European license plates serve as both vehicle registration identifiers and an expression of national identity. If you're in the U.S. and fascinated by European car cultures, or perhaps you're considering European license plates for your own vehicle, understanding the structure and design of these registration plates is essential. Custom Plate Studio is here to guide and break down the key elements of European license plates, including the registration codes, design elements, and how to interpret the letters on these plates.

How To Read European License Plate Registration Codes?

In Europe, every vehicle registration follows a standard format, with each country having its own system for issuing license plates. These registration numbers are not only crucial for identification but also follow specific country codes. Understanding these codes can help you determine the country of origin of any vehicle.

EU Country Codes

The country code is displayed on the left side of the license plate and indicates the country of origin. For example, Germany has the country code D, and France uses F. The strip on the left side with the EU flag allows for easy recognition of European license plates.

Here are some examples of common country codes:

• A – Austria
• B – Belgium
• D – Germany
• E – Spain
• F – France
• I – Italy
• NL – Netherlands
• P – Portugal
• DK – Denmark
• PL – Poland
• GR – Greece
• S – Sweden
• CZ – Czech Republic
• H – Hungary
• L – Luxembourg
• FIN – Finland
• EST – Estonia

Non-EU Country Codes

While the European Union countries have their standard country codes, there are several non-EU countries that also use similar systems for vehicle registration. Some of these countries may not be part of the EU, but they are located in Europe, and their license plates follow a similar format.

Here are a few non-EU country codes you might come across:

• AL – Albania
• IS – Iceland
• CH – Switzerland
• TR – Turkey
• UA – Ukraine
• MD – Moldova
• GEO – Georgia
• MNE – Montenegro
• SRB – Serbia

These country codes play a similar role to those used by EU countries, allowing travelers and officials to easily determine where a vehicle was registered. For instance, if you see a vehicle registration from Switzerland, you will notice the CH code.

Regional Codes

In addition to the country codes, regional codes are another key element of European license plates that help identify the specific location within a country where a vehicle is registered. These regional codes are part of the vehicle registration system and serve as an important tool for pinpointing the car's origin within a particular country. They provide an additional layer of identification, distinguishing vehicles that may come from different regions of the same EU country.

In many cases, regional codes are associated with major cities, provinces, or districts within a country. For example, in Germany, a license plate may begin with a series of letters that refer to the city or state in which the vehicle was registered. Similarly, in France, the first two characters on the license plate typically denote the department where the vehicle was registered.

Examples of Regional Codes Across the European Union

Each EU country has its own system for regional codes on vehicle registration plates, and these codes vary in structure from one country to another. Here’s an overview of how regional codes are used in different European countries:

Germany

In Germany, license plates start with one to three letters that represent the region where the vehicle was registered. The regional code is often derived from the first letter(s) of the city or state’s name. For example GÖ - Göttingen or WÜ - Würzburg:

Jerry "Woody" from Edmonton, Canada - GERMANY License plates with German letters, CC BY-SA 2.0

In some cases, German license plates also feature a digit that helps further specify the location. For instance, Frankfurt may be represented as F (Frankfurt) followed by a unique number code.

France

In France, regional codes are tied to the department where the vehicle was registered. Before 2009, these codes were assigned based on the departments in France, but following the implementation of a new system, the departmental codes have become optional on new license plates.

Previously, French number plates featured two letters corresponding to a specific department, such as:

• 75 – Paris
• 13 – Marseille
• 33 – Bordeaux

However, after 2009, French license plates no longer have a mandatory regional code, and owners can choose the department code they want, based on where they live or where the car is registered.

Italy

In Italy, regional codes are part of the vehicle registration number, and each region has its own code. The first two letters of the license plate indicate the province or region where the car is registered. Some examples of Italian regional codes include:

• RM – Rome
• MI – Milan
• FI – Florence
• TO – Turin

Each of these codes helps identify the location of the vehicle's registration and is important for both administrative and legal purposes.

How To Read Letters on European License Plates?

The number plate is composed of a mix of letters and numbers, each serving a different purpose in the registration process.

Letter Combinations

The letters on European number plates are not just random; they serve several important functions related to the vehicle's registration and origin. Letter combinations typically appear as two- or three-letter groups, each carrying specific meanings that help identify the vehicle’s country of origin, registration region, and vehicle category.

1. Country and Region Codes: as it was mentioned earlier, the first set of letters on many European license plates typically identifies the country or region where the vehicle is registered. For example:
• D – Germany
• F – France
• B – Belgium
• NL – Netherlands
• E – Spain
2. Some countries, like Germany, have regional codes that represent cities or areas. For instance, B is used for Berlin, and M for Munich. These codes help to locate the vehicle’s place of registration.
3. Serial Numbers: In many EU countries, after the country code or region code, the serial number of the vehicle follows, which is typically a combination of letters and numbers. This part of the plate is unique to each vehicle, making it possible to distinguish vehicles, even if they are from the same region or country.
   
