Drivers in Saxony Showcase Their Roots with Regional License Plates
Drivers in Saxony strongly prefer their personalized license plates at home. - Drivers in Saxony persistently retain their license plates
Saxony's trend of regional license plates has been growing since their introduction in 2012. Now, drivers can choose from the plates of the state's ten districts or city-specific ones like WUR, OZ, or ZI, which used to be mandatory. With growing popularity, the districts report an increase in the number of regional plates.
Varying Choices Across Districts
Preferences for regional plates differ between districts. For instance, in Nordsachsen, only about 39,000 vehicles use the TDO district plate, while around 139,000 utilize regional plates like DZ, EB, TO, TG, and OZ. In contrast, Görlitz shows a greater preference for regional plates, with about 117,000 vehicles opting for NY, NOL, ZI, LÖB, and WSW, compared to 92,000 using the GR district plate.
Other districts show a more balanced or reversed ratio. For example, in Meißen, the MEI plate is used 136,000 times, while plates like GRH, RIE, and RG are used around 65,500 times combined.
A Vibrant License Plate Scene Nationwide
Since 2015, German drivers have been allowed to retain their previous license plates when moving to another district, adding color to the license plate landscape. In Mittelsachsen, plates from neighboring regions like ERZ, Leipzig (L), Chemnitz (C), Zwickau (Z), and even 101 Berlin (B), 57 Munich (M), and 17 Hannover (H) plates can be spotted on the roads.
Saxony's Love for Regional Identity
While specific data on the most popular regional plates in Saxony is scarce, the general trend suggests that both the older style and new district-specific plates are chosen according to individual preferences for regional identity versus tradition. The new district plates, featuring designs that highlight unique regional features, may appeal to those wishing to showcase their local affiliations.
Enrichment reveals Saxon residents since 2012 have had the option to express their pride in Erzgebirgskreis, Mittelsachsen, Vogtlandkreis, Zwickau, Chemnitz, and Dresden through regional plates. Trends suggest both old and new plates are used, depending on individual preferences and the desire to maintain or establish connections to their regional identities. [Source: Information from various district administrations and Saxon license plate data]
The trend of regional license plates in Saxony allows residents to showcase their pride in their districts such as Erzgebirgskreis, Mittelsachsen, Vogtlandkreis, Zwickau, Chemnitz, and Dresden, with both old and new plates being used based on individual preferences and the desire to connect with their regional identities. This choice in license plates significantly contributes to the unique lifestyle of Saxony, reflecting its home-and-garden and car culture, while also influencing the transport sector, particularly the transport of goods, as commercial vehicles are also adopting these regional plates. [Source: Information from various district administrations and Saxon license plate data]
