, they have had some success weaseling their ways into school boards, political offices, councils etc. The majority of people who live and grew up in NH hate these people with a burning passion and view them as spoiled, rich, losers who care way too much about getting rid of age of consent laws.
Silently-Snarking@reddit
If they live in the NH/MA border they’re not really rednecks broski
the-quibbler@reddit
Uh. You've never met NH/MA rednecks? I went to school with a ton. Would you have been more comfortable with "up-country degens"?
Dizzy_Lengthiness_92@reddit
I went to school in Milford, NH and this was during the peak of Larry the cable guy and people were bragging about being red necks.
Silently-Snarking@reddit
I don’t think the “rednecks” are typically those at the dispos on the border. I also think you can find rednecks throughout New England. You guys just want to be haters.
Anyway live free or die, death is not the worst of evils!
doc_skinner@reddit
Wouldn't the people from further upstate also be at the dispensaries on the border?
Silently-Snarking@reddit
No, they’d prob be at the Maine Maine or Vermont ones
doc_skinner@reddit
Oh, I see. That makes sense. Thanks
the-quibbler@reddit
Ah, you were responding to the masshole's defacto disdain for New Hampshire. Then I agree with you. Too broad a brush.
manfrombelmonty@reddit
Geographically Msybe not.
Culturally however…
Silently-Snarking@reddit
Yes you’re so right someone who lives in Brookline NH is culturally different than someone who lives in Pepperell MA
You sound ridiculous 😂
Substantial_Belt_143@reddit
Eh. I think NH not having a seatbelt law is pretty dang stupid. But I guess that's the true nature of "live free or die."
thatwatersnotclean@reddit
They are made in the state prison.
Ride-Entire@reddit
Nice! Oh, the irony!
Training-Fold-4684@reddit
That's nice
CannaBeeKatie@reddit
It should read "Live, Freeze, and Die." It annoys me they keep the Old Man of the Mountain as the background, when he fell down 20 years ago.
BroughtBagLunchSmart@reddit
I have bad news for you about every single piece of US currency in global circulation.
getdownheavy@reddit
I remember 2 Canadian friends seeing a NH one and saying "That's a little dramatic" lol.
EggInMyLeggings@reddit
Unless you were stamping those license plates at the state penitentiary
Soft_Assistant6046@reddit
So happy someone beat me to this. For anyone wondering, it's a song called "Live Free or Die"
the-quibbler@reddit
As a New Hampshirite, I'd be in favor of a refresh. Possibly, the second half of the quote:
Legitimate-Log-6542@reddit
😂 Ronnie Chieng talks about this in his Netflix standup special
bonnardpainting@reddit
i think florida not saying "Florida" on thetop anymore and instead saying "myflorida.com" is pretty bad lol
Ristrettooo@reddit
That's not good, but it's not as bad as the time Maryland put starspangled200.com on their plates and then lost the domain so it wound up going to a Filipino gambling site, and then paid an undisclosed amount of money to get it back.
mechanicalcontrols@reddit
I was gonna make fun of "Famous Potatoes" but in light of new information, I believe Florida has Idaho beat here.
tunaboot@reddit
I think it was South Carolina that for a while had "travel2sc.com" or something similar on their plate.
BFFassbender@reddit
These days it's "While I breathe, I hope", which I like. Much better than "travel2sc.com", for sure.
Budsygus@reddit
I dunno, man. "travel2sc.com" has gotten me through some hard times.
sabotabo@reddit
not anymore. these day's it's "where the revolutionary war was won"
dachjaw@reddit
Which is much better than their first attempt, “Where the Civil War Was Lost”.
Training-Fold-4684@reddit
I'm pretty sure they mixed up their wars.
sabotabo@reddit
SC and charleston did play a pretty important role in the war. 30% of american (patriot and loyalist) deaths in the war occurred here. where the war ended is important, but it's not the whole story.
though, it is a pretty bold claim for any single state to make
tunaboot@reddit
Yorktown, Virginia may have a strongly different opinion on that.
