An Israeli vehicle registration plate, or an Israeli license plate, is a vehicle registration plate, a metal or plastic plate or plates attached to a motor vehicle or trailer, used in Israel for official identification purposes.
Israeli registration plates are issued by various approved licensing firms, like Dinamometer, and according to Specification no. 327 of the Standards Institute of Israel. Most regulations regarding Israeli vehicle registration plates are listed among the transport regulations, issued by the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety. These regulations define the proper placement of the plates, as well as other issues concerning the usage of the plates.
Israeli civil registration plates are rectangular with reflecting yellow background and embossed with black registration number. Under the first dash of the registration number (see below form of registration numbers) there is a stamp of approval of the Standards Institute of Israel. On the left side of the plate there is a euroband embossed with the Israeli flag and beneath it the letters IL and ישראל (Israel) written in Hebrew and below it إسرائيل (Israel) written in Arabic. Old plates do not hold this euroband. In American standard plates (300 x 150mm), the digits are narrower and the blue rectangle is at the bottom of the plate, as the letters are to the right of the flag.
These plates are issued to Israeli citizens, whether they live in Israel-proper (including annexed territories of Golan Heights and East Jerusalem) or in the West Bank, as well as to Syrian citizens inhabiting in the Golan Heights, and Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem. Vehicles with this format of license plates are free to cross the Green Line, but not into the Gaza Strip unless they receive a permit from COGAT. Palestinians living in the West Bank and Gaza Strip are issued a different registration plate format by the Palestinian Authority. [upper-alpha 1] The owners of these vehicles need to apply for a permit from COGAT if they want to cross the Green Line or exit the Gaza Strip.
Vehicles registered in Israel often use 'disguised' plates, either remade black on white without the blue band, or with the blue band covered, when travelling outside of the country.[ citation needed ]
Current civil registration numbers (since July 2017) consist of eight digits, separated by dashes between the third and fourth digits and between the fifth and sixth digits (XXX-XX-XXX).
In this format, The first 6 digits are the registration code. the last two digits are the series of the license plate start from 01 and only go up when the first 6 digits reach their limit (999-99-9##). Thus, the code pattern follow this:
Typical 1-line license plate, having a size compliant with that of European Union license plates, 520 x 110 mm
Typical 2-line license plate, installed on imported vehicles that can't accommodate a standard 1-line plate. Size compliant with American standard 300 x 150 mm
Motorcycle, Moped, and Scooter License Plate. 165 x 175 mm
Registration numbers from 1980-2017 were seven digits, separated by dashes between the second and third digits and between the fifth and sixth digits (XX-XXX-XX). Older registration numbers, which are still seen in Israel, consist of five or six digits with one dash placed prior to the last three digits (XX-XXX or XXX-XXX). Vehicles from the same importer or brand usually have the two last digits in common. Special numbers consisting of identical digits or other patterns, may be granted as a premium by the dealership.
While the vehicle registration numbers of taxis in Israel always end with either 25 or 26, the last two digits of buses vary, although many end with 01. Many self-imported cars end with 00, as well as many trucks. Plate numbers ending with 4x and 9x are currently not in use.
Typical 1-line license plate, having a size compliant with that of European Union license plates, 520 x 110 mm
Typical 2-line license plate, installed on imported vehicles that can't accommodate a standard 1-line plate. Size compliant with American standard 300 x 150 mm
Motorcycle, Moped, and Scooter License Plate. 165 x 175 mm
Antique vehicles, which in Israel are vehicles over 30 years of age, may be specifically registered and carry special registration plates, which in addition to the registration number contain the words רכב אספנות (lit. "collectibles" vehicle). These vehicles, while exempt from annual registration costs, may not be driven on a public road between 07:00 and 09:00 on a workday. [1] Since February 2011, self-imported antique vehicles are allocated a number plate with the 55 suffix. [2]
Typical 1-line license plate, having a size compliant with that of European Union license plates, 520 x 110 mm
Typical 2-line license plate, installed on imported vehicles that can't accommodate a standard 1-line plate. Size compliant with American standard 300 x 150 mm
Police registration plates are rectangular with red background and embossed with white registration number. Police registration numbers consist of the letter mem (מ), representing the word "mishtara" (Hebrew : משטרה, meaning: police) and the number, which is issued according to the seniority of the car holder. The number of the main car of the General commissioner of the Israel Police is 1.
Registration plates of military service vehicles are rectangular with black background and embossed with a white registration number. Military registration numbers consist of the letter tsade (צ), representing the word "Tsahal" (Israeli Defense Forces) and several digits. Alternatively, the plate might be painted on the vehicle.
