License plate: legislation, color, change

Vehicle registration plate is required. Since 2009, license plates have been issued for life. You can register your vehicle with an authorized technician or change the license plate if it still has an old system from before 2009. Change of license plate, color and price: here's everything you need to know about a license plate.

🔍 What are the different license plates?

In France, the current registration system came into force in 2009... Since then the license plate awarded for life... License plate in AA-999-AA format. It also contains the department number and the region logo.

The law specifies the size, symbols, color and illumination of license plates. Thus, the classic number plate is white and reflective. Characters are black and have no retroreflectivity. On the left side, the blue stripe includes the letter F for France. On the right is the department number.

However, there are several colors of license plates:

• Red license plate : red is for temporary transit. Instead of the department number on the right of the license plate, the validity period is limited to 6 months.
• Green license plate : The green plate with orange letters is the plate of diplomats. The letters matter: CMD for ambassadors, C for consuls, K for administrative or technical staff, and CD for the diplomatic corps.
• Blue license plate : blue numbers are for military vehicles stationed in Germany or in the border regions.
• Black license plate : black reserved for vintage cars. To get a black license plate, your car must be over 30 years old and have a collection registration card.
• Yellow license plate : Prior to 2009, the car had a white number plate on the front and a yellow number on the back. Their re-registration must take place before December 31, 2020.

The license plate must be readable from 20 meters at night. The law also establishes lighting rear license plate. Finally, the regulations also lay down the trailer license plate legislation. Two scenarios are formed:

1. Your trailer does gross weight less than 500 kg (Total Permitted Loaded Weight): you must provide your trailer with the same number plate as your car;
2. Your remark is made full weight over 500 kg : He must have his own gray card and his own license plate.

🛑 License plate with a branch: is it obligatory or not?

Since 2009, a car number has been assigned to a car for life. Select the department that appears on your license plate, as Sultan chose... You can change it later if you wish. The department number on the plate no longer changes depending on where you live.

On the other hand, it is be sure to indicate the department number on your license plate. The law is very clear in this regard: "License plates of vehicles [...] must include a territorial identifier, consisting of the official logo of the region and the number of one of the departments in this region."

📍 Where can I get a license plate?

The registration of a new car is usually done by the seller. So if you buy a car from a car dealership, it will take care of the license plate. You can register your car at any authorized automotive professional... This could be a garage owner, dealer, or even a car dealer.

You can also register your vehicle with the prefecture. You will receive a temporary registration certificate valid for one month for travel in France.

The professional auto maker from whom you buy the plate will be able to place it for you. Usually this service costs only a few euros.

💸 Where to buy a license plate?

You can buy a license plate no more in auto centers or in the garage... The dealer can usually make your license plate as well. The advantage of going to a professional is that they can take care of the installation.

But you can also order a license plate. ан Line, in the Internet. However, you will have to install it yourself or ask a professional to take care of it.

💰 How much does a license plate cost?

The cost of a license plate depends on its format and material. Thus, a smaller motorcycle license plate costs less than a car license plate. Likewise, a Plexiglas license plate is more expensive than an aluminum or plastic one.

The license plate is inexpensive. Prices for the first license plate start around 10 € ; the most expensive plates are about 25 €.

🔧 How to change a license plate?

Since the introduction of the new registration system in 2009, number is assigned for life... It is impossible to change the license plate even in case of theft. Only in the case of theft of license plates, you can request their replacement after filing a complaint.

If you still have old registration and numbers manufactured before 2009, you can request replacement. However, there is one limitation: it requires change Gray Card... Relocation or change of owner requiring a change of the vehicle registration card may be a reason to change the license plate.

🔨 How to fix a license plate?

A professional can fix your license plate for just a few euros. However, if you wish, you can do it yourself. Be careful, however, because you are not authorized to secure the plate with screws. The law requires the use rivets.

Material:

• drill
• Rivet pliers
• Rivets
• Plaque

Step 1. Disassemble the old license plate.

If this is a plate change, you should start with dismantle the old slab Registration. To do this, open the old rivets with a drill. Then you can remove the plate. Wipe the license plate holder with a rag.

Step 2. Drill a new license plate.

Use your old license plate as pattern to break through the news. Each plate requires two holes, one on the right and one on the left. Match the drill size to the rivets used to secure the plate.

Step 3: Install a new license plate

Set the new license plate upright on plate holder... Insert one rivet into each hole. Then secure the rivets with pliers. A click indicates that the rivet is broken and is therefore well secured. Then repeat the operation for the second plate.

🚗 Where can I find license plate stickers?

To a certain extent, it is possible to have a personalized license plate. If it is not possible to change the color or symbols of your license plate, you can apply the logo to your license plate. Indeed, adding a logo regional permitted by law.

On the other hand, it is it is illegal to add stickers or stickers to your license plate. By law, your nameplate must be approved, installed by a professional, and meet the requirements for lettering, legibility, lighting, and dimensions. It is strictly prohibited to hide or illegible the license plate and is punished fine.

🔎 How to find the owner of the license plate?

A car registration number does a lot. So the locksmith will be able to recognize the model of your car by the license plate and order the corresponding parts. In this way, a professional can determine the characteristics of a car from a license plate.

Likewise, the police can use the vehicle registration file to find the owner of the offending vehicle.

On the other hand, it is quite impossible for humans find out who owns the license plate. If you are the victim of a collision, misdemeanor or misdemeanor, you can file a complaint. If you keep the registration number of the car at fault, the police can use it to find the owner ... but not you!

Now you know how to make a new license plate for your car! Contact an authorized mechanic to register your vehicle and commission the installation to ensure you have a properly approved nameplate.