Car license plates are not just metal plates with letters and numbers. They carry information about the country of registration, region, sometimes even about the type of vehicle or its environmental class. For road travelers, car importers, or just curious drivers, understanding these systems can save time, money, and stress.
Different countries have unique standards: in some places license plates are issued for life, in others they change when the owner changes. In some states, you can choose a beautiful number for an additional fee, and in others, even the background color speaks about the status of the car. Understanding all these nuances is especially important if you are planning a trip by car abroad or buying a used foreign car.
In this article we will look in detail at:
- 🌍 European standards and how to distinguish German license plates from French ones
- 🚗 Exotic formats - from Japanese “wide” signs to Arabic script on UAE license plates
- ⚠️ Legal pitfalls when importing cars with foreign license plates into Russia
- 💰 How much does it cost personal number in different countries and how to get it
1. European number plates: common features and key differences
The European Union has standardized many aspects of license plates, but each country adds its own unique elements. General rule: all European license plates have blue stripe on the left with the EU flag and country letter code (for example, D for Germany, F for France). However, the format of the main part of the issue varies.
B Germany numbers consist of 1–3 letters (area code), followed by the region's coat of arms and a combination of 1–2 letters and 1–4 numbers. For example, B·MT 1234 - this is a car from Berlin (B). But in France the system has been in effect since 2009 AA-123-AA, where the first two letters indicate the region, and the last two letters indicate a random combination. Interestingly, French numbers are now tied to the car, not the owner — when selling the car, the sign remains the same.
- 🇩🇪 Germany: city code + coat of arms + letters/numbers (example:
M·AB 123- Munich) - 🇫🇷 France: region + 3 numbers + 2 letters (example:
75 ABC 123- Paris) - 🇮🇹 Italy: 2 letters (province) + 3 numbers + 2 letters (example:
MI 123AB- Milan) - 🇪🇸 Spain: 4 numbers + 3 letters (without reference to region, example:
1234 ABC)
⚠️ Attention: In Italy numbers with green background mean that the car belongs to a foreign citizen temporarily residing in the country. Such cars cannot be sold to local residents!
2. North America: USA and Canada - simplicity and regional features
B USA and Canada License plate formats are determined at the state and provincial level. General structure: 1–3 letters + 2–5 numbers or vice versa. For example, in California, numbers like 1ABC234, and in Texas - ABC 1234. Important Feature: In the USA, license plates are issued to the owner, not the car. When selling a car, the new owner must register his signs.
The color scheme also varies: from a classic white background with black symbols (New York) to blue Florida plates or red in Arizona. In Canada, signs often feature a maple leaf or the provincial motto. For example, in Quebec the inscription Je me souviens (“I remember”) is the region’s official slogan.
| Country/Region | Number format | Features | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA (California) | 1 number + 3 letters + 3 numbers | Black symbols on a white background, sometimes with a state slogan | 1ABC123 |
| USA (Texas) | 3 letters + 4 numbers | Black symbols, inscription below "The Lone Star State" | ABC 1234 |
| Canada (Ontario) | 4 letters + 3 numbers | Blue symbols on a white background, maple leaf on the left | ABCD 123 |
| Canada (Quebec) | 3 letters + 3 numbers | Blue background, inscription Je me souviens |
ABC 123 |
If you rent a car in the US, make sure the license plate has a current inspection sticker (usually in the upper right corner). An expired sticker can result in a fine even for a tourist.
3. Asia: from Japanese “wide” numbers to Chinese characters
Asian license plates often feature non-standard sizes and symbols. Japan uses "wide" numbers (330x165 mm instead of standard 520x110 mm in Europe). Format: 12-34 ab or 12-34, where is a vehicle class symbol (for example, for passenger cars, for trucks). The background color indicates the fuel type: green — gasoline/diesel, yellow - commercial transport, white — electric cars.
B China numbers begin with a character indicating the province (for example, — Beijing, - Shanghai), followed by a letter and 5 characters (letters or numbers). Interesting fact: China has a system lotteries to get numbers in major cities. For example, in Beijing the chance of getting a license plate for a gasoline car is less than 0.2%!
- 🇯🇵 Japan: class character + 2 numbers + 2 letters (example:
12-34) - 🇨🇳 China: provincial hieroglyph + letter + 5 characters (example:
A12345) - 🇰🇷 South Korea: 2–3 numbers + 2–3 letters (example:
12 3456, where- Korean letter) - 🇦🇪 UAE: 5 numbers (no letters) in Arabic and English (example:
12345)
⚠️ Attention: In the UAE, numbers with a small digit (for example,1or7) are considered prestigious and can cost tens of thousands of dollars at auctions. Tourists are not recommended to buy such numbers - it is difficult to re-register them for a foreigner.
4. Russia and the CIS countries: what has changed in 2026
In Russia, since 2023, an updated license plate system has been in effect, where instead of the regional code in a separate window, it is now used Russian flag and region letter code (for example, 77 for Moscow replaced by MO). Format: A 123 BC 77 RUS. Important innovation: now you can register personal number with any letters and numbers (except for prohibited combinations) through the State Services portal.
