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                                                              Truck plate lookup by year —>  TRUCK PLATE YEAR LOOKUP 1914 Truck 1915 Truck 1916 Truck 1917 Truck 1918 Truck 1919 Truck 1920 Truck 1921 Truck 1922 Truck 1923 Truck 1924 Truck 1925 Truck 1926 Truck 1927 Truck 1928 Truck 1929 Truck 1930 Truck 1931 Truck 1932 Truck 1933 Truck 1934 Truck 1935 Truck 1936 Truck 1937 Truck 1938 Truck 1939 Truck 1940 Truck 1941 Truck 1942 Truck 1943 Truck 1944 Truck 1945 Truck 1946 Truck 1947 Truck 1948 Truck 1949 Truck 1950 Truck 1951 Truck 1952 Truck 1953 Truck 1954 Truck 1955 Truck 1956 Truck 1957 Truck 1958 - 1963 Truck 1964 - 1967 Truck 1968 - 1971 Truck 1972 - 1977 Truck 1978 - 1984 Truck 1984 - 2000 Truck 1999 - 2004 Truck 2005 - 2017 Truck 2017 & later Truck

Truck / Commercial, 1914 to present

Description / History

Image

Comments, what's needed?

1914, this was the first year for state issued truck plates.

Plates were white on black porcelain.  Serial number from 20000 to 39999 were reserved for trucks, and cars with solid rubber tires, but only some 6000 were issued.  Aluminum weight strip on left with 1 to 5 stars indicating the weight rating.  PENNA over the makers number on the aluminum keystone over 1914 on left side of plate.  Issued in pairs.  Plate size is 6" by 15¼".  Manufacturer was Brilliant Manufacturing Co., Phila., PA. 

1 star

Boyertown Auto Museum

3 star

from Bob Connison

other classes needed

1915 Truck

Plates were white on sky blue porcelain.  Serial number from 20000 to 29999 were reserved for trucks, and cars with solid rubber tires.  Aluminum weight strip on left with 1 to 5 stars indicating the weight rating.  PENNA over the aluminum keystone with the makers number inscribed on the keystone, over 1915 on left side of plate.  Issued in pairs.  Plate size is 6" by 15¼".  Manufacturer was Brilliant Manufacturing Co., Phila., PA. 

1 star

Boyertown Auto Museum

3 star

from Jim Moini

from Kelly Brewer

other classes needed

1916 Truck

Plates were black on orange painted steel.  To the left side of the serial number PENNA embossed over embossed keystone. Maker's number was stamped into the keystone.  1916 embossed below keystone.  An aluminum keystone was only used if the plate was transferred to another vehicle.  On the far left were 1 to 5 stars arranged vertically indicating the weight rating.  Issued in pairs.  Manufacturer was Brilliant Manufacturing Co., Phila., PA. 

It appears that truck and solid rubber tire vehicles plates were generally in the 20000 to 29999 range, however, truck plates outside of this series are known.  Nominal measurements are considered 6" by 16", actual measurement is 6⅛" by 16⅛".

1 star

from Jeff Hinkle

2 star

John Willard & John Anshant

from Eric Tanner

3 star

from Bob Connison

4 star

from Eric Tanner

5 star needed

1917 Truck

Plates were white on brown painted steel.  To the left side of the serial number PENNA or PA embossed over embossed keystone. Maker's number was stamped into the keystone.  1917 or 17 embossed below keystone.  PENNA & 1917 were used on lower number plates, while PA & 17 were used on higher plates.  An aluminum keystone was only used if the plate was transferred to another vehicle.  The S-prefix stood for solid-tired motor vehicle.  Weight classes were listed as: First Class to Fifth Class as described below.  On the far left were 1 to 5 stars arranged vertically indicating the weight rating.  Issued in pairs.  Plates were made in state prison system.  Nominal measurements are considered 6" by 14" and 6" by 16", actual measurement of the larger plate is 6⅛" by 16⅛".

