Have you ever seen a license plate sporting the letters “FP” and wondered what they stood for? If you’re anything like me, you may have even spent some time trying to decipher the meaning behind these letters. So, what does FP mean on a license plate?
The abbreviation FP on a license plate stands for “Fleet Plate” or “Fleet Permanent.” This type of plate is specifically granted to motor vehicles owned or leased by companies, organizations, or government bodies. Such as police forces, bus companies, and taxi firms.
This type of plate is issued to companies or organizations that own a large number of vehicles. These plates usually have a special designation that distinguishes them from regular license plates.
In fact, the main advantage of having a fleet plate is that it can be transferred between vehicles. This can save companies a lot of time and money.
Also worth noting, FP plated vehicles aren’t registered to specific individuals. Instead, private companies, public agencies, and even nonprofits may operate them. These vehicles are commonly used for a variety of work-related tasks.
Let’s explore what FP on a license plate signifies, its importance, and shed light on common misconceptions surrounding it.
What is a License Plate?
Before diving deeper into the meaning of FP on a license plate, let’s first establish what a license plate is.
A number plate, more commonly referred to as a vehicle registration plate, is an official identifying marker that is either made of metal or plastic and is attached to a motor vehicle or trailer.
Whether it’s a car, truck, or motorcycle, all road vehicles worldwide are mandated to have registration plates for proper identification.
It typically consists of a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols unique to each vehicle.
A little fun fact – license plates made their debut in 1901, starting with the state of New York. These initial plates were crafted from leather and were not provided by the government.
Instead, vehicle owners had to fashion their own plates, typically with their initials. However, it wasn’t until 1903 that Massachusetts introduced the concept of officially government-made license plates.
From there, other states hopped on board, and by the 1910s, license plates were a standard necessity for motor vehicles throughout the United States.
What Does FP on a License Plate Mean?
FP on a license plate stands for “Fleet Vehicle.” This designation indicates that the vehicle belongs to a fleet or is part of a fleet management program.
In fact, Fleet vehicles are commonly used by businesses, organizations, or government agencies to transport goods, employees, or perform specific services.
What Does FP License Plates Look Like?
FP license plates generally feature “FP” letters on the left-hand side of the plate. Apart from that, the license plate appears similar to other state-issued plates.
Do All Stated Issue FP Vehicle Plates?
In the United States, the use of FP (fleet plates) on license plates varies by state. While it may not be used everywhere, several states have adopted this practice.
These states include California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
The application of FP also differs between states. In certain states, FP is solely used for government-owned vehicles, whereas in others, it can be applied to any fleet vehicle, regardless of ownership.
So, whether you’re in Kentucky or Virginia, understanding the specific regulations surrounding FP is essential for fleet vehicle owners and operators.
Who is Eligible for an FP License Plate?
FP license plates are typically available to entities with a fleet of vehicles, such as businesses, government agencies, or organizations. These plates are not issued to individual vehicle owners. The eligibility criteria and requirements for obtaining an FP license plate may vary depending on the jurisdiction.
In simple terms, a fleet typically consists of trucks or vans. However, depending on the type of company, passenger cars, limousines, ambulances, taxis, buses, and other types of vehicles can also be classified as a fleet.
What Are The Benefits of Having an FP Plate?
Having an FP license plate offers several advantages to fleet owners. Firstly, it provides clear identification and distinguishes fleet vehicles from privately owned ones. This differentiation can be beneficial for fleet management, maintenance, and logistical purposes.
FP license plates also facilitate streamlined administrative