The NATO X license plates distinguish the vehicles of the international security alliance from other road users. They can be found on company cars or special vehicles originating from German NATO bases.
The ADAC estimates the total number of German NATO license plates at several hundred. The general structure is always the same: the letter X, followed by a hyphen and a four-digit number combination, for example "X-1234".
X license plate: Similarities and special features
While the dimensions of NATO X license plates are identical to those of ordinary EU license plates (maximum length 520 millimetres, height 110 millimetres), there are some features that make NATO vehicle license plates stand out clearly. The main differences to the standard EU license plates are the absence of the star banner of the EU member states and the country code. On civilian vehicles, the test seal of the last main and exhaust emission inspection (HU/AU) can be found. This is the only way these vehicles can take part in regular road traffic.
In contrast to the Bundeswehr's Y license plates, NATO's X license plates do not bear the German flag. However, there are two similarities with the Bundeswehr license plates - unlike civilian license plates, X license plates and Y license plates do not reflect. This special regulation is intended to help camouflage the vehicle in the event of an emergency, i.e. it fulfills a protective function. In addition, both types of license plate bear another special seal - that of the Bundeswehr registration office. This shows a federal eagle and is branded or stamped into the vehicle.