First Class, 1 star, 1 to 1999

Second Class, 2 stars, 2000 to 4499

Third Class, 3 stars, 4500 to 10499

Fourth Class, 4 stars, 10500 to 12499

Fifth Class, 5 stars, 12500 & above

Not all class blocks were issued in their entirety, and not all stars and serial numbers were issued uniformly.  If classes ran out of numbers some additional groupings were established.

1 star, 2-digit

from Eric Tanner & Jeff Hinkle

1 star, 3-digit

from Jeff Hinkle

2 star

Boyertown Auto Museum

3 star

from Bob Connison

4 star

5 star

1918 Truck

Plates were white on black painted steel.  To the left side of the serial number PA embossed over embossed keystone. Maker's number was stamped into the keystone.  18 embossed below keystone.  An aluminum keystone was only used if the plate was transferred to another vehicle.  On the far left were 1 to 5 stars arranged vertically indicating the weight rating.  Issued in pairs.  Plates were made in state prison system.  All truck plates used a C prefix plus 1 to 5 digits.  Plate measurements for C+1 or 2 digits are 6" x 10", C+3 digits are 6" x 13½", and C+4 or 5 digits were 6" x 16".

1 star

John Willard & John Anshant

2 star

from Jeff Hinkle

3 star

from Jim Moini

John Willard & John Anshant

from Bob Connison

4 star

from Eric Tanner

5 star needed

1919 Truck

Red on black, legend, all embossed, PA over keystone over 19 to the right of the serial number.  The keystone has the VIN number inscribed.  To the far right is a stack of 1 to 5 stars indicating the weight class of the vehicle.  All truck plates used a C prefix plus 1 to 5 digits.  C+1 or 2 digits were 6" x 10", C+3 digits were 6" x 13½", and C+4 or 5 digits were 6" x 16".

1 star, 6" x 13½"

from Jaska Börner

2 star, 6" x 16"

from Jim Moini

from Jim Moini

from Jeff Hinkle

3 Stars

from Jeff Hinkle

From Kelly Brewer

from Phil Tedeschi

4 star

from Eric Tanner

5 star needed

1920 Truck (Commercial)

White on dark blue, all embossed legend, plates up to 5 digits have COMMERCIAL on top, PENNA. 1920 along bottom and measure 7" high.  5 digit plates measure 7" by 13½", plates with fewer than 5 digits measure 7" by 12".  The 7" dimension is due to the plate legend on the top and bottom.  6-digit plates have COMMERCIAL, PENNA & 1920 along bottom and measure 6" by 16".  The connection between plate serial number and weight class may be related to the first digit in the serial number.  The serial number can have 1 to 3 digits in the first grouping, then a dash, then the second grouping which can have up to 3 digits.  Some 3-digit plate have been reported without a dash.

Class 1 or AA, 7" by 12"

from Tiger Joe Sallmen

Class 1 or AA, 7" by 13½"

from Tim Gierschick

Class 1 or AA, 6" by 16"

Boyertown Auto Museum

via Tim Gierschick

Class 2 or A, 7" by 13½"

from Bob Connison

Class 2 or A, 7" by 16"

from Charlesgilbertantiquetoys

Image added 4/15

Class 3 or B coming soon

Class 4 or C, 7" by 12"

from eBayer Lill-harle

other classes & sizes needed

1921 Truck (Commercial)

Black on yellow, all embossed legend, PENNA COMMERCIAL 1921 along bottom.  All plates are believed to be 6"  by 16" regardless of the length of the serial number.  The connection between plate serial number and weight class may be related to the first digit in the serial number.  The serial number can have 1 to 3 digits in the first grouping, then a dash, then the second grouping which can have up to 3 digits.

Class 1 or AA

from Bob Connison

Class 2 or A

from Eric Tanner

Class 3 or B

Boyertown Auto Museum

via Tim Gierschick

other classes needed

1922 Truck (Commercial)

Brown on cream, legend, all embossed, PENNA COMMERCIAL 1922 along bottom.  All plates are believed to be 6"  by 16" regardless of the length of the serial number.  The connection between plate serial number and weight class may be related to the first digit in the serial number.  The serial number can have 1 to 3 digits in the first grouping, then a dash or a space, then the second grouping which can have up to 3 digits.

