Vehicle registration plates in Hungary are usually consisting of six characters on white background with black letters. The current system was introduced in 1990. The standard license plates for private vehicles carry three letters and three numbers, separated with a hyphen. The combination has no connection with geographic location.
Contents
History
Plates issued 1958 to 1990 were in the format of two letter and four number, with small dashes between them (eg.: GA▪51▪34). The letters were in connection with the type/nature/owner of the vehicle. The current system was introduced in 1990 with the Hungarian flag above ‘H’ on the left side of the plate, separated by a black vertical line. Instead of this, since May 1, 2004 (when Hungary joined the European Union ) the EU stars are shown above the ‘H’ on a blue stripe. However, some plate types are still issued in the pre-2004 format.
Future
In 2012 the Hungarian government wanted to replace the current license plates with a new system that would indicate the geographical area where the car was registered. The introduction date for this new system has not been announced yet. Based on the number of license plates issued in a year, the current system has enough combinations approximately until 2028.
Ordinary plates
Ordinary plates carry six characters, three letters and three numbers (except for personalised plates).
Normal series
The plate is consisting of three letters and three numbers, separated with a hyphen. It has a reflective white background, black frame and black characters. The series are given out in alphabetical order, so the approximate age of the license plate (and sometimes of the car, if it was registered for the first time) can be determined.
Taxi and Commercial
The system is similar to the normal series, but the background colour is yellow. Taxi plates are ranging from EAA to EDZ. Very rarely, plates from the normal series are remade as a yellow taxi plate. Commercial plates are ranging from FIA to FZZ. Changing normal white plate to yellow commercial could be requested before 2004 (yellow plates with for instance G, H or I first letters occur). From 2008 yellow plates are voluntary for trucks, therefore rarely asked for since then.
Motorcycle
Similar to normal plates, but small size and two-line format is used. Also consisting of three letters and three numbers, but without a hyphen and the first letter must be ‘U’. Some cars can have plates from the ‘U’ series, where there is only room for motorcycle-sized plates both on the front and the back (typically American cars).
Trailer
Same format as the normal series, but the first letter is X (all combinations were used up in 2014) or W (currently issued).
Special plates
The common format for special plates is two letters followed by two numbers and two numbers, separated with a hyphen.
Diplomatic
Diplomats, consuls and their families who are enjoying immunity according to international treaties have plates starting with DT, followed by four numbers. This plate has white characters on blue background (light blue on the old format). Plates starting with CK are given out to non-Hungarian embassy staff. This has red characters on white background. Plates starting with CD are for diplomats, who are leaving the country permanently. It has black letters on white background. The first two numbers are connected to the country. Some examples: 00/01 – USA, 02 – Great Britain, 04 – Germany, 05 – France, 06 – Italy.
Old timers
The plate starts with OT, followed by four numerals. There is no EU version of this plate.
Military
Military plates start with H followed by one letter and four numbers. No euroband version, so far. Letters seen in use: A (cars), B (buses, minibuses), E, K (minibuses, jeeps), M, P, R, S (military ambulance), T (trucks), V, X (trailers).
Police and Customs
It starts with R, then one letter and four numerals. Most common for police is RB, but nowadays plates from the normal series are generally used. Letters seen in use: A (cars), B (cars), F (trucks), K (motorcycles). RR 00-01 to 49-99 is used by law enforcement and RR 50-00 to 99-99 is used by National Tax and Customs Administration.
Ambulance
Ambulance vehicles’ plates start with MA, then four numbers. This type was introduced in 2006, before that normal plates were in use.
Motorsport
Vehicles used for motorsport purposes can ask for SP plates since October, 2012. The format is same as the others above. No euroband version. This plate cannot be used to drive in regular traffic on an everyday basis.
Others
Temporary plates
The format is one letter and five numbers, separated with a hyphen. On the right side two small numbers are indicating the year of issue (E, Z, P plates) or the year when it is valid (V plates). For instance, 16 means 2016. No EU version of these plates.