What do US number plates look like? Does every US number plate have the same look and size?
How long can I drive a car in Poland with American plates? And what do I need to do to register an American car in Poland?
What do number plates look like in the USA?
In the US, matters relating to traffic regulations are the responsibility of each state. As a result, each individual state has not only its own traffic regulations, but also its own vehicle registration system and, consequently, the design that characterises the licence plate. It is interesting to note that it is not only the individual states that issue number plates. Entities also include the federal government (for its own cars and those in the diplomatic corps), as well as some Indian tribes. At the same time, the plates have the same dimensions in all regions of the USA, i.e. 15.24 x 30.48 cm.
The differences in the overall design of US licence plates are apparent at first glance. Each state has its own licence plate design, often incorporating distinctive symbols, colours and regional motifs. For example, US plates from California are white with dark green letters, while the Arizona plate uses the colour of the desert with a red star. The plates also differ in the format of the letters and numbers, although the number of characters is usually between five and seven. In California, for example, the registration number consists of four digits and three letters. US number plates may contain advertising slogans or graphics specific to particular states. Furthermore, personalised plates consisting of a sequence of selected letters and numbers are popular in the US.
It is not just the appearance of US licence plates that varies from region to region. While most states require US licence plates on both the rear and front, some regions only require rear plates - such as Florida and Pennsylvania.
It is worth mentioning that in the USA, car licence plates are changed every certain period of time, regardless of whether the car has changed ownership or not. The frequency of replacement is set for each state separately and is usually correlated with the number of its residents - the more residents there are, the less frequently the plates are replaced.
Can you drive on American plates?
In Poland, as in most European countries, it is prohibited to permanently drive a vehicle registered and bearing number plates from another country, including the US, for an extended period of time. Once a car has been imported from the US, it can be driven on US licence plates for 30 days from the moment it enters Poland and the Customs Service releases the vehicle. This rule applies when the car has not been de-registered in its country of origin, has been admitted to traffic in its country of origin and meets the technical conditions and is fitted with number plates. It is worth noting that the vehicle should bear the mark of the country of origin. When temporarily using a car with American plates, you must always carry the registration certificate confirming the registration of the car abroad and a document confirming the possession of compulsory third party insurance.
How do I register a car from the USA? The authority to start the process of registering a car from America lies with the owner(s) of the vehicle. Furthermore, all of them must be present during the registration. You must remember that you cannot drive a car that does not have a registration. What documents do you need to submit to the office to obtain a Polish registration number? The following will be necessary: an application for registration, confirmation of ownership, existing registration plates, and if the vehicle has no plates then a statement by the applicant stating this fact, confirmation of payment of registration fees, as well as a certificate of a satisfactory technical inspection, registration certificate and customs fee receipt. It is worth noting that documents made in the original in a foreign language must be attached to the application together with a translation certified by a sworn translator or by the Polish consul in the USA. Registration of an imported car usually takes up to 30 days. The official may refuse it if you do not submit all the required documents.
It is also possible to obtain a temporary registration. You can then obtain an official temporary permit and temporary number plates, allowing you to drive your car from America for up to 30 days.
You need to know that driving a vehicle with non-Polish number plates for longer than the permitted time can result in fines, confiscation of the vehicle and even legal problems.