Class 1 or AA

from Bruce Bufalini

from Bob Connison

from Jeff Hinkle

Class 2 or A

from Kelly Brewer

Class 3 or B

Boyertown Auto Museum

other classes needed

1923 Truck (Commercial)

Class 1 or AA

from Bob Connison

from Clayton Moore

other classes needed

1924 Truck

Class R - wide-length

from James Andreucci

Class R, mid-length, overflow

from Eric Tanner

Class S - wide-length

from Shane Oake

Class U - short-length

from eBayer Rabbittman

Class U - wide-length

from Eric Tanner

Class V - mid-length

from Bob Connison

other classes & sizes needed

1925 Truck

Class R - mid-length

America on Wheels plate

Class R - long

from Bob Connison

Class R suffix - mid-length

from Bob Connison

Class U - mid-length

from Tyrone Caldwell

other classes & sizes needed

1926 Truck

Class R - 15"

from Bob Connison

Class R suffix - 13"

from Pl8source

Class V - 15"

from Eric Tanner

Class W- 15"

from Eric Tanner

other classes & sizes needed

1927 Truck

Class R - R-1 to R99-999 & 1-R to 84-44R

Class S - S-1 to S35-000

Class T - T-1 to T17-000

Class U - U-1 to U9000

Class V - V-1 to unknown

Class W - W-1 to W5-009

Class Y - Y-1 to Y5-565

Class Z - Z-1 to Z2-113

Class R - 10"

from Tim Gierschick

Class R - 15"

from Bob Connison

Class R Suffix - 14"

from egostarlynx

Image added 4/1

Class U - 13"

from Eric Tanner

Class W - 15"

from Eric Tanner

Class Y - 13"

from Eric Tanner

other classes & sizes needed

1928 Truck

Dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA then 1928 flanked by small keystones.  First letter designates weight class.  Numerical portion can be 1 to 5 digits.  2, 3 & 4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 13", 6 character plates measure 6" x 15".

Class R - R-1 to R99-999, some plates identified with R suffix

Class S - S-1 to S53-000

Class T - T-1 to T21-000

Class U - U-1 to U6500

Class V - V-1 to V9200

Class W - W-1 to W5-000

Class Y - Y-1 to Y5-000

Class Z - Z-1 to Z2-000

Class R - long

from Bob Connison

Class S - short

from Jeff Hinkle

from Jeff Hinkle

John Willard & John Anshant plate

other classes & sizes needed

1929 Truck

Class R - R-1 to R90-000

Class S - S-1 to S69-000

Class T - T-1 to T14-000

Class U - U-1 to U12-000

Class V - V1 to V11-000

Class W - W-1 to W5-000

Class Y - Y-1 to Y5-000

Class Z - Z-1 to Z5-000

Class ZZ - ZZ1 to Z1-000

Class R - mid-size

America on Wheels plate

Class R - long

from Bob Connison

Class V - long

from Eric Tanner

other classes & sizes needed

1930 Truck

Dark blue over yellow, legend 1930 then PENNA along bottom flanked by small keystones.  Final 2 letters designate weight class.  Numerical portion can be 2 or 3 digits.  4 character plates measure 6" x 10", 5 character plates measure 6" x 12".

*Class R - 01AA to 999FZ

Class S - 01GA to 999KZ

Class T - 01LA to 999MZ

Class U - 01NA to 999NZ

Class V - 01PA to 999PZ

Class W - 01RA to 999RZ

Class Y - 01SA to 999SZ

Class Z - 01UA to 999UZ

Class ZZ - 01VA to 999VZ

*Much of the class data above came from a 1930 Bulletin Almanac.

Class R

from John Willard

from John Willard

Class S

from John Willard

other classes & sizes needed

1931 Truck

Class R - R0A00, R00A0, R000A, 0R0A0

Class S - S0A00, S00A0, S000A, 0S0A0

Class T - T0A00, T00A0

Class U - U0A00

Class V - V0A00

Class W - W0A00

Class Y - Y0A00

Class Z - Z0A00

Three axle classes had RZ to ZZ classes, plate formatting uncertain.

