Next Generation License Plate Sheeting

Reflective materials have been a part of our roadways since the early days of motor vehicles. For example, roadway signs exist to provide positive guidance so that drivers can make timely, correct decisions on the roadway. But if that message on the sign is to be received by the driver it must be conspicuous and readable. At night, that challenge becomes even more acute; many variables must fall into place to make this possible including adequate headlamp illumination and sufficient sign retroreflection.

Over the past few years, many state and federal agencies have come to recognize the importance of having brighter signage. These agencies have moved away from encapsulated glass bead technology to brighter more efficient technology with the use of micro-replication.

The same roadway sign sheeting, using beaded technology has been used to make license plate sheeting for well over half a century. One of the primary purposes of a license plate is similar to a sign – provide a conspicuous reference point to others both day and night. To quickly communicate important information to its viewers including law enforcement, convenience store owners, pedestrians and, more recently, automated license plate readers (ALPR). In addition to being evidence of vehicle registration, the license plate is one of the most important and cost effective tools available to police officers. Since most crimes involve the use of a motor vehicle, having ready access to vehicle information can assist police officers in solving crimes.

Unlike highway guide signs, license plates also serve as a traveling billboard for many jurisdictions. States and provinces have a vested interest in promoting the latest image or agency cause – some would even consider the license plate a piece of art. For these people, the license plate sheeting serves as the canvas for their designs.

In the near future, license plates will continue to be a pervasive part of our lives with more road miles traveled and increased vehicle population on our roadways. Continuing to provide innovation that improves our lives, 3M will introduce the next generation of license plate sheeting. Using new technology that improves the aesthetics and visibility of your plate and including new innovations in security features that will help to authenticate the plate creating even better security. This new license plate sheeting will also offer a uniform and white canvas for plate designers.

After several product iterations based on months of input from motor vehicle agencies across the country, 3M will formally introduce their newest sheeting later this year at the annual American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) International Conference. Customers and other stakeholders have even helped to aptly name the new sheeting – 3M™ High Definition License Plate Sheeting.

Of course, seeing is believing.... Please contact your Government Services Manager for more information on High Definition License Plate Sheeting.

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