Registration of motor vehicles previously registered in another Member State : Choice of number plates in Union colours ; Impact Assessment of a substantive amendment

This Impact Assessment evaluates the potential benefits and costs of the introduction of a voluntary choice at a re-registration for EU businesses and citizens to have motor vehicle number plates in Union colours, rather than carrying colours determined by national law. The assessment includes a review of secondary evidence, consumer studies as well as interviews with key industry stakeholders. The findings indicate that while there are some possible tangible benefits from the proposed amendments they are highly uncertain. It is unknown what the level of consumer take-up of the vehicle plates in Union colours is likely to be or what the impact the choice of plates might have on vehicle value or citizens perceptions of the EU over time. Hence, the cost-benefit analysis concludes that any net benefit is likely to be marginal at best, considering the uncertainties involved.