Class S

from Jim Moini

other classes needed

1932 Truck

Dark blue over yellow, legend PENNA then 1932 then across top flanked by small keystones.  First 1 or 2 letters designate weight class.  Numerical portion can be 5 or 4 digits for a total of 6 characters.  Plate measures 6" x 15".

Class R - R10-000

Class S - S10-000

Class T - T10-000

Class U - U10-000

Class V - V10-000

Class W - W10-000

Class Y - Y10-000

Class Z - Z10-000

Class RZ - RZ1-000

Class SZ - SZ1-000

Class TZ - TZ1-000

Class UZ - UZ1-000

Class VZ - VZ1-000

Class WZ - WZ1-000

Class YZ - YZ1-000

Class ZZ - ZZ1-000

Class R

from Troy E. Payson
ALPCA #8766, New York

Image added 3/18  

Class T

from John Willard

Class U

from Eric Tanner

Class V

from Eric Tanner

Class W

from Eric Tanner

Class Z

from Eric Tanner

other classes needed

1933 Truck

Class R - R10-000

Class S - S10-000

Class T - T10-000

Class U - U10-000

Class V - V10-000

Class W - W10-000

Class Y - Y10-000

Class Z - Z10-000

Class RZ - RZ1-000

Class SZ - SZ1-000

Class TZ - TZ1-000

Class UZ - UZ1-000

Class VZ - VZ1-000

Class WZ - WZ1-000

Class YX - YZ1-000

Class ZZ - ZZ1-000

Class R

from eBay user rqb507

Class T

from Threelabssalvage

Class U

from Eric Tanner

Class W

from Eric Tanner

other classes needed

1934 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, RA000

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YX - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R

from Jim Moini

from Bob Connison

Class S

from Bob Connison

other classes needed

1935 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, RA000

Class R - R00-00A (15")

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, SA000

Class S - S00-00A (15")

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R

from Bob Connison

Class R 15" design

Class S

from Carstuffstore

Image added 4/15

other classes needed

1936 Truck

Dark blue over yellow, legend 36 then TRUCK  then PA flanked by small keystones across top.  First letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  See formatting below.  5-character plates measure 6" x 12", 6-character plates measure 6" x 15".

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, RA000

Class R - R00-00A (15")

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, SA000

Class S - S00-00A (15")

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

from Steve Ondik

Class R, R00A0 format

from Chuck Sakryd

Class R, R0A00 format

from Bob Connison

Class R, 15", R00-00A format

from ebay user ustho-dffvjx

Image added 3/18  

Class S

from Steve Ondik

Class T

from Chuck Sakryd

other classes needed

1937 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, RA000 (12")

Class R - R00-00A (15")

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, SA000 (12")

Class S - S00-00A (15")

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, 12"

from Bob Connison

Class R, 15"

from Jim Moini

Class S, S000A format

from Jim Moini

Class S, S00A0 format

from Bob Connison

Class S, S0A00 format

from Nickelsndiamonds1013

Image added 4/15 

Class T, T00A0 format

from Chuck Sakryd

Class T, T0A00 format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class U

unknown source

other classes needed

1938 Truck

Dark blue over yellow, map outline border, legend 38 then TRUCK flanked by small keystones then PA across top.  First letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  See formatting below.  All plates are 5-character and measure 6" x 12".

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R

from Bob Connison

Class S, S000A format

from Pl8 Source

Class S, S0A00 format

from Bob Connison

Class T

from Bob Connison

other classes needed

1939 Truck

Yellow over dark blue, map outline border, legend 39 then TRUCK flanked by small keystones then PA across top.  First letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  See formatting below.  All plates are 5-character and measure 6" x 12".

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class S

from Bob Connison

Class T

from Jim Moini

other classes needed

1940 Truck

Dark blue over yellow, map outline border, legend 40 then TRUCK flanked by small keystones then PA across top.  First letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  See formatting below.  All plates are 5-character and measure 6" x 12".

