<P> The U.S. state of Rhode Island first required its residents to register their motor vehicles and display license plates in 1904 . </P> <P> Politicians have distributed low - numbered license plates since 1904 (when the first black and white porcelain plates were issued by the state) as a way to reward supporters or associates . Such plates have become a status symbol, similar to the culture surrounding low - numbered plates in Delaware . State officials made Rhode Island one of the few states to allow the owner to transfer license plates to other family members in their will . Additionally, an official license plate lottery was implemented in 1995 through the Governor's Office for "preferred plates". A plate's value depends on its category, with the traditional "Ocean State" legend plate (or "wave plate") being the most valuable . The Division of Motor Vehicles also allows a motorist to choose the two letters at the beginning of the plate serial, provided that such a combination is available on - hand and is not considered a "preferred plate". </P> <P> In 1956, the U.S. states and Canadian provinces came to an agreement with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators, the Automobile Manufacturers Association and the National Safety Council that standardized the size for license plates for vehicles (except those for motorcycles) at 6 inches (15 cm) in height by 12 inches (30 cm) in width, with standardized mounting holes . The 1956 (dated 1957) issue was the first Rhode Island license plate that complied with these standards . </P>

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