Why hundreds of thousands of number plates in France are turning pink
New government measures target temporary plates
Temporary number plates will receive an overhaul next year, including a change of colour
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Hundreds of thousands of vehicles in France are due to be affected by changes to number plate rules, as authorities look to crack down on fraud in the sector.
These will affect vehicles issued with temporary ‘WW’ number plates, set to have their expiration date printed and a new pink hue allocated.
The changes are based on EU regulations set earlier in the year – provided no neighbouring countries contest the plans by November 13 (not expected to happen), the rules will come into force within the first quarter of 2026.
400,000 vehicles affected
Each year, around 400,000 vehicles in France receive temporary number plates (around 1% of vehicles on the roads).
Starting with ‘WW’, they are usually used for vehicles newly imported to France, and last for four to six months.
They cannot be renewed, and are only meant to be a stop-gap until the car is fully registered and has a French carte grise (officially, certificat d’immatriculation), when it receives a new permanent plate.
Currently, ‘WW’ plates look identical to plates for fully-registered vehicles save for their unique start, which can make it difficult for authorities to pick up on cases of fraud.
Authorities wanting to check a plate’s registration would need to manually look it up on the SIV number plate system (système d'immatriculation des véhicules, SIV).
In turn, the plates were often used fraudulently.
This included being used far longer than their validity period by original drivers; being placed onto stolen vehicles; or simply sold onto other drivers.
In some cases, unsuspecting previous owners of a ‘WW’ number plate would receive fines for infractions committed in a completely new vehicle.
Recent changes to the SIV made it easier to apply for these plates, creating further opportunity for fraudsters to more easily sell the plates illegally.
However, the new system will immediately make the plate stand out, making it far easier for authorities to spot by sight.
Pink is reportedly the only colour to have never been used on a number plate before, according to the motoring association 40 Millions d’automobilistes, which backs the implementation of the reform.
In addition, the printed expiry date will make it clear if the number plate is being used longer than intended, impeding ease of onward sale.