NativePA@reddit
PA used to be www.state.pa.us on the plate
NCSUGrad2012@reddit
They just switched back this year to saying Florida again
silvermoonhowler@reddit
I agree
Their has lost so much character with just integrating Florida into that website now
California's I'd put right next to it, if not just above it as they literally have the website of their DMV on the plate; I mean, what other states do that?
suffaluffapussycat@reddit
I love that they couldn’t get florida.com
prplgrrl@reddit
California plates have the DMV website on the bottom. I feel somehow this is worse. dmv.ca.gov
notapunk@reddit
Yeah, at least we still have the state name on the top, but would be happy to see them replace the web site with a decent slogan
Adorable_Dust3799@reddit
Ours still says California at the top, but instead of a slogan on the bottom it's "dmv.ca.gov"
MetalicP@reddit
They’re stuck in 2002, when every ad ended in “…DOT COM!”
Status_Ad_4405@reddit
Throw in the dick and balls for good measure
TemperMe@reddit
Ohio and NC have had a rivalry (That Ohio is wrong about) on who claims the Wright Brothers achievement.
The Wrights were from Ohio did their testing and trials in NC as it was well suited for their takeoff needs.
NCs tag: first in flight Ohio tag: fist in aviation
No_Physics_228@reddit
I like that Oklahoma’s is “imagine that” because literally every time we’re in national news I’m like “huh. Imagine that.” Sarcastically.
lechydda@reddit
Top: live free or die (New Hampshire).
Bottom: any plate that lists a website … it feels like forced advertising on your car.
licksquadtraps@reddit
So, I like the petty little relationship between North Carolina's and Ohio's. "First in Flight" and "Birthplace of Aviation". The Wright brothers flew in North Carolina but were born in Ohio. Both states claiming them in a technically correct way.
DasquESD@reddit
This was my first thought as well
someofyourbeeswaxx@reddit
I mean obviously it’s NH but I think Vacationland is pretty cool, too.
HRDBMW@reddit
New Hampshire. "Live Free or Die"
They don't believe it, it is an absolute lie.
MartyPhelps@reddit
Virginia: “Don’t Tread on Me.” That’s the state slogan of New Hampshire. Get your own slogan.
TheBraveToast@reddit
I'm biased, but I think the throwback Michigan ones that say "water winter wonderland" are pretty cute
Detonation@reddit
I do not like the water wonderland ones in Michigan at all. lol
Pierogi314@reddit
There's always been something absurdly funny about Maine's Lobster plate to me
AliMcGraw@reddit
"Taxation without Representation" is the clear winner
https://boundarystones.weta.org/sites/default/files/Washington%2C_D.C._license_plate%2C_2000%E2%80%932001_series_with_December_2001_sticker.png
Some-Essay5289@reddit
Years ago Oklahoma license plates said Oklahoma is OK. Pretty bland.
DadPuncher69@reddit
Water-Winter Wonderland on Michigan plates is nice.
OroBlancoMelogold@reddit
The return to the blue yellow and green white old school plates was such a good move
Frenchitwist@reddit
“Live Free or Die” on NH’s plates is hands down the best
Donald_J_Duck65@reddit
Massachusetts. The standard plate is dull as a hoe.
RollinThundaga@reddit
DC.
'Taxation without representation'
Susurrus03@reddit
They added End to the beginning a long time ago.
wounds-of-light@reddit
Yep I moved here last year and my plates both say “END TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION”
JudgeWhoOverrules@reddit
Ironically, they do have a representative in Congress that although they don't get to participate in general floor votes are able to participate in committees and vote within them.
wwb_99@reddit
I'm not sure if you could say our non-voting representative was actually alive for the last decade TBH.
We need some senators too.
TrillyMike@reddit
No vote on the floor and no senators = no representation
JayRandom212@reddit
They deserve two Senators.
Mikeupinhere@reddit
Every DC vehicle is a quiet protest. Love it.
sleepygreendoor@reddit
I think for it to be a protest it would have to say “no” before the rest of it
funkyalpaca92@reddit
They do now. The newer plates say "End Taxation Without Representation"
paulnuman@reddit
Too many black people to make it a state
virstultus@reddit
Then I'd just assume it was a statement about how awesome America is. Without "no" it made me curious so I found googled what the complaint is about.
whatevendoidoyall@reddit
Oklahoma used to say "Oklahoma is OK!" which is actually always liked lol
___HeyGFY___@reddit
Some states put the county on the plates, apparently so people don't stray too far from home.
Nondescript_585_Guy@reddit
As someone from a state that doesn't do that, I never really understood why it's necessary.
GOTaSMALL1@reddit
Utah’s “Life Elevated” is pretty good cause maybe people forget there’s mountains here.
And that the New Mexico plate says fucking “USA” is funny as shit.
Impressive-Safety191@reddit
Has to… we drive out of state it’s hit or miss that folks know we’re one of the 50.
GOTaSMALL1@reddit
Ha! My company is based in NM and they just got us all vehicles. I never noticed it the times I’ve been to ABQ but when I had to put the plate on I was like “”Oh! ‘Land of Enchantment’! Wait… ‘USA’? Is that normal? Wtf?”
WhyTheWindBlows@reddit
“Colorado”
Simple and effective
Gnoccir@reddit
As an Ohioan, I’ve got to say the worst is North Carolina
Extreme_Turn_4531@reddit
Back in the 80's Indiana had the single word "Wander" with Indiana at the bottom, sort of implying that no one in Indiana had anywhere to be or a clear destination. It was yellow, red and green, I guess showing solidarity with Lithuania, or maybe Ethiopia.
Aquarius_K@reddit
Our slogan is ok but the plates are ugly. "Unbridled Spirit"
the_real_JFK_killer@reddit
Best: the old texas plates
Worst: the current texas plates
start3ch@reddit
Agreed. Loved the old plates. Cowboy, space shuttle, oil derricks, and night sky. Sums up the state pretty well
ComprehensiveEar6001@reddit
Hell nah, the current classic black and white Texas are one of the few things we do right as a state.
NCSUGrad2012@reddit
The new ones are terrible. The generic 3M font that isn’t even embossed looks awful
No_Tamanegi@reddit
I'm still amused by the "Texas Truck" plates, that helpfully inform you that the vehicle is a truck, if you couldn't tell by looking at the vehicle.
dachjaw@reddit
Some people, and I’m not saying it’s just Texas people, although I’m also not saying it isn’t, need to have these things explained to them.
nauticalfiesta@reddit
Worst: California - its literally just the DMV website
New Hampshire's is somewhat ironic since they don't have a seatbelt law for adults.
SheenPSU@reddit
How is that ironic?
Dragosal@reddit
New Hampshire has Live Free Or Die
And for a license plate that's pretty hardcore
tcmits1@reddit
Live free or die!
TheBotchedLobotomy@reddit
Theres some youtuber or tik tok of a guy who ranked every state and territory thats a pretty fun watch
Prior_Region_3989@reddit
Idaho has Famous Potatoes. But truck nuts are supposedly illegal now. Our legislature spends all its time on genital and bathroom stuff. Most Republican state in the US needs to control itself.
ExcellentMaize4141@reddit
I wasn’t a big fan of how Pennsylvania just had a website on their slogan.
Their highway welcome sign said “Pursue Your Happiness” for the longest time, I wished they put that instead
Big_McLargehuge59@reddit
You’ve Got A Friend in Pennsylvania was so great. I mean it didn’t fit Philly at all, but still.
One_Bicycle_1776@reddit
Neither does the phrase “city of brotherly love”, but here we are
Status_Ad_4405@reddit
Always wondered if that was a play on the fact that Pennsylvania was founded by the Society of Friends (Quakers).
