Rhode Island May Ditch Mr. Potato Head License Plates

Next time you spot a Rhode Island license plate with Mr. Potato Head in the corner, you might want to take a second look. The celebrity spud might not be a symbol of the Ocean State for much longer.

In the wake of Hasbro announcing plans to leave its long-time home in Pawtucket, and move headquarters to Boston by the end of 2026, state lawmakers are now reconsidering some of the company's most visible ties to the Ocean State.

One of those ties? The iconic Mr. Potato Head license plate.

How the Plate Helps the Rhode Island Food Bank

For more than two decades, Rhode Island has offered a specialty license plate featuring the famous potato, with proceeds benefiting the Rhode Island Food Bank.

READ MORE: New Bedford Gets $1.8 Million Food Boost

Yet with Hasbro moving out by the end of the year, some lawmakers feel the plates should go too—leaving some concerned for the food bank.

What Could Replace Mr. Potato Head

In a debate begun on Reddit, users made suggestions about what could replace this long-standing plate and how it too might still help raise funds for Rhode Island families in need.

Though Rhode Island already has specialty license plates for the Atlantic Shark Institute, Beavertail Lighthouse Museum, Providence College Friars, New England Patriots and holidays like Fourth of July in Bristol, Day of Portugal and Gaspee Days, none of those benefit the food bank.

READ MORE: PUMA Brings House of Portugal to Providence This Spring

Admittedly not all of the Mr. Potato Head replacement suggestions would fit with the food bank either, but here are what Rhode Islanders feel should be featured on a state license plate.

What Happens to Existing Plates if the Bill Passes

For now, Mr. Potato Head will remain on Rhode Island plates if drivers want to buy one.

Anyone who already possesses a Mr. Potato Head plate wouldn't have to get rid of him either. If the new bill comes to pass, it only means no future Rhode Island license plates would contain the famous potato face. Those already on vehicles can stay as long as the drivers own and operate them.