Decoding Vietnamese License Plates: A Comprehensive Guide

I recently reconnected with Tuan, an old college buddy, after years apart. He immediately launched into a story about an unjust traffic ticket he’d received for running a red light. The culprit? A vehicle with a license plate almost identical to his, but with one crucial difference – the plate type. This got me thinking: understanding Vietnamese license plate types is as crucial as knowing traffic laws! So, let’s dive into the world of Vietnamese license plates.

The Significance of License Plate Classification

Classifying license plates isn’t just about differentiating vehicles; it serves several vital purposes:

• Efficient Vehicle Management: It enables authorities to effectively manage the volume and types of vehicles on the road.
• Establishing Ownership: Each plate is linked to a unique owner, clearly defining responsibility in traffic situations.
• Crime Prevention: License plates are crucial identification markers, aiding in investigations and apprehending criminals.
• Enhancing Public Safety: Clear classification helps curb the use of counterfeit or unregistered vehicles, contributing to public safety.

How Many Types of Vietnamese License Plates Are There?

Current regulations divide Vietnamese vehicle license plates into 8 main categories:

1. Passenger Car Plates (white plate, black lettering): For cars with fewer than 9 seats, pickup trucks, etc.

• Example: 29A – 123.45

2. Truck Plates (yellow plate, black lettering): For trucks, tractor-trailers, etc.

• Example: 30C – 567.89

3. Bus Plates (yellow plate, black lettering): For vehicles carrying 10 or more passengers.

• Example: 16L – 098.76

4. Specialized Vehicle Plates (yellow plate, black lettering, with “CD” designation): For fire trucks, ambulances, tow trucks, etc.

• Example: 51D – 432.10 CD

5. Military Plates (blue plate, white lettering): For vehicles belonging to the Vietnam People’s Army.

• Example: QP – 12.34.56

6. Police Plates (blue plate, white lettering): For vehicles belonging to the Vietnam People’s Police.

• Example: CA – 67.89.01

7. Diplomatic Plates (white plate, blue lettering, with “NG” or “NN” designation): For vehicles of diplomatic missions, international organizations, etc.

• Example: 80A – 1234 NG

8. Temporary Plates (white plate, red lettering): For imported vehicles awaiting registration, domestically produced vehicles not yet sold, etc.

• Example: T1 – 123.45

For a visual representation, refer to the illustration below:

Vietnamese License Plate Examples

Furthermore, license plates are also categorized based on color, numbers, and special characters:

Vietnamese License Plate Classifications

You should now have a clearer understanding of Vietnamese license plate types. Remember this information to enhance your knowledge of traffic regulations and avoid potential violations.