Random question: strange numberplate format seen around London?

[growse]

I've been seeing a lot of a particular strange numberplate format around recently. Here's an example: 584D839. For the regex junkies, I think it's always \d{3}D\d{3} (3 numbers, then a D, then 3 numbers).

I've seen them on shiny 760i's in the centre of town, and I've seen them on clapped out previas in Southall. They appear to be permanently fixed, not like those red and white dealer plates that are visible temporary.

What are they? Special dealer plates? Diplomatic plates? James Bond spy plates? Something else altogether?

 

[Sp00n]

I think they are diplomatic plates.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_country_codes_on_British_diplomatic_vehicle_registration_plates

 

[Jez]

and I've seen them on clapped out previas in Southall.

This is the bit i am yet to understand about D plates. Surely embassies wouldnt be running some of the junk you see with D plates on them?

 

[mjt]

This is the bit i am yet to understand about D plates. Surely embassies wouldnt be running some of the junk you see with D plates on them?

Why not? D plates aren't only for Embassadors and other high-ranking diplomatic officials.
That, and in case you haven't noticed, some countries are poor.

D plate just means diplomatic immunity and less tax. Who cares what car it's on?

 

[[TW]Fox]

Generally speaking the person who makes the tea at the Rwandan Embassy, and therefore might reasonably be expected to drive an old Previa, won't get diplomatic immunity.

 

[mjt]

Generally speaking the person who makes the tea at the Rwandan Embassy, and therefore might reasonably be expected to drive an old Previa, won't get diplomatic immunity.

The person who makes the tea would get an X plate

On a serious note, there are a lot of junior staff who get access to cars and/or plates.
It's not only embassies though, consular staff and other international organistations such as NATO, etc who get access to D and X plates.

When I was in Hungary, US diplomats were running around in Ladas..

 

[Jez]

Why not? D plates aren't only for Embassadors and other high-ranking diplomatic officials.

There is no need to be condescending, i think it is a perfectly valid ponder to have.

That, and in case you haven't noticed, some countries are poor.

You are citing "countries" being poor as a reason that a "country" will not be able to afford a new car? I highly doubt any "countries" are poor enough not to be able to afford any car they would wish to buy for state use. Even the poorest african nations have rather larger GDP's than even the richest single people

D plate just means diplomatic immunity and less tax. Who cares what car it's on?

What fox said. Why would a use elligable for this be using such bangers?


EDIT: Just seen your post above, clears it up somewhat