INFOGRAPHICS. Paris, Haute-Corse, Bouches-du-Rhône… Which departments are most requested for number plates?

Since 2009, motorists have been free to choose the departmental code that appears on their license plate. Certain departments, although sparsely populated, find themselves particularly in demand.

The site eplaque.fr, a registration platform, established in January the ranking of the departmental codes most requested by the French in 2023. Proportionally to population density, these are southern Corsica (2A), Haute-Corse (2B) and Savoie (73) which are the most popular. Conversely, Loire (42), Aisne (2) and Seine-Saint-Denis (93) are the least represented.

Since a decree of February 9, 2009, an approved registration plate must include a department number. If it is not possible to choose the numbers and letters that make up the plate, it is however possible to decide on the territorial identifier. Thus, many motorists choose a department which does not necessarily correspond to where they live.

“Avoid being perceived as tourists”

According to the president of the platform, Benoit Ginet, several factors explain the over-representation of Corsican departments. “First of all, the very strong attachment of the Corsicans to their region, regardless of where they reside in the territory. Affixing the head of Moor on the plate of his car would also be a guarantee of serenity in the collective unconscious, he analyzes. Finally, as they approach the crossing of the Mediterranean, motorists would prefer to display the Corsican emblem to avoid being perceived as tourists.” Conversely, in the least represented departments, the feeling of belonging is often less strong and tourism quite weak.

All things considered, certain departments with a high population density are at the top of the sales ranking. This is the case for the Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhone and Paris. In addition to the population density, tourism is often important there, travel is mainly done by car and the inhabitants’ sense of belonging is important.

Plates without departmental code

There are two cases in which the department number is not indicated on a plate. On old registration numbers belonging to the National Registration File, the department appears in the form of the last two digits of the registration number. On so-called collector’s plates, for vehicles whose registration document mentions “Collection”.

Please note, however, that it is forbidden to affix a sticker or sticker to change your departmental code. You must purchase a new plate from a manufacturer.

*Methodology : The ranking is based on a sample of 50 000 license plate requests in 2023.