In Connecticut, UCANDO7 starting next year -- seven characters, that is, on a license plate.
The state has approved a $26 million upgrade to the Department of Motor Vehicles' computer system, which will allow for seven characters on license plates starting early next year, according to the Hartford Courant.
The move will open up many more combinations for so-called "vanity" plates, special license plates car owners request that can contain abbreviated slogan, nicknames or statements of belief.
It will also create greater revenues for the DMV, a spokesman told the Courant, because more people will be able to buy the more costly vanity plates. Currently, the DMV charges as much as $148 for vanity plates. That fee is on top of the regular costs of registering a vehicle.
The Connecticut DMV was recently highlighted in a report about measures the state government has taken to increase efficiency. According to the report, vehicle titles used to take 145 days to be issued. Now, the typical time is 22 days.