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class S

from Jim Moini

Class T

from Bob Connison

other classes needed

1941 Truck

Yellow on dark blue, map outline with EXP 3-31-42 in top border, legend 41 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 12", and are issued in pairs.

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

Class R, R00A0 format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class S, S00A0 format

from Jim Moini

Class S, S0A00 format

from Bob Connison

Class T

from Jim Moini

Class V

from Bob Connison

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1942 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R00A0 format

from Bob Connison

Class R, R0A00 format

from Jim Moini

Class R

from Jim Moini

Class T

from Bob Connison

Class U w/ 43 tab

from Kelly Brewer

other classes needed

1943 Truck

from Kelly Brewer

from Jim Moini

from Jim Moini

1944 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

from Bob Connison

Class R, R00A0 format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class S

from Jim Moini

Class T

from Bob Connison

other classes needed

1945 Truck

Dark blue on yellow, map outline with EXP. 3-31-46 in top border, legend 45 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 11".  Plates are issued as singles. 

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

from Pl8 Source

Class R, R00A0 format

from Bob Connison

Class S

from Bob Connison

Class T

from Bob Connison

Class Y

from Bob Connison

other classes needed

1946 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0

Class S - S000A, S00A0

Class T - T000A

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class R, R00AA format

Class S

from Chuck Sakryd

Class U

from Bob Connison

Class U

from Chuck Sakryd

Image added 2/25 

other classes needed

1947 Truck

Dark blue on yellow, map outline with EXP. 3-31-48 in top border, legend 47 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 11".  Plates are issued in pairs. 

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0, T0A00

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R

from Chuck Sakryd

Class S, S000A format

from Bob Connison

Class S, S0A00 format

from Jim Moini

Class S, S00AA format

from Bob Connison

Class T, T000A format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class T, T0A00 format

from Chuck Sakryd

other classes needed

1948 Truck

Yellow on dark blue, map outline, top legend 48 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  Expiration 3-31-49 in top border.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 11", and are issued in pairs. 

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

from Jim Moini

Class R, R0A00 format

from Bob Connison

Class R, R0AA0 format

from Pl8 Source

Class S, S000A format

Class S, S0A00 format

from eBay user dustyjr

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1949 Truck

Dark blue on yellow, map outline with EXP. 3-31-50 in top border, legend 49 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 11".  Plates are issued in pairs.

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class S

from Bob Connison

Class U

Class V

from Bob Connison

other classes needed

1950 Truck

Yellow on dark blue, map outline, top legend 50 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  Expiration 3-31-51 in top border.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 11", and are issued in pairs.

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

from Bob Connison

Class R, R0A0A format

from Jim Moini

Class S

from Jim Moini

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1951 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA, S0AA0

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class R, R00A0 format

from Jim Moini

Class R, R0A0A format

from Bob Connison

Class S

from Chuck Sakryd

Class T

from Jim Moini

Class U

Class V

from Jim Moini

other classes needed

1952 Truck

Yellow on dark blue, map outline, top legend 52 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  Expiration 3-31-53 in top border.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 11", except for some test plates which were 6" x 10¼" and have a 5-31-53 expiration.  Plates issued as singles.

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA, S0AA0

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00

Class V - V000A

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Bottom plate is a test / sample.

Class R, R00A0 format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class R, R00AA format

from Jeff Hinkle

Class S

from Jim Moini

Class U

from Bob Connison

Class W

from Jim Moini

Class Z

from John Willard

Class R test / sample

from John Willard

other classes needed

1953 Truck

Dark blue on yellow, map outline, top legend 53 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  Expiration 5-31-54 in top border.  All plates are 5 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 characters will include an additional letter in the final position.  Plate measures 6" x 10¼".  Plates are issued as singles.

