As a Texan and a lover of interesting license plates, it’s impossible for me not to comment on a story coming out of Oklahoma involving the governor’s frustrating attempt to redo the state’s official license plate. Being from the superior state, I’ll do my best to limit the number of unnecessary jokes about either OU or the state itself.
The making of an official plate is always an ambitious endeavor, and no one, not even a public servant with the best intentions, can usually achieve a plate that doesn’t make someone mad.
In the case of Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, he seems to be the one who is upset after an open records request indicated that the Governor seemingly ignored input from focus groups that indicated that they were not OK with the plates.
Why? For one, it’s extremely red:
I was expecting it to be the darker, Sooner Red of OU, but perhaps people who went to a superior school like Oral Roberts University or Ok State wouldn’t love that idea. Instead, it’s just red, which isn’t a color I ever associated with my former neighbor to the north. I think of Oklahoma as a light, pinkish beige.
“Using color and intentional symbology, this design pays tribute to Oklahoma’s culture and history, nodding to iconic landmarks, our original flag, state animals, and more. This design celebrates much of what makes Oklahoma unique, and I am excited to see it out on the road,” said Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell at its launch last year.
The 46 in the star is not a nod to President Joe Biden, but instead to the original state flag, which didn’t have 46 stars. Instead, it just had a white star with the number 46 in it, to recognize the average IQ of… sorry. I said I wouldn’t do this. It’s hard. It’s actually 46 because Oklahoma was the 46th state admitted to the Union when Texas cut off the parts it didn’t want.
As far as official license plates go, it’s better than New York’s new “Excelsior” plate, but lacks the appealing and iconic simplicity of California’s official design. Unlike Ohio, there don’t appear to be any planes flying backwards. This is a replacement for the previously released official plate, which features the state bird: A Scissortail Flycatcher. I really like the blue-on-white plate. It looks good.
There was some negative reaction to the plate, according to the Fox affiliate in Oklahoma City, with one commenter pointing out that the single star over the red background “Looks Soviet.” You can’t make everyone happy, and presumably, this is the result of a focus group of average Oklahomans that was gathered once the bars closed.
Well… according to the Fox affiliate, that’s not quite what happened.
Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell said in his statement unveiling the design, “Using feedback from the public, the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department helped select the finalized license plate design.”
But through an Open Records Request, we learned the journey to this design took a detour. It was another design that initially got the green light from Lt. Gov. Pinnell’s office. It was primarily white and featured the Native American statue, the Guardian.
Emails in March 2023 suggest just slight changes to that design, but 3 months later, the team gets word from the Lt. Gov.’s chief of staff that Governor Stitt wants a different plate instead, featuring a red star. The team considered both a white background and a red background, deciding to go with a primarily white plate, with the star in the middle.
To the credit of the reporters here, the request they filed has the receipts. It shows that only after a plate was approved, changed, and then reapproved, did the state’s Tourism and Recreation Department decide to hold a focus group. The results? The original “Guardian” license plate was the most popular, and the red ones were among the least popular.
A reporter confronted the Governor about this, and it doesn’t sound like it went well:
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt gave a defensive and combative response at his recent press availability event when we asked about the process of selecting the state’s new license plates.
“Who told you to ask that?” he asked.
The governor’s office eventually released a statement saying that:
There is no law that says that the results of a focus group dictates (sic) the license plate for the state. If it doesn’t suit your fancy, there are over 100 different other designs to check out. The Governor, Lt. Governor, Department of Tourism and Department of Commerce worked together to decide on a license plate design. Any recommendation from a focus group would aid in informing that decision.
That (sic) correcting the poor grammar of the governor’s office is from Fox 25 and represents a sic burn, if you catch my drift.
Obviously, none of this truly matters. As the Governor points out, there are many alternative options for people wanting to get a license plate in the state. In fact, Oklahoma has some sick plates, and most of them are quite cheap.
Check out this sweet National Weather Center tag:
The Guardian plate looks way better to me than the “Imagine That” tag, but I don’t live in Oklahoma, which means I get neither a vote nor a high chance of acquiring Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Special thanks to Jetta in the Discord for the tip!
Top graphic images: Oklahoma.gov; depositphotos.com
Looks like the governor just didn’t give a Stitt about what the people wanted…
Yeah, that pretty much sums him up.
Yeah, normally I don’t make jokes based on people’s names, as that’s usually just punching down; in fact I actually almost never ever do so and I really oughtn’t have said that about the governor but I was so appalled after reading up on the governor, good grief…
That catalogue of available plates is madness. With hundreds of variations, at some point, why even bother with standardized state plates? I think the highlight for me, in perusing the Klahoma plate catalogue (seriously, that logo is nearly as dumb as the contents) is the availability of two different universities from the state of Kansas.
