License plates are on the rise in Belgium. Last year, the FPS Mobility and Transport announced that more than 11,021 motorists used them. For Thomas De Spiegelaere, spokesperson for the SPF, the period of uncertainty experienced by Belgium has not diminished this phenomenon. “Despite the coronavirus pandemic, where we have been on the road less often, the concept continues to grow in popularity,” he says for Het Laatste Nieuws.
Especially since the personalized plates do not only affect individuals. “For professionals, it’s already an interesting way to put their company’s name in the spotlight in traffic”, he adds. For new followers, make no mistake, this comes at a cost: 1000 euros. “People who opt for a new personalized license plate see the high cost as a necessary evil in order to be able to express their personality, their great hobby, their passion or their beliefs”, believes Thomas De Spiegelaere.
Of course, not everything is allowed with these plates and certain rules exist. Letters (or numbers) must be between two and nine characters. In addition, they must respect the rules imposed by the DIV such as the mandatory raised stamp on the left side. Nor can the plates start with CD so as not to confuse them with the diplomatic corps for example.
“We reserve the right to refuse certain combinations that would be discriminatory or racist”, also explains the spokesperson. “We assume the good intention of the requester. For example, an obscure acronym that refers to a radical group can also form the initials of a person’s name. So far, we have never had to refuse a request But proposals like “HITLER” are, of course, unacceptable.”
Les dix plaques les plus folles de Belgique (selon Het Laatste Nieuws):
– Catch-me (Catch me, in VF)
– Batman
– F-1
– Awesome (Génial, in VF)
– B-Sure
– Zorro
– Kiekske
– Picasso
– COOOL
– HIHIHI