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Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 1:19 pm
by RoyGBiv
Y'all are a tuned-in bunch, maybe you can help me figure out the reason....

The cost of a 6-letter, personalized, "Don't Tread On Me" Texas license plate is $90/year with a 5 year minimum.
$450 to place an order. :banghead:

My NC personalized plates were $30/year in addition to the registration cost. Payable every year when I paid my registration, not 5 years up front. In VA the cost of a "Special" plate is only $10/year extra ($20 if you personalize it).. Also paid annually.

Why is Texas so expensive?

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 2:10 pm
by Syntyr
I am interested as well. I was going to get STR SHP to put on my Porsche 911 so dont take it... Then again its not likey i will ever get my 911 so you can have it!

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 2:15 pm
by Abraham
Roy,

Don't know, but we're not in NC or VA.

I'm not being flippant or ugly, but when I see posts about other states and how they do it, whatever "it" may constitute, I just shake my head.

Please note, until I posted no one has criticized your post.

Why do suppose that is?

Answer: We're in Texas and not some other state.

I too find some things not to my liking, but overall I wouldn't want to live anywhere else.

Now, pay up or do without.

Besides, customized plates are very tough for our prisoners to produce.

Sheesh!

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 2:25 pm
by G26ster
Perhaps because NC & VA have state income tax, and we are one of seven that don't? Dunno. State has to get revenue one way or another. At least in TX you have a choice - get the plate, or not. In the other states with income tax, you have no choice.

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 2:30 pm
by jason812
Syntyr wrote:I am interested as well. I was going to get STR SHP to put on my Porsche 911 so dont take it... Then again its not likey i will ever get my 911 so you can have it!
I too one day want a 911. That is my ultimate dream car. No idea exactly why but it is. With that being said, if you can afford one, you can afford $500 for custom plates :cheers2:

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 2:35 pm
by RoyGBiv
So... If it's a revenue thing....

How many more would you sell at $30 or $40 or $50 billed annually vs. the current $450 pinch billed every 5 years.?

I'd wager that at $50 billed annually you would more than double the number of plates in circulation, resulting in more income for the State.....
But I'm just guessing.

:confused5

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 3:01 pm
by suthdj
Well I guess there are ppl inTX thst have $450 to throw away on plates. Me no way thats a lot of ammo or even a new gun.

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 3:01 pm
by The Annoyed Man
Maybe the prisoners have unionized? Hey, just trying to help. :mrgreen:

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 3:10 pm
by C-dub
IDK, no state income tax maybe? Gotta find revenue anywhere you can I guess.

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 3:58 pm
by gtolbert09
And don't forget in Texas you are paying for 2 plates. Front and rear.

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 4:15 pm
by Surgeon
Odd question. I've had mine for some time now and never had to pay up front. I just picked out what I wanted (three versions/choices) and paid when the plate came in. Didn't know they wanted money up front for 5 years... if I read that right.

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 4:24 pm
by Liberty
Some of these plates pay money to certain charities

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 4:30 pm
by The Annoyed Man
RoyGBiv wrote:Y'all are a tuned-in bunch, maybe you can help me figure out the reason....

The cost of a 6-letter, personalized, "Don't Tread On Me" Texas license plate is $90/year with a 5 year minimum.
$450 to place an order. :banghead:

My NC personalized plates were $30/year in addition to the registration cost. Payable every year when I paid my registration, not 5 years up front. In VA the cost of a "Special" plate is only $10/year extra ($20 if you personalize it).. Also paid annually.

Why is Texas so expensive?
I don't know the answer, but I can tell you that it has deterred me from having the plate I want ever since I moved here.

Re: Why Are Custom Plates So Expensive in TX?

Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2016 4:35 pm
by ScottDLS
I got some 14 years ago for my 2002 Corvette....long since sold. I don't remember them being that expensive. Maybe just ~$70 + the annual registration. But I definitely knew why we don't have an income tax....when I payed the SALES TAX on the 'Vette. But it's kind of like saying your Corvette uses too much gas...if you have to worry about it, you should have bought a Prius. "rlol"