A national computerised register of cars that will be able to match vehicles using a part of the number plate, colour and make, is to be introduced in France in 2008. French Interior Minister Nicolas Sarkozy, making the announcement, stated it would help the battle against crime. One of the problems faced by French detectives in keeping track of criminals has been the bureaucracy that at present often forces vehicle owners to obtain a new registration number several times for the same vehicle.

 

Under the new system, number plates will no longer have to be replaced if the owner moves from one départment to another. The new plates will comprise a maximum of two letters, three numbers and two letters in black on a yellow background, preceded by the blue EU symbol. The owner still has the option of adding some form of local identification: a coat of arms, a departmental number or a regional symbol.