SEVEN4U: New License Plates in Connecticut Allow Seven Characters

This article was written by Eileen McNamara. 

Always wanted that unique vanity license plate that apparently wasn't so unique because someone else already had it? Well, now's your second chance to get a personalized plate. 

A computer upgrade at the state's Department of Motor Vehicles now allows license plates with seven characters instead of the usual six. The move opens up the possibility of millions of new vanity plate combinations for Connecticut motorists. 

The new plates, which are being issued starting this month, the Journal Inquirer of Manchester reports,  are the result of a $26 million upgrade in the DMV's computer system. The change represents the first time in more than 30 years that the DMV has changed its license plate rules to allow more combinations. 

But for those of you already considering somewhat naughty license plate combinations, think again. The DMV works diligently to vet vanity plate applications in order to avoid salacious expressions. In fact, the agency has a naughty list of about 1,000 rejected license plate combinations, the Hartford Courant reports.