When you buy licence plates for your vehicle, you have to make different choices. Department displayed, personalized sentence on the lower part... And material used! How do you decide? What are the options available on the market? To help you make your choice, we give you all the keys to know which license plate material to select for your vehicle.
The two main materials for number plates
In France, there are mainly two materials used to design license plates. These are aluminium and Plexiglas. But then which one to choose? To guide you in your decision, here are the advantages of each material.
The advantages of aluminium
Aluminium is the material most used on the French market to design number plates. What makes it a material of choice is, first of all, its price. Indeed, aluminium is particularly inexpensive. As a result, it is appreciated by the largest number of motorists in France. But its monetary value is not the only positive argument in its favour.
Its metallic aspect is particularly appreciated, as it is considered prettier in contact with the bodywork of cars.
In addition, an aluminium plate is much more resistant to UV rays. Therefore, it does not risk yellowing over time.
Finally, it is 100% recyclable, compared to Plexiglas, which is not. This is a very important argument at a time when eco-responsibility is becoming more and more important in our daily lives. More information on this subject here.
The advantages of Plexiglas
Plexiglas is also a popular alternative for car owners. First of all, it is its solidity that impresses. Its material has deformation properties, which make it more resistant to the small shocks sometimes encountered in the city.
In addition, it is covered with an extra layer of plastic, which makes it very resistant over time. The printing of the numbers is protected and the plate is much less likely to suffer frequent scratches and damage.
Finally, it is its style that attracts many people. Considered more upscale, the Plexiglas license plate brings style and modernity to the vehicle.
License plate requirements
Whatever the material selected for the manufacture of your number plate, be aware that you have legal obligations to respect. In particular, you must
Affix a retro-reflective plate to the front of your vehicle.
Install a plate at the rear of your vehicle, retro-reflective and illuminated by an additional system (bulb). This must allow your plate to be read at a distance of at least 20 metres at night.
The plates must be completely legible and not masked.
Damaged or deteriorated plates must be replaced quickly. Otherwise, you could be fined.
If you are registered under the old registration system (FNI), you will have to change your licence plates (and your vehicle registration document) as soon as you change your address or the owner of the vehicle. You will then switch to the SIV system, which has been in place since 2009.
If you do not comply with these legal obligations, you risk being severely reprimanded. In addition to the sometimes very high fines, you may face a licence suspension or even the confiscation of your vehicle.