Vehicle registration plates of Chile

Last updated

Old Chilean license plate (until 2007) Matricula automovilistica Chile 1985 XH*66*40.jpg
Old Chilean license plate (until 2007)
New Chilean license plate (until 2014) Matricula automovilistica Chile 1985 DT*RC*78 particular.jpg
New Chilean license plate (until 2014)
New Chilean license plates (from 2014) Matricula automovilistica Chile 2014.png
New Chilean license plates (from 2014)

Chile requires its residents to register their motor vehicles and display vehicle registration plates called patentes. [1]

Contents

The current vehicle registration plates also are officially known as PPU (Placa Patente Única in Spanish). This designation was introduced in 1985 when vehicle registration was unified at the national level, ensuring that each vehicle would have a unique plate across the country.

Formats

Old format (before December 31, 1984)

In the first registration system, vehicles were registered in each municipality, and this assigned a record independently, whose combinations were governed by a certain geographical distribution.

These license plates featured combinations of letters and numbers. They also varied in color depending on the type of vehicle, its use, or the year of issuance. The layout of the information (such as the municipality, combination, year, etc.) on the plate's lines (top or bottom) also varied according to each municipality's regulations.

The amounts of letters and numbers depend on the era:

Grades:

The vertical line / indicates the separation between the upper and lower line.
The separation indicated between the year and the symbol of the Mint is marked in such a way that the first written data is above the second. For example, if it is found as " · [70] " it indicates that the symbol is placed over the year.
Chilean license plate from the commune of Valparaiso in 1963. Matricula automovilistica Chile 1963 Valparaiso ESSS430 Flickr - woody1778a.jpg
Chilean license plate from the commune of Valparaíso in 1963.
Chilean license plate from the commune of Peumo in 1977. Matricula automovilistica Chile 1977 Peumo NCCSS27 Flickr - woody1778a.jpg
Chilean license plate from the commune of Peumo in 1977.
Chilean registration plate from the commune of Providencia from the early 1980s. Matricula automovilistica Chile Providencia IJASS587 sin fecha Flickr - woody1778a.jpg
Chilean registration plate from the commune of Providencia from the early 1980s.

The initial letters between 1981 and 1984 were distributed as follows:

2 Letters and 4 Numbers Series (1985-2007)

The format consists of two letters and four numbers (AA·10-00); the letters are separated from the numbers by a simplified figure of the National Coat of Arms, while the numbers are grouped in two pairs of digits separated by a small circle. In addition to the numbers visible on the license plate, the registration additionally incorporates a verifier digit, the one that appears in the vehicle documentation.

The first letter can be one of the following 23 (with specific sequences following): A, B, C, E, F, G, H, D, K, L, N, P, R, S, T, U, V, X, Y, Z, W, and M. [2] The letters I, Ñ, and Q were not used due to their resemblance to other letters, except in specific cases. Diplomatic vehicles may start with O. The letter J is now used for national trailer registration, replacing the old municipal system. The M series starts from MZ to MX in reverse order, allowing for 5,289,999 vehicles.

The first letter of the square allows to identify the year of the vehicle, although without exact precision and only from the letter D onwards. These years are:

  • Before 1990: A, B, C, D, F, G and H
  • 1990: DA - DE
  • 1991: DE - DR
  • 1992: DR - DZ, KA - KF (some cars that year were also BD and CF)
  • 1993: KF - KV (approx.)
  • 1994: KV (approx.) - LN
  • 1995: NL - NL
  • 1996: NN - PJ
  • 1997: P - R - S (Carabineros)
  • 1998: RN - SN
  • 1999: S - T
  • 2000: T - U
  • 2001: U
  • 2002: U - V
  • 2003: V - X
  • 2004: X - Y
  • 2005: Y - Z
  • 2006: Z - W
  • 2007: W, ZW to KW (reverse order, without VW), MZ to MX (also in reverse order).

It is possible to observe vehicles whose plates begin with a letter that does not correspond to their year of registration, which may be because the vehicle was re-registered, or it was registered in an office where so few vehicles are registered that the combinations are delayed.

The second letter can be one of the following 23: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, N, P, R, S, T, U, V, X, Y, Z and W. M and W were left out for being too wide, Ñ for its resemblance to N, O for its resemblance to zero, and Q for its resemblance to O and zero. The I was only used in the combination DI.

