Kansas faced criticism over its proposed navy blue and deep gold license plate design, with concerns that it might be perceived as dull or unattractive.
Responding to widespread disapproval, Democratic Gov. Laura Kelly halted its production just six days after unveiling the design. Facing potential legislative intervention, she promised a public vote on alternative designs.
The criticized design featured mostly gold with a navy strip at the top, navy numbers, and no artwork, diverging sharply from the current pale blue plate with navy letters, embossed state seal, and white accents.
The existing plate’s deterioration and decreased legibility prompted the proposed change, according to the state Department of Revenue.
Initially praised for promoting optimism, the design faced opposition, with comparisons to a New York plate and associations with the University of Missouri’s colors.
Facing potential legislative intervention, Republicans were prepared for a pause and public comment.
Despite the initial intentions, the design received widespread disapproval, with critics deeming it “ugly as sin.”
This reaction is undesirable for Kansas officials, aiming to counter perceptions of the state as flyover country, given its stunning prairie vistas.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear,” Kelly said in a statement issued Tuesday by her office. “Elected officials should be responsive to their constituents.”
