Even though there were no motor vehicles on Maryland roads in 1812, state officials are now unveiling a new license plate that will honor the historic war from that year.
The War of 1812 plate will become standard on all Maryland vehicles, ending the reign of the current, boring black-and-white design.
The Motor Vehicle Administration introduced the new plates on Saturday during the agency's centennial celebration at its Glen Burnie headquarters.
The plates feature a scene around Fort McHenry during the War of 1812. Just as described in the "Star-Spangled Banner," the license plate shows the broad stripes and bright stars streaming o'er the ramparts as the bombs are bursting in air.
The War of 1812 plates replace the black-and-white standard issue plates for all cars, trucks, motorcycles and other vehicles,
starting on Monday.
Officials say the new plate will be issued through June 2015.
For more information on the new plates, click here.
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For more on the "Star-Spangled Banner" and the War of 1812, click here.
And check out Ricksplates.com for a photo history of Maryland license plates.
