Oklahoma rolling out new "Iconic Oklahoma Plate"

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) — Soon Oklahomans will be doing a double take on the roads with Oklahoma rolling out new license plates called the "Iconic Oklahoma Plate."

In a prominent red, the new license plates will be catching everyone's eyes.

Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell says the new plates show Oklahoma's roots as a state. The red signifies the original Oklahoma State flag, saying it was time for Oklahoma to have a new but familiar image.

"Usually the Department of Transportation, our public service organizations and public safety organizations really like to see a plate after about five years," said Matt Pinnell, Lt Gov. of Oklahoma. "So, that was one of the things certainly that factored into why a new plate and why now."

The new "Iconic Oklahoma Plate" received its final tweaks and is ready to roll out next month. The red is something Pinnell says was a staple in the decision.

"It was the original state flag, the 46 star license plate," Pinnell said.

Pinnell shared the new design on social media, but the reaction was mixed.

The symbols on the new plate are hand drawn landmarks representing all regions of Oklahoma. It also has the recently new state slogan "Imagine That" at the bottom.

"'Imagine That,' it really points back to again, imagine that I didn't know we had a Golden Driller Statue inside the state of Oklahoma," Pinnell said. "Imagine that I did not know about the about the bombing in Oklahoma City."

For every new vehicle bought, it will come with the new plates. For everyone else, you will not get a new plate unless you choose to purchase one.

"If you would like this plate, you can still pay $4," Pinnell said. "That's all it costs at any tag agency across the state of Oklahoma. What we hope for is if people do see it, say, 'hey, I want that,' it's very easy for them to go get one of those plates in the future and very affordable."

The new plates will begin being distributed on September 1st for newly purchased vehicles.

Those wishing to purchase a plate can do so during their vehicle registration renewal.