I know that here in sunny Califunny there is a process that allows older cars and trucks to use Year of Manufacture license plates. It has always been my impression that this process is limited to matching the YOM plate to a corresponding automobile model year ( or something close to that).

Lately, over the past week or so, as I travel around town doing whatever it is that I typically do, I've observed two different vehicles with what appear to be valid CA plates that are yellow letters on a black field. I believe this color combination was issued between 1963 and 1969. Yet the cars I observed were new or nearly new, not over 2 years old. As I write this I realize I failed to notice whether the plates were the original 3 letters followed by 3 numbers or the current 1 number 3 letters 3 numbers configuration.

Anybody know what's up with this? They were both black upper end cars, so maybe a little unauthorized paintwork to avoid the "ugly" blue and red on white? Or, is there something new out there?

That is the new color offered by the dmv you can order for your new car.

New program. You can get repo black and yellow, blue and yellow or the 1956 issue, yellow and black from the DMV for use on any year car.

New program. You can get repo black and yellow, blue and yellow or the 1956 issue, yellow and black from the DMV for use on any year car.

No kidding? Well, that's something new I've learned today. Thanks!!

As stated its a new program that went into effect the first of the year. Only the black and yellow were approved, the other two color combinations did not get enough subscribers. You can either get a personalized plate as I did or get the same license number that is currently on your car. Since this is Calif of course it costs more $$