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Approximately 225,000 expressions of longing for past times found in Thuringia

Over 225,000 'Nostalgia'-branded registration plates circulating in the state of Thuringia, Germany.

Long-standing and increasingly popular: Over 250,000 cars in Thuringia sport the old-style license...
Long-standing and increasingly popular: Over 250,000 cars in Thuringia sport the old-style license plates, reinstated since 2012. (Historical photo) Image shows vehicles donning the classic registration numbers.

Over 225,000 Vehicles in Thuringia Sport "Nostalgia" License Plates

Approximately 225,000 'Nostalgia' license plates distributed in Thuringia region - Approximately 225,000 expressions of longing for past times found in Thuringia

In the eastern German state of Thuringia, more than 225,000 vehicles currently utilize what are known as "old license plates". These plates, which reintroduced former city and district abbreviations as part of license plate liberalization, are found on approximately one in six vehicles within the state, where a total of around 1.52 million vehicles are registered, according to the Thuringian State Statistical Office.

The Ilm district holds the highest percentage of vehicles bearing the "Nostalgia" plates. The "IL" abbreviation for Ilmenau and "ARN" for Arnstadt can be seen on 38.8% of the district's approximately 74,255 registered vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and trucks and trailers. The Unstrut-Hainich district follows closely, with 36.6%, utilizing the "MHL" (Mühlhausen) and "LSZ" (Langensalza) old license plates since 2012. The Saale-Orla district ranks third with 34.7%, using the "PN" (Pößneck), "LBS" (Lobenstein), and "SCZ" (Schleiz) plates.

Conversely, the Weimarer Land district has the lowest usage of these plates, with just 10.9% of its 65,473 total license plates displaying the "APD" abbreviation for Apolda.

While "Nostalgia" license plates are a popular choice for classic car enthusiasts who own vehicles at least 30 years old and maintain them in their original condition, they represent a minor fraction of Thuringia's total vehicle fleet. These plates allow classic vehicles to be operated under certain restrictions and are more prevalent in districts with classic car communities.

It's worth noting that the exact distribution of these plates in different districts of Thuringia, as well as comparative figures on total vehicle registrations within the state, was not provided in the available search results. For more precise data and numbers, official statistics from the Thuringian Ministry of Transport, the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (Federal Motor Transport Authority), or regional vehicle registration offices would be necessary.

In summary, Thuringia is home to over 225,000 vehicles with "Nostalgia" plates, representing a niche group of classic cars and a small portion of the state's total vehicle registrations. The distribution of these plates among Thuringia's districts may vary, with higher numbers found in populous cities and classic car enthusiast regions. For specific district-level data and exact numbers, consulting official transport authority statistics would be advisable.

The 'Nostalgia' license plates, popular among classic car enthusiasts, are a significant aspect of the vehicular landscape in Thuringia, with over 225,000 vehicles adopting these plates. These plates, which can be found in various industries such as automotive, are more prevalent in districts with thriving classic car communities, contributing to the region's unique finance and transportation sectors.

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