VERMONT

State motorcycle registration began at the same time as all motor vehicle registration in early 1905.  Motorcycles were merely issued passenger plates during the first-issue era of 1905-07.  Starting about March 1907, when most motor vehicles received new plates, motorcycles were no longer required to display plates or numbers;  just the certificate itself would suffice, according to the 1906 law.  This policy continued unchanged through 1909 and 1910.

However, a unique 1907-08 plate #3 is known, just 6" x 9 1/2", with an unusual manufacture date on the back of "68", indicating production in June 1908.  The number 3 was apparently assigned to a motorcycle, but the special size was custom-ordered in place of the regular 6" x 13 3/4" size.  This could be the first specific motorcycle plate issued in the state.

From 1911 to 1915, annual state-issued discs were required to be displayed on the rear of motorcycles.  The highest known motorcycle number listed in a 1914 motor vehicle directory is #397.  State-issued motorcycle plates began in 1916.  No 1916 motorcycle statistics are known, but 758 motorcycle registrations were issued in 1917.  The highest known 1916 motorcycle plate is #740.