What do the colors of car plates mean in Northern Cyprus?

On the cars of Northern Cyprus, you will find license plates of several colors. Now, let us explain what the color differentiation of license plates signifies.

• White plates
• Red plates
• Black plates
• Green plates
• Blue plates
• Yellow plates
• White plates with red symbols

White plates

The most common type, issued for cars registered in the TRNC (both new and used vehicles). It consists of two letters and three digits. There are also official plates with three letters and four digits.

Red plates

Assigned to cars officially rented. The same rule applies in the southern part, with the difference being the CY marking on the blue stripe on the left.

Black plates

1. These are military units, and the font and size of the license plate are smaller than the standard, with no letters.
2. However, there are older civilian plates with a larger font and standard size, typically found on retro cars.
3. Black plates are also found on police cars.

Green plates

This color is assigned to vehicles of diplomatic missions.

Blue plates

They have the prefix UN, indicating affiliation with the UN contingent (United Nations), which monitors the situation along the border between the northern and southern parts of the island.

Yellow plates

Until 2013, rear plates were yellow while the front ones were white. You may encounter taxis from the southern part of Cyprus with yellow plates both front and rear.

White plates with red symbols

These plates are assigned to vehicles that have temporarily entered the territory of Northern Cyprus, but for a relatively long period. For example, for work contracts or for studying at the universities of Northern Cyprus.