While Germany reports over 160,000 stolen number plates annually, Luxembourg lacks concrete figures on the issue. However, authorities confirm that number plate theft does occur in the Grand Duchy.
The scale of the problem in Luxembourg is difficult to assess, as not all cases are systematically reported or recorded. According to Minister of Justice Elisabeth Margue, there are no specific statistics on the misuse of stolen number plates. Neither the courts nor the police maintain detailed records on such incidents.
In the event of a lost or stolen number plate, car owners are advised to report it immediately to the National Society of Automotive Traffic (SNCA). Additionally, drivers should remain vigilant if they receive a traffic fine for a location they have not visited. In such cases, filing a police complaint is essential.
A 2023 reform has introduced changes to number plate regulations: plates are now linked to the owner rather than the vehicle. Authorities emphasise that owners must remove their number plates when selling a car to prevent potential misuse.
Even in cases of theft, the registration remains in the original owner’s name for ten years.
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