When vehicle registration is renewed in Massachusetts, new license plates are issued. This leaves drivers wondering what to do with the old license plates. The old plates must be properly disposed of when they are no longer valid.
What to do with old license plates Massachusetts? As drivers face this question, some creative ideas come to mind. Perhaps they could be made into a piece of wall art or even used in a craft project. However, according to Massachusetts law, there are specific guidelines to follow.
Old Massachusetts license plates must be returned to the Registry of Motor Vehicles branch or destroyed. Simply throwing them in the trash is not an option. Proper destruction requires cutting the plates in half vertically so the numbers are no longer identifiable. Once destroyed, the pieces can then be discarded.
What Can I Do With My Old Massachusetts License Plates?
In Massachusetts, you have a few options for disposing of old license plates – you can return them to the RMV, destroy them yourself, sell them online, or get creative and reuse them in crafts, decor, or art projects. Some popular reuse ideas include making a license plate clock, picture frames, or wall art.
Why Do I Need To Turn In My Old Massachusetts License Plates?
If you are no longer using your license plates in Massachusetts, you need to notify the RMV and properly dispose of them to avoid potential issues. This includes if you have moved out of state, changed vehicles, or no longer own a vehicle. Properly disposing of plates helps ensure they cannot be misused.
What Are The Rules For Disposing Of Old Massachusetts License Plates?
Massachusetts requires you to either return license plates to the RMV branch, Registry of Motor Vehicles, or destroy them yourself by cutting them in half vertically. You also need to notify your auto insurance company. Do not simply throw them out or recycle them without destroying them first.
What Are Some Creative Ways To Reuse Old Massachusetts License Plates?
Some creative reuse ideas for old Massachusetts license plates include making clocks, mirrors, wall art, picture frames, or using them in mosaics or sculptures. They can add a fun, vintage flair to home decor projects. Some craft stores even sell license plate blanks and supplies for DIY projects.
Where Can I Donate My Old Massachusetts License Plates In Massachusetts?
Unfortunately there are not any formal donation programs for reused license plates in Massachusetts. However, some charities may accept them for craft projects or fundraising sales. You could also donate them to a local community theater or school art program for props and projects.
Properly Dispose Of My Old Massachusetts License Plates
To properly dispose of old Massachusetts license plates, you should deface the plates by scratching out the numbers and letters. You also need to remove any stickers on the plates. Once defaced, Dimensions Of Us License Plate you can bring the old plates to any full-service RMV branch office or drop them in a License Plate Return box located at many RMV Service Centers.
What Steps Do I Need To Take To Legally Dispose Of Massachusetts License Plates?
| Step | Description |
| 1 | Remove or deface registration stickers |
| 2 | Deface plate numbers |
| 3 | Return plates to RMV |
| 4 | Get receipt from RMV |
| 5 | Cancel registration |
To summarize:
Massachusetts requires returning old license plates to the RMV after defacing plate numbers and removing stickers. The RMV provides a receipt, then vehicle registration can be cancelled. Following these steps prevents reuse of old plates and ensures proper disposal.
Where Are The Authorized Locations To Return Old Massachusetts License Plates?
You can return defaced Massachusetts license plates to any full-service RMV branch office. You can also drop them in a License Plate Return box located at many RMV Service Centers across the state. Returning them at an authorized RMV location updates their records on the inactive plates.
What Fines Or Penalties Apply For Improperly Disposing Of Massachusetts License Plates?
If you fail to properly return Massachusetts license plates, you could face fines of $100 per plate. Additional penalties of up to $500 per plate may apply if you have canceled your registration and insurance before returning the plates. So it is important to follow the proper disposal process to avoid any fines or fees.
Crafts From License Plates
Old license plates can be cut, shaped, and incorporated into a variety of crafts projects. Some ideas include:
- Wind chimes
- Picture/photo frames
- Wall art/decor such as monograms or initials
- Mail organizers
- Coasters
- Serving trays or platters
- Jewelry like necklaces, bracelets or earrings
Household Items From License Plates
Around the home, license plates could be reused to make:
- Switch plate covers
- Magnet boards
- Coat hooks
- Tiered plant stands
- Bookends
Wall Décor From License Plates
For wall décor, old license plates can be made into:
- State silhouette cutouts
- Family name signs
- Monograms
- Year date signs like “Est. 1975”
Jewelry And Accessories
To wear or carry, license plates can become:
- Bracelets
- Key chains
- Pet ID tags
- Belt buckles
- Purses or bags
So in summary, old Massachusetts license plates provide a versatile canvas for creating a wide variety of DIY crafts, household items, wall art, jewelry and accessories that can also make great personalized gifts. The condition, numbers and other features of the actual plates would inform the type of items able to be made.