In plates beginning with letters A, B, C, E, F, G and H, the sequential order is expressed in the second letter, for example, the sequential order of the first series was AA - BA - CA - EA, and so on; the next series was AB - CB - EB - FB, and so on. Initially, the letter D was not used at the beginning of the combination, due to its resemblance to zero, and the combinations BB, AD, AK, AY, GG and HZ were not used either, but until much later.

Also in the beginning there was a certain unintentional geographical distribution, some series assigned according to the table, for example:

RegionAssigned Combination
Arica-ParinacotaAA and BA
TarapacáAB and CB
AntofagastaEB, FA, FB, GA and HA
AtacamaGB and HB
CoquimboAC, FD, GD and HD
ValparaísoAH, CH, CX, EH, EX, FX and GY
FH (Los Andes)
GH (San Felipe)
O'HigginsAX (San Fernando)
CJ (Codegua)
EA, FV and GV (Rancagua)
MauleBC, ER, ET, FE, FT, GE, and HS
Ñuble & Bío-BíoEU, FF and HF
EC and GF (Chillán)
AF and GT (Talcahuano)
BF, BU, EF, HE and HT (Concepción)
AraucaníaFU, GC, GU and HU
Los Ríos & Los LagosAV, BG, BV, CV, EG, EV and HC
AysénBD (partial)
MagallanesAE, BE, CE and CF (partial)
MetropolitanaRest of original series
CT (San Bernardo)
EL (Santiago)
GX (Paine)
HH (Maipú)
HR (Las Condes)

The combinations that begin with the letters A, B, C, E, F, G and H, were not issued following a correlative order, unlike what was done from 1990 (D) and until the end of the system. In 1990 plates began to be issued following a correlative order marked on the second letter, beginning with D: DA - DB - DD ( DC was not used), and so on. E, F, G, and H had already been used in the previous system and J had been discarded because it resembled I, so K was continued: KA - KB - KC - KD, etc. This order allows to identify, with moderate precision, the year of registration of the vehicle, for example, the letter S began to be issued from the end of 1997, the letter X corresponds to the middle of 2003, etc.

When the combinations reached ZZ in 2006, the system's lifespan was extended by incorporating the letters W and M, which were initially excluded due to their width. The sequence began with WA and progressed to WZ. Then, the second letter was used, starting from ZW and moving backward to KW. The M series was also introduced, with plates issued in reverse order from MZ to part of MX, which was the last combination issued under that system.

There is no certainty that (almost) all the combinations have been used.[ citation needed ]

The numbers start from 1000 (AA·10-00) and go up consecutively until they reach 9999 (AA·'99-99).

All license plates in Chile display the word CHILE at the bottom, except for Transantiago buses, which say TRANSANTIAGO, with a special symbol separating the letters from the numbers. Additionally, on the left side, the phrase REGISTRO CIVIL E IDENTIFICACION (CIVIL REGISTRY AND IDENTIFICATION) is inscribed in an oval, while on the right side, CASA DE MONEDA DE CHILE appears in a circle with its emblem. These inscriptions are embossed on the metal plate without paint, making them only visible up close.

The font used throughout this system is Helvetica Medium Condensed.

4 Letters and 2 Numbers Series (2007-present)

Examples of Chilean license plates: Although the current format is BB-BB*10, older plates were not replaced. Matricula automovilistica Chile 2014.png
Examples of Chilean license plates: Although the current format is BB-BB·10, older plates were not replaced.

In September 2007 the new format began to be used, which is made up of 4 letters and 2 numbers ('BB-BB·10). This system uses 18 letters, [2] which are: B, C, D, F, G, H, J, K, L, P, R, S, T, V, W, X, Y, Z. The letters M, N, Ñ, Q (for its resemblance to the O and the number 0), and the vowels (to avoid combinations that form words and thus bother vehicle drivers)) are not used. Although new vehicle plates use the BB·BB-10 format, the previous plates were not superseded, so the two formats currently coexist. The combination allows for a vehicle park of 9,447,840 (excluding Police, Armed Forces and Firefighters vehicles).

The numbers start at 10 for each series of letters, up to 99. The letters continue to be separated from the numbers by a simplification of the National emblem, and the 4 letters in 2 groups of 2 letters by a black circle. The design (frame and font) are the same as in the previous format.

Considering the pace of vehicle registrations before the current format began, it was expected that the numbering system would last around 38 to 40 years. However, due to the surge in vehicle sales, the first four initial letters (B to F) were exhausted in just 6 years, and half of the series (B to L) in only 12 years. [3] As a result, it's unlikely that the combinations will last 25 to 30 years unless more letters are added to the sequence (for example, increasing from 18 to 20 letters would boost the number of combinations by 52%).