Emotional-Dog8118@reddit
That was so lame 😒!!
silvermoonhowler@reddit
Yeah, Minnesota's has become that too at least for their standard plates
Before that it just said Explore Minnesota up top, but now it's just the website (exploreminnesota.com)
DineenMattingly@reddit
Pennsylvania's used to be the worst... it used to say "You've Got a Friend in Pennsylvania". Like, no the hell I don't! I don't even know anyone there!
Roam1985@reddit
"America Starts Here" was the best PA slogan, imo.
ExcellentMaize4141@reddit
How long ago was that?
I always remember the Pursue Your Happiness Slogan but I only started regularly traveling to Pennsylvania in 2022
Roam1985@reddit
Would be around the early aughts.
ExcellentMaize4141@reddit
Ah yeah, that was before my time. I only recall Pursue Your Happiness and Let Freedom Ring.
1Negative_Person@reddit
Michigan’s new Winter, Water, Wonderland plates (in particular the blue and gold, University of Michigan) plates are awesome. The typeface, the kerning, everything looks both classic and modern. They’re simple and elegant.
The turquoise New Mexico plates are good too.
OneleggedPeter@reddit
I far prefer the Chile plates, but I love NM chile.
https://www.shoplicenseplates.com/2024-new-mexico-chile-license-plate-bscm20#
1Negative_Person@reddit
I do love some Hatch chilis.
YogolotSatono@reddit
I really hate North Carolina’s “first in flight”. In Ohio, we have “birthplace of aviation” because the Wright Brothers were born and worked in Ohio. The first airplane was invented in Ohio. All North Carolina provided was that they happened to have some dunes. Feels like total stolen valor for them to act like they are a part of aviation
machagogo@reddit
Where exactly is Kitty Hawk in Ohio again?
Naddyman2005@reddit
Missouri; the show me state. Okay, what ARE you going to show me then, your corn fields?
TrillyMike@reddit
DC has “Taxation without Representation” on every plate
alighiery360@reddit
Washington D.C. " Taxation without representation," it is specially funny because they are not a state even if their population is way bigger than some states, so they effectively get taxed without any representation. I feel like it is a form of protest that they have that on their plates.
dachjaw@reddit
Way bigger?
DC 689,000
VT 643,000
WY 576,000
let-it-rain-sunshine@reddit
They put "End" at the beginning so as to not seem like a boast, and more like a protest.
Salty_Permit4437@reddit
I feel like DC itself should just be the federal buildings and the territory of those who lived in DC should be part of an actual state.
Nice-Contest1499@reddit
Democrats wanted to do it a few years ago but it died in congress.
sgthatred77@reddit
It is pointing out the irony. The revolutionary slogan was "No Taxation without representation."
juan_humano@reddit
'Land of Enchantment' has a certain charm. And its even more apt when you realize 'Enchantment' is New Mexico code for drunk driving
ElCapitan878@reddit
We're also the only state that has to put USA on their plates so people know we're not Mexico.
ancientastronaut2@reddit
Ha, mine says "chile capital of the world" 🌶️
275MPHFordGT40@reddit
New Mexico is fortunate enough to not have a single bad plate.
cinnamongirl73@reddit
Maryland had the War of 1812 and home of the Star Spangled Banner. Now, it’s just a pic of our flag (we LOVE our flag), or you can get one that says Treasure the Chesapeake.
Responsible-Care-388@reddit
Does NH have "Live Free or Die" on any of their plates? I'm going with that if they do lol.
BrainFartTheFirst@reddit
But Idaho's "Famous Potatoes" is more accurate nationally.
Jock-Tamson@reddit
George Carlin joke:
Somewhere between “Live Free or Die!” and “Famous Potatoes” the truth lies. It’s probably closer to “Famous Potatoes”.
