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United Kingdom Diplomatic Number Plates
Since number plates were first issued, some people wanted theirs to stand out from the crowd.
It may seem strange with threats of terrorism and religious disputes that Diplomats, serving in a
foreign country would want their number plate to identify not only where they are from but also their
rank (in diplomatic terms), but embassadors and high commisioners still thrive on their 'vanity' plates
that is plates that identify their country.
In the last 20 years Britain has joined many other
coutries in issuing special number plates to diplomats which identify their country and that they have some
form of immunity.
In our pages we endevour to show all codes (except security codes) and the vanity plates that each embassy uses.
I would be pleased to hear from anyone who knows any of the missing codes or has recently seen any of the
vanity plates (date, location, make of vehicle etc).
Should you be interested in joining a group studying the issue and matters relating to UK number plates then E-mail
me for further info.
Embassy and International Organisation Codes
Diplomatic Issue
Since 1979 Diplomatic number plates in the United Kingdom have been of
a standard size and colour, but with three numerals indicating the
Embassy or International Organisation, the letter D for Diplomats, or
X for accredited non-diplomatic personnel, and a serial number
commencing at 101 (although a couple of embassies have been given 100,
probably in error) for diplomats, 400 for non-diplomatic staff of
International Organisations, and 700 for Consular staff.
Since about 1990 these plates have been officially issued with two
modifications:
1) The numerals (but not the letters) are in a thinner
distinctive style.
2) The substrate of the plate is security marked with either
DVLA repeated in a wavy line or DVL repeated in a straight line across the bottom.
Since April 1984 the third or subsequent vehicle owned by a diplomat has been allocated a special mark and has been subject to normal taxation, the plates use the letters RXS with a serial number (starting at 21) and the appropriate year letter for the age of the vehicle, these plates remain with the vehicle when it is subsequently sold. RXS was previously issued to Paisey, Scotland, but was not reallocated after reorganisation of the licencing system in 1974.
This would be the first plate issued to the Afganistan Embassy.
This would be the first plate issued to the Commonwealth Secretariat.
This would be a third or subsequent vehicle owned by a diplomat.
The following pages give tables listing the codes of all Diplomatic plates currently in use, although with
new countries being created and new international organisations starting up
the list is always open to modification, also if you can shed any light as
to the unknown codes please mail me at the address below.
Email Me:- Haynes1@compuserve.com
Embassy & International Organisation Codes
Embassy Specials & Vanity Plates
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