Temporary Number Plates Leading French Motorists to Traffic Stops Upon Arrival in Spain
In the beautiful region of Catalonia, Spanish police have stepped up their vigilance towards vehicles sporting French 'WW' temporary number plates. This heightened interest stems from the association of these plates with suspicious activities, particularly around the border town of La Jonquera [1].
The 'WW' plates are temporary registration numbers issued by the French government for vehicles that have not yet been permanently registered. However, they have become a concern for the Spanish authorities, as criminal groups are using these plates to move stolen vehicles and to make dodgy vehicles appear above board [2].
To avoid any potential trouble, drivers are advised to avoid trying to bluff their way through a roadside checkpoint in Catalonia. The local police are well-versed in drivers' tricks and tales, so it's best to be honest and prepared [3]. Drivers with temporary 'WW' plates are advised to carry all official documentation, including the original purchase receipt, insurance papers, and temporary registration [7].
The police in La Jonquera have made it a daily routine to pull over vehicles with temporary 'WW' plates and check them thoroughly [8]. Being polite, prepared, and honest is the best approach when stopped by the police with 'WW' plates, as you may be asked to explain your car's entire life story at a Spanish roadside checkpoint [9].
The use of temporary 'WW' plates in Spain may lead to a roadside chat with the Catalan police, but rest assured, the Spanish police are not concerned about the driver's driving abilities when stopping vehicles with these plates [10]. Instead, their focus is on verifying the legality and documentation of these vehicles to prevent misuse and ensure regulatory compliance [1].
The temporary plates last for two months, with a possible two-month extension. Obtaining these temporary French number plates starting with 'WW' can be done easily for less than the price of a tank of fuel through the ANTS website [4][5]. However, this ease of acquisition has made the 'WW' plates a magnet for mischief, according to David Garcia, chief of police in La Jonquera [6].
This summer, the Spanish police are giving 'WW' plates a second look due to increased criminal activity [11]. So, if you're planning a summer road trip between France and Spain with 'WW' plates, be prepared for increased scrutiny at the border.
- The temporary French number plates, starting with 'WW', are often associated with home-and-garden, lifestyle, travel, general-news, and crime-and-justice due to their use by criminal groups in transporting stolen vehicles and concealing suspicious activities, particularly along the border town of La Jonquera.
- Following the increased scrutiny at the border this summer, individuals planning a road trip between France and Spain with 'WW' plates are advised to be prepared with all official documentation, such as the original purchase receipt, insurance papers, and temporary registration, to ensure a smooth journey and avoid potential trouble with the Spanish police.
