Since 1892, the year they were introduced in the Parc Tete d’Or in Lyon, license plates have changed significantly in their format, design and dimensions. Today, to be able to drive legally, your car must be equipped with a corresponding number plate. For a plate to be considered compatible, all of the following conditions must be met.

The appropriate license plate format.

• Police : Font must be vertical and do not show fancy shapes. There are several that depend on the manufacturer or distributor.
• Bands : Since 1993, all plates must show euro blue bar to the left of the plate. There is also a mandatory blue banner on the right. However, the number of the department and the logo of the region are not.
• Dimensions : Three types of sizes allowed: 520 x 110 mm, 210 x 130 mm or 275 x 200 mm.
• Colors : Only black characters on a white background are allowed. Vehicles classified as a collection can be displayed white or gray symbols on a black background.
• Fixation : Plates must be non-removable, i.e. attached to the body with rivets.
• Lighting : Since 1998 illumination of the license plate is mandatory. It should be legible, and if not, it should be sanitized.

Penalties assessed for non-compliance

If any of these conditions are not met, you incur a fine for a license plate mismatch. It is about a fine 4^d class, which is 135 euros. This amount can be reduced to 90 euros, or vice versa increased to a maximum of 750 euros if you go to court.

Fake plates

A trip with a vehicle equipped fake number plates much more seriously. In this case, you carry a imprisonment for up to 5 years. A fine may be imposed 3750 euros. The judge may also pronounce a deprivation of driver’s license for up to 3 years, or even its cancellation. Your vehicle may also be covered by a constant convulsive attack and sell at open auctions.

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