Massachusetts Accepts Donated Old License Plates
Charities like Wheels for Wishes may accept donated license plates if they run programs for recycling metals or crafting new items out of old plates in Massachusetts. Contact local chapters to inquire.
Which Massachusetts Charities Take Old License Plate Donations?
Uniquepl8z is a national charity that accepts donated license plates from any state to create jobs for military families. They likely accept Massachusetts plates if sent to them.
Massachusetts Schools Reuse Donated License Plates
Schools could potentially use donated license plates for art projects, such as making collages, sculptures, wind chimes, bird houses, or other crafts. The plates would need to be properly cut to avoid sharp edges before use by students.
Massachusetts Recycling Centers Take Old License Plates
Most metal recycling centers in Massachusetts should accept aluminum license plates as long as any stickers, tags, or screws are removed and the plates are chopped up. Check with local recycling centers.
Organizations Do With Massachusetts License Plates They Collect
Charities like Uniquepl8z use donated license plates from any state to create jobs for military families by making items like jewelry, décor, and accessories to sell. Other charities may recycle the metal or use them for crafting new items.
Just Keep Or Throw Out My Old Massachusetts License Plates
Massachusetts requires that license plates be returned to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) when they are no longer being used. Keeping inactive plates is illegal. The RMV tracks license plate numbers to registered vehicles for identification and enforcement purposes. Allowing obsolete plates to remain unaccounted for risks improper use. Throwing out plates irresponsibly also defeats the RMV’s oversight and control of license plate distribution.
Illegal To Keep Old Massachusetts License Plate Numbers
The RMV maintains strict procedures on license plate issuance, transfers and returns to preserve the integrity of vehicle identification and registration records. Allowing outdated plates to remain outside of the RMV system compromises their ability to accurately track plates with registered vehicles. There is also potential for abuse or misrepresentation using defunct plates that are not formally cancelled through return procedures.
Problems With Throwing Out Old Massachusetts Plates In The Trash
Massachusetts license plates in the trash:
- Massachusetts requires drivers to return their license plates to the DMV when they are no longer using them. Throwing them in the trash would violate this requirement.
- Old license plates contain aluminum that can be recycled. Throwing them in the trash wastes this recyclable resource.
- License plates thrown loosely in the trash can have sharp edges that could injure waste management employees as they process the waste.
- If license plates are not properly defaced before disposal, there is a small risk they could be illegally used by someone pulling them out of the trash.
- Environmental regulations may prohibit throwing aluminum or metal items loosely in landfill trash. License plates should be recycled instead wherever recycling programs exist.
Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!
Recycle Old Massachusetts License Plates Through Curbside Pickup
No, Massachusetts requires returning expired plates directly to the RMV or an authorized Registry branch. This enables them to update their records on that specific plate’s status. Residents cannot simply recycle old plates themselves through curbside recycling programs. Formal return and cancellation with the RMV is mandated.
Frequently Asked Question
What Do I Need To Do Before Disposing Of My Massachusetts License Plates?
Remove or scratch off any registration stickers and deface the plate numbers with a permanent marker before disposal.
Can I Throw Old Massachusetts Plates In The Regular Trash?
No, you need to return old plates to the Massachusetts RMV or a metal recycling center for proper disposal.
Are There Fines For Improperly Disposing Of Old Massachusetts Plates?
Yes, there can be fines for not properly returning plates to the RMV before disposal.
Do Metal Recycling Centers Accept Old Massachusetts License Plates?
Yes, most metal recycling centers in Massachusetts accept chopped up aluminum license plates as long as stickers and screws are removed.
Can I Donate My Unused Massachusetts License Plates?
Yes, some charities like Uniquepl8z accept donated plates from any state to reuse them to create jobs for military families.
Conclusion
In Massachusetts, residents must return old license plates to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) when they expire or are no longer being used with a registered vehicle. Simply keeping inactive plates or tossing them in the trash is illegal in Massachusetts.
The proper way to dispose of expired Massachusetts plates is to remove any stickers, deface the plate numbers, and return them in person to the RMV or authorized Registry branch office. This enables the RMV to formally cancel the registration and update their records.
Massachusetts requires following these plate return procedures so old plates cannot be misused and are disposed of properly by the RMV. Residents cannot simply throw them out or recycle expired plates themselves.