Washington state is no slouch with custom plates:
Special design plates | Washington State Department of Licensing
I love that you can use restored plates. Is that something most states do?
I don’t know. WA also has historical vehicle plates for cars that are older than 25 or 30 years old and along with the annual tags are issued at a discounted rate, but there are mileage restrictions. I have never had anything that qualifies, so I’m not sure on the exact rates and limitations.
I’ve got a 1990 Washington plate with the script lettering, but same blue Mt. Rainier in the background. Picked up a repro registration sticker on ebay and it’s good to go. It’s not for regular commuting duty, but the restrictions on driving are reasonable for a second car.
I had 71 Texas plates on my 71 Coupe deVille
Looks more North Korean in the color scheme than Soviet.
“…Increasing problem for governors they seem to push though designs and not listen to public opinion…“
Hey, it could be worse.
We got an underwhelming, overpromising and lying (highest building in NA counting a gazillion feet antenna, you’re right, it’s the tallest) ordinarybomination to replace the Twin Towers in New York, that was pushed through by Pataki and a couple other people no one had heard about before or after.
The worst part about having this plate is that it means you live in Oklahoma.
Increasing problem for governors they seem to push though designs and not listen to public opinion. The New Mexico governor listened to public opinion and people were happy. With their free chili plate. The Colorado chili growers were having a war and they tried to get the same thing but they just put their logo on a plate and the Colorado governor just treated it like the rest where you have to pay a fee to get it but no extra after. The black plates seem to have lead to red blue and green plate everywhere. That plate really does look like some flag or poster from the USSR. It being an Oklahoma plate makes it even funnier.
I got the black plate because it looks great on my car but I’m gonna miss the old plates with the mountains if those disappear.
I almost got the reverse mountain the pre 2000 tag because I missed seeing them. But the car I was getting a tag for was blue so I got the 150 year tag with all the colors it’s free I’m not sure why there aren’t more of them. I get the black on something sporty or some black cars. So many of them now though getting kinda sick of seeing them.My neighbor is quite a character he put one on his newer mustang and his challenger when it came out looks nice. He swears the Californians are the primary ones getting them so he said he isn’t going to put them on anything else. He also color matched his truck with the blue also looks nice. Then put the red tag on his grlfriend’s red explorer I’m not a huge fan of it. He has an old bronco and an old mustang he put the old reverse mountain on looks really good.
Your neighbor has quite the stable of cars. The red plates have been the most hit or miss IMO, but I have seen some good looking ones
I think it’s too burgundy I guess they were going retro and that was the color. He owns a body shop and is basically a crazy old guy. There is a co part not too far so he will just go in there find something random and get a good deal then use the kids he brings in for work experience to fix it. Then he ends up painting it a crazy color and keeping it.
I guess it would be time for a bumper sticker from The Samples by then.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTCCzRBy90NBx8LQXKT7ciN0ezaL3U3PrCRVA&s
No way the mountain plates disappear. Even though the black plates are popular, the vast majority of plates issued are still the standard white on green mountain plates. Also, mountains are featured on every other plate aside from the black, red, and blue historic plates.
Love the chile plates, but I’m kind of a sucker for the old yellow and red. The turquoise were cool too. Nice work NM!
I always liked the old one alot too. I don’t see it as much anymore. I’m sure some people still get it. its always good when states give a fair amount of free options right then and there. I think Virginia stocks about 30 different designs you can choose from for free. I’ve believe Arkansas has quite a collection on the premise you can get free too.
It’s tough to win at this kinda stuff. Had they gone the other way, I’m sure it would have ended up being something like “Oklahoma – Platey McPlateface”
Rochester, NY would like to have a chat. Nobody, but nobody takes plates away from Rochester! As any drunk Rochesterian can tell you, the plate is the best anti hangover food ever! The culinary delight that is a plate does not want to be associated with a mere license plate. Much less one that looks like it belongs on a Soviet vehicle.
In Soviet Oklahoma, license plate is red for you.
Sounds like the governor is Stalin for a reason.
It looks more like a MAGA plate to me.
They probably didn’t go with the Native American plate because “woke” or “DEI” or some bullshit.
That’s because it essentially is.
Does Oklahoma charge you yearly to have an alternate plate? I was recently considering getting an alternate plate in my state until I realized they cost an extra $40-50 per year on top of their already extremely high registration fees.
