New driver's license, plates set for Ohioans

Columbus College of Art & Design students designed the plate featuring a red triangle atop a white background covered with state slogans to be chosen by Ohioans.

COLUMBUS -- Ohioans will see red-and-white license plates next year developed by Columbus College of Art & Design students.

Gov. John Kasich, who asked the college to create a design, plans a news conference Monday at the college to unveil the plates and redesigned driver's license.

"It's been a fun project that the governor is excited about, and we'll have more to say about it on Monday," Kasich spokesman Rob Nichols said. "We think most Ohioans are going to enjoy it as well."

He would not provide details. However, sources said Mr. Kasich's office contacted the Design Group at the college about four months ago, requesting a redesign of the plates and driver's license.

Officials with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and other agencies met with the students to discuss the project.

A team of students looked at past Ohio plates and plates from other states before drawing up several designs. Recommendations were submitted to Mr. Kasich's office for a final decision.

The design is simple, featuring a small red triangle atop a white background emblazoned with state slogans to be chosen by Ohioans in the coming months.

It is unclear whether the new plates will replace or supplement the pastel "Beautiful Ohio" license plates -- based on a design by Frances Strickland, wife of Kasich's predecessor, Ted Strickland -- that went on sale about year ago.

Many motorists have an even older plate with a red, white, and blue design that has been issued since 2003.

Mr. Kasich scorned the salmon-colored driver's license. Ohio phased in the pink licenses in 2009, following recommendations from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators. It said the color is hard for forgers to reproduce.