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In Malaysia, vehicle registration plates come in different colors and formats, each carrying a specific function under the Road Transport Department (JPJ) regulations. Among these, red number plates stand out due to their limited issuance and special significance.
In Malaysia, red vehicle registration plates generally fall into three main categories:
- Diplomatic Corps (DC)
- ##-##-DC
- United Nations (UN) or International Organization (PA)
- ##-##-UN or ##-##-PA
- Sarawak Trade Plate
- Same license plate system as normal plates in Sarawak, but in red background and white characters.
A red license plate in Malaysia indicates that the vehicle is not for ordinary private or commercial use, but rather for special categories recognized by Malaysian law and international agreements. The red background signals to enforcement authorities and the public that the vehicle enjoys either diplomatic privileges, or temporary usage, such as trade plates.
1. Diplomatic Corps (DC)
##-##-DC
Format: [Country Code] – [Serial Number] – DC
- Country code – Two digits identifying the embassy.
- Serial number – Two digits indicate rank. (e.g. : 01 = Head of Mission’s Official)
Example: 16-12-DC (A plate for a United States diplomatic vehicle)
- Background: White text on red background.
- Usage: Issued to embassies and high commissions. Vehicles with DC plates enjoy diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention.
2. United Nations (UN) or International Organization (PA)
##-##-UN or ##-##-PA
Format: [Organisation Code] – [Serial Number] – DC
- Organisation code – Two digits identifying the UN organisation.
- 10 = United Nations Development Programme
- 11 = World Health Organization
- 12 = Food and Agriculture Organization
- 13 = UN Refugee Agency
- Serial number – Two digits showing a rank. (e.g. : 01 = Head of Mission’s Official)
Example: 11-04-UN (A plate for a World Health Organization diplomatic vehicle)
- Background: White text on red background.
- Usage: Issued to UN agencies (UNHCR, UNICEF, WHO) and certain international organizations in Malaysia. Non-UN international organisations use the suffix PA, which stands for Pertubuhan Antarabangsa or Perwakilan Antarabangsa.
3. Sarawak Trade Plate
Format: Resemble normal number plates but with white characters on a red background.
- Background: White text on red background.
- Usage: Trade plates are used by licensed motor traders, car dealers, and workshops to legally operate unregistered vehicles for testing, delivery, or demonstration purposes.
The Reason Behind the Red Background
The red background on diplomatic and certain international organisation plates in Malaysia is not just for aesthetics. The bright colour makes these vehicles immediately recognisable on the road, even from a distance. This helps traffic authorities, security personnel, and the general public identify cars that carry diplomatic or consular privileges.
Red is also a widely used international convention. Many countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom, use distinctive colours, often red, for diplomatic or trade plates. Malaysia follows this practice to maintain consistency with global standards and to ensure quick visual distinction from ordinary plates, which are typically white text on a black background, or black on white for electric vehicles.
In short, the red background is about visibility, distinction, and protocol, ensuring that diplomatic vehicles stand out and receive the privileges and immunities to which they are entitled under international law.
Regulation
Diplomatic plates are managed jointly by JPJ and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Wisma Putra). Trade plates are issued by JPJ only to licensed traders, manufacturers, and workshops. Both plates cannot be used as personal registration numbers. Using a fake diplomatic plates or unlicensed trade plate use is an offense under the Road Transport Act 1987.
Summary
In Malaysia, red number plates are a special category reserved for diplomatic missions, United Nations agencies, international organisations, and trade vehicles in Sarawak. The distinctive red background is used for visibility and quick recognition, reflecting both local traffic needs and international conventions. While each type of plate follows its own format, whether showing a country or organisation code, rank, or trade designation, the common purpose is to signal that the vehicle holds a unique legal or operational status.