Rekisterikilpeen

Rekisterikilpeen is a Finnish term that translates to "license plate" in English. It refers to the identifying plates attached to vehicles, such as cars, motorcycles, and trucks, in Finland. These plates are a crucial component of vehicle registration and are mandated by law.

The primary purpose of a rekisterikilpeen is to uniquely identify a vehicle and its owner within the national registration system. This identification allows authorities to track vehicles, enforce traffic laws, and manage road usage. The plates typically contain a combination of letters and numbers, which are assigned by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom).

Finnish license plates have a standardized format. Currently, they consist of three letters followed by a three-number sequence. Historically, the format has evolved, with earlier plates featuring different arrangements of characters. The color of the plates and the font used are also regulated. For instance, standard private vehicles usually have white plates with black characters. Special vehicles, such as taxis or government-owned vehicles, may have different colored plates or additional markings to indicate their specific use.

The rekisterikilpeen must be clearly visible at all times and is subject to inspection during vehicle safety checks. It plays a vital role in preventing vehicle theft and aiding in the investigation of traffic accidents and other offenses. The registration number on the plate is linked to a wealth of information about the vehicle and its registered keeper, accessible to authorized personnel.