Mass RMV Special License Plate Lottery for 250th Anniversary Plate Still Open

11:13AM / Sunday, March 22, 2026Print Story | Email Story

BOSTON — The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) announced that it is still accepting applications in a special lottery until 5:00 p.m., Friday, April 17, for low number license plates celebrating the country's 250th anniversary.

With only a month to go, applicants can learn more about application rules at Mass.Gov/MA250Plate, and, while there is no cost to apply for the lottery, there are costs should an applicant be selected during the lottery. Approximately 30,000 Massachusetts residents have entered the lottery so far.

For lottery winners, all specialty plates carry a biennial $40.00 special plate fee, along with a registration fee of $60.00 if applicable. The initial registration fee may vary depending upon the applicant's current plate expiration date and the expiration date of the winning plate number. Rules related to the low plate number lottery and eligibility requirements are available here.

The special low plate lottery is a partnership between the RMV and the Massachusetts State Lottery Commission. A drawing is planned for May 7, and residents will be able to watch the event online via the RMV website. Following the event, results will be available on the RMV website. In addition, lottery plate applicants will be sent a notification from the RMV to the email address they provided in their lottery entry.

The "Massachusetts 250 Years of Independence" plate is emblematic red, white, and blue and is now the most popular specialty plate in the Commonwealth with more than 57,000 issued in just over nine months. The plate features a blue background, with the year "1776" surrounded by 13 stars and the phrase "250 Years of Independence" at the bottom. There are 1000 plates available through the lottery, numbered from 1-999 and including the symbolic sequence of 1776.

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Pittsfield's Highland Restaurant Closing After 90 Years of Business

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:52PM / Monday, August 03, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Highland Restaurant will close after 90 years of serving locals pasta, seafood, and other Italian favorites.

On Sunday, the restaurant announced on social media that August will be its last month in business.

"In 1936, The Highland Restaurant opened its doors with overarching goals of bringing people together, serving great food, and creating lasting memories. For 90 years, generations of families, friends, and neighbors have made The Highland part of their lives. It has been our privilege to be part of yours," a Facebook post reads.

"As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we have also reached a natural conclusion. It is with a rush of mixed emotions that we announce August will be our final month in business."

The eatery at 100 Fenn Street, right next to City Hall, is owned by Pasquale, Gerardo and Dario Arace. The owners wrote that The Highland has always been more than a restaurant: "It has been our family's home and life's work."

They hope that every time people think of The Highland, it is with a smile.

"We are endlessly grateful to our employees, with some being with us for more than 50 years, for their loyalty, dedication, and friendship," the post reads.

"Above all, thank you to the people of Berkshire County and beyond. Your support, kindness, and memories have sustained us for nine decades. We hope The Highland will always be remembered not just for the meals we served, but for the moments shared around our tables."

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