With another 2,000 rejects last year, Michigan has now banned more than 30,000 personalized license plates for reasons like vulgar language or drug references. We have the list.
Janelle D. James
Janelle D. James covers breaking news at Bridge Michigan. She joined the staff in January 2023. Previously, she worked as a Capital News Correspondent at Michigan State University where she covered state and local policy issues. She also worked as a breaking news intern at the Detroit Free Press. She has a bachelors degree in journalism and political science from Michigan State University. She is from Detroit. You can reach her at jjames@bridgemi.com and on Twitter at Janelle___j.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan makes gains in moving data, with fewer people leaving state
Moving companies say about as many people came to Michigan as left it in 2025, with one firm even reporting a net gain. After years of sluggish population, is Michigan gaining steam?
Posted inQuality of Life
Gordie Howe Bridge to give Michigan a walkable, bikeable link to Canada
Expected to open in 2026, Detroit’s Gordie Howe International Bridge will be Michigan’s only crossing to Canada with a pedestrian and bike path.
Posted inQuality of Life
How to recycle your Christmas tree safely, responsibly in Michigan
Real Christmas trees can be turned into mulch, wildlife shelters or even backyard garden helpers.
Posted inQuality of Life
The Superior State? 50 years ago, the UP tried to break from Michigan
How the Mackinac Bridge, environmental rules and economic conditions fueled a 1975 push to make the Upper Peninsula the 51st state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
What Trump’s marijuana rescheduling means for Michigan
Marijuana is already legal in Michigan. Now, President Donald Trump is making it a Schedule III drug, marking a major shift in federal policy and recognizing its medical use.
Posted inQuality of Life
Chessboxing is a real thing. And a Michigander is the new world champ
Michigan’s James Canty III recently won the super heavyweight chessboxing world championship in Serbia. The sport blends speed chess and boxing. You need your ‘brain and brawn,’ he said.
Posted inQuality of Life
Experts: Record 3.9M Michiganders set for holiday travel. Allow extra time
AAA projects a record 3.9 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles during the year-end holidays, a 1.8% increase from last year. Most travelers will drive, while air, bus, train and cruise travel are also expected to rise.
Posted inQuality of Life
Michigan’s red, white and blue retro license plate returns next month
Michigan continues to bring back retro license plates. The latest: Red, white and blue to mark the nation’s 250th anniversary. It goes on sale in January.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan cracks down on using fake lawyer letters to smuggle drugs into prisons
Michigan is tightening its mail policy after finding synthetic drugs embedded in paper sent under the guise of legal or confidential mail. The department says the updated approach creates another safeguard.