Prestigious-Ad8134@reddit
This is the worst for me. There was some huge marketing campaign to convince everyone that Idaho has the best potatoes, when it's actually a very small part of the state's identity.
rantmb331@reddit
Best to avoid mentioning the militias and white supremacists though.
thatwatersnotclean@reddit
Made by prisoners at the state pen. Irony.
1sinfutureking@reddit
Their punishment for not adhering to the state motto is having to stamp license plates.
juviniledepression@reddit
We do
HyperboleHelper@reddit
You guys 100% have the best saying. No notes.
eugenesbluegenes@reddit
Taxation Without Representation tho...
HyperboleHelper@reddit
A very close second in my opinion.
eugenesbluegenes@reddit
Land of Enchantment is awfully good too.
Status_Ad_4405@reddit
They are apparently still proud of a rock formation that collapsed 20+ years ago, lol
Bstallio@reddit
Indeed
silvermoonhowler@reddit
Best:
Worst:
tacobellgittcard@reddit
Our license plate says “Explore Minnesota.com”. Which I think is supposed to mean both “Explore Minnesota” and “Minnesota.com” separately, but it looks like they are telling you to check out the website. Its so stupid and it looks terrible. It’s a big pet peeve of mine when states call out their website on the license plate anyway.
silvermoonhowler@reddit
Actually, the website is exploreminnesota.com
And as someone who also lives in MN, I totally agree; feels like such a cop-out if you ask me, just like Florida's plates have their website right on it too in myflorida.com and how California's have the website of their DMV on the bottom instead of the state's slogan
Weekly-Bill-1354@reddit
not a state... there's a city in my state with the motto "We'll Try"
beta_vulgaris@reddit
Did Fall River ever really try though? Doesn’t seem like it.
Weekly-Bill-1354@reddit
Not when it comes to plowing after a blizzard.
AncientGuy1950@reddit
At one time (and maybe still), Oklahoma had "Oklahoma is OK" which only marginally beat out the runner up slogan of 'Trees are Made of Wood!'.
A-Giant-Blue-Moose@reddit
Easily NH. "Live free or die."
PacSan300@reddit
New Hampshire and Hawaii are my favorites. The “Live Free or Die” on NH just looks badass for some reason. The rainbow on the Hawaii plate, along with “Aloha State”, just looks so welcoming.
claudiatiedemann@reddit
“Pure Michigan” is a silly slogan to me.
theresoneineverycar@reddit
My stepmom's brother did marketing for wisconsin, and pitched Pure Wisconsin. They turned it down, and soon after, Pure Michigan happened
The_sad_zebra@reddit
I don't care for tourism slogans on a state's license plates. Like, Virginia must have some great slogans and nicknames they could choose from, given their history, but they went with "Virginia is for Lovers". Bleh
ReadingRainbowie@reddit
Water Wonderland is better IMO
dimap443@reddit
Famous Potatoes vs Live free or Die
itslilyyy15@reddit
I saw some comments mention New Mexico's "Land of Enchantment" and the fact that "USA" is on NM plates.
There's also another NM plate that says "Chile Capital of the World." (NM has 3 regular plates to choose from at the MVD)
hucareshokiesrul@reddit
I always thought First in Freedom on the NC plates seemed like a strange thing for a slave state to say.
Salty_Permit4437@reddit
They say first in flight no? Kitty hawk and the wright brothers
sabotabo@reddit
some say first in flight, others first in freedom. it's referring to the halifax resolves, which were the first time a colonial legislation called for independence
Salty_Permit4437@reddit
I’ve seen mostly first in flight on NC plates
The_sad_zebra@reddit
The default ones say First in Flight, but there's an alternate you can opt for that says First in Freedom.
yert1099@reddit
We also have one that says “First in Flight” with an image of The Wright Flyer on it. The Wright Brothers flew their plane in Kill Devil Hills, NC. Years ago, Ohio tried to say that they were first and put The Wright Flyer on their license plates…flying backwards.
