License Plates: What Are the Legal Requirements?

License plates are a vital component of any vehicle on the road. By displaying the number registered on the vehicle’s registration certificate, a license plate enables identification on public highways. As such, they play a critical role and are, consequently, subject to very strict regulations. They must never be neglected. In this article, you will find a comprehensive overview of license plate legislation. 

Overview 

First and foremost, it is important to outline some of the key features of this equipment, which must be installed by a professional. This may include a garagesubject or an license plate manufacturer. A license plate must be clearly visible and securely attached. As noted in our introduction, the number displayed must match the one on the vehicle registration document, now referred to as the “registration certificate.” Additionally, the approval number must be present. Regarding dimensions, the license plate must comply with specific regulations concerning size and the layout of its components, including height, spacing between letters and numbers, and the shape of dashes, among other requirements. The registration number may be displayed on either one or two lines. Your plate must always be in good condition. It is also strictly prohibited to tamper with a license plate. Failure to comply with these basic regulations may result in penalties for the vehicle owner. 

Regulations for motor vehicle license plates 

All motor vehicles must display a license plate. Whether you own a car, motorcycle, scooter, ATV, or even agricultural machinery, registration is mandatory. If your vehicle has two wheels, you are required to display a single license plate. However, if your vehicle has more than two wheels, you must have two plates: one at the front and one at the rear. 

However, public works vehicles are not necessarily subject to license plate installation requirements. 

License Plates: Legislation for Trailers 

When your vehicle is towing a trailer, your license plate may become less visible, which can constitute a traffic violation. For this reason, regulations require that an additional license plate be attached to the trailer. If the trailer’s load exceeds 500 kg, it must also have its own registration number, which will be different from that of the towing vehicle. However, if the trailer’s load is under 500 kg, you are not subject to this requirement. 

What are the potential penalties for violations ? 

Failure to comply with the aforementioned laws exposes you to serious penalties. Indeed, non-compliance regarding license plates has been reclassified as a second-degree offense following the Royal Decree of April 27, 2018, amending the Royal Decree of September 30, 2005. Consequently, fines for violating license plate regulations may climb as high as €3,750. And that is not all; you could also face a three-year driver’s license suspension followed by the seizure of your vehicle.