As in the old format, the license plates have the word CHILE included at the bottom, except for the Transantiago bus plates, which have the word TRANSANTIAGO and its corresponding isotype. Also, like the previous format, they include the signs of the Civil Registry and the Mint, with the difference that they are now printed on the plate.

Since 2014, all license plates were updated with the FE-Schrift font (Car-Go typeface) to prevent counterfeiting. A new feature was added: an indicator on the left side of the plate specifying whether it belongs on the front or rear of the vehicle. [4] [5] [6]

Trailer license plates - National Registry of Ground Freight Transport

According to Law 19,872, which entered into force on December 20, 2003, trailers and semi-trailers (in addition to trucks and tractor-trailers) whose gross vehicle weight is equal to or greater than 3,860 kg. they must be registered in the National Land Freight Transport Registry, replacing the Municipal Car and Trailer Registries. Trailer and semi-trailer license plates use the same design as motor vehicle license plates, following the old format (AA 10–00) and using the full series of the letter J, notwithstanding what is established when you start using the license plate. new format (BB-BB 10) once the series is over. Only the series between JA and JP were used, being replaced by the current four-letter format identifying a hologram stamped on R (trailer) and SR (semi-trailer).

Trailers and semi-trailers with a lower gross vehicle weight continue to be registered in the municipal registries. The license plates for trailers of said registries are white, have three letters and three numbers (ABC 123) written in red, and on them indicate the commune in which they were registered. The series used are distributed geographically by commune, which could be explained by the fact that they derive from the old municipal registers of motor vehicles (until 1985).

Meanwhile, trucks and tractor-trailers registered in the National Registry of Ground Freight Transport are also enrolled in the Motor Vehicle Registry, which means they do not carry special license plates. They use the same standard vehicle plates as other motor vehicles, without any distinctive markings specific to their classification as freight transport vehicles.

Motorcycle license plates

They are small in size. They consist of 2 letters and 3 numbers (AB 123), separated by a period. Above them is the word CHILE. In reality, these combinations are registered as AB·0123, due to their reduced plate space, in which the first zero does not appear; these start numbered from 100 to 999 (that is, 01–00 to 09–99) -the digits 001 to 099 are reserved for carriages-. Lately they have completed the series with the letters I, J, M, O, Q and part of W only in the use of two-wheelers.

Each license plate contains a pair (front and rear), just like other motorized vehicles, except for Carabineros motorcycles.

As of 2014, a new format is used, that of three letters and two numbers (BBB 10) under FE-Schrift characters and the size of the plates larger than the previous ones. The combinations are identical to those of other vehicles. Like the previous one, they are documented as BBB·010 for logical reasons.[ citation needed ]

Special Formats

Provisional license plates

Provisional license plate. Matricula automovilistica Chile 2013 PR*065 provisoria.jpg
Provisional license plate.

They are the same size as regular plates, with an orange background and black characters. The format includes the letters PR followed by 3 or 4 numbers (e.g., PR·064, PR·1009), separated by a black star. The bottom of the plate features the word PROVISORIA (year) and the year it was issued (e.g., PROVISORIA 2007). These plates are used by exporters or dealerships to move vehicles without registering them, commonly for cars undergoing testing.

Police of Chile

Carabineros Registration. Z = Police van Kfz-Kennzeichen (Chile) - Polizei.JPG
Carabineros Registration. Z = Police van
Carabinero motorcycle license plate Kfz-Kennzeichen (Chile) - Polizei (Motorrad).jpg
Carabinero motorcycle license plate

In the format corresponding to the vehicle fleet of Carabineros de Chile, the combinations and/or letters are used: [7]

They are followed by the corresponding numerical assignment which belongs only to CARABINEROS DE CHILE. Above the alphanumeric combination is the inscription CARABINEROS DE CHILE.

Firefighters

Fire Department license plate. Matricula automovilistica Chile 1985 CBS*214 Cuerpo Bomberos Santiago.jpg
Fire Department license plate.

In some fire departments of the country, those institutional plates are used under the combination CB (Fire Department), followed by one or two letters per municipality, plus a star and an identifying number. Above it is the inscription CPO. FIREFIGHTERS and the name of the corresponding municipality.

Armed Forces

Army license plate Matricula automovilistica Chile 1985 EJTO*0337 fuerzas armadas.jpg
Army license plate

The Army license plates use the combination EJTO, plus the correlative numbering.

