From November 15, 2010 Belgium switched to the new European number plate. In doing so, Belgium is following the example of its neighboring countries. Below is an explanation of how to apply for new number plates and a brief history of the number plate in Belgium.
Apply for a license plate
You can easily request the new number plates. They are easy to order online, for example at www.nummerbord.nu. You can also go to a license plate manufacturer near you. Every municipality has such a manufacturer at its disposal.
History of the Belgian number plate
Over the years, the combination of numbers and letters on the Belgian number plate has changed regularly.
- 1951-1961: 1 letter / 4 digits (e.g. A1234, 1A234, 12A34, 123A4, 1234A)
- 1962-1971: 2 letters / 3 numbers, where the two letters are clustered (e.g. AB123, 1AB23, 12AB3, 123AB)
- 1971-1973: 2 letters / 3 numbers, where the combination starts and ends with a letter (eg A123B)
- 1973-2008: 3 letters / 3 numbers, where the letters come before the numbers (eg ABC-123)
- 2008-2010: 3 numbers / 3 letters, now the number combination comes before the letter combination (e.g. 123-ABC)
- From November 2010: Number / 3 letters / 3 numbers, where the letters on the license plate are somewhat darker (e.g. 1-ABC-123)
Special Belgian number plates
Belgium also has numerous special number plates, intended for special vehicles or persons. Below are some of these special number plates.
- Court number plate: consist of a number and are intended for members of the royal family.
- EUR number plate: this is intended for officials of the European Community (EC).
- Transit number plate: a temporary number plate
- M / W number plate: number plates intended for motorcycles and / or tricycles or quadricycles with a motor.
- O license plate: license plate for vintage cars.
- TX number plate: number plate for taxis.
- Q / U number plate: number plate for trailers with a maximum authorized mass of 750 kg.
- Z number plate: number plate reserved for dealers.
Discussion about new license plate
For many years, the Belgian number plate has consisted of a white background with red letters. In October 2008 it was decided to switch to a new European number plate, with a blue band on the right side of the number plate with the EU logo and the abbreviation ‘B’ to indicate that it is a Belgian number plate. In the time that followed, there was a discussion about the color of the number plate. Some politicians preferred a yellow number plate, while others preferred a white number plate. Ultimately, the old red license plate was chosen, with the color being taken a little darker. The dark color should provide better visibility for, among other things, speed cameras. The new number plate was officially introduced on November 15.