Are there rules to follow when changing a vehicle’s numberplate in France?

Reader Question: In a previous reader question about number plates, you mention there are legal requirements to follow when changing them. What are these?

We recently covered the rules on changing your vehicle’s numberplate if moving between departments in France. 

Read more: Do drivers have to change number plates if they move to new French department?

If you wish to change your number plate, you must obtain the plates from a professional, such as a garage or a number plate specialist. 

There is the option to order from plate manufacturers online, but this carries an increased risk of the plate not conforming to standards, so you must be careful to only use reputable firms.

In either case, it costs between €30 to €60 to order new plates.

Cars require two number plates at the front and back of the vehicle. 

Motorcycles and other types of vehicles including quadbikes, certain agricultural vehicles, and mopeds, only require one plate at the back.

Numberplates must: 

• Be visibly fixed to the vehicle and not be detachable 

• Show the original number of the vehicle as shown in its certificat d’immatriculation 

• Follow a certified standard model and show the model’s certification number (this will show the letters TPPR, followed by four or five figures)

• Meet government regulations on height, spacing of letters and numbers, and the shape of dashes

• Appear on one or two lines (eg. two on some motorbike plates)

• Have its information clearly legible

Vehicles with the more modern système d'immatriculation des véhicules (SIV) format, which followed the ‘AA-123-AA’ numbering system, have additional rules: 

• The main part of the plate should be white with black letters/numbers on it

• On the left-hand side there should be the EU’s stars symbol and the letter ‘F’, on a blue background

• It must show a regional logo and department number on the right-hand side

• The logo and department number on the right-hand side must be the same for the front and back number plate, and cannot be altered in any way, i.e with a sticker over the top. You can only change this by ordering a new numberplate

Vehicles registered after 2009 use the SIV format if new, or are changed to the new format on the occasion of a sale or a change affecting the registration document, such as when moving house.

Drivers using a vehicle with a number plate that does not comply with these rules – or who drive without plates – risk a fine of €750. 

Note that there are some situations where number plates must be changed, including theft or damage to your current plates. 

If your plates are stolen, you should report the crime to the police (to prevent being charged for crimes committed in vehicles falsely using your number plate) alongside ordering new ones.

Read more: France licence plate theft: How to avoid it, tips if you are a victim