Vehicle registration plates of Ireland, Vehicle identification system in Ireland
Vehicle registration plates of Ireland show black characters on white reflective backing, with the EU flag and IRL letters on the left side. The combination includes the year digits, a number indicating which half of the year the vehicle was registered, the county code, and a sequential identifier.
The system changed in 2013 to introduce a split year format, with different codes for vehicles registered in the first and second halves of the calendar year. This reform aimed to reduce pressure on dealerships that previously concentrated most sales in January.
County names appear written in Irish at the plate's top edge, such as Corcaigh for Cork or Baile Átha Cliath for Dublin. This design reminds drivers of Ireland's bilingual identity every time they see a registered vehicle.
Both plates must be fitted at the front and rear of the vehicle, except for motorcycles which only need a rear plate. The plates must remain clean and visible so cameras and traffic officers can read them at all times.
Vehicles older than 30 years being registered for the first time in Ireland receive numbers starting with ZV. This special provision allows collectors to register classic cars without tying them to the original year of registration.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
