Decoding Vietnam’s Flag License Plates: Meaning and Prestige

“What’s with the car with the flag on its license plate? It looks so important!” – You’ve likely heard a similar question upon seeing these unique vehicles on Hanoi’s streets. What are these flag license plates? What’s their special significance that sparks so much curiosity? Let’s decode this mystery with Xe Tải Hà Nội!

What Are Flag License Plates?

Unlike regular civilian license plates, flag license plates are issued to agencies, organizations, and individuals entitled to certain privileges under Vietnamese law. The most distinctive feature is the red flag with a yellow star, or a foreign country’s flag, affixed to the top of the plate.

Vietnamese Car with a Flag License Plate

Types of Flag License Plates

Depending on the recipient, flag license plates are categorized into various types, the most common being:

• Military license plates: For vehicles belonging to the Vietnam People’s Army.
• Police license plates: For vehicles belonging to the Vietnam People’s Public Security.
• Diplomatic license plates: For vehicles used by diplomatic missions, international organizations, and foreign diplomats in Vietnam.
• Central government license plates: For vehicles belonging to central administrative, legislative, and judicial bodies.