If you come across a car sporting pink plates from January 1, 2026, don’t panic: it isn’t a whimsical style choice. The Ministry of the Interior and the Prefecture of Police have decided to update the visual identity of provisional registration certificates (CPI). A striking design change that addresses very concrete needs for security and control.
The primary aim is to make the job of law enforcement easier. Currently, provisional plates (used for new vehicles awaiting their registration or for imports) are white, just like permanent plates. By switching to the pink, they become immediately visible to the naked eye, even from a distance. This will help police officers and gendarmes verify the validity of these registrations more quickly, which, by definition, are time-limited.
This color change is also an anti-counterfeiting measure. The "WW" format is sometimes misused or fraudulently used to circulate non-compliant vehicles. The pink background will feature security features that are difficult to reproduce. For automotive professionals and individual buyers alike, it will guarantee better traceability in vehicle-transit transactions.
Rest assured, the acquisition rules remain the same. If you buy a vehicle requiring a provisional number in 2026, the process on the ANTS site doesn't change; it's simply the physical document that will be color-coded. The validity period also remains unchanged (usually 4 months). So get ready to see life through rose-tinted glasses on the périph and the motorways from the start of next year!
