How Do Hoosiers Feel About Indiana’s New Blackout License Plate?

If you are an Indiana driver, there’s a good chance you had a big frown on your face this morning when you went to get in your car. I mean, who among us hasn’t wished upon a star that we had more choices when it came to our license plates? After all, it’s a reflection of who I am as a person, right? Well, that’s what the Indiana Department of Transportation seems to think anyway.

What Is the New Blackout Plate

Yesterday, the Indiana Dept. of Transportation unveiled its new “blackout plate,” which will become an option at local DMV branches across the state starting August 8. The plate will be available to all Hoosier drivers registering a passenger car, a light truck under 11,000 pounds, a motorcycle, or an RV, with a disability-accessible version to be released later, according to agency officials.

Who Can Get One and When

Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Mississippi have already started offering the “minimalistic design.” Some offer it in black, while others come in colors like blue and green.

“It’s very simple in its design, but it really gives car drivers and vehicle owners an opportunity to express themselves in a way that they haven’t had,” BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey said at Monday’s launch event, held at the Indiana Government Center in downtown Indianapolis. “It’s a form of expression for them.”

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Why the BMV Says It Matters

Officials are not only hoping the new blackout plate gives Hoosiers more options for customizing their cars, but also that it adds to state revenue. The state is hoping to generate over $3 million in revenue in its first year as it is cheaper to manufacture than other specialty plates.

How Much Does the Blackout Plate Cost

The blackout plate will carry an annual fee of $45, with an additional $45 fee if you want a personalized plate number. Personalized messages can contain up to seven characters and one space. Drivers can also swap out their current plates for a $9.50 fee if they don’t want to wait until renewal.

Where to Order and What to Avoid

For new registrations and renewals, the plate will be available via myBMV.com, at BMV Connect kiosks, or in person. Officials did warn that third-party websites may claim to offer the blackout plates, but only those issued by the BMV will be legal.

What Indiana Drivers Are Saying

I was curious what Hoosiers thought about the new plates. Personally, I don’t really care much about what kind of license plate I have. So, I checked out the post Governor Mike Braun made today. He posed for a photo with his custom "Indiana Governor" plate along with Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure Matt Ubelhor holding his "Ubelhor" plate. Within minutes, the comments not only addressed how people feel about the design, but also got deeply personal about how they feel about the governor, too.

“I’ll Stick with What I’ve Got”
Several commenters made it clear they’re not ditching their current plates anytime soon:

“I'll take the In God We Trust plate still.” – Benjamin Myers

“I'll keep 'In GOD We Trust' and the American flag.” – Rob Young

Concern Over Cost and Taxes
Some responses focused less on the design and more on what they see as unnecessary spending:

“How much did you just raise my taxes to take this picture?” – Robby Turner

“How much taxpayer money did you spend on your personal property today? Asking for Hoosier taxpayers….” – Ashley Fugate Hentz

“Does BMV still sell our information for profit without consent? Where is that money going?” – Brenda Foley Ruger

Sarcasm and Side-Eye
From helicopters to daylight saving time, some folks used humor or shade to express how they really feel:

“How much to get one on my helicopter?” – Stacy Collins

“Yes yes, tackling all the important issues.” – Jesse Long

“And we still haven't ended daylight saving time. Spring forward and stay there.” – Craig Davis

“The black abyss of Indiana?” – Bobbi Meisenheimer Goodman

Not Sold on the Look
Some just didn’t get the appeal:

“Why would anyone choose this and pay more for it?” – Greg Smith

“I wish you guys still had the 'amber waves of grain' plates. They were much better looking than the bland ones now.” – Adam Davis

A Few Fans in the Mix
Not everyone was critical—some Hoosiers are here for the sleek style:

“Clean & crisp. Love it.” – Erin Sheridan

“I like those plates.” – Luke Misner

The "Real" Reason for Blackout Plates
A handful of Hoosiers questioned the real motive behind the minimalist design. Though I couldn't find specific information about cameras and blackout plates, it does make sense.

“I suspect these will eventually be the only option. Makes it much easier for cameras to grab plate numbers.” – Brad Wariner

“The reason they're making these plates is so that cameras can read them from further away.” – Mike Stewart

The Proof is in the Purchasing

Apparently, not everyone hates the plate. According to the Indiana Capital Chronical, other states have seen a huge demand for the blackout plates. Minnesota sold more than 250,000 plates its first year and Iowa has around 586,000 or 12% of plates issued are now blackout plates.

So, what do you think? Sleek, cool design or governement coverup?