Vanity license plates have become extremely popular, but is their origin?

They were started in Connecticut before World War II, about 1939, and were furnished only to drivers who had a pefect driving record, no citations of any kind, for a minimum of five years. Thusly, they became a true "status symbol," and were forfeited if the driver received a citation while having one.

The cost was $5 (a lot of money in 1939). Today, most states allow them, and anyone can have one; unfortunately,there is little prestige in one today. But I have mine!

Jack R. Ellison

Seaview