So as you may know New York switched the format of all license plates a few years ago, and as you’ve probably noticed, they began to re-issue plates starting at the beginning of the alphabet. For fun (or perhaps because I’m extremely bored) I’ve always made a habit of paying attention to roughly how far into the alphabet they are.
Yesterday I took it to another level. Since I found myself up and down the Northway several times, to distract myself from the horrific pain developing at the top of my belly, I looked at all the licenses to see if I could figure out exactly how far into the alphabet they are. I don’t recommend this as the safest of driving techniques, but it’s a great way to pass time AND stay alert on the road!
The furthest I’ve seen so far is a plate beginning with EJ. I have not been able to confirm if EI exists (who knows, maybe they skip the ones with 2 consecutive vowels) but I know EH does. Anybody care to help out with my quest? Or suggest a new hobby? Anyone?
WOW.
Beats all heck out of roadtrip bingo…
If I were you, I would take up Numismatics or even basket weaving or something.
A new hobby for driving in the car. Hmmmmm. Basket weaving probably would be a bit dangerous.
I pay attention to plates as well. I look for funny coincidences asuch as abbreviations in the letters and numbers and also for the newest plates. You could pay attention to how many popular color cards, such as red you see in comparison to neutrals like silver, black or gold/champagne. I think I just encouraged a new unsafe driving hobby. Oops! 
I get bored on Northway and other drives too. Can you tell?
I had one more idea! I LOVE audiobooks! I have been listening to fun fiction novels borrowed from my local public library to try to avoid getting mad in traffic, and it does help! I am listening to one by Lauren Weisberger right now. I don’t know if you are into fiction (chick literature) or not, but though I would throw it out there. It is a much safer driving hobby, though I have driven past an exit I should have taken because I get so caught up in the book sometimes. I also don’t watch license plates as much if I have a good audiobook.
I’ve even re-”read” books I read traditionally, in audiobook form because it is fun listening to someone else read it to you. The best part is, if the characters are based in a foreign country, like England, they get a narrator that has, or can imitate, the accent. It’s pretty funny!
I second the audiobooks idea! They’re great, if a little expensive. Check out Cracker Barrel — they let you buy them, and then sell them back to them at almost what you paid. Just be careful — some of the narrator’s voices kinda make me sleepy…
Lib.. all I can say is WOW :0)
I agree about the narrators. I just returned an audiobook to our library because the narrator just had an annoying voice.
My hobby happens to be paying attention to the road in front of me as well as checking blindspots and mirrors occassionally.