How can I get combination plate with shark design?

Q: I own a 2015 Ford F-150 4X4. It currently has commercial plates on it, but I don’t use it commercially. How can I change my plate to a combination shark plate?

— Don D.

A: Commercial and combination plates are available for all pickup trucks or vehicles with a flatbed in the back. There is no difference in their registration fees.

The difference between the two plate types is that combination plates have a maximum gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 8,800 pounds for the vehicle. Anything over that GVWR requires a commercial plate. You can locate a vehicle’s GVWR by looking at the driver’s door jam.

A commercial plate doesn’t mean the vehicle is being used for business purposes. Most times, it’s the weight of the vehicle that determines if you get combination or commercial plates.

Vanity or courtesy plates (RIGL 313-17.1) plates are only allowed for the following plate types: passenger, commercial, motorcycle, and antique. The combination plate has not been authorized by law for vanity plates.

The Atlantic Shark Institute (ASI) currently has in production passenger and combination plates. They can be ordered from the DMV website (dmv.ri.gov) in our “online services” tab. This charity is currently taking preorders for commercial and motorcycle ASI plates. You can preorder those plates from their website. We have a link on our website that will take you to their website and preorder form.

Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.