In many aspects of transportation, such as vehicle design and traffic control devices, "human factors" are given careful consideration. An understanding of how individuals function in their environment in response to certain stimuli usually leads to a better design. The vehicle license or registration plate has a role to play in law enforcement, data collection, traffic safety, and even the image of the state that issues it. In this paper is evaluated the extent to which states are applying basic principles of human factors, ergonomics, or human information processing in the design of their license plates. By drawing from the extensive literature in these fields, the degree to which the plate is effective in communicating its visual message can be determined. Several specific recommendations are givenregarding the size, shape, color, and format of the characters usedon vehicle license plates.(A).
Abstract