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Colorado License Plates: Red vs. Green – What Sets Them Apart?

Colorado License Plates: Red vs. Green – What Sets Them Apart?

Are you wondering what the difference between the red and green Colorado license plates is? There is actually quite a bit of difference between the two. Simply put red license plates indicate that the owner has purchased a standard license plate, while green plates signify that the vehicle is registered to a special organization that is exempt from taxes.

In this blog post will also highlight the benefits of each plate and how they can help increase the safety of Colorado drivers. So if you’re looking to learn more about the Colorado license plates and the difference between the two, this blog post is for you.

The significance of the color of Colorado license plates

Colorado license plates come in two colors – red and green. The color of the plates is important because it indicates the type of vehicle it is associated with. The passenger vehicles carry red license plates.

Passenger vehicles include SUVs, pickups, and cars. While special vehicles that need immediate identification are usually equipped with green ones. Such vehicles may include certain businesses and law enforcement agencies.

Reasons of Significance

EnforcementThe reason for the distinction between the two colors is largely for the purpose of enforcement.
IdentificationRed plates are required for passenger vehicles because it allows law enforcement officials to distinguish them from all other special vehicles.
DistinctionThis allows the enforcement of laws and regulations that may not apply to special vehicles for example laws concerning registration, insurance, and speed limits.
The significance of the color of Colorado license plates

In addition, the color of license plates can also help law enforcement officers identify vehicles involved in crimes. Red license plates are more likely to be associated with passenger vehicles, so if a crime was committed involving a red plate vehicle law enforcement may be able to identify the vehicle more quickly and effectively.

It is important that the license plates are kept up to date and the plates match the type of vehicle they are associated with in order to ensure the most effective enforcement and identification.

Red Colorado license plates – what they mean and who can have them

In Colorado, drivers have the option of choosing between a standard red or green license plate. Red license plates are the standard plates issued to drivers with valid driver’s licenses. Red plates are required for all drivers who wish to register and operate a vehicle in Colorado. These plates are also issued to drivers who have previously registered in the state.

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A license plate

Red license plates are required for all vehicles used to transport goods and materials. In order to receive a red license plate, the vehicle must be registered with the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles. The red license plate typically displays the registration number, the vehicle’s make and model, and the name of the vehicle’s owner.

Green Colorado license plates – what they mean and who can have them

Green Colorado license plates are special vanity plates that can be used to express yourself in a unique way. These plates are issued by the Colorado Department of Motor Vehicles and require an additional fee beyond the regular vehicle registration fees.

Moreover, green license plates are available to certain groups and organizations that are registered with the state. These include

  • members of the military and veterans
  • non-profit organizations
  • certain businesses
  • drivers with special needs, such as those with physical or mental impairments

The green license plate typically displays the organization’s or individual’s name or logo, as well as the vehicle’s registration number

Green Colorado license plates have a unique design that sets them apart from other Colorado license plates. The base color is a bright green and the numbers are printed in black. The letters on the license plate are also printed in black and are arranged in two lines, with the letters in the second line being taller than those in the first. There is also a state of Colorado outline in the middle of the plate.

The most common use for green Colorado license plates is vanity plates. These plates can be used to express your personality and interests. For example, you may want to put your name or initials on the plate, or you may want to say something about your favorite hobby or something else that is meaningful to you.

Registration documents

Green Colorado license plates are not just for vanity plates. These plates can also be used to show support for certain causes, charities, or organizations. For example, some plates feature the logo of an organization or a cause, or they may feature a slogan or message that supports that cause

Differences between red and green Colorado license plates

In Colorado, both red and green license plates are available for purchase.

Type of Plate

The main difference between the two is that the red plates are considered standard plates and the green plates are for special-interest vehicles.

Shape and Design

Standard Colorado plates are red and rectangular in shape. They feature the classic C-shaped mountain design, which is encircled by a white border. The plate number is printed in white against a black background. Special-interest plates, on the other hand, come in green and feature a more modern style. These plates are curved, rather than rectangular, and they showcase a red silhouette of the Colorado state flag. The plate number is printed in black against a white background. Special-interest plates can be personalized with a message or wording of your choice. The message must be approved by the Colorado Motor Vehicle Division before your order can be processed.

Fee

Red license plates can be obtained after paying a standard fee whereas, for green plates depending on the customization and the type of message chosen, additional fees may be applied.
For more in-depth information on both types of plates, check the following video:

Colorado license plates – what they mean and who can have them

How to obtain a red or green Colorado license plate

If you’re interested in obtaining a red or green Colorado license plate, you will need to fill out the appropriate application. To obtain a red plate, you can visit your local county clerk’s office and submit the application. The cost for a red plate varies but is usually just a few dollars.

On the other hand, green plates are only available to individuals who are part of a qualifying organization, such as the US military, volunteer firefighters, or a state government agency.

To get a green plate, you must first contact the organization to determine if you are eligible. If you are, you will then need to fill out an application and submit it to the organization. The cost of a green plate also varies, but will generally be more expensive than the red plate fee.

Once you have received your new plate, you will need to attach it to your vehicle and make sure it is correctly displayed.

red and green
Different license plates

Historical background of Colorado license plates

Colorado has a long and rich history with license plates. First made available in 1915, license plates have become an integral part of the state’s culture.

The very first license plates issued in Colorado were made of porcelain and featured the state’s name and number. As the years went by, the plates changed, adopting new designs and colors to reflect the state’s changing culture.

The earliest plates would often feature the state flag, the Rocky Mountains, or the state seal. In the 1960s, the plates changed to feature a red background with yellow characters. This design was used for almost 20 years until the late 1970s when a green background began to be used.

Since then, the plates have gone through several more changes, but the basic design of the red and green plates has remained constant. License plates in Colorado have been an important part of the state’s identity for many years.

Interesting facts about Colorado license plates

Colorado license plates are a unique way to personalize your car and show off your state pride. In addition to the red and green license plates, Colorado also offers specialty plates. These plates allow drivers to customize their vehicle even further by choosing a new background color, as well as a unique design or slogan.

No matter which type of Colorado license plate you choose, you can be sure that you’ll be showing off your state pride in style.

FAQs

What is the difference between a red and green Colorado license plate?

The most obvious difference is the color.

Conclusion

  • In conclusion, the difference between a red Colorado license plate and a green Colorado license plate lies in its meaning.
  • Red Colorado license plates signify that the vehicle is a passenger-type automobile like an SUV or pickup while green Colorado license plates signify a special vehicle like a veteran of the United States Armed Forces or an NGO or disabled person.
  • Both types of license plates allow for the driver to be identified as a Colorado resident.

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