The license plate game is a road game in which players attempt to identify license plates from all 50 states in the US. It’s a fun mental exercise that needs no equipment, and it turns long drives into friendly competition. Perfect for families, couples, or friends looking to stay engaged on the road. Whether you’re on a cross-country adventure or a short weekend trip, the license plate game gets everyone involved — and before you know it, the miles fly by.
Rear view of modern car with brake lights on during rush hour. Concept of irritation of being delayed by traffic jam. Road full of vehicles in panoramic composition.
Basic Gameplay Rules
Each player looks for license plates from different U.S. states. The goal is to spot all 50. Once someone sees a plate, they shout the state name, which is added to their list. Only the first person to call it gets credit for that state. No double points allowed. You can write plates down or use a tracking app for better accuracy. Whether you’re driving around looking for a used mitsubishi for sale, test driving it or going on a road-tripping with restless kids, this game will kill boredom fast.
What Counts, What Doesn’t
Plates on moving vehicles count. That includes cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and even RVs. Stationary vehicles, like those in parking lots or driveways, can count if you all agree beforehand. No credit for repeat sightings. Once a state is called, it’s off-limits for everyone.Out-of-country plates don’t count unless you’re adding bonus rounds for fun.
Winning the Game
The player who finds the most unique states before the trip ends wins. If someone finds all 50 states, the game ends immediately, and they win automatically. Ties go to the player who saw their last plate first. That keeps the pace competitive if nobody finds all 50, just tally at the end, and crown the highest scorer.
Make It Harder
Set a time limit, 2 hours or one stretch of highway. Use regional limits, like only spotting plates from outside your current state, and do not call until the whole plate is read aloud and confirmed by someone else. Add a twist by making players lose points if they call the wrong state.
Make It Easier
Use a shared list so everyone can contribute to finding all 50 states as a team. Let players call states even if they were seen by someone else. That helps younger kids. Allow repeats, but limit them to once per state. Helps if you’re in less-travelled regions. Skip rare states like Hawaii or Alaska if you’re in a landlocked area.
Tracking and Tools
Keep a notebook or use a license plate game app. There are plenty of free ones online. Apps help avoid duplicates and show which states are still missing. You can also print out a U.S. map and colour in the states. Using tools makes the game easier to manage on longer trips or with bigger groups.
Common House Rules
Set visibility rules. For example, no binoculars or phone photos allowed. Agree on spotting zones. Can the driver play? Can passengers call plates on the other side? Decide on a referee to settle disputes fast. It keeps arguments from ruining the fun. Be consistent, especially if you play across several days or with rotating players.
The license plate game is fast to start, low-stress, and endlessly customisable. It keeps passengers alert, breaks monotony, and sparks fun competition. Add categories like plate designs, slogans, or formats to shake things up. That version challenges observation skills even more and can make the game feel fresh on every trip.
