Belgium has introduced a standardised model for number plates, in line with European regulations. These plates, which have been in use since 2010, consist of a combination of seven characters: an index number, followed by three letters and three numbers.
The characters are printed in ruby red on a white background, with the “B” for Belgium and the European Union stars on the left. This design is mandatory for vehicles in Belgium and has two formats, oblong or square, which are issued by the Vehicle Registration Service (DIV).
An official Belgian number plate can be issued by the DIV in various situations: when a vehicle is first registered, when it is re-registered, or when the vehicle changes owner. Each number plate is officially delivered by post at a cost of 30 euros. The plate must be attached to the back of the vehicle, and if necessary, an additional plate can be made for the front based on the official model. For a new registration, the old number plate must be returned to the DIV within one month. Failure to return it can lead to ongoing costs, such as road tax and insurance costs.
personalized
Belgian law also offers motorists the option of requesting a personalized license plate, a service that is popular with those who want a unique and customized number plate. A one-off payment of 1000 euros is requested for a personalized plate, excluding the 30 euros for production and shipping. Via the website of the Federal Public Service Mobility, drivers can both check the availability of their desired combination and reserve it.
A personalized license plate can be issued for vehicles such as passenger cars, motorcycles, trailers and vintage cars that are older than thirty years. For vintage cars, a specific vignette “O” is also placed on the license plate, under the embossed stamp of the DIV. Not all vehicles are eligible for a personalized license plate. For example, there are restrictions for mopeds, taxis, agricultural vehicles and temporary or commercial license plates.
embossed stamp
Applying for a personalised number plate comes with specific rules and restrictions. The combination may consist of a maximum of nine positions, with one position reserved for the DIV embossed stamp, leaving eight characters. The combination must contain at least one letter and may not consist exclusively of numbers. Furthermore, it is possible to use a dash to separate letters and numbers, but there are restrictions: consecutive dashes and dashes at the beginning or end of the combination are not permitted.
An ambitious owner of a brand new Tesla Model X thought he could make his electric dream just a little bit more special by reserving the perfect license plate: simply “MODEL X”.
“Everyone should know what I’m driving right away,” he joked, perhaps confidently, as he paid the thousand euros for personalization without batting an eyelid. Now all he has to do is explain why a plate as simple as “MODEL X” is worth a thousand euros – and hope no one mistakes him for the official Tesla marketing manager on tour.
limitations
In addition, certain series of letters and numbers may not be used to avoid confusion with official diplomatic license plates, temporary license plates or military vehicles. Examples of these are combinations starting with “CD” or “TX”. Specific combinations such as four letters followed by three numbers are also prohibited, as is the use of insulting or offensive texts. The Belgian government has drawn up a blacklist to prevent insulting, discriminatory or racist combinations, as well as references to terrorism or political beliefs.
In case of loss or theft of a number plate, the owner must report it to the police, who will issue a certificate. This certificate replaces the obligation to report the loss to the DIV. The police will also ensure that the plate is deleted from the vehicle register, after which the owner must apply for a new registration to provide the vehicle with a new number plate. Duplicates are not available, which means that a completely new registration must be requested under a standard or new personalized number plate.
the Tao
Residents of Belgium must register their vehicle register with the DIV, even if the vehicle was previously registered abroad. There are some exceptions where a foreign number plate may be retained, such as when temporarily renting a foreign vehicle for up to six months, or when using a vehicle made available by the employer for work in Belgium.
Belgian drivers who have an older personalized license plate with five or six characters can convert it to the European model, provided that the fee has been paid on time. If the old plate starts with an index “9”, it can be removed, provided that the desired combination without index is available.
With this extensive regulation for number plates, Belgium not only offers uniform guidelines within Europe, but also the possibility of personalization for those who want to distinguish their vehicle with a unique plate. The system strives to bring together practical usability and personal preferences in a safe and regulated way.