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA, S0AA0

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A, Y00A0

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R000A format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class R, R00AA format

from Steve Ondik

Class R, R0AA0 format

from Bob Connison

Class S

from Jim Moini

Class U

from Bob Connison

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1954 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA, S0AA0

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0, V0A00

Class W - W000A

Class Y - Y000A, Y00A0

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

Class R, R00A0 format

from Jim Moini

Class R, R00AA format

Boyertown Auto Museum

Class R, R0A0A format

from Jim Moini

Class S, S00A0 format

from Bob Connison

Class S, S0A00 format

from Jim Moini

Class T

from Jim Moini

Class V, V000A

from Pl8 Source

Class V, V00A0

from Bob Connison

Class V, Y00A0

from ebay user allmdona

Image added 3/18 

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1955 Truck

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA, S0AA0

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0, V0A00

Class W - W000A, W00A0

Class Y - Y000A, Y00A0

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A, ZZ0A0

Class R, R00A0 format

from Bob Connison

Class R, R0A00 format

from Jim Moini

Class R, R00AA format

from Chuck Sakryd

Class S, S000A format

from Jim Moini

Class S, S00AA format

from Platedog

Class S, S0AA0 format

from Bob Connison

Class U

from Steve Ondik

Class V

Class Y

unknown

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1956 Truck

Yellow on dark blue, map outline, legend 56 then TRUCK flanked by keystones then PA.  Expiration 5-31-57 in top border.  Most plates are 5 characters; however, the R class went to 6 characters, first letter from R thru Z excluding X, not followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 2-axle truck; first letter from R thru Z excluding X, followed by Z designates the weight classis for a 3-axle truck, remaining 3 or 4 characters will include an additional letter, sometimes 2 letters.  Plate are now standardized at 6" x 12".  Some plates use the thinner '57 dies, and a base with a narrower map outline.  Plates are issued as singles.

Class R - R000A, R00A0, R0A00, R00AA, R0AA0, R0A0A (later plates used '57 dies)*, R00TA, R0000A (plates used '57 dies)*

Class S - S000A, S00A0, S0A00, S00AA, S0AA0

Class T - T000A, T00A0

Class U - U000A, U00A0, U0A00, U00AA

Class V - V000A, V00A0, V0A00

Class W - W000A, W00A0

Class Y - Y000A, Y00A0

Class Z - Z000A

Class RZ - RZ00A

Class SZ - SZ00A

Class TZ - TZ00A

Class UZ - UZ00A

Class VZ - VZ00A

Class WZ - WZ00A

Class YZ - YZ00A

Class ZZ - ZZ00A

*Image(s) of '56 truck plates w/'57 dies needed, and 6-character truck plates needed.

Class R, R0A00 format

from Jeff Hinkle

Class R, R00AA format

from Jim Moini

Class R, R0AA0 format

eBay user dustyjr

Class R, R0A0A format

from Bob Connison

Class S, S000A

from Bob Connison

Class S, S0A00

from Bob Connison

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1957 Truck

Class R - R0000A, R000A0

Class S - S0000A

Class T - T0000A

Class U - U0000A

Class V - V0000A

Class W - W0000A

Class Y - Y0000A

Class Z - Z0000A

Class RZ - RZ000A

Class SZ - SZ000A

Class TZ - TZ000A

Class UZ - UZ000A

Class VZ - VZ000A

Class WZ - WZ000A

Class YZ - YZ000A

Class ZZ - ZZ000A

Class R

from Bob Connison

Class S

from Bob Connison

Class Z

from John Willard

other classes needed

1958 - 1963 Truck, multi-year

Yellow on dark blue, map outline, legend PA then TRUCK then 58, first use of a small keystone separator which is located between the 3rd and 4th character.  Early plates had a tab slot to the left of 58 for a renewal tab which was never used.  Annual validation sticker was issued for the upper left corner in place of the tabs.  Plates measure 6" x 12".  Weight letter classes, serial formatting and axle classes below:

 

