NEW LICENSE PLATES MAKE BRIGHT DEBUT

The new Missouri license plates are appearing on vehicles, and the new design and colors are a welcome change from the old plates, which varied in color depending on what kind of vehicle they were on.

The new plates sport the same bright and clean appearance for all vehicles. The white background with its stylish spots of color, including a wavy line representing Missouri's river heritage.

It has been surprising to see how noticeable the new plates are -- and how quickly they are finding there way onto vehicles. Perhaps it really was time to change the longstanding maroon plates that have been a fixture on passenger cars for so long.