The DMV requires 7,500 drivers to commit to ordering a vanity plate before it begins to produce it. Profits from the plate then benefit local charities. This seemed like a reasonable goal to Bay Area nature groups, who planned on launching a new license plate featuring local attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marin Headlands, and birds. Organizers believed that the new plate could raise as much as $1 million per year to support Bay Area nature reserves.
Then the economy tanked, and people began to cut back on expenses. One of the first fatalities was vanity license plates, and the new plate was an early victim. To date, only 300 people have registered to purchase it, and with a July 21 deadline to get 7,500 commitments time is running out. Nevertheless, organizers are hopeful that with more outreach the plate will debut some time in 2010. Read more at KCBS.
