Rhode Island Introduces License Plates Featuring Portuguese Coat of Arms

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New Rhode Island license plate showcasing the Portuguese coat of arms.

News Summary

Rhode Island has become the first state in the U.S. to offer specialty motor vehicle license plates adorned with the Portuguese coat of arms, honoring the local Portuguese community. Unveiled during the Day of Portugal reception, this initiative aims to celebrate cultural heritage and support the Rhode Island Day of Portugal organization. Plates are priced at $42.50, and an event on June 7 will allow individuals to collect their pre-ordered plates during the RI Day of Portugal Festival.

Providence, Rhode Island – Rhode Island has made history by becoming the first state in the U.S. to introduce motor vehicle license plates featuring the Portuguese coat of arms. This initiative, which honors the Portuguese community, was unveiled during the 2018 Day of Portugal reception at the Rhode Island State House, highlighting its significance in celebrating cultural heritage.

The special license plates are part of the Day of Portugal and Portuguese Heritage initiative, which aims to recognize and promote the contributions of Portuguese individuals and families throughout Rhode Island. Orlando Mateus, a key figure in the project, designed the plate, leveraging his background in graphic design to create a representation that the Portuguese community can take pride in. The project has garnered support from various political figures, including former Senator Daniel DaPonte, Representative Helder Cunha, and Governor Gina Raimondo, indicating strong backing at multiple levels of state governance.

The Day of Portugal license plates are priced at $42.50, with $22.50 allocated to the state’s general fund, while $20 goes directly to the Rhode Island Day of Portugal organization. Additionally, renewing these plates will incur an extra fee of $10, with all proceeds supporting the organization and its mission to preserve cultural traditions.

Individuals who have pre-ordered the plates will have the opportunity to pick them up on Saturday, June 7, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 195 District Park in Providence. This event coincides with the RI Day of Portugal Festival, in what is expected to be a significant celebration of Portuguese culture and heritage. To collect their plates, recipients must bring a valid driver’s license or ID and their current vehicle registration.

In the case that any plates remain unclaimed after the festival, they will be returned to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for standard pickup procedures. The state requires a minimum of 600 pre-orders for new specialty plates; if this threshold is not met, the option for that plate will be canceled, underscoring the need for community interest in such initiatives.

Rhode Island is known for offering a variety of specialty license plates that represent different charities and organizations, including designs for the Atlantic Shark Institute, Gaspee Days, and the Boston Bruins Foundation. The introduction of the Day of Portugal plate is expected to add to this collection, further enhancing cultural representation within the state.

For those interested in obtaining the Day of Portugal license plate, further details can be accessed through the Rhode Island Day of Portugal organization. It reflects not only the state’s dedication to celebrating its diverse cultural landscape but also the active role of community members in advocating for recognition of their heritage.

As Rhode Island continues to embrace and celebrate its multicultural identity, the launch of the license plate featuring the Portuguese coat of arms stands as a testament to the richness of its communities and the importance of honoring cultural legacies.