Vanity license plates have always been a source of amusement or, in some cases, frustration for drivers. While most of us settle for random combinations of letters and numbers, some individuals go above and beyond to make a statement with their custom plates. Whether they’re trying to show off their wealth, their humor, or just make us laugh, these personalized plates never fail to get attention.

While it’s easy to roll your eyes at some of these plates—especially the ones that scream “Look at me!”—others bring a little joy to the road. And let’s face it, during long car rides, we all appreciate some roadside entertainment, even if it’s in the form of a witty license plate. From dad jokes to playful riddles, people have found ways to bypass DMV restrictions and bring creativity to their cars.

Despite efforts by the DMV and other automotive authorities to maintain decorum, creative license plates have found their way onto the road. These plates stand out for their cleverness and humor, making you chuckle as you pass by. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the most entertaining vanity plates out there. Let’s dive in and see which ones made the cut!

The History of License Plates

Before we dive into the funny plates, let’s take a quick look at the history of license plates in the U.S. According to Chrysler Capital, the first license plates made of iron and covered with porcelain enamel were issued by the state of Delaware. While these plates were visually striking, they were also incredibly fragile, leading manufacturers to experiment with other materials such as cardboard, leather, and even pressed soybeans. Today, Delaware remains the only state that still offers porcelain license plates, with prices starting at $110.

The Evolution of Vanity Plates

In 1928, Idaho introduced the first graphic license plate featuring—you guessed it—a potato. Soon after, in 1931, Pennsylvania created the first personalized plate. As Americans became more prosperous, vanity plates grew in popularity, allowing drivers to express themselves through their vehicle’s registration.

License plates have since become a significant source of revenue for states. The increased fees for custom or vanity plates have generated hundreds of millions of dollars, funding important projects like education and wildlife conservation. Today, personalized plates are more popular than ever, even though they come with a higher price tag.

Fun Facts About License Plates

Did you know that in most states, prisoners produce license plates as part of a work program? With the exception of Alaska, Hawaii, and Oregon, which use private factories, the majority of states rely on inmates to mass-produce plates. Interestingly, the U.S. Postal Service doesn’t require or display license plates on its vehicles, a fun fact you may not have noticed before!

Vanity plates are now legal in every state, with Virginia leading the country in the highest percentage of custom plates, followed by New Hampshire and Illinois. On the other end of the spectrum, Texas has the lowest percentage of personalized plates. What does this say about Texans? Maybe they prefer keeping things straightforward!

The World’s Most Expensive License Plate

Now, let’s talk about what may be the most jaw-dropping license plate story yet. In August 2023, a vanity plate with the simple code “P7” sold at auction for an astonishing fifteen million dollars. Yes, you read that correctly—fifteen million! The proceeds from the auction were donated to charity, making the purchase a bit easier to justify. But what does “P7” stand for? Absolutely nothing! It’s just a unique plate, proving that exclusivity alone can come with a hefty price tag.

What Makes a License Plate Great?

So, what’s the best vanity plate out there? It all depends on your sense of humor and personal taste. Some people prefer clever wordplay, while others enjoy plates with hidden meanings. One thing’s for sure, though: the internet is full of creative, hilarious, and even expensive license plate ideas that never fail to entertain. Whether it’s a dad joke, a subtle reference to pop culture, or something completely random, vanity plates bring a little bit of personality to the road.

As long as drivers are willing to shell out extra cash for a custom plate, we’ll continue to see these creative expressions on our highways. So, the next time you’re on a road trip, keep an eye out—you never know when you’ll spot a plate that will make you laugh out loud!