Introduction
Most people know that the word vain means to be conceited. The word vanity means being vain -- having too much pride in your appearance. These days, that word is connected not just to people. A personalized license plate -- the kind that people pay extra money for-is called a "vanity plate."
Next time you're out for a drive or walking through a parking lot, check out the vehicles around you. Many of them have vanity plates. While most people still settle for ordinary, everyday plates, there are lots of folks who like to get personal with their cars.
For many people, a vanity plate is an extension of their personality. Quieter types may have a plate that shows only their name, nickname or initials. People who are less shy could have plates that express their love for their car, profession, partner, pet or favorite hobby or sport. A vanity plate can show a person's playful side, mood or favorite saying, or it may be a friendly greeting. Outspoken types prefer to say something funny, trendy or cool, or to use their plates as a chance to brag.
Then again, there are some people who put on messages that are just plain crazy. For example, on one VW Beetle, the plate said BOBS MG. When someone commented to the owner that the car wasn't an MG, the man replied, "I'm not Bob." Go figure!
The possibilities are limited only by a person's imagination and creativity. By dropping vowels or consonants, and using numbers in place of whole words or parts of them, people can get their point across with very few letters. For example, 2L8 2W8 = too late to wait. And 4U2NV = for you to envy. Get the idea? You can put most words on a plate, as long as you follow the government's rules.
The pages of this book are filled with a fun and fascinating look at some of the endless possibilities for vanity plates. Have a good time decoding them. But this isn't just a book of license plate pictures. There's also a brief history of the use of license plates -- plus lots of way cool facts.
Need something to do on your next long car trip? Try out the great license plate games in this book. You'll be at your destination before you have a chance to ask, "Are we there yet?"
There are hours and hours of entertainment in The Way Cool License Plate Book. JST4U. HVFUN.