Connecticut Marker Plate History

Connecticut replaced the very successful 1937-1947 passenger markers with a new and equally innovative base plate in 1948. It retained the overall dimensions of 9 1/4 inches by 6 inches that had been in use since 1932 and the tab box insert system that began in 1937. The state name abbreviation of “CT” was adopted and placed on the bottom right. This ended the use of “CONN” that had been continuously employed since its introduction in 1914. The raised tab boxes remained though the slots were reversed with one on the left and two on the right side.

The new design had a radical safety feature in that if was fully reflective and the first use of such a concept in the country. The reflective material, known as Scotchlite, was composed of impregnated plastic sheeting supplied by the 3M Company of Minneapolis, MN. This was bonded to a flat aluminum base that was embossed with the letters and numbers and border, which were then painted black. The Scotchlite coating, which ranged from a very pale yellow to a weak gold in color, was intended to reflect in the headlights of oncoming or following vehicles and was very effective in practice.

While its reflective qualities were first rate, the poor durability of the Scotchlite coating in Connecticut’s climate soon became a major issue. It flaked and eroded easily and would wear off in a few years with repeated cleanings. In response to this deficiency, 3M introduced a new and much hardier reflective coating in 1950, now an off-white color. The new material was used by the state for all passenger registrations through 1954.

During 1953 the DMV changed its long-standing tradition and began issuing five digit only passenger markers. In 1953 the numbers issued ran from 10,000 to near 55,000. During 1954 the balance of the numbers up to 99,999 were produced.

1948-1954: A New Permanent Marker Base