The Ministry of Interior has unveiled a nationwide plan to replace all existing vehicle number plates with a modern design that complies with international standards and supports smart traffic technologies. During a press conference at the Ministry’s headquarters yesterday, officials said the new plates aim to improve traffic management, enhance road safety, and strengthen digital integration across the country.
The rollout will be implemented in stages. The first phase, running from December 13 to 16, 2025, will allocate the letter “Q” to vehicles whose owners obtain special plate numbers through the Sooum application. The second phase, starting April 1, 2026, will apply to newly registered private vehicles, with letters issued according to the approved sequence. In the third phase, all currently licensed private vehicles will have their plates replaced by adding the letter “Q,” based on timelines to be announced later. Subsequent phases will cover non-private vehicles, adding two letters to their plate numbers.
Officials also presented a video showcasing the new plate design and demonstrated how special numbers can be obtained via the Sooum app.
