Rhode Island Has Portuguese Plates and Massachusetts is a Little Jealous

The inaugural Red Sox Portuguese Celebration Day that we first reported on last week has us thinking. We love the Red Sox themed soccer jerseys. We love that the team will feature Portuguese food at the celebration in June. For obvious reasons, this Portuguese love is especially welcomed here on the SouthCoast.

We are wondering, though, how in the world the state of Rhode Island has seemingly beaten Massachusetts to what feels like a no brainer idea for a charity plate? Where are the Day of Portugal plates in Massachusetts?

I did not even realize that Day of Portugal plates were an option in Rhode Island until today. After doing a little digging, it looks like the law allowing the special plates was passed back in 2018.

After a law like that greenlights special plates, a certain number of orders must come in before they go into production and distribution. Now that they are available in Rhode Island, the Day of Portugal plates celebrate Portuguese heritage while also helping local charities.

Needless to say, the SouthCoast is home to one of the largest Portuguese communities in the country. Yet if you live in Massachusetts, you might be surprised to learn there is no Portuguese themed license plate available.

Does Massachusetts Have A Portuguese License Plate

The answer is no.

While Massachusetts offers specialty license plates that support a wide range of charities and causes, there is nothing close to the Portuguese plates available in Rhode Island. The fact that Rhode Island beat Massachusetts to this idea, especially considering the dense Portuguese American population on the SouthCoast, is shocking.

What a missed opportunity for Massachusetts to generate revenue while also making a large portion of the SouthCoast community very happy.

Creating These Plates In Massachusetts Is Not Easy

Creating a specialty plate in Massachusetts is not simple. It requires legislation, a sponsoring organization and a minimum number of prepaid applications before production can begin.

It could happen, but someone would need to take the lead.

Given the size and influence of the Portuguese community on the SouthCoast, a Portuguese themed plate in Massachusetts would likely see quick and strong support.

For now, though, drivers in Massachusetts would have to head to Lil' Rhody if they want to show Portuguese pride on their license plate.