Transportation Cabinet
GOVERNOR ERNIE FLETCHER UNVEILS NEW UNBRIDLED SPIRIT LICENSE PLATE

Frankfort, Kentucky (July 19, 2005) – As the sun sets on the “smiley face” license plate, Kentucky’s unbridled spirit is racing to the forefront.   Governor Ernie Fletcher, joined by officials from the Transportation Cabinet and Department of Tourism, unveiled Kentucky’s new license plate today at Kentucky Speedway.  The announcement officially marks the sunset of the “smiley face” plate.

“This is a phenomenal opportunity to showcase our new state brand,” stated Governor Ernie Fletcher. “We wanted a plate that is clean, striking and promotes  Kentucky’s Unbridled Spirit. We are very excited about the new license plate and hope this captures the approval of every citizen throughout the commonwealth.”

Beginning August 1, 2005, residents who acquire a vehicle or who transfer a vehicle title to Kentucky will receive the new license plate.  Effective January 1, 2006, a resident renewing registration will receive the new plate.  By the end of 2006, all regular passenger vehicle plates will be the new “Unbridled Spirit” plate. 

“By next December there will be more than two million plates visible throughout the commonwealth,” said Acting Transportation Cabinet Secretary Bill Nighbert.  “The cabinet is putting to rest the “smiley face” license plate after many requests from constituents. We feel the new plate clearly represents the brand that the citizens of the commonwealth endorse.”

There is no additional cost to taxpayers to produce the new license plates. The cost is covered from a replating fund. The plates are for passenger vehicles only. The brand may also be incorporated on the specialty plates in the coming months.

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Fact Sheet

• On August 1, 2005 a newly acquired vehicle or vehicle transferring title to the state for the first time, will receive a new unbridled spirit license plate.

• Beginning January 1, 2006 a vehicle renewing registration will receive a new brand license plate.

• By the end of the year 2006, all regular passenger vehicle plates will be the new brand plate.

• Approximately 2 million plates will be produced at a cost of $3.5 million.

• Escrow funds collected for license re-plating ($.50/plate) will be utilized to pay for this re-plating process.  There are no additional costs to the taxpayers.

• Escrow funds available are sufficient to fund this re-plating process at NO ADDITIONAL COST to the Transportation Cabinet.

• Department of Corrections will produce these license plates in the same way as current license plates are supplied.

• The new brand license plates are for passenger vehicles only, no specialty or commercial license plates are available with the new brand.

• The current cycle to replace Specialty Plates in 2008 will not be affected by this re-plating process.  However, the “unbridled spirit” brand may be incorporated on specialty plates in the coming months.

• The current license plate (smiley face) will continue to be issued until July 31, 2005 with current supplies being utilized until exhausted to minimize waste.

• To minimize waste, cars already in the Kentucky license system will receive the smiley face plate through December 31, 2005.  Only brand new passenger vehicles (that have not been plated before) or vehicles that are being transferred from another state (that would need a new plate) will receive the new license plate.