That really means the number codes on diplomatic plates

Have you ever wondered why some cars have such strange license plates or the sticker CD on the rear? We'll tell you what's behind it.

Have you ever noticed license plates like "0 17-1A" or "F 91234" and wondered what that should mean? Behind it are sophisticated codes that let you see who is in the car. There are a total of three variants of diplomatic plates

Mark for high diplomats: 0 mark

If you see a car with a so-called 0-number plate on the street, you can assume that there is a high diplomat in it. Because this diplomatic mark is usually reserved for members of a diplomatic corps . These are mission leaders appointed by the government of a country.

According to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, this includes all ambassadors, envoys, business agents, ministers and nuncios (papal representatives).

German state representatives also have special characteristics . These include the offices of the Federal President, Chancellor, President and Vice President of the Federal Council, Minister and State Secretary, President and Vice President of the Supreme Courts and officials of the Federal Foreign Service. These indicators only consist of the prefix "0" and another number.

The Federal President drives with the license plate "0-1" and the Chancellor with "0-2".

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Diplomatic license plate: Structure of the 0 license plate

The license plate for high diplomats is structured as follows: At the very front is the "0" on the license plate, hence the name, followed by the stamp of the approval district. As a rule, this is Berlin. This is followed by a two to three digit number code. This indicates the country of origin of the diplomat. A hyphen is followed by a number between 1-199 - the USA and the Netherlands are an exception. For the United States there are numbers between 1 and 500 and for the Netherlands up to 299. This number indicates the rank of the diplomat.

Read here what the "E" on the license plate stands for.

So if you see the 0 mark "0 17-1" the US Ambassador is sitting in the car . If the license plate "0 17-1A" was attached to the license plate or the car was stolen. After a blocking period of one year, the license plate can be applied for again without the addition of letters.

In addition to the 0 mark, an embassy car must have the additional label "CD" attached. This stands for "corps diplomatique".

Video: These marks are prohibited

Diplomatic badge for embassy staff

Technical staff or administrative staff of an embassy do not get a 0-mark, but still have their own variant. This is similar to the label for high diplomats and only differs in the ID of the admissions office. That means: "BN" stands for Bonn or "B" for Berlin instead of "0". The additional label "CD" must not be attached to such vehicles.

Diplomatic badge for consulate employees

In addition to employees of ambassadors, consulate members can also display diplomatic plates on their cars. However, these differ significantly. They start with the city ​​code of the approval district and are followed by the stamp sticker and a three- to five-digit number. This always begins with a "9".

In addition, an additional sign with "CC" is attached to vehicles from consulates. This stands for "corps consulaire". Honorary consuls, however, do not receive any special marks. These may only carry the additional label "CC".

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This is what the additional labels "CC" and "CD" mean

With the additional signs "CC" and "CD" it should be quickly recognizable that a person with a diplomatic rank is sitting in the car. "CC" stands for " corps consulaire ". Employees from professional consulates receive this. A consul is an official on behalf of a state. In contrast to the ambassador, his function is rather the administration.

Consuls enjoy official immunity and are therefore exempt from criminal jurisdiction as part of their work as consuls. A holder of a CC sign cannot be prosecuted for administrative offenses committed during a business trip.

The additional CD label stands for " corps diplomatique " and is only available to senior diplomats. They enjoy full immunity. This can only be canceled by the home country. If this is not done, this diplomat cannot be prosecuted or prosecuted.

Advantages of diplomatic plates

Diplomats not only get special characteristics, but also numerous advantages and rights. Among other things, they are partly released from German jurisdiction . In addition, occupants of cars with diplomatic license plates must be given preferential protection and help.

In the case of security barriers, cars with such license plates must be let through promptly. In addition, diplomats with the corresponding license plates do not receive any fines, points or driving bans . Motor vehicle taxes are also not due, but there is a compulsory motor vehicle insurance.

Find out how to properly deregister your car here .

Diplomatic license plate: country code

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