? Are you only seeing them on really old cars or any random car?

Are you sure they are Washington state plates? I see quite a few New Mexico ones that are black with red and green chilies.

You are probably seeing the California transplants cars

Maybe one of these? https://www.dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/specialdesign.html

Montana has black plates and is known as a place where people register expensive/exotic cars to avoid taxes.

I feel like specialty antique or classic car plates are black with white lettering.

Daamnnn 'bout to cop that square dancing drip

Newer cars, just saw a newer Yukon today and a newer Jeep a few weeks ago

Washington Plates for sure. Black background and white lettering. No special association with colleges, sports, etc.

And I don’t think that they are antique plates. I’ll try to get a pic when I see one next

It’s not what you’re referring to, but this solid black one is hopefully going to be a thing soon: https://www.americascarmuseum.org/donate/throwbackplate/

There’s a link in there to support both the house and senate bills.

Allamande left and a do-si-do?

many car guys get them for imports and some people legally black out their plates?

Maybe they're illegal designer plates? Banking on cops not caring about the look so long as the plate numbers come back legit? See: https://universe.byu.edu/2020/02/26/illegal-license-plates-what-you-didnt-know/ and as an example: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1400056866/washington-license-plate-wrap-kit-custom?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=washington+license+plate&ref=sc_gallery-1-13&frs=1&col=1&plkey=269740e6fd8723c93c7ebf370f626d439810ec14%3A1400056866&variation0=3229108176

I still have yet to see anyone with the J.P. Patches Pal plate, and I’ve been to all four corners of the state. That one gets me every time.

It’s Promenade! At least, that’s how I remember it when I last heard it at age 10 so many moons ago 🤣

How do you "legally" black-out a license plate?

I know people who painted or spray painted it black with colored stickers over the letters, usually white then put tabs on it

Seen that too, but deliberately changing the face of a plate is against the law, for a very good reason.

oh, I guess they got lucky then as they’re jdm guys and have never been pulled over

It's not just luck. In the last 2 years, a lot of patrol officers just aren't lighting people up for stuff like this, so what you're telling me isn't surprising at all.

They could be vehicles owned and operated by the state perhaps? I know federal plates are typically solid white with black lettering/numbering.

Trivia question the other night: How many different license plates are available in Montana?

At least 235.

My city just added more fees for licensing. Maybe it's time to register my 10 year old Ford in Montana.

This makes the most sense to me especially if your driving around Tacoma Seattle often. I'm sure the LeMay family and friends, associates etc. Have some kind of access to them already at least temporarily.

Probably spot on here. California has had black throwback plates for awhile now. Oregon has their dark navy blue Pacific Wonderland throwback plates. New Mexico has black novelty plates with chilis.

If they were truly Washington plates, then the only other possibility is Reviver Plate. I believe they are rolling out testing now in Washington State. Reviver Plates are electronic license plates.

Otherwise: California has black novelty plates. Oregon has deep navy blue Pacific Wonderland novelty plates, and New Mexico has black novelty plates with chili peppers.

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I'm almost positive those plates aren't legal. I haven't seen any plates you're describing in my area but I do see every other plate design our state offers. I would guess the owners of the plates your seeing are banking on cops not caring to issue a ticket if their number comes up correct and they have tags.

It’s terrifying, I want to get it for my partner as a gift 😆

Those parks and nature ones are sick

Texas has over 500 designs

Last I checked it was something like 37? Pretty ridiculous.

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I saw one the other day in Issaquah and it was, as you’re saying, a black plate that said Washington in white. I’m not sure where they’re coming from, but it was definitely a Washington plate.

"Legally" 😂