Weight Class Prefix	Serial Progression	Axles
Class R	R00-00A, R00-0A0, R00-A00	2-axle truck
Class S	S00-00A, S00-0A0
Class T	T00-00A
Class U	U00-00A
Class V	V00-00A
Class W	W00-00A
Class Y	Y00-00A
Class Z	Z00-00A
Class RZ	RZ0-00A	3-axle truck
Class SZ	SZ0-00A
Class TZ	TZ0-00A
Class UZ	UZ0-00A
Class VZ	VZ0-00A
Class WZ	WZ0-00A
Class YZ	YZ0-00A
Class ZZ	ZZ0-00A
Class WT	WT0-00A	3-axle truck tractor
Class YT	YT0-00A
Class ZT	ZT0-00A
Class YX	YX0-00A	4-axle truck
Class ZX	ZX0-00A

Class R, R00-00A format w/ slot

from Chuck Sakryd

Class R, R00-0A0 format w/ slot

from Chuck Sakryd

Class R, R00-0A0 format w/o slot

from Chuck Sakryd

Class R, R00-A00 format w/o slot

from Chuck Sakryd

Class S, S00-00A format w/o slot

from Pl8 Source

Class S, S00-0A0 format w/o slot

from Chuck Sakryd

Class T with slot

Class U without slot

from Shane Oake

Class V

from Kelly Brewer

Class Z

from Kelly Brewer

Class RZ

from Kelly Brewer

Class SZ

from Kelly Brewer

Class TZ

from Kelly Brewer

Class UZ

from Kelly Brewer

Class VZ

from Kelly Brewer

Class WZ

from Kelly Brewer

Class YZ

from Kelly Brewer

from Clayton Moore

Class ZZ  without slot

from John Willard

Class WT

from Kelly Brewer

Class YT

from Kelly Brewer

Class ZT

from Kelly Brewer

Class YX

from Kelly Brewer

Class ZX  without slot

from John Willard

other classes needed

1964 - 1967 Truck, multi-year

Yellow on dark blue, map outline, legend PA then TRUCK then 64, small keystone separator between the 3rd and 4th digit.  Annual validation sticker was issued for the upper left corner.  Plates measure 6" x 12".  Weight classes R, S, T, U, V, W, Y, Z, UZ, VZ, WZ, YX, ZZ, WT, YT, ZT, YX, ZX.  The WT, YT, ZT classes are for 3-axle truck tractors.  The progression within weight classes R00-00A, R00-0A0, R00-A00.

 

Weight Class Prefix	Serial Progression	Axles
Class R	R00-00A, R00-0A0, R00-A00	2-axle truck
Class S	S00-00A, S00-0A0
Class T	T00-00A
Class U	U00-00A
Class V	V00-00A
Class W	W00-00A
Class Y	Y00-00A
Class Z	Z00-00A
Class RZ	RZ0-00A	3-axle truck
Class SZ	SZ0-00A
Class TZ	TZ0-00A
Class UZ	UZ0-00A
Class VZ	VZ0-00A
Class WZ	WZ0-00A
Class YZ	YZ0-00A
Class ZZ	ZZ0-00A
Class WT	WT0-00A	3-axle truck tractor
Class YT	YT0-00A
Class ZT	ZT0-00A
Class YX	YX0-00A	4-axle truck
Class ZX	ZX0-00A

Class R - 1st progression

from Chuck Sakryd

Class R - 2nd progression

from Jeff Lawson

Class R - 3rd progression

from Chuck Sakryd

Class S

from Chuck Sakryd

Class S - 2nd progression

from Chuck Sakryd

Class T

from Chuck Sakryd

Class U

from Kelly Brewer

Class V

from Chuck Sakryd

Class W

from Kelly Brewer

Class Y

from Kelly Brewer

Class ZZ

anonymous ebay-er

Image added 4/15 

Class ZZ

from Clayton Moore

Class ZZ

from Clayton Moore

other classes needed

1968 - 1971 Truck, multi-year

Dark blue on yellow, revised map outline, top legend COMMERCIAL (replacing TRUCK), bottom PENNSYLVANIA, embossed outline for sticker well lower left.  Early plates had 68 etched into the sticker well with no sticker used in 68.  A new plate serial coding system was introduced using CA-10000 as the starting point with C as a non-advancing character and the second letter always advancing last after the numbers.  Plates authorized CA-10000 to CZ-99999.  A small keystone separator was used between the 2-letter prefix and the 5-digit number.  The weight class, number of axles and truck type, although they are still used, are no longer designated by the registration number.

