Trade Number Plates

Trade licences are issued to motor traders and vehicle testers and permit the use of untaxed vehicles on the public highway with certain restrictions.

Associated with trade licences are Trade Plates which identify the holder of the trade license rather than the vehicle they are displayed on, and can be attached to any vehicle temporarily in their possession.

Until 1970 there were two types of trade plate in use. General Trade Plates had white letters and numbers on a red background and could be used for all purposes. Limited trade plates used red numbers and letters on a white background and were restricted in their use. A vehicle being driven with limited trade plates was not allowed to carry passengers. From 1970 onwards only the red on white type of trade plate was issued. The format of trade plate numbers is three numbers followed by one to three letters.