Hobbies And Interests
Significance
For many, collecting is a hobby that signifies a love for a particular sport, person, object, movie, celebrity or type of art. Many collectors enjoy displaying their admiration for a particular thing by means of a pin, T-shirt, bumper sticker or decorative license plate. Standard sizes for a plate are 6 by 12 inches, allowing it to easily be displayed on the front bumper of an automobile or on a wall to highlight a collection.
Function
Some people use decorative license plates simply for vanity purposes, novelties or as a gift. Many plates are considered collector's items because they are made for a limited time. Most plates attach to a vehicle with a mounting plate after the holes have been screwed in --- this allows for straight and easy installation. Additional locking fasteners and screws can be used to secure the plate and prevent the likelihood of theft.
Styles
The most popular styles of decorative license plates include American and foreign car logos, military support, religious, states, college teams, professional sports, motorcycles, tractors, trucks, flags and celebrities. Some are personalized to mark anniversaries and display names and faces of one's choosing. Most plates are colorful and include realistic airbrush effects. Plates sold by the Department of Motor Vehicles are often short-lived and go to benefit a cause within that particular state. Those that are created to raise funds for hurricanes, floods or wildlife allow for a percentage of the proceeds to aid each particular organization.
Considerations
One should consider first checking with state laws at the local Secretary of State office to see if it is permissible to display a decorative license plate on the front of the vehicle. Some states require both the front and back of a vehicle to have the same identifying plate issued by the state --- failure to do so could result in being ticketed or having the car impounded. Generally the decorative license plates that are made from heavy aluminum are more expensive than those made from a sturdy plastic. The aluminum plates provide greater detail because they carry a heat infused print that can be mirrored, diamond-plated or reflective. Purchasing clear plastic coverings for a decorative plate will help preserve the item and keep it from getting scratched and dented.
Purchasing
There are several places where one can purchase a decorative license plate. Most fairs and flea market vendors sell them to patrons and many times the plate can be personalized on the spot. Mass merchants and retailers like Wal-Mart carry generous selections of plastic plates that can be used for a bicycle or motorbike as well. Online retailers carry some of the largest assortments of plates such as License Plate Shop and Front License Plates. Most decorative license plates cost around $10 for small motorcycle or bicycle plates and between $15 and $30 for standard sized and specialty plates.