Ohio fixes license plate mistake with new design

The new Ohio license plate is full to the brim with imagery.

• You've got rolling hills, a river, a rising sun and a city skyline.
• Gov. Mike DeWine told reporters during the announcement yesterday that the child and dog underneath the tree represents our state's future.

Why it matters: This is Ohio's first new license plate design in eight years, replacing the current plate of faded slogans and facts with a more colorful array.

Front and center: The Wright Brothers' plane pulling a banner reading, "Birthplace of Aviation." Take that, North Carolina!

Yes, but: The artist initially messed up the Wright flyer's direction.

• The tail-looking part was actually the front of the early-20th century plane, meaning this plate shows the banner being pushed, not pulled.
• The Ohio BMV quickly issued a redesign with the plane flipped to the correct side.

Driving the news: This new plate will be available for drivers starting in late December.

Reminder: As of last year, Ohioans only need a back license plate on their vehicles. The front plate is now optional.

💭 Tyler's thought bubble: The new design is a bit too crowded for my taste.

• I get the desire to combine rural and urban themes to not alienate any part of the state, but I'd prefer to see a simpler design with a central color and slogan.
• Maybe the BMV could sell any incorrect plates already printed to novelty hunters and donate the proceeds to charity.

📬 What's your opinion of the new license plate design? Send us an email at [email protected] and let us know.