Both the CC-39980 and CL-89915 plates are formatted similarly.

from Steve Ondik

from Chuck Sakryd

Error plate

from Clayton Moore

Test plate

1972 - 1977 Truck, multi-year

Both the CC-76348 and CT-8531 plates are formatted similarly.

from Jeff Lawson

1978 - 1984 Truck, multi-year, renewable to 2000

All new plates issued.  Dark blue on yellow, top legend PENNSYLVANIA, bottom TRUCK, sticker wells upper left and right corners.  Serial coding again using CA-10000 as the starting point with C as a non-advancing character and the second letter always advancing last after the numbers.  After reaching CZ-99999, the series went to 10000-CA and progressed into the CC series.

Format 1 CA-10000 to CZ-99999

Format 2 10000-CA into the CD series

Format 1

Format 2

1984 - 2000 Truck, multi-year, renewable to 2002

Yellow on dark blue, top legend TRUCK, bottom PENNSYLVANIA, sticker well in lower left corner.  Serial coding starting 5 digits+CD as a continuation of 1978 to 1984 progression and ran into the CJ series where it was stopped and a new series starting at YA-00000, then ZA-00000.  As best as I can remember, PennDOT claimed there was a computer issue with too many registrations starting with C.

Format 1 CD etc. in suffix position as continuation of 1978 to 1984 progression to CJ in suffix position.

Format 2 YA-00000 to ZV-99999

Format 1

Format 2, YA-00000 serial

Format 2, ZA-00000 serial

1999 - 2004 Truck, multi-year, renewable to present

Dark blue on white with fading bands of blue on top and yellow on bottom, YAA-0000 to YRR-9810 or above, dash separator, PENNSYLVANIA screened across top and TRUCK embossed along bottom.  Sticker well upper left.  Plates valid thru 2017 and likely beyond.  Vanity plates on trucks appear to be issued on the passenger www base, and have limited weight restrictions.

From Steve Ondik

2005 - 2017 Truck, multi-year, renewable to present

Dark blue on white with solid bands of blue on top and yellow on bottom, YSA-0000 to YZZ-9999, then ZBA-0000 to ZKH-9999, keystone separator, PENNSYLVANIA screened across top and TRUCK embossed across bottom.  Sticker well upper left.  Plates valid thru 2017 and likely beyond.  Plates are referred to by many as visitPA plates or solid band plates.  PennDOT uses the term Family of Plates.

At the end of 2016, PennDOT discontinued issuing validation stickers.  Some 2017, and even 2018 stickers are in use but were issued before 2017.

from Grant M.

from Ryan Battin

Vanity plates on trucks appear to be issued on the passenger www base, and have weight restrictions not exceeding 14,000 pounds.  The plate to the right is the only vanity spotted with Truck as the legend.  Information subject to verification.

Vanity

from Jordan Irazabal

2017, Truck, multi-year

In December of 2016 PennDOT announced that by the middle of 2017, once the supply of the current plate stock runs out, they will begin issuing slightly redesigned plates. They look similar in design to the current plate but the sticker well where validation stickers were placed has been removed and the outline of a small Pennsylvania map has been put it its place.  2017 is a mixture of both variants.  There is no prototype image of the Truck plate.

Format 1 - up to ZKH-9999, same as older Truck plates on visitPA base, with sticker well, no sticker, no map.  The ZKI prefix was not used.

Note: Plates without the sticker well and without the map outline are not known to exist.

Format 2 - ZKJ-0000 to current high, similar to Format 1 Truck plates on visitPA base but now without sticker well, and with a small map outline in its place.  Plates first seen in mid-May of 2017.

Format 1

from Steve Ondik

Format 2

from W. Young

from Kyle Kuser

from Steve Ondik

from Jeff Lawson