They do! The prices are pretty reasonable though, $15-$25, and the renewal prices are discounted, you don’t have to pay the full price each year *glares at $25/year Georgia Aquarium plate*
If I were to live in Oklahoma, I’d be really tempted to get a vanity plate that reads “HMR SKL”.
Just kidding. If I were to live in Oklahoma, I’d be looking for a way out.
Old 66 goes to both LA and Chicago. One can be pricey and the other gets real winters but David and Mercedes respectively seem happy with those choices.
“Who told you to ask that?” he asked.”
Huh. Its rather fitting that a question straight out of the 1980’s USSR gets asked by Oklahoma’s governor, in a press conference celebrating Stalin’s favorite license plate.
“Using color and intentional symbology, this design pays tribute to Oklahoma’s culture and history, nodding to iconic landmarks, our original flag, state animals, and more. This design celebrates much of what makes Oklahoma unique, and I am excited to see it out on the road,”
Because those state animals are also red and seen out on the road?
Those animals seen out on the road, all gloriously red and splattered, also make up the majority of the protein diet for the average Oklahoman. Hey-oooo!
That DOES explain all the oversized pickups.
“Instead, it just had a white star with the number 46 in it, to recognize the average IQ of… sorry. I said I wouldn’t do this.”
HEY!!! As a resident of Texas’ hat, I might take offense at this.
However, we all know the reason the state slogan is “Oklahoma is OK” is only because no one born here can spell mediocre.
They can’t even spell okay.
Sure I can: M-E-D-I-O-K-R-E
Wait. Shit. Another spelling be down the drain.
(I wasn’t actually born in OK I just couldn’t resist)
In the early part of the last century, the Socialist party was probably more successful in Oklahoma than any other state. “In 1914, the Sooner State elected 175 Socialist candidates to county and township positions, including six to the state legislature, alarming the political establishment.” (source).
I’m sure it’s just a coincidence.
I think Hardibro just mad because the star is…messing with Texas.
I’ve heard that’s strongly discouraged.
Looks like a reverse Macy’s logo.
While I wouldn’t have considered the red plate “Soviet looking” if not pointed out to me, I’m not surprised that certain members of our government are thrilled about something looking more like their idols.
““Who told you to ask that?” he asked.” Nobody, you disingenuous piece of shit, and any politician asking that question should not be trusted as far as you can throw them.
You can get a checkered flag plate with the Hallett outline.
https://www.hallettracing.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/HMRC-license-plate-design-2-scaled.jpg
That looks pretty cool.
Arizona has the best plate.
Utah’s Arches plate is hard to beat.
Colorado also great.
I’m partial to New Mexico’s black tag with the bright peppers on it. Color, contrast, whimsy, it has everything!
AZ is fine, but for us non-Arizonans, it just evokes ALL THE UHAUL TRUCKS blocking traffic. It’s June, moving season is upon us all…
For my fellow San Diegans, it’s oblivious idiots camping in the left lane. They’re not nicknamed “Zonies” for no reason.
Can confirm
Hey man, just thought I’d say we miss you over on OPPO – hope you and yours are doing well!
Both of my kids live in Flagstaff. Does anybody know where I can get a tiny Roadrunner sticker to sneak onto their license plates?
Everything looks Soviet if you’re paranoid enough
Just ’cause I’m paranoid doesn’t mean they aren’t out to get me
OK, home to tough red meat eating men. Single star look strong. Red look angry. Big strong man, lower corner. We red state, rah, rah.
“Who told you to ask that?” Me tough. Nunnya bidness.
I’m not sure if you’ve read any news sources in the last decade or so, but most politicians no longer believe they are beholden to their constituents these days.
I’m sorry… only most?
Also, the whole plate is essentially the old OK state flag, before they recognized native tribes, combined with a rip off on the old Texas General Issue plate that had Texas Icons and the space shuttle on it.
https://www.txdmv.gov/assets/img/license-plates/panoramic-texas.png
If they’re going to have OK icons, at least they could include the COCK ring from Oklahoma City.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DmXMActU0AAHETt?format=jpg&name=small
Yup. The only thing that would get some people to overlook potential communist symbolism is if they can use it to show their desire to live during a time when only straight white Protestant men can vote and own property. The Gov knows he has a winning issue with Oklahoma citizens.
I’m not saying it looks like the Red Army logo, but I’m not, not saying it either.
https://content.sportslogos.net/logos/90/2708/full/8482__cska_moscow-alternate-2013.png