Confused about Number Plates? Suzanne Keane explains all you need to know
Cars registered pre 1987 in Ireland had alphanumeric number plates and depending on age the colours and types vary – if you’re driving a classic/vintage car you can either use number plates in the current format or you can get more authentic plates made up to match what it would have had originally. These days if you import a car that’s pre 1987 you can either choose to have a “new” registration (such as 79-KY-*****) or you can get a “classic” registration which starts with ZV – more in keeping with other cars of the age.
In 1987 the format we see most often today was brought in.
However, it wasn’t until 1991 that the IRL symbol, county and dashes were introduced to our number plates so if your car was registered before 1993 (according to Revenue) you won’t need to have them on your number plates – unless you want to!
Since 1993 there are strict rules in plate regarding the format, dimensions and technical specifications of number plates. These exact rules and regulations can be seen here but the main points are as follows:
- The registration number consisting of numbers and letters must be in black on a white reflective background
- The name of the county of registration must be in Irish, (examples are Baile Átha Cliath, Corcaigh, etc.)
- The flag of the EU and the letters “IRL” must be placed on the left-hand side of the plate, the flag comprising 12 gold stars in a circle, the letters in white beneath it, all on a blue reflective background. No other numbers, letters, marks, etc., should appear on your registration plate.
In 2013 the government introduced a new system whereby cars registered between January and June would have a “131” registration and cars registered between July and December would have a “132” registration.
This is set to continue into 2014 and following years with 141 registrations but counties/cities like Waterford (W & WD), Limerick (L & LK) and Tipperary (TS & TN) that had two registration options will be reduced to one – T in Tipperary, L in Limerick and W in Waterford. However, if you import a pre-2014 car to any of these counties the old registration, whichever is appropriate, will apply.
One of the first things I do when I buy a car is to change the number plates – there’s nothing worse than those brittle, yellowing plastic plates that come with most cars – either from a private seller or a dealership – and so I always replace them with shiny clean new pressed metal plates as soon as possible!
So whether you’re replacing your car or just feel it needs a spruce up we’ve teamed up with Eireplates, Ireland’s leading number plate manufacturer, to offer a pair of pressed aluminium number plates to one lucky reader! The competition starts tomorrow so check out our Facebook or Twitter for more details on how to win!
Suzanne Keane
13th January, 2014
