Vanity plates are license plates for motor vehicles that are issued by the state motor vehicles department with a requested set of characters or logo, generally for a premium cost. Drivers may order vanity plates to contain a personalized message, or indicate a hobby, alumnus, interest, or cause. Available designs, messages, and fees vary by state.
Government officials contend that because they issue the plates, they can regulate the messages. For example, Vermont forbids messages that “might be offensive or confusing to the general public". "Choose life" plates have been argued to amount to an unconstitutional promotion of religion by the state issuing them.
