German towns push for new license plate codes to showcase local pride
Over 70 German towns and cities could soon introduce new vehicle license plate codes to highlight local identity. The Bundesrat has approved a resolution allowing fresh abbreviations, following research by Professor Ralf Borchert of Heilbronn University. However, not all proposals have been welcomed, and the final decision now rests with the federal government.
The push for new codes began with Hesse's initiative in the Bundesrat, aiming to give regions more flexibility. Among the proposals, ILS for Ilsede (currently under PE for Peine) and HZB for Bad Harzburg have drawn attention. Ilsede's mayor, Nils Neuhäuser genannt Holtbrügge, supports the change and even imagines electric cars bearing plates like ILS-ED 123 E. Yet, implementing ILS would need council approval and a review of extra administrative work.
In Bad Harzburg, Mayor Ralf Abrahms opposes the suggested **HZB** code. He prefers keeping the old **WF** (Wolfenbüttel) abbreviation and questions whether the town qualifies, given its population has fallen below 20,000. The Bundesrat's resolution excludes reactivating old codes or adding new ones solely because existing combinations are running out. By mid-2025, interest in new codes has spread across Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hessen, and North Rhine-Westphalia. Examples include **BRÜ** for Brühl and **ILS** for Ilsede, though Bad Harzburg's bid was rejected. The Bundesrat has forwarded the plan to Berlin, but it remains unclear when—or if—the government will act.
The proposal opens the door for dozens of municipalities to adopt new license plate codes. Ilsede is ready to move forward, while Bad Harzburg faces rejection over population rules. The final outcome now depends on the federal government's next steps.
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