Diplomatic Corps

Consular Body. 04 = Argentina Matricula automovilistica Chile 1985 CC*0415 cuerpo consular.jpg
Consular Body. 04 = Argentina
Honorary Consul. 15 = Costa Rica Matricula automovilistica Chile 1985 CH*1501 Consul Honorario.jpg
Honorary Consul. 15 = Costa Rica

The diplomatic corps series uses the following combinations: CD (Diplomatic Corps), CC (Consular Corps), AT (Personal Technical Assistance), CH (Honorary Consul), OI (International Organization) and PAT (Temporary Admission Permit), followed by their corresponding numbers, separated by a small star. Under this is the inscription CHILE. The first double digits identify the country or organization arranged in alphabetical order.

These are some of the countries that they represent by two first digits:

01Flag of Vatican City (2023-present).svg  Vatican City
02Flag of Germany.svg  Germany
04Flag of Argentina.svg  Argentina
05Flag of Australia (converted).svg  Australia
06Flag of Austria.svg  Austria
07Flag of Belgium (civil).svg  Belgium
09Flag of Brazil.svg  Brazil
10Flag of Bulgaria.svg  Bulgaria
11Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada
12Flag of the Czech Republic.svg  Czech Republic [8]
13Flag of Colombia.svg  Colombia
14Flag of South Korea.svg  South Korea
15Flag of Costa Rica.svg  Costa Rica
16Flag of Croatia.svg  Croatia [9]
17Flag of Cuba.svg  Cuba
18Flag of Denmark.svg  Denmark [10]

20Flag of Egypt.svg  Egypt
21Flag of El Salvador.svg  El Salvador
24 and 25Flag of the United States (23px).png  United States
26Flag of Ethiopia.svg  Ethiopia
27Flag of Russia.svg  Russia
28Flag of the Philippines.svg  Philippines
30Flag of France.svg  France
33Flag of Guatemala.svg  Guatemala
36Flag of Hungary.svg  Hungary
37Flag of India.svg  India
38Flag of Indonesia.svg  Indonesia
39Flag of Israel.svg  Israel
40Flag of Italy.svg  Italy
41Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
44Flag of Malaysia 23px.svg  Malaysia
46Flag of Mexico.svg  Mexico

48Flag of Norway.svg  Norway
53Flag of Paraguay.svg  Paraguay [9]
54Flag of Peru.svg  Peru
55Flag of Poland.svg  Poland
57Flag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
58Flag of Syria (2025-).svg  Syria [11]
59Flag of Algeria.svg  Algeria [12]
60Flag of the Dominican Republic.svg  Dominican Republic
62Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg  China
70Flag of Uruguay.svg  Uruguay [9]
76Flag of Iraq.svg  Iraq
80Flag of Europe.svg  European Union [13]
99Flag of Bolivia.svg  Bolivia

Material, colors and measurements

The license plate is a metal sheet made of aluminum, with specific colors depending on the vehicle's use. These colors apply to the formats AA·10·00 and BB·BB·10.

The measurements of the license plates are 360 × 130 mm, and 145 × 120 mm for motorcycles.

Curiosities

Comparison of characters before and after the transition. Kfz-Kennzeichen (Chile) - Vergleich Schriftart.jpg
Comparison of characters before and after the transition.

References

  1. "License Plates of Chile".
  2. 1 2 "Instructions for Patent Validation - Civil Registry and Identification Service" (PDF).
  3. "Automotive boom would run out of four-letter patents 14 years earlier than projected". El Mercurio Online . Archived from the original on March 28, 2019. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  4. "Since 2014 the patent plates will change". Chañarcillo online. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2014.
  5. "Vehicle license plates will change next year". 24horas.cl.
  6. Rodríguez, Sergio; Vásquez, Carla (January 30, 2014). "Nueva patente vehicular tendrá tipografía especial para evitar fraudes" [New vehicle license will have special typography to avoid fraud]. La Tercera (in Spanish). Archived from the original on October 12, 2016. Retrieved April 17, 2014.
  7. "Vehicle Regulations for Carabineros de Chile, No. 20" (PDF). Carabineros de Chile . 2009. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 12, 2019. Retrieved May 11, 2019.
  8. Blogeintrag auf ppuchile.wordpress.com
  9. 1 2 3 Blogeintrag auf ppuchile.wordpress.com
  10. Bild auf GoogleMaps
  11. Foto auf ppuchile.wordpress.com
  12. Foto auf ppuchile.wordpress.com
  13. Foto auf ppuchile.wordpress.com