Formatted Registration Plate: Building Blocks to Unique Vehicle Identity

1. Formatted Registration Plate: Building Blocks to Unique Vehicle Identity An acrylic metal plate fixed on a vehicle with a combination of alphabets and numbers embossed on it, is how we recognize vehicle registration plates. While it may seem like a random set of numbering, a number plate, license plate or registration plate is a unique identification system offered to a vehicle that further helps in the tracing, whenever needed. Every nation has laid down their own set of guidelines to ensure the uniqueness of these vehicle registration plates. Format for a Car Registration Plate As mentioned earlier, each registration plate is created with a set of alphanumeric ID that is segregated into three parts, acquiring a specified meaning. In the majority of jurisdictions, the government plays a significant role in generating the car registration number. Mostly, they tie up with public agencies or hire private companies to produce these numbers. The car owner cannot affix registration plates of his/her own choice unless they have legal authorization from the government body. Such unauthorized manufacturing of number plates will be considered as an illegal move. Below is the detailed formatting of the set of alphanumeric ID inscribed on car registration plates in the UK. The format is divided into three different sections.

2. Part One: First Two Letters The first part of the registration number i.e. a combination of two letters illustrates the area code and refers to the local DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) where the car has been registered. Basically, these two letters work as a local memory tag that differentiates the vehicle with respect to the locality. Part Two: Two Number The second part of the registration plate number is known as the age identifier, i.e., a union of two numbers right after the area code. The numbers are assigned according to six-month division, i.e., March-August and September-February. These numbers identify the six-month period when the vehicle was registered. March to August registered vehicles will bear the number of the prevailing year, whereas vehicles purchased between September and February will have the current year code plus 50. Example-: A car registered in March 2017 will inscribe the number 17 on their registration plate, indicating that the vehicle was purchased between March and August in the year 2017. The vehicle that is registered in February 2019 will inscribe the number 69 (19+50). Part Three: Last Three Letters After generating the area code and age identifier for the registration number, last three letters are just random alphabets created by DVLA to offer a unique alphabetic identity to the vehicle, which often follows a predetermined batch and sequence that keeps on modifying. Vehicle Registration Plate Abiding by the Government Guidelines Apart from the customized formatting, it becomes mandatory to follow the norms created by the particular jurisdiction of the region in order to avoid legal actions. Under some jurisdiction, car registration platesare to be attached on both, the front and rear side of the vehicle, whereas there are certain nations where a single plate on the rear side of the vehicle is sufficient. A database is maintained for these identification numbers by the national government along with all the necessary details of the vehicle and owner. As it is evident that registration plates offer a unique identity to the vehicle, it becomes mandatory to follow the guidelines provided by a particular jurisdiction and acquiring the appropriately formatted alphanumeric identity. With growing incidents of forgery, the government is imposing new and strict rules upon vehicle’s number generation and allocation to control such malpractices.