Illinois Denies About 550 Vanity-plate requests in 2025 as Officials Tighten Content Rules
Illinois’ vanity plate program processed more than 55,000 applications in 2025, with roughly 550 plates blocked for content concerns. The rejections focused on combinations deemed inflammatory, profane, offensive, or too hard to read on a license plate.
Breaking Details
State authorities say the denials underscore a commitment to keeping plates readable and appropriate for public view on roads and highways. The policy aims to curb anything that could distract drivers or convey inappropriate messages while preserving a measure of personal expression for motorists.
Notable Rejections on the 2025 List
The compiled refusals showcase a spectrum from Gen Z slang to more explicit phrases. Examples cited include BRICKED, ICUP, BDASMOM, SYBAU, and IBPOOPIN, illustrating the broad range of humor and self-expression considered ineligible.
Officials also highlighted PRIUSSY as a standout case, noting the plate’s provocative use of a well-known vehicle name. A short recap video accompanies the release, inviting viewers to weigh in on which rules applied to each submission.
Key Figures At a Glance
| Category | 2025 Figure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total vanity-plate applications | 55,000+ | Filed in 2025 |
| plates denied | About 550 | Because of content or readability concerns |
| Illustrative rejected plates | BRICKED; ICUP; BDASMOM; SYBAU; IBPOOPIN | Examples of restricted phrases |
| Most discussed rejection | PRIUSSY | Noted for provocative wordplay |
Official guidelines remain in place to ensure plates stay legible and appropriate for all motorists. For the authoritative rules, readers can consult the Illinois Secretary of State’s resources on vanity plates.
evergreen insights: what this means for the future of vanity plates
experts say the trend toward stricter screening is likely to continue as plate designs evolve with new slang and digital dialogue habits. Readability, legibility, and cultural sensitivity are increasingly prioritized to avoid confusion or offense on crowded roadways.
As states balance creativity with public decorum, drivers may increasingly seek clever phrases that comply with restrictions or pivot to more playful, non-provocative humor. Plate design considerations now emphasize clear typography and contrast to maintain quick readability from a distance.
What it means for motorists
If you’re considering a custom plate, review common-sense guidelines: opt for short, readable combinations; avoid ambiguous acronyms; and test how your choice reads on a standard plate. This can help prevent a denial before you submit your request.
How do you feel about vanity plates? What’s the funniest or most clever plate you’ve seen that passed the filter? Should states loosen or tighten restrictions on personalized plates? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Official guidelines are published by the Illinois Secretary of state. For authoritative data, visit the state’s official site here: Illinois Secretary of State – vanity plates.
