The vehicle registration system in France obeys precise rules, established for guarantee clear and unambiguous identification of each vehicle circulating on the territory. Since 2009, the standardized format includes two letters, three numbers, then two letters again, separated by hyphens.
This unique alphanumeric combination can identify more than 80 million vehicles. But certain letters will never be part of these combinations, for very specific reasons.
Letters banned to avoid confusion
Road safety and vehicle identification rely largely on the readability of license plates. This is why three letters have been definitively excluded from the system: the I, the O and the U. There is nothing arbitrary about this decision. The I can easily be confused with the number 1, especially in conditions of reduced visibility or during rapid reading by law enforcement.
The O, on the other hand, bears an uncanny similarity to the number 0, which could create damaging misidentifications. Finally, the U is excluded because of its resemblance to the V, particularly when the plate is observed from a distance or in motion.
A historical dimension which marks the registration system
Beyond practical considerations, the French registration system also includes an important memorial dimension. The combination of the two letters S is strictly prohibited on license plates. This prohibition finds its origins in the history of the 20th century and more precisely in the desire to avoid any reference to the Schutzstaffel (SS), the criminal organization of the Nazi regime.
This ban is part of the broader framework of the French Penal Code which formally prohibits the exhibition of symbols recalling organizations responsible for crimes against humanity. This provision demonstrates how the registration system adapts not only to practical requirements, but also to the memorial imperatives of our society.
An automated system that ensures compliance with the rules
The Vehicle Registration System (SIV) assigns numbers chronologically in a single national series. This automation guarantees scrupulous compliance with exclusion rules while ensuring fair distribution of numbers.
Unlike certain countries where it is possible to personalize your license plate, the French system favors standardization and efficiency. This approach helps avoid administrative complications while maintaining a high level of vehicle traceability.
The allocation process follows an implacable logic. When an owner registers a vehicle, whether new or used, the SIV automatically generates a number respecting all the constraints.
The system in place since 2009 allows law enforcement to quickly read and identify vehicles, even in difficult conditions.
- The letters I, O and U are banned to avoid confusion with numbers or other letters
- The association of the letters SS is prohibited due to its historical connotation linked to the Nazi regime
- Automated system ensures fair allocation and strict compliance with exclusion rules
