From California Post · · 1m 20s
California just ran out of license plates
After 46 years, the Golden State burned through every 1ABC234 combination and flipped the format backwards.
In brief
After 46 years, the Golden State burned through every 1ABC234 combination and flipped the format backwards. California's new plates read 123ABC4, a mirrored format meant to last another 40 years. Originally reported by California Post.
The Golden State hit the wall
With nearly 40 million residents, California finally exhausted its license plate combinations for the first time in 46 years.
“California is going backwards.”
One number, three letters, three numbers
Since 1980 the DMV issued plates in a 1ABC234 sequence. That run ended this year with the production of 9ZZZ999.
The format flips backwards
New plates mirror the old one: three numbers, then three letters, then a single number. Over 100 million combinations, expected to last 40 years.
“The new configuration is expected to last 40 years based on historical data”
Drivers are plate spotting
Californians from Crescent City to Imperial Beach have been posting sightings. One Redditor found their first on a 90s Civic hatchback in the Bay Area.
“Finally saw my first new series plate here in the Bay Area!”
110,000 old plates still waiting
The milestone 9ZZZ999 plate has not actually been issued yet. DMV and auto club offices still hold more than 110,000 plates in the old format.
Made by hand in Folsom
Inmates at Folsom State Prison stamp out roughly 45,000 California plates a day, covering the standard design plus 14 special interest versions.
The takeaway
California's new plates read 123ABC4, a mirrored format meant to last another 40 years.
