Hesse pushes for local vehicle registration codes to boost town identity
Hesse is advocating for a new regulation that would enable mid-sized towns to establish their own vehicle registration codes. The proposal targets cities with populations ranging from 20,000 to 100,000, even if their current plate combinations aren't running out. Around 10.5 million people reside in such towns, where local codes could soon replace county or neighboring city identifiers.
The plan follows a 2012 Bundesrat decision that reinstated historic registration codes, reviving over 300 local identifiers. Now, Hesse aims to expand this by allowing new codes purely for local identity. The state parliament there has shown no significant opposition to relaxing the rules.
If approved, the reform would allow towns to adopt unique registration codes regardless of plate shortages. This could instill a stronger local identity among millions of residents. The Bundesrat will determine whether the initiative proceeds.
