This recreational activity, frequently undertaken during road trips, involves identifying and recording different states’ vehicular identification tags observed in transit. For instance, participants may track sightings of tags from California, New York, or Texas, marking each unique state as it is encountered.
Engaging in this pursuit fosters observational skills and geographic awareness. The widespread appeal stems from its simplicity and accessibility, requiring no specialized equipment or knowledge. The origins are difficult to pinpoint precisely, but its popularity likely grew alongside the expansion of interstate travel and tourism in the mid-20th century. It provides entertainment and mental stimulation during travel.