The CIS countries have their own characteristics:
- 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan: 3 letters + 3 numbers + region code (example:
ABC 123 01, where01— Astana) - 🇧🇾 Belarus: 4 numbers + 2 letters + region code (example:
1234 AB 1— Minsk) - 🇺🇿 Uzbekistan: 3 letters + 3 numbers (no area code, example:
ABC 123)
From January 1, 2026, Russia has tightened the rules for foreign license plates: cars with country license plates, not included in the EAEU, can be used on the territory of the Russian Federation no more than 6 months a year. After this, customs clearance or removal of the car outside the country is required.
Does the 6 month stay expire?
Is there Green Card insurance?
Does the number meet the standards of the country of registration?
Are there any prohibited symbols (for example, swastikas or extremist slogans) -->
5. How to decrypt a foreign number: step-by-step instructions
If you see an unfamiliar number on the road, you can decipher it using the following algorithm:
- Define country code by the blue bar (for the EU) or by the first character (for Asia/Middle East). For example,
E— Spain,GB— Great Britain,JP- Japan. - Check regional code (if any). In France these are the first two digits, in Germany - the letter at the beginning.
- Analyze background color:
- 🟢 Green - electric car (Europe) or taxi (Japan)
- 🟡 Yellow - commercial vehicles (China, Japan)
- 🔴 Red - diplomatic vehicles (most countries)
Transcript example: number D·AB CD 123:
D — Germany, AB - city code (for example, Aschaffenburg), CD 123 - a unique combination.
What do the letters on German license plates mean?
In Germany, the first 1–3 letters indicate the city or district of registration. For example:
- B — Berlin
- M — Munich
- HH — Hamburg
- S — Stuttgart
A complete list of codes can be found on the German website Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Office of Motor Vehicles).
6. Personal and “beautiful” rooms: how much does it cost?
Can be ordered in many countries personal number with the desired combination of characters. Prices range from symbolic to astronomical:
| Country | Cost of a personal number | Examples of popular combinations |
|---|---|---|
| Russia | From 3,000 to 500,000 ₽ | A 777 AA 77, VIP 777 |
| USA (California) | $50–$10 000 | 1DRVR, LUXURY |
| UAE (Dubai) | From $1,000 to $1,000,000+ | 1, 77777 |
| UK | £250–£500 000 | F1, A1 |
B UK personal numbers are sold at auctions DVLA. Record - number 25 O, sold for £518,000 (about 50 million rubles). B UAE numbers with a small digit (for example, 1) are considered a status thing. Yes, number D 1 was sold for $14 million at an auction in Dubai.
⚠️ Attention: In Russia, numbers with combinations that could be interpreted as extremist or offensive (for example,SS,KKK). Before ordering a personal number, check it for compliance with the law through the traffic police service.
Personal plates can increase the resale value of the car, but in some countries (for example, Germany) they cannot be transferred to a new owner - they remain with the previous owner.
7. Legal nuances: what owners of foreign cars need to know
If you import a car with foreign license plates into Russia or another country, consider the following rules:
- 🇷🇺 Russia:
- Cars from countries EAEU (Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan) can be used without customs clearance.
- For other countries - 6 months for temporary import, then customs clearance or export.
- Late penalty - from 1,500 to 5,000 ₽ + Possible evacuation to the impound lot.
- 🇪🇺 European Union:
- Cars with EU license plates can be moved freely between EU countries.
- For long stays (more than 6 months) re-registration is required.
- 🇺🇸 USA:
- Foreign license plates are valid for 1 year only, then state registration is required.
- In some states (for example, California) you need to pass a traffic knowledge test.
Important: when crossing the border, make sure that your car has:
- 📄 Certificate of Registration (original or notarized copy)
- 📄 Green card (insurance for Europe) or local OSAGO policy
- 📄 Driver's license international standard (if your national ID is not in Latin)
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about license plates
Is it possible to drive around Russia with Ukrainian license plates in 2026?
Yes, but with reservations. Cars with Ukrainian license plates registered before 2022 may be located in the Russian Federation no more than 6 months a year. For a long stay, customs clearance is required. Important: from 2026, there will be restrictions on the import of cars with license plates issued in the occupied territories of Ukraine.
What is the fine for driving with expired foreign license plates in Russia?
The fine is from 1,500 to 5,000 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation). If the inspector suspects that the car has been in Russia longer than the permitted period, it may be evacuate to impound lot, and the owner will have to pay for storage (from 1,000 ₽ per day).
Is it possible to order a personal license plate for a car with foreign registration?
No, personal plates are only issued for vehicles registered in a given country. For example, in Russia such a number can be issued only after customs clearance and registration of the car with the traffic police.
What does a green number mean in Europe?
In most European countries, green numbers indicate electric cars or hybrids. In some countries (for example, Norway) such cars have benefits: free parking, access to restricted traffic areas, etc. In Japan, a green background indicates private cars (unlike yellow license plates for commercial vehicles).
Is it possible to sell a car with foreign license plates in Russia?
Technically yes, but the buyer will not be able to re-register it in his name without customs clearance. In fact, this will be a sale “as is”, and the new owner will have to take the car outside the Russian Federation or go through the legalization procedure (pay customs duties, obtain a title and Russian license plates).