Non-Passenger License Plates
Page III: Motor Vehicle Business Types

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The earliest known example of this rare type is the 1959 issue, dated "1960" and expiring March 31, 1960. All known motorcycle dealer plates begin with DM, followed by a number. Colors and replacement timing followed those characteristics of regular dealer plates, not private motorcycle and passenger car plates.

Very little is known about this rare type. Plates of the 1960s and early 1970s, the only ones verified to have been made and issued, are mostly in the format of regular dealer plates but feature a DT prefix. An exception is that at least the oldest plates (and perhaps others) are of the smaller size characteristic of motorcycle and motorcycle dealer plates.

This is the the most recent type to have been introduced in the Nation's Capital. Why and exactly when manufacturer plates were introduced is still unknown, but these images indicate that at least one corporation, General Motors, has availed itself of its ability to obtain them. The expiration date is printed in each upper corner, EXPIRES 10/31/05 on the red plate, EXPIRES 10/31/06 on the blue plate, and EXPIRES 10/31/07 on the orange plate. Based upon registration numbers on the examples shown it appears that they begin on plates of a new year where the previous year ended as opposed to beginning at 0000 or 0001 annually.

Transport, a vehicle dealer-related type, dates back to at least the early 1960s. Earlier plates include a diagonal DLR designation whereas later ones do not.

	This page last updated on September 5, 2010
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