Pink license plates are becoming a common sight on the roads of Lyon and the Rhône department. These distinctive plates, which came into effect nationwide on January 1, 2026, are specifically designed for vehicles awaiting definitive registration or those used temporarily, such as imported vehicles or those handled by garages.
What are these new pink license plates for?
The new pink license plates feature a pink background with black characters, making them easily distinguishable from traditional plates. A key difference is the addition of extra numbers on the right side, which indicate the validity end date of the provisional certificate. Despite the color change, the dimensions and format remain consistent with standard license plates.
These provisional plates continue to begin with the ‘WW’ combination, which has historically been used to identify temporary vehicle registrations. This combination helps differentiate provisional certificates from permanent ones, ensuring clarity for road users and authorities.
Why the increase in visibility in Lyon and Rhône?
Motorists in the Rhône department are increasingly encountering these pink plates, whether in the bustling streets of Lyon or on the region’s main roads and highways. This surge in visibility is a direct consequence of their nationwide implementation at the start of the year.
Nationally, approximately 400,000 provisional registrations are issued each year. In the Rhône department alone, it is estimated that between 8,000 and 12,000 pink plates are issued annually. At any given time, between 1,500 and 3,000 vehicles sporting these pink plates can be observed in the department, as these provisional certificates are valid for a period ranging from one to four months.
The introduction of these plates aims to streamline the process for temporary vehicle use and registration, providing a clear visual indicator for both vehicle owners and law enforcement. As drivers become more accustomed to their presence, these pink plates will continue to be a notable feature of the French automotive landscape.
Source: https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/les-plaques-d-immatriculation-roses-fleurissent-sur-les-routes-de-lyon-et-du-rhone-voici-pourquoi_64189359.html
