Vehicular identification markers of varying fame
In various districts across Germany, a noticeable trend has emerged as drivers opt for the old regional license plates. These plates, which denote the district or city where a vehicle is registered, have been making a comeback, offering a glimpse into the preferences and identities of local residents.
In the Lahn-Dill district, for instance, there are 44,956 vehicles with WZ license plates, a number that reflects the district's rich history and tradition. Since 2013, car drivers in the region have had the option to use the old regional license plates, and many have chosen to do so.
The Main-Kinzig district, too, has seen a surge in the use of old license plates. GN (Gelnhausen) is particularly popular, with around 74,000 vehicles registered, while GN and HU (Hanau) are generally quite popular due to their ability to issue shorter license plates than MKK or SLÜ.
In the district of Darmstadt-Dieburg, there is a high demand for a traditional license plate from before the regional reform in the 70s. Currently, more than a quarter of the cars in the district have the DI plate instead of DA, with an increasing trend.
The Wetterau district, on the other hand, boasts 23,154 cars with BÜD license plates and over 250,000 using the FB license plate. The city of Wetzlar, within the district, often sees its residents choosing the WZ license plate, while the rural population from the former Wetzlar district less frequently does so.
In Marburg-Biedenkopf, only around 9,000 of over 200,000 vehicles are registered with the BID license plate. Meanwhile, in the district of Kassel, 26,428 vehicles are registered with the old registration district names WOH and HOG.
The total number of registered vehicles in the Main-Kinzig district is approximately 300,000, making it one of the districts with the most vehicles using old license plates. The city of Schlüchtern, within the Main-Kinzig district, is the main user of SLÜ plates, with around 15,000 vehicles registered.
While detailed information about the current trend and popularity of regional license plates in various districts is scarce, it is clear that these plates serve as a significant part of the vehicle registration system in Germany. They are more about registration and identification than popularity or trends. For insights into specific trends or popularity, surveys or local automobile clubs might provide more insights specific to these regions.
In the district of Lahn-Dill, a growing number of residents are embracing the traditional lifestyle associated with the WZ license plates, adding a touch of history to their home-and-garden experiences. Similarly, in Darmstadt-Dieburg, the demand for the DI plate is high, suggesting a preference for maintaining the district's previous identity in their automotive choices.
