Decoding Vietnam’s License Plates: A Guide for Truck Owners

Truck drivers in Vietnam, especially those on long-haul North-South routes, often place great importance on feng shui. Stories circulate about a truck with the “five identical digits” license plate 333.33, considered a “lucky charm.” The owner reportedly prospered after acquiring this plate, with business booming. Whether truth or folklore, these tales highlight the significance Vietnamese culture places on the numbers found on license plates. So, what do these numbers actually mean? Let XE TẢI HÀ NỘI decipher this mystery!

Understanding Vietnam’s License Plate System

A vehicle’s license plate is more than just identification; it provides valuable information about its origin, owner, and type. Understanding Vietnam’s license plate system allows you to easily identify vehicles on the road.

Structure of a Vietnamese License Plate

Current Vietnamese license plates adhere to regulations outlined in Circular No. 15/2014/TT-BCA. They consist of:

• Province/City Code and Series: The first two characters, where:
  • The first character represents the province or centrally-governed city. For example: 29 – Hanoi, 51 – Ho Chi Minh City, 36 – Thanh Hoa.
  • The second character denotes the license plate series, indicating registration order.
• Numerical Sequence: A 4-5 digit number representing the vehicle’s sequential number within the series.
• Vehicle Class Code: The final letter or number, distinguishing vehicle types like cars, trucks, and buses.

Types of License Plates

Based on the vehicle class code, license plates can be categorized as follows:

• Passenger Car Plates: Typically end with letters A, B, C, D.
• Truck Plates: Usually end with letters C, D, or the number 8.
• Bus Plates: Often end with letters E, F, or the number 7.

Meaning of License Plate Components

Each component on a license plate carries specific information:

• Province/City Code: Identifies where the vehicle was first registered.
• Series Code: Indicates the vehicle’s registration order within the same province/city.
• Numerical Sequence: Represents the vehicle’s unique number within the series.
• Vehicle Class Code: Classifies the vehicle according to its intended use.

A blue truck with a "lucky" license plate

Frequently Asked Questions about License Plates

Question: How can I find the owner’s information using a license plate number?

Answer: You can use mobile apps or specialized websites to look up owner information. However, exercise caution when sharing personal information to prevent misuse.

Question: Do “four identical digits” license plates bring good luck for truck businesses?

Answer: The belief that “lucky” license plates bring good fortune is a folk belief. Business success depends on various factors, including hard work, business strategies, and market conditions.