Decoding Ho Chi Minh City License Plates

“A beautiful license plate ensures a prosperous business” – This humorous saying among Vietnamese drivers reflects the significance people place on these seemingly random numbers. What makes Ho Chi Minh City license plates special? Let’s decipher each digit and uncover the secrets they hold!

The Meaning Behind Ho Chi Minh City License Plates

License plates are not merely random numbers; they act as a vehicle’s “ID card,” containing crucial information:

• Vehicle Classification: License plates indicate the vehicle type (car, motorbike, truck…), registration location, and even the owner’s preferences (e.g., vanity plates).
• Traffic Management: They assist authorities in managing vehicles, handling violations, and ensuring public order and safety.

Deconstructing a Ho Chi Minh City License Plate

Each digit on a Ho Chi Minh City license plate carries a specific meaning. Let’s analyze an example:

51H-123.45

• 51: Represents the province/city code, in this case, Ho Chi Minh City.
• H: Distinguishes districts/counties within the city.
• 123.45: Is a random sequence of numbers.

District/County Codes on Ho Chi Minh City License Plates

Note: This table is only partial. For a complete list, refer to the article Ho Chi Minh City License Plate Codes.

New License Plate Format in Ho Chi Minh City

Currently, newly issued license plates in Ho Chi Minh City use the prefix 51H, replacing the exhausted 51A prefix. This reflects the rapid growth of the automotive industry in Ho Chi Minh City and the increasing demand for vehicle registration.