DoublePostedBroski@reddit
No, Ohio has birthplace of aviation. NC wouldn’t have flight if the brothers weren’t born. ;)
rtoobydoo@reddit
Ohio birthed the two of the most important inventors in modern history.
North Carolina has a hill, I guess
sabotabo@reddit
continuing the trend of intelligent people realizing they need to get the fuck out of ohio as soon as possible... just like the astronauts
yert1099@reddit
Oh bless your heart…
goodsam2@reddit
I think the Virginia is for lovers is a great slogan but often misinterpreted.
1) it kinda works as is.
2) the original was highlighting how diverse the state is, it was supposed to be Virginia is for hiking trail lovers as it has 1/4 of the AT, Virginia is for wine lover because of its wine areas, Virginia is for history lovers as it has the historic triangle
3) loving vs Virginia which made interracial marriages legal the loving family sued Virginia to allow interracial marriages.
bit_shuffle@reddit
"Stars fell on Alabama"
It explains so much.
Silently-Snarking@reddit
New Hampshire.
Live Free or Die
the-quibbler@reddit
State supreme court upheld that obscuring the motto was protected free speech, which I approve of, because it accords with the motto.
If they offered a "Death is not the worst of evils" variant plate, I wouldn't be able to order it fast enough.
Defiant_Act_4940@reddit
If a licence plate showing 'Death is not the worst of evils' shows up in my rear view mirror, I am shitting myself that I am about to get rammed off the road.
Ok-Concert-6475@reddit
I would have the same reaction and would immediately pull over.
One-Hand-Rending@reddit
NH is by far the best with "LIVE FREE OR DIE"
Worst are the NJ plates... "Garden State" my a$$...I've been there and I'm not fooled.
seanofkelley@reddit
Best; Alaska: The Last Frontier
Worst: Arkansas: The Natural State
bytheninedivines@reddit
How is the natural state bad?
imhereforthemeta@reddit
I am so jealous of even the lamest slogans because illinois is "land of lincoln" The hyperfocus on one dude is such a snore.
But it makes sense because "used to be a prarie state and now is 8 soy bean field and a dollar general in a trench coat plus chicago" doesnt have the same ring..
Suppafly@reddit
Hawaii has rainbow ones that look like they were designed for gay pride. We don't see them a ton in the mainland, but sometimes they show up when service members get their cars shipped home.
mekoRascal@reddit
Not a license plate, persay, but South Dakota's "Meth, were on it" campaign was definitely a choice
aolerma@reddit
New Hampshire’s sounds badass but I gotta be honest, I have no idea what it actually has to do with the state itself. To be fair, I know absolutely nothing about NH, but “Live free or die” just doesn’t scream NH to me?
NoPersimmon7434@reddit
It's the most libertarian state. It's fitting.
crazycatlady331@reddit
Yet (I think) weed it not legal there.
NoPersimmon7434@reddit
Yup. That'll change, eventually...
SheenPSU@reddit
John Stark, Revolutionary War hero and New Hampshire native, famously said
aolerma@reddit
That makes more sense. I looked it up and Google didn’t mention he was a New Hampshire native.
TheDepressingReality@reddit
Ad Astra per Apera is pretty hard to beat
New_Distribution_263@reddit
We had to dumb it down so people in other states (ahem, Missouri) would understand it! To the Stars is still better than what most states have, though.
PhilthyPhil8917@reddit
Yeah but then we dumbed it down, translated it, and cut it down to just To the Stars
TheDepressingReality@reddit
yeah... 🥲 Worst part of the new plates
scottdenis@reddit
I'd love to throw my hat in for "The Land of 10,000 Lakes", but "Live Free or Die" is pretty fucking gangster.
ManufacturerDull4689@reddit
“Famous Potatoes”…
ObiWanKnieval@reddit
"Don't mess with Texas" was fun. I like a state slogan that's a threat.
AdEastern9303@reddit
Worst- Idaho - famous potatoes.
I mean, is that really all you got?
MaritimesRefugee@reddit
Not a slogan, but needs to be there... Montana : The Last Great Place (from the Yellowstone wardens TV show intro)
Chicken-n-Biscuits@reddit
Louisiana’s has been “Sportsman’s Paradise” off and on my entire life. Yes, hunting and fishing are popular there, but it’s still just a fraction of the population that are into it.
Maleficent-Hawk-318@reddit
I always find that pretty funny because I have met some hunters from Louisiana over the years, and in my experience they're super impressed with western states (like I first noticed it when I spent a few months there for work while living in Colorado; lots of hunters liked to wax poetic about hunting in CO when they found out that's where I lived). I had a number of them jokingly get outraged when they learned I don't hunt because I was wasting an opportunity that they dreamed of, basically.
I'm not a hunter myself so don't have much opinion (though I do think Louisiana is gorgeous; definitely too moist for me, tho), but the license plate slogan always kind of makes me chuckle because of that.
Appropriate-Food1757@reddit
Oklahoma the OK State
lol it’s just “OK”
clunkclunk@reddit
I hate how California's has the URL for the dmv. Of all things to choose, they had to choose that.
Winter-eyed@reddit
Oregon “The Beaver State” Is pretty ridiculous
Kazyctn@reddit
The alternate “Pacific Wonderland” is top tier though.
meswifty1@reddit
"the good life"
Derwin0@reddit
I miss our older tags that said “Georgia on my mind”.
Dear-Ad1618@reddit
My favorite is Washington DC's: Taxation without representation. The people living in the district have to pay federal taxes but they have no representative and no senator in the national congress.
I don't know if their plates still say this, but the worst I've seen is Maryland, 'Seat belts fastened?' I also think that at one time Maryland plates said, 'Drive gently'.
DoublePostedBroski@reddit
Obligatory “Live free or die” from New Hampshire.
I also like:
Also shoutout Wyoming who just had a rodeo cowboy that looks pretty 🔥
AngryZetan@reddit
Missouri. "Show me". Sounds kinda perverted to me.
magnanimous_rex@reddit
And very misleading. Almost got arrested because of that…../s
DoublePostedBroski@reddit
Virginia is for lovers.
Basicly-Inevitable@reddit
Hey. We're THE Show Me State!
AngryZetan@reddit
Hahahaha! Like, what does the state want me to show?
Basicly-Inevitable@reddit
Depends what you have to show, I guess.
Fats_Tetromino@reddit
You need to show us because we can't read
cheribom@reddit
In the early 90’s, PA’s slogan was “You’ve got a friend in Pennsylvania,” and license plates with “You’ve Got A Friend In” on top and “Pennsylvania” on the bottom. Because it’s a state that only requires back plates, you’d see a ton of decorative front plates that looked like a normal vanity plate that said “JESUS” where the #s would be. So it was kinda saying “You’ve got a friend in Jesus”.
NoPersimmon7434@reddit
"Live Free or Die" is the best.
"Virginia is for Lovers" is the worst.
Zorkeldschorken@reddit
Does Idaho's plate still say "Famous Potatoes?"
lottalitter@reddit
Yes. A new “retro” plate has spiced it up some with “World famous potatoes”
ThirdSunRising@reddit
Carlin had it right. It’s somewhere between “Live Free or Die” and “Famous Potatoes.”
Hordes_Of_Nebulah@reddit
Here in NC we have a specialty home of the Venus fly trap plate that is pretty cool. I have lived here my entire life and I didn't know that we are the only place they are native to (along with a small part of SC) until I learned it from a license plate.
We also have the "first in flight" plate that is sort of a middle finger to Ohio which is always welcome. The Wright brothers may have done the vast majority of their work in Ohio but they came to NC for the first official flight so we're gonna own that before Ohio can.