Military police registration plates are rectangular with blue background and embossed with white registration number. Military police registration numbers consist of the letters mem and tsade, representing the words "mishtara tsva'it" (military police) and several digits.
Diplomatic Corps/Consular Corps registration plates are rectangular with white background and embossed with black registration number. Diplomatic/Consular Corps registration numbers consist of the letters CD/CC (respectively) and seven digits—the last two of them are 21 or 22. Private vehicles owned by a member of a diplomatic/consular mission and originally brought from the member's country of origin do not carry the letters CD/CC, but the last two digits remain 21 or 22. Honorary consuls' vehicles carry plates consisting of the letters CC without the final digits of 21 or 22, even though the vehicle is registered under a civil registration number.
The use of the 7-digit registration plate in Israel began in 1980. It ended in 2018 for cars and buses, but still used for Taxis until all numbers in the 25 and 26 series run out. The 2 last digits of the number, referred to as its suffix, have special meaning. In the eighties, the suffix indicated the vehicle's manufacturing year (80-89). In 1990 this rule was changed, and the suffix was determined according to the car's dealer or brand, when each dealer or brand was given a suffix, sometimes sharing the same suffix with other dealers or brands. This rule was gradually changed starting from 2000, and the suffix started to indicate the vehicle's manufacturing year again (although not according to a general rule as in the eighties) as well as dealer or brand.
The following table details the registration plates’ suffixes in Israel against the vehicle's manufacturing year and the car's dealer or brand. [3] The table details private and small commercial cars only. It does not indicate suffixes that were allocated to the Palestinian Authority in the past.
A list of Israel's car dealers and the brands they import follows this table.
Suffix | Manufacture year | Brand/dealer |
---|---|---|
00 | Self imported vehicles, all brands, since 1990. Mercedes | |
01 | 2005 | Colmobil (Dealer), Lubinsky (Dealer), buses, 2-wheel vehicles |
02 | 1990-1994 | Mitsubishi |
03 | 1990-1995 | Japanauto (Dealer) |
04 | 1990-1997 | Lubinsky (Dealer), Hyundai, Daihatsu |
05 | 1990-1995 | Samlat (Dealer), Automotive Equipment Group (Dealer), Jaguar, Ford |
06 | 1990-1995 | UMI (Dealer), Meir (Dealer), Carasso (Dealer), Kamor (Dealer) |
07 | 1990-1995 | Champion (Dealer), Daihatsu, Daewoo |
08 | 1990-1997 | UMI (Dealer), Meir (Dealer), Kamor (Dealer), Rover |
1995-1996 | Japanauto (Dealer) | |
2016 | Meir (Dealer) | |
09 | 1990-1996 | Alfa Romeo, Lancia, Skoda, Mazda, Toyota, Lada |
10 | 2000-2001 | All manufacturers |
2001-2004 | Skoda | |
11 | 2013-2014 | All manufacturers |
12 | 2012-2013 | All manufacturers |
13 | 2006 | All manufacturers |
2007 | Daihatsu | |
2012-2013 | All manufacturers | |
14 | 2006 | All manufacturers. Re-registration [4] in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-14) |
15 | Self import vehicles, re-registration (until 2005), heavy vehicles, former police cars | |
16 | 1997-2011 | Kamor (Dealer) |
1995-1999 | Lubinsky (Dealer), Carasso (Dealer), Daewoo | |
2005 | Champion (Dealer), Delek Motors (Dealer) | |
17 | 1995-1999 | UMI (Dealer), Meir (Dealer), Mitsubishi, Hyundai |
1999-2004 | Jaguar, Rover, Land Rover | |
18 | 1996-2000 | UMI (Dealer), Champion (Dealer) |
19 | 1995-1999 | UMI (Dealer), Delek Motors (Dealer), Automotive Equipment Group (Dealer), Daewoo, Daihatsu, Toyota |
20 | 1995-1999 | Colmobil (Dealer) |
21 | Since 1980 | Diplomatic vehicle (with "CD" at the left) or Consulate vehicle (with "CC" at the left) or Red Cross vehicle (with "ICRC" at the left), white background, All manufacturers |
22 | Since 1980 | Diplomatic vehicle (with "CD" at the left) or Consulate vehicle (with "CC" at the left) or Red Cross vehicle (with "ICRC" at the left), white background, All manufacturers |
23 | 1996-2004 | Subaru |
2000 | Most manufacturers | |
24 | 2000-2001 | Most manufacturers |
25 | Since 1986 | Taxi, All manufacturers |
26 | Since 2013 | Taxi, All manufacturers [5] |
27 | 1996-2000 | Fiat, Kia, Suzuki, Mazda |
28 | 1996-2002 | Automotive Equipment Group (Dealer) |
1995-1998 | Delek Motors (Dealer), Mercedes | |
2016 | Automotive Equipment Group (Dealer) | |
29 | 1996-1998 | Carasso (Dealer) |
1997 | Mazda | |
2000-2001 | Delek Motors (Dealer), Carasso (Dealer) | |
30 | 1997 | Daewoo, Daihatsu |
2014 | All manufacturers | |
31 | 2014 | All manufacturers |
32 | 2014-2015 | All manufacturers |
33 | 2015 | All manufacturers |
34 | 2015-2016 | All manufacturers |
35 | 2001-2002 | All manufacturers |
36 | 2002-2003 | All manufacturers |
37 | 2015-2016 | All manufacturers |
38 | 2015-2016 | All manufacturers |
39 | 2016 | All manufacturers |
40 | 2016-2017 | All manufacturers |
41 | Re-registration of "collectibles" vehicle in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-41) | |
42-49 | Not in use | |
50 | 2002-2003 | Honda |
2003 | All manufacturers | |
2006-2005 | Daihatsu | |
51 | 2003-2004 | All manufacturers |
52 | 1982 | All manufacturers |
2013-2014 | All manufacturers | |
53 | 1983 | All manufacturers |
2013-2014 | All manufacturers | |
2015 | Champion Motors (Dealer) | |
54 | 1984 | All manufacturers |
2013-2014 | All manufacturers | |
2015 | Delek Motors (Dealer), Champion Motors (Dealer), Carasso (Dealer) | |
55 | 1985 | All manufacturers, mostly commercial vehicles |
Re-registration of "collectibles" vehicle in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-55) | ||
2015 | Colmobil (Dealer) | |
56 | 1986 | All manufacturers, mostly commercial vehicles |
2004 | All manufacturers | |
2005 | Champion (Dealer) | |
57 | 1987 | All manufacturers, mostly commercial vehicles |
2004-2005 | All manufacturers | |
2005 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-57) | |
2015 | Delek Motors (Dealer) | |
58 | 1988 | All manufacturers, mostly commercial vehicles |
2005 | All manufacturers | |
2006 | Japanauto (Dealer) | |
2014 | Automotive Equipment Group (Dealer), Subaru | |
59 | 1989 | All manufacturers, mostly commercial vehicles |
2005-2006 | All manufacturers | |
Since 2007 | Hamizrach (Dealer) | |
2015-2016 | Japanauto (Dealer) | |
60 | 2006-2007 | All manufacturers |
2006 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-60) | |
61 | 2006-2008 | All manufacturers |
2007 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-61) | |
62 | 2007 | All manufacturers |
63 | 2007-2008 | All manufacturers |
64 | 2008 | All manufacturers |
2013-2014 | Peugeot, Citroen | |
65 | 2008-2009 | All manufacturers |
66 | 2008-2009 | All manufacturers |
67 | 2008-2010 | All manufacturers |
68 | 2008-2010 | All manufacturers |
2009 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-68) | |
69 | 2009-2010 | All manufacturers |
2009-2010 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-69) | |
70 | 2009-2010 | All manufacturers |
71 | 2010-2011 | All manufacturers |
2011 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-71) | |
72 | 2010-2011 | All manufacturers |
2011-2012 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-72) | |
73 | 2010-2011 | All manufacturers |
2012-2013 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-73) | |
74 | 2011 | All manufacturers |
2013 | Re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-74) | |
2014 | Peugeot, Citroen | |
75 | 2011-2012 | All manufacturers |
2013 | Subaru, re-registration in case the first (left-most) digit is 9. (9X-XXX-75) | |
76 | 2011-2013 | All manufacturers |
77 | 1990-2003 | Government vehicle. After the vehicle left government service it received re-registration plate |
78 | 2011-2012 | All manufacturers |
79 | 2012-2013 | All manufacturers |
80 | 1980 | All manufacturers |
81 | 1981 | All manufacturers |
82 | 1982 | All manufacturers |
83 | 1983 | All manufacturers |
84 | 1984 | All manufacturers |
85 | 1985 | All manufacturers |
86 | 1986 | All manufacturers |
87 | 1987 | All manufacturers |
88 | 1988 | All manufacturers |
89 | 1989 | All manufacturers |
90-99 | Not in use |
Dealer | Brands |
---|---|
UMI Universal Motors Israel | Chevrolet, Buick, Cadillac, Isuzu, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, GMC, Saab; Opel (until 2011) |
Delek Motors | Mazda, Ford, BMW; Mini (since 2011) |
Kamor | Until 2011 Kamor imported BMW and Mini. |
Lubinsky | Peugeot, Citroen; MG (since 2011), Opel (since 2017) |
Champion Motors | Audi, Volkswagen, Seat, Skoda; BYD (co-op with Shlomo-Sixt) |
Carasso Motors | Renault, Nissan, Infiniti, Dacia, Chery; EVeasy (JMEV) |
Union Motors | Toyota, Lexus, GAC, Geely |
Meir | Honda, Volvo, Polestar, Lynk&Co |
Samlat - Cars Agency for the Mediterranean | Ferrari, Maserati, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Subaru (since 2013), RAM (Since 2016), Lancia, Abarth, Chrysler/Jeep (since 2016), Dodge (since 2016), Kia (until 2008), Hongqi |
Telcar | Daihatsu, Ssangyong; Kia (since 2008), Seres |
Colmobil | Mitsubishi, Hyundai, Mercedes, Smart; Great Wall (since 2022) |
Hamizrach | Land Rover, Jaguar; Great Wall (2010-2015) |
Automotive Equipment Group | Suzuki, Chrysler/Jeep/Dodge (until 2016), Porsche |
Shlomo-Sixt | Opel (until 2017); BYD (co-op with Champion Motors) |
Japanauto | Subaru (until 2013, bought in 2013 by Samlat) |
Tesla Israel | Tesla |
Belilios Group | Aiways |
China Motors | Maxus |
EV Motors | JAC, LEVC, WM Motor/Weltmeister |
Caduri Group | Skywell/Skyworth, Zhidou |
Metro Motor | Leapmotor, Karma, Voyah |
Regulations no. 300-301 state that every vehicle registered in Israel must carry two registration plates, installed on the front and rear ends of the vehicle (one on each) in the designated places by the manufacturer, or otherwise determined by the licensing authority. Motorcycles, trailers, semi-trailers, bicycles and tricycles must carry one plate only, installed on the rear end. [6]
Registration plates must always be clean and must not be obscured by freight. [7]
A damaged or vandalized registration plate must be replaced with a new one. [8]
It is prohibited to remove a plate except for its replacement. It is also prohibited to add details to a plate, change its color or blur it. [9]
A vehicle registered in Israel is allowed to carry Israeli plates only. [10]
A registration plate in a motor vehicle must be illuminated, so it can be read from a distance of 20 meters (66 feet) in daylight and fair weather. [11]
When driving on an electronic toll collection route in Israel like Highway 6, the vehicle registration plate is electro-optically read at the entrance and exit from the route. Later, a clerk will manually enter the data into the database and subsequently, an invoice is sent to the address of the owner of the vehicle, as it is registered in the database of the Ministry of Transportation. [12]
A vehicle registration plate, also known as a number plate or license plate or licence plate, is a metal or plastic plate attached to a motor vehicle or trailer for official identification purposes. All countries require registration plates for road vehicles such as cars, trucks, and motorcycles. Whether they are required for other vehicles, such as bicycles, boats, or tractors, may vary by jurisdiction. The registration identifier is a numeric or alphanumeric ID that uniquely identifies the vehicle or vehicle owner within the issuing region's vehicle register. In some countries, the identifier is unique within the entire country, while in others it is unique within a state or province. Whether the identifier is associated with a vehicle or a person also varies by issuing agency. There are also electronic license plates.
Motorized vehicles in Indonesia are required to have registration plates, which must be displayed both at the front and back of the vehicles. The issuing of number plates is regulated and administered by SAMSAT, which is a collaboration between the Indonesian National Police, provincial offices of regional revenue, and the national mandatory vehicle insurance operator Jasa Raharja.
The most common format for vehicle registration plates in Romania consists of black letters on white background in the format CC 12 ABC
, where CC
is a two letter county code, 12
is a two digit group, and ABC
is a three letter group. For Bucharest, the format is B 12 ABC
or B 123 ABC
, where B
is code for Bucharest city, 12
and 123
is a two or three digit group, and ABC
is a three letter group. The left side of the plate bears a blue vertical strip displaying the 12 stars of the European Union and the country code of Romania (RO). Between 1992-2007 the band featured the Romanian flag instead of the 12 stars. All lettering comes from the Latin alphabet.
The Italian vehicle registration plates are the compulsory alphanumeric plates used to display the registration mark of motor vehicles registered in Italy. They have existed in the country since 1897.
Turkish vehicle registration plates are number plates found on Turkish vehicles. The plates use an indirect numbering system associated with the geographical info. In Turkey, number plates are made by authorized private workshops.
In the United States, vehicle registration plates, known as license plates, are issued by a department of motor vehicles, an agency of the state or territorial government, or in the case of the District of Columbia, the district government. Some Native American tribes also issue plates. The U.S. federal government issues plates only for its own vehicle fleet and for vehicles owned by foreign diplomats. Until the 1980s, diplomatic plates were issued by the state in which the consulate or embassy was located.
Finnish vehicle registration plates usually carry three letters and three numbers separated with a dash, though vanity plates may carry 2-3 letters and 1-3 numbers. Since 1989 the code has no connection with the geographic location, except that Åland has its own type of plate. Between 1972/1973 and 1989 the first letter indicated where the vehicle was first registered as the plate did not have to be changed even if the vehicle was moved to another area of Finland.
In Sweden, vehicle registration plates are used for most types of vehicles. They have three letters first, a space and two digits and one digit or letter after. The combination is mostly a random number and has no connection with a geographic location. The last digit is used to show what month the vehicle tax has to be paid, and before 2018 it was also used to show what month the car had to undergo vehicle inspection. Vehicles like police cars, fire trucks, public buses and trolley buses use the same type of plate as normal private cars and cannot be directly distinguished by the plate alone. Military vehicles have special plates. Part of the vehicle data is public and can be retrieved online.
In South Korea, the Surface Transportation Bureau of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOCT) oversees the design and issue of license plates for motor vehicles. The abbreviation for South Korea is ROK.
Brazilian vehicle registration plates are issued by the states. Each state has a Departamento de Trânsito (DETRAN) that is in charge of vehicle registration and car tax collection, but plates are standardized across the country and form a national vehicle registration database.
In Albania, vehicle registration plates are issued by the General Directory of Road Transport Services.
Vehicle registration plates of Kosovo are issued by the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Kosovo. As of June 1, 2012, all residents of Kosovo are obliged to fit their cars with KS or RKS plates. Non-compliance results in confiscation of the non-Kosovar plates and legal charges.
Since Ukraine's independence in 1991, the country has used four main systems of vehicle registration plates.
Thailand's vehicle registration plates are issued by the Department of Land Transport (DLT) of the Ministry of Transport. They must be displayed on all motorized road vehicles, as required by the Motor Vehicle Act, B.E. 2522 and the Land Transport Act, B.E. 2522. The plates vary in design, colors and dimensions according to the type of vehicle, but usually display a registration number and the vehicle's province of registration. Specifications are given in Ministry of Transport regulations. Current style started in 1975 for most vehicle types, but with small changes in 1997, and 1997 for motorcycles.
Vehicle registration plates of Canada, also known as licence plates, are issued by provincial or territorial government agencies. Registration plates in Canada are typically attached to motor vehicles or trailers for official identification purposes. Some Canadian registration plates have unique designs, shapes, and slogans related to the issuing jurisdiction. For example, registration plates issued in the Northwest Territories are shaped like a polar bear. In Alberta, registration plates typically display the words "Wild Rose Country."
Vehicle registration plates of Georgia are composed of an embossed serial of two letters, a hyphen, three numbers, a hyphen, and two letters, in black on a white background with a blue vertical strip on the left. The plates are issued in the Latin alphabet. Georgian registration plates are the same size as the most common European registration plate. All plates have the abbreviation "GE" in the lower left corner of the plate and the national flag in the upper left corner. This set of new style registration plates have been in use since 1 September 2014.
The vehicle registration plates of Cyprus are composed of three letters and three digits. A simple incremental numbering system is used; numbers run from 001 to 999 per letter sequence (alphabetic), so that, for example, the plate to be issued after MAA 999 would be MAB 001. However, registrants may be allowed to choose a number from available numbers in the extant letter sequence.
The Palestinian National Authority requires their residents register their motor vehicles and display vehicle registration plates. There are two different registration systems in use: one for West Bank and one in the Gaza Strip.
Vehicle registration plates are the alphanumeric plates used to display the registration mark of a vehicle, and have existed in the United Kingdom since 1904. It is compulsory for motor vehicles used on public roads to display vehicle registration plates, with the exception of vehicles of the reigning monarch used on official business.
Moroccan license plates match in size and appearance to a large extent the European license plates and usually show black text on a white background.