Check Vietnamese License Plates: Meaning and Practical Applications

The story goes that when my friend bought a new Hyundai Mighty 75S truck for his business, he parked it overnight in an empty lot near Long Bien Wholesale Market. The next morning, when he went to retrieve his truck, his license plate was gone! Panicked, he searched high and low, worried about theft or worse. Fortunately, after asking around, he learned that someone had found the fallen plate and turned it in to market security. From that day on, my friend became much more careful, not only regularly checking his license plate but also learning how to check license plates online.

So, what is license plate checking? What are its practical applications? Let’s explore this topic in detail with Hanoi Trucks!

What is License Plate Checking?

License plate checking is the process of looking up information about a vehicle based on its license plate number. This can be done online through websites and mobile applications, or by contacting the relevant authorities.

Information Obtainable Through License Plate Checks:

• Basic Information: Vehicle owner, registration address, make, model, year of manufacture, VIN, engine number, color, engine displacement, seating capacity…
• Vehicle Inspection Information: Inspection expiry date, inspection status, inspection history…
• Insurance Information: Insurance type, coverage period, insurance company…
• Traffic Violation Information: History of traffic violations (if any)…

Benefits of License Plate Checking

Checking a vehicle’s license plate offers many practical benefits, not only for individuals but also for society:

• For Individuals:
  • Verify the origin and history of a vehicle before buying or selling, avoiding the purchase of stolen or questionable vehicles.
  • Gain a comprehensive understanding of a vehicle they own or intend to purchase.
  • Check the legal status of a vehicle, mitigating potential legal risks.
  • Find the contact information of the vehicle owner when necessary (e.g., if a vehicle is blocking a driveway or involved in a hit-and-run).
• For Society:
  • Assist authorities in managing vehicles and tracking down vehicles involved in illegal activities.
  • Enhance traffic law compliance among road users.

Common Methods for Checking License Plates in Vietnam

Currently, there are various ways to check car license plates; you can choose the method that best suits your needs and circumstances:

1. Online License Plate Checks

This is the most common and convenient method, requiring only an internet-connected device to access information anytime, anywhere.

Some reputable websites for checking license plates:

• Ministry of Public Security portal
• Vietnam Register portal
• …

Note:

• Choose reputable websites and avoid accessing fake or fraudulent sites.
• Information on these websites is for reference only.

2. Using Mobile License Plate Check Applications

Numerous mobile applications allow for quick and easy license plate lookups. You can easily download and use them on your smartphone.

Some popular license plate check applications:

• iCheck
• CarVivu
• …

Note:

• Choose reputable applications from trusted developers.
• Carefully review the application’s permissions before installation.

3. Contacting the Authorities Directly

For the most accurate and comprehensive information, you can contact the relevant authorities directly, such as:

• Traffic Police
• Vietnam Register

To better understand the license plate checking process, you can refer to the illustration below:

This image illustrates the process of checking a car's license plate online, including steps like accessing the website, entering the license plate number, and viewing the results. It highlights the ease and convenience of this method.

Feng Shui and Truck License Plates

Vietnamese people value feng shui, especially when it comes to buying and using vehicles. License plates are no exception. Many believe that a beautiful, feng shui-compliant license plate will bring luck and prosperity to the owner.

According to feng shui expert Nguyen Van A, author of “Applied Feng Shui in Daily Life,” “License plates containing lucky numbers like 6, 8, and 9 are often considered auspicious. Conversely, numbers like 4 and 7 are often considered unlucky and should be avoided.”

To learn more about the feng shui significance of license plates, you can refer to the illustration below showcasing lucky and unlucky numbers in feng shui: