We call them ecoplates. They're official license plates issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for vehicles registered in California. Ecoplates come in two varieties: the WHALE TAIL^SM  Plate and the Lake Tahoe Plate.

The California Coastal Commission developed the WHALE TAIL^SM  Plate as a way for the public to contribute directly to the coastal and marine education programs throughout the state. The plate features a beautiful illustration by the well-known environmental artist Wyland of a whale diving into the sea. Since its introduction in 1997, the WHALE TAIL^SM  License Plate has been among the highest selling specialty plates available in California.

The California Tahoe Conservancy developed the Lake Tahoe Plate to create a funding source for non-motorized recreation trails and environmental restoration that helps safeguard the clarity of the lake. The Lake Tahoe license plate depicts the blue lake with a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and a green pine bough.

In 1999, the Coastal Commission and the Tahoe Conservancy recognized that they shared a common objective - selling scenic environmental license plates to benefit the preservation, protection and restoration of California's natural treasures. The two organizations decided to market their plates together under the brand "Ecoplates." By pooling marketing dollars, both organizations are able to devote the vast majority of funds raised through Ecoplates sales to programs that help protect the California Coast and Lake Tahoe.