These specialty Minnesota license plates were the most popular in 2024

Yahoo! News - Apr 11th, 2025

In 2024, Minnesota saw an unprecedented surge in the popularity of blackout license plates, with nearly a quarter of a million plates sold, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. The simply designed black-and-white plates became available for the first time last year and quickly became the most popular specialty license plate in the state. Greg Loper, Vehicle Services Program Director, noted that the strong demand was anticipated based on trends observed in other states like Iowa. The plates require a minimum annual contribution of $30 and are available for various types of vehicles, including passenger cars, motorcycles, and recreational vehicles.

The trend of blackout license plates was particularly popular among middle-aged Minnesotans, with the highest rate of ownership found among residents aged 45 to 54. The plates were most commonly seen on luxury and adventure vehicles, with BMW, Cadillac, and Jeep owners being the most frequent adopters. The introduction of nine new specialty plates in 2024 further highlights the state's interest in personalized vehicle aesthetics, but none matched the popularity of the blackout design. This trend signifies a shift in consumer preferences toward minimalist and sleek vehicle accessories, potentially influencing future specialty plate offerings in Minnesota and beyond.

Bmw Minnesota Cadillac Blackout License Plates Specialty License Plates Greg Loper Minnesota Department Of Public Safety Vehicle Trends Jeep

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a mostly accurate and timely account of the popularity of blackout license plates in Minnesota, supported by reliable sources and official data. Its clarity and readability make it accessible to a general audience, though it could benefit from more balanced perspective representation and broader context. The potential impact and engagement are moderate, with limited controversy surrounding the topic. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about a specific consumer trend, but could be enhanced by exploring related implications and perspectives.

Accuracy

The article claims that 248,918 blackout license plates were sold in Minnesota in 2024. This figure is slightly lower than the 256,387 reported by other sources, indicating a minor discrepancy in the exact number. The article accurately states that blackout plates were the most popular specialty plates, corroborated by other reports. However, the demographic data regarding age groups and vehicle brands aligns well with external sources, adding credibility to these specific claims. The article's mention of the $30 annual contribution for the plates is also consistent with verified information. Overall, while the article is mostly accurate, the discrepancy in the number of plates sold slightly affects its precision.

Balance

The article primarily focuses on the popularity and sales figures of the blackout license plates, with limited exploration of opposing viewpoints or broader context. It presents a positive outlook on the plates' popularity without delving into potential criticisms or alternative perspectives, such as environmental concerns related to increased plate production or the impact on other specialty plates' sales. The article could benefit from a more balanced approach by including perspectives from individuals who might oppose the trend or those who prefer other specialty plates.

Clarity

The article is well-structured and presents information in a straightforward manner, making it easy for readers to follow. The use of numerical data and specific examples, such as the number of plates sold and demographic breakdowns, aids in comprehension. The inclusion of a quote from a relevant authority adds depth to the narrative. However, the article could benefit from a clearer explanation of the significance of blackout plates compared to other specialty plates, providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the topic's relevance.

Source quality

The article references data obtained from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services, a reliable and authoritative source for vehicle registration statistics. Additionally, it includes a quote from the Vehicle Services Program Director, Greg Loper, adding credibility through expert commentary. However, the article could enhance its source quality by incorporating perspectives from independent analysts or industry experts to provide a more comprehensive view. Nonetheless, the reliance on official state data and a credible spokesperson lends significant reliability to the story.

Transparency

The article provides clear attribution for the data, citing the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Driver and Vehicle Services and mentioning the St. Cloud Times as the original source. It also includes a quote from a relevant authority, enhancing transparency regarding the information's origin. However, the article lacks explicit details about the methodology used to gather and analyze the data, such as the timeframe of data collection or any potential limitations. Greater transparency in these areas would improve the reader's understanding of the data's context and reliability.