License plate lighting in 2024

The license plate bulb, although small and often overlooked, plays a crucial role in the safety and legality of your vehicle. It not only ensures that your plate is visible at night, but also guarantees your compliance with road regulations. This comprehensive guide will shed light on the different aspects of these bulbs, from their selection to their installation, including their maintenance and the regulations in France in 2024.

Types of license plate bulbs

License plate bulbs mainly come in three varieties: traditional incandescent bulbs, modern LED bulbs, and Plug & Play LED lighting modules. Each type has its own advantages, such as the soft color of the light for incandescents, energy efficiency and white color for LEDs, as well as the perfect compatibility of Plug & Play LED modules, particularly suitable for German vehicles equipped with an advanced monitoring system for defective bulbs. Knowing these differences will help you choose the solution best suited to your needs and those of your vehicle.

➡️ We favor Plug & Play lighting modules, but you can also opt for LED bulbs for license plate lighting, often used in T10 W5W, Navette LED C5W, or more rarely R5W versions. We highlight their energy efficiency, superior longevity, and optimal light performance for increased visibility and reduced consumption. If you want to switch to LED lighting for your license plates simply, without error and guaranteeing 100% compatibility, choose from our different LED lighting modules, specially designed for each car make and model.

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Criteria for selecting a license plate bulb

Choosing a license plate bulb is not limited to the preference between LED and incandescent. You must also consider the brightness, the light color, the compatibility with your vehicle, as well as the durability of the bulb. An informed choice guarantees better performance and avoids frequent changes.

How to install or change a license plate bulb?

Installing a new bulb may seem intimidating, but with the right tools and a simple methodology, it is a task that most motorists can accomplish themselves. This section will guide you through the essential steps and provide practical tips for safe and effective installation.

1. Open the bulb cover: Insert a screwdriver into the slot provided for this purpose and lever to remove the cover or unscrew the screws.
2. Remove the bulb: Locate the bulb then remove it using a flat screwdriver (you can also remove the bulb by pulling it out with your fingers).
3. Insert the new bulb: Insert the bulb into the connectors provided for this purpose. Be careful to mount the LED with the emitting side of the LED facing inward, towards the license plate. The bulb is changed, you can replace the cover removed in step 1.

This method may differ depending on your vehicle model.

➡️ We can advise you to find the LED bulb compatible with your vehicle, by contacting us by phone or directly via the LED search by vehicle.

Maintenance of license plate bulbs

Regular maintenance of your license plate lighting is essential to ensure its longevity and reliability. Simple actions such as cleaning and checking the connections can prevent many common problems.

Specific regulations regarding license plate lighting in 2024

✅ In 2024, in France, rear license plate lighting is mandatory!

According to article R 313-12, the rear license plate light must make the plate readable at at least 20 meters: 

Any motor vehicle or trailer must be equipped with a lighting device capable of making the number on its rear license plate or operating plate readable at a minimum distance of 20 meters, at night, in clear weather. For towed agricultural vehicles, this device may be attached to a removable support.

However, emergency vehicles may do without the rear plate light, according to the Highway Code:

The provisions of this article apply to special vehicles and equipment of emergency and fire-fighting services only if they are compatible with their technical characteristics of manufacture or use.

In France, the regulations require that all registered vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, scooters, trailers, motorhomes, quads, trucks, etc. be equipped with functional lighting for the rear license plate. This obligation applies to a wide range of motor or towed vehicles. On the other hand, front license plate lighting is not required by law.

Environmental impact of different types of bulbs

In 2024, the environmental footprint of bulbs, whether in their production, use, or end of life, is a growing concern. Exploring this aspect will allow you to make a more informed and responsible choice.

Technological innovations in license plate lighting

The automotive industry continues to innovate, and license plate lighting is no exception. From smart bulbs to adaptive systems, new technologies offer fascinating possibilities to improve visibility and safety.

Legislation and fines related to non-compliant plate lighting

In case of non-compliance with the mandatory rear license plate lighting regulations, two types of penalties may be applied:

• A third-class fine of €68 is provided for a defective bulb or the absence of the lighting device.
• A fourth-class report in the amount of €135 is issued in case of non-compliance, such as the use of unauthorized colored lighting instead of the required white.

Technical inspection and license plate light?

As part of the technical inspection, the inspection of the rear license plate lighting is subject to rigorous verification, with six specific criteria evaluated under the category "CONDITION AND OPERATION (REAR LICENSE PLATE LIGHTING DEVICE)". Depending on the nature of the problem identified, the result may range from a simple observation to a requirement for a follow-up inspection (indicated in red):

• The light emits direct light to the rear: Minor defect
• Partially defective light source: Minor defect
• Defective light source: Major defect
• Poor light fixture attachment: Minor defect
• Poor light fixture attachment: very high risk of detachment: Major defect
• Non-compliant with requirements: Minor defect

What color for the rear plate lighting?

Although the Highway Code does not explicitly specify the color of the lighting for the rear license plate, it should not be hastily concluded that there is total freedom in this regard. In fact, a decree of March 26, 1998, transposing European directive 76/760/EEC, clearly states that the light emitted by the plate lighting must be white and must not alter the original color of the plate. Thus, using bulbs of colors such as blue, green, or purple is illegal and may result in a €135 fine for non-compliance.

As for vehicles displaying yellow or orange plate lighting, they are not necessarily in violation. This white light requirement has only been applied since October 1, 1998. Vehicles approved before this date are allowed to keep their original lighting, in accordance with the legislation of the time, without being considered non-compliant. This applies to various equipment of vintage vehicles, like classic cars without seat belts.