Modern Motoring in the District of Columbia

Photographs by J. Reid Williamson

Special plates issued beginning in 1991 to honor the 200th anniversary of Washington's founding were issued for about 10 years, and may still be seen in use. All include the number 200 followed by a three-letter combination, and based upon its lead letter, L, and visible month sticker, we believe this plate was issued in November1999.

This bright green Volkswagen camper was built in the late 1970s. Very few examples of this rare model are probably still registered in Washington, D.C.

This taxi, a retired law enforcement vehicle, is stuck in traffic on 14th St., SW, approaching the National Mall. Most of the plate's graphic red features, including the flag divider, have faded from prolonged exposure to the sun, indicating that it was made on plain white sheeting with silk-screen printed red accents rather than with graphic sheeting.

A typical mid-winter D.C. traffic scene, although the presence of a vehicle registered with commercial plates is unusual.