The Addis Ababa City Administration has officially begun issuing the new vehicle license plates, which incorporate the international "ETH" code for Ethiopia as per the Vienna Convention.
This new system has been launched across 11 branches in the city. Currently, the service is being provided to those purchasing new vehicles and those who had previously registered and were waiting for license plates.
In a statement today, the Addis Ababa City Drivers and Vehicle Licensing and Control Authority announced that the new license plate is designed with modern technological identifiers, high durability, and content that reflects national unity.
Although a document circulated on social media prior to the official announcement indicated a price of up to 56,000 Birr—including the front and rear plates as well as the VAT—the authority clarified in response to questions from journalists that the cost varies depending on the type of vehicle.
This initiative, implemented in Addis Ababa through the Ministry of Transport and Logistics, has also been sent to regions in a manual format. Regions that have completed their preparations are expected to begin implementation in the near future.
What are the new features of the new license plate?
According to Ato Zegeye Belay, General Manager of the Addis Ababa City Drivers and Vehicle Licensing and Control Authority, the previous license plate had several defects, was easily damaged, and was susceptible to forgery. The new system is designed to completely eliminate these issues.
The main features of the new license plate are as follows:
International "ETH" Code: The previous "ET" code on Ethiopian license plates was not recognized for Ethiopia under the Vienna Convention. The new plate includes the correct "ETH" code assigned to the country under this international agreement, which holds significant political implications
Chip and RFID Technology: To facilitate law enforcement, the plate is equipped with chip technology, and an RFID tag will be placed on the vehicle's windshield. This provides accurate information regarding the vehicle type and ownership, thereby curbing attempts to evade accountability after committing traffic offenses.
Real-time Data Updates: The system moves away from estimated data to a platform where daily registered information can be accessed with a single click.
Prevention of Duplicate Registration: Once a vehicle is registered in one region, the system automatically blocks it, making it impossible to register the same vehicle in another region.
High Durability and National Content: The plate is built for long-term service, which will reduce the additional costs incurred when vehicles change service status. Additionally, it incorporates content that reflects national unity and represents Ethiopia.
General Manager Ato Zegeye Belay stated that over 1,000 people are currently registered to receive the new license plate. To avoid queues and waste of time for those who have been waiting, the authority has directed its branches to call the registered applicants in the order in which they signed up so they can come and receive the service.