   The serial number is composed of a series of letters and numbers that serve as the unique identifier for the vehicle. For example, in Germany, the number plate format might be B-AB 1234, where B denotes Berlin, and AB 1234 serves as the unique serial number.
   

Special Designations

In addition to the standard letter combinations, some European license plates feature special designations. These designations can indicate that the vehicle is of a special type, such as diplomatic, government, or commercial. These plates may have unique letter combinations or color codes to distinguish them from regular plates.

1. Diplomatic Plates: Certain European countries issue special plates for diplomatic vehicles, which often include a specific code or prefix. For example:
• In France, diplomatic plates often feature the letters CD (Corps Diplomatique), which signify the vehicle’s diplomatic status.
• In Belgium, diplomatic plates include a special number or letter sequence, and the background color may be different to indicate the diplomatic nature of the car.
2. Government or Official Vehicles: Government-owned vehicles in several European nations may also display distinct letter combinations. These plates typically serve as a clear identifier, allowing officials and authorities to easily identify government cars on the road. For example, official government cars in Germany may include OF or OE on their plates, signifying official or government use.
3. Commercial Plates: Certain EU countries use specific letter combinations or color codes for commercial vehicles. These plates often reflect the vehicle's commercial purpose, such as cargo transport, delivery, or passenger transport.
4. Temporary Plates: Some countries also issue temporary license plates with unique letter combinations and colors. These plates are typically issued to vehicles that are still in the process of being registered or imported. For example, temporary plates in countries like Germany may feature special red plates, which indicate that the vehicle is still undergoing the registration process and is not yet fully authorized for permanent use.
5. Special Purpose Plates: Some EU countries issue yellow plates for special vehicles, such as taxis, emergency vehicles, or vehicles used for transportation services. These special plates help identify these vehicles and often come with specific regulations related to their use. For example, in Belgium, red plates are used for temporary vehicles, while yellow plates may be used for public transport vehicles. Yellow plates in certain countries may be used for taxi services or commercial vehicles, depending on the local regulations.

Design Elements of European License Plates: Explanation

In addition to the registration number, the design of European license plates includes important visual elements. These elements help make European license plates easily recognizable, even for non-Europeans.

The Blue EU Flag

One of the most distinctive features of European license plates is the blue strip located on the left side of the plate. This blue section, which features a circle of 12 yellow stars, mirrors the design of the EU flag. The stars represent the unity and cooperation of the member states, while the blue background signifies that the plate belongs to a country within the European Union.

White Background and Plate Colors

Most European license plates feature a white background with black letters and numbers. This common format is used in countries such as Germany, France, and Spain. However, there are exceptions. Belgium uses red characters on its plates, while Monaco and Liechtenstein use blue plates for certain vehicles.

Plate Sizes

There are standard size dimensions that European license plates must adhere to, with slight variations depending on the country. In general, the European Union has adopted common size standards to promote consistency. The most common sizes for license plates are:

• 520 mm x 110 mm (20.5 inches x 4.3 inches) – This is the most common size used in many EU countries.
• 520 mm x 120 mm (20.5 inches x 4.7 inches) – Slightly larger and also quite popular.

https://www.revenue.ie/en/vrt/vehicle-registration-tax/registration-plate-standards.aspx

• Italy uses 360 mm x 110 mm for its front plates.
• Switzerland and Liechtenstein use 300 mm x 80 mm for front plates.

These size standards help streamline the vehicle registration process across different EU countries.

Security Features and Stickers

In many European countries, license plates often come with security features such as stickers to enhance vehicle registration verification and prevent fraud.

For example, in Germany, a sticker is placed on the right side of the plate to verify the vehicle’s safety inspection (often referred to as the TÜV sticker) and registration validity. These stickers often feature a year digit, indicating when the vehicle needs to undergo a new inspection.

Color Scheme

The color of the license plate is often regulated by the country’s laws. Most EU countries have white plates with black text, but some countries may use variations to reflect different vehicle categories:

• White Plates: The most common color for passenger cars across the EU.
• Yellow Plates: Used for commercial vehicles in some countries like the Netherlands.
• Red Plates: Used for temporary registration plates in Germany or Italy.
• Blue Plates: Often used for diplomatic vehicles or official government cars.

Special License Plates

In addition to the common formats, some EU countries issue special plates for vehicles with certain purposes or status. These include:

• Diplomatic Plates: Distinguished by a unique color or letter combination, indicating the vehicle’s diplomatic status.
• Military Plates: Some countries issue military plates with specific designs, such as Germany’s military plates that include unique identifiers.
• Vintage or Classic Plates: Many European countries issue special plates for classic cars, usually with a distinct color scheme or format.

Unique and Custom European License Plates

While European license plates follow certain regulations, many countries allow for the creation of custom license plates. These can be designed with a personalized registration number or special identifiers, such as initials or a memorable number. This customization provides a unique touch to any vehicle.

In the U.S., some car enthusiasts are drawn to European license plates for their style and cultural appeal. If you are looking for a European license plate to add a touch of authenticity to your vehicle or as a gift, there are many custom European license plates from Custom Plate Studio.