Since the law of February 9, 2009, the approval of license plates is very strictly regulated in France. Dimensions, materials, rigidity, colors and fonts leave no room for fantasy. The Ministry of the Interior is formal: “the plate must be made by a professional (mechanic or plate manufacturer, for example).”

Among the essential elements of a number plate is the TPPR code. If it is known that the central combination of numbers and letters is intended to identify the vehicle, the meaning of the TPPR code can be queried.

At the bottom right of any license plate is the word TPPR followed by a combination of four or five digits. According to L’auto-Journal, TPPR stands for “Public Works Reflectorized Plate”. This code must appear on the plate. And for good reason: it corresponds to the approval number assigned by the Ministry of Transport. It certifies the conformity of the plate.

On some fancy plates, the TPPR code does not appear. However, this is an offense punishable by the Highway Code. “You do not have the right to modify your plate”, underlines the Ministry of the Interior on its site. Changing your number plate is punishable by a fine of 135 euros. Concealing your TPPR code is therefore prohibited, as is affixing stickers to your license plate.