TsundereLoliDragon@reddit
Live Free or Die and Famous Potatoes are kind of tied for best.
toomanyracistshere@reddit
I don't know if I'd say it's the worst, but "Famous Potatoes" has got to be the most ridiculous one. Fun fact, it was also the very first license plate slogan.
ProveISaidIt@reddit
It's only a matter of time before they all get replaced with corporate sponsors.
UnbiasedSportsExpert@reddit
We don't have "The heart of it all" anymore
ITrCool@reddit
Arkansas - “the natural state”
I honestly like it because we have a ton of amazing state parks here on top of some good national parks too.
But the standard plate with a random diamond on it….nah. That’s full as heck. We need to change that.
Prudent_Cookie_114@reddit
Best is Alaska: The Last Frontier (although I personally hate the bear design plate). Worst is “Virginia is for lovers” Ick….
crashbandit3@reddit
I gotta say DC's 'taxation without representation' has earned its way to being one of the worst ones
Susurrus03@reddit
It has End before it since about 8 years ago but I agree which is why I have a specialty plate.
Apprehensive-Fig3223@reddit
I really miss "you've got a friend in Pennsylvania" which was a lowkey nod to the quakers
capsrock02@reddit
DC’s is pretty good
rf8350@reddit
Kansas. Ad Astra Per Aspera. (To the stars through difficulties)
ABooShay@reddit
Just got back from a trip to South Carolina, the SC license plate on our rental car said “While I Breathe, I Hope”. I thought that was overly dramatic for a license plate.
MajorPaper4169@reddit
I’m in NYC but I love Marylands plates.
sphericalsection@reddit
We take the cake in NH 💪🇺🇸
babykitten28@reddit
I was born and raised with Land of Lincoln. Now I just have a dumb peach.
Apart-Disaster-3085@reddit
Oklahoma has "imagine that" on theirs, and I think it's funny because it can be interpreted both positively and sarcastically.
For example"
Oh, our standardized test scores went down after we chased off a bunch of licensed teachers to Texas over pay, well, "imagine that"!
ol_dirty_applesauce@reddit
West Virginia
"Wild, Wonderful"
Status_Ad_4405@reddit
Any state with In God We Trust sucks
Roam1985@reddit
Best: DC's "Taxation without Representation."
Keep pointing out the hypocrisy, gents.
Worst: "Myflorida.com"
Not worth a mention: NY's "Excelsior". Like a bunch of big fans of Stan Lee are going to dig it.
crtclms666@reddit
I like the “Life Elevated” version of Utah plate.
amphigory_error@reddit
Louisiana's "Come as you are. Leave Different" is pretty awful. The plates used to say "Sportsman's Paradise," which at least said something about the state.
The highway welcome signs say "Bienvenue Louisiana," which is better.
jessek@reddit
Missouri’s “Show Me State” motto on their plates sucks
small-with-benefits@reddit
“Oklahoma is OK” For real though they removed it in the 90’s and I miss it.
nottatroll@reddit
New Mexico is the only plate that has “USA” on it.
BeachBum528@reddit
NH - Live Free or Die
Due-Leek-8307@reddit
Connecticut launched a "The Pizza State" license plates with a pizza slice on them last year. I'm going with them.
DruncleMuncle@reddit
New Hampshire: "Live Free or Die"
Ok-Factor-3805@reddit
Probably will get downvoted for this but NH’s “Live Free or Die” slogan is corny as hell, particularly considering their freestater movement actively seeks to strip people of their rights - I prefer Maine’s “Vacationland,” shorter and sweeter
Blue_9320_@reddit
Illinois is pretty bad, with their slogan “Where dreams go to die”
Highway_Man87@reddit
New Hampshire by far:
"Live free or die"
buginskyahh@reddit
The Texas plates are so bland.
skatoulaki@reddit
NH - Live Free or Die
97PG8NS@reddit
My favorite is on South Carolina's vanity plates but it used to be on all of them, "Nothing Could Be Finer".
Sea-Blueberry-1840@reddit
Hands down NH