List of country codes on British diplomatic vehicle registration plates

This is a list of country codes on British diplomatic car number plates, i.e. the first group of three numbers.

Since 1979, cars operated by foreign embassies, consular staff, and various international organisations have been given number plates with a distinguishing format of three numbers, one letter, three numbers. The letter is D for diplomats or X for accredited non-diplomatic staff.[1] The first group of three numbers identifies the country or organisation to whom the plate has been issued, the second group of three numbers is a serial number, starting at 101 for diplomats (although some embassies were erroneously issued 100), 400 for non-diplomatic staff of international organisations, and 700 for consular staff.[2]

Many foreign embassies have acquired vanity plates from historic British car numbering systems, for example BF 1 and BF 2 (Burkina Faso), IC 1 (Iceland), CHN 1 (China), BEL 12E (Belize), FIJ 1 (Fiji), 1 NWY (Norway), 1 HKG (General-Director of Hong Kong Economic and Trade office) etc.[3]

Contents

Embassies and High Commissions

International organisations

References

  1. ^ Numberplates.net - DVLA issuing, URL accessed May 23, 2008
  2. ^ Chiltern Vehicle Preservation Group, Car Registration and Number Plates 1903-2003, p.7
  3. ^ Olav's Plates.com, URL accessed May 23, 2008

Newall, L.H.. A History of Motor Vehicle Registration in the United Kingdom (2008 ed.). Newby Books. ISBN 9781872686325. 

External links