Drivers in Zurich will soon be able to purchase their own personalised number plates, under plans announced by the canton. Authorities also confirmed that seven-digit plates will be rolled out in the next two years.

Zurich to allow drivers to buy personalised number plates

From 2027, motorists in Switzerland’s most populace canton will be able to buy personalised number plates from the Road Traffic Office, which can then be used when registering a vehicle. For a fee yet to be disclosed, drivers will be able to affix their birthday, wedding day or other special date or number on the back and front of their cars.

It comes as Canton Zurich faces a rather peculiar problem: it is running out of licence plates to issue. As a result, local officials also confirmed that seven-digit ZH number plates will take to Swiss roads and motorways in the next two years, becoming the first region to go beyond six digits.

What restrictions will apply on ZH number plates?

However, several restrictions will apply to those who want personalised number plates in Zurich. Unsurprisingly, you’ll have to race your birthday twin down to the Road Traffic Office, as only one version of each number plate will be issued for use, and you will be unable to pick a number which is already used by someone else.

Though there were debates as to whether to add letters to number plates in Zurich last year, officials have decided to keep the number format, meaning creative combinations like ZH ÄHN 10 and ZH UKINI 4 will not be possible. Finally, number plates three, four or five digits long, or with special combinations like 777777 or 123456 will still be auctioned - not surprising given that Canton Zurich alone earns five million francs a year from number plate auctions.

Finally, the cantonal government announced plans to simplify the transfer of licence plates. While the existing rules around passing plates on to family members will remain, the proposals will create a legal process where plates can be transferred from businesses to individuals or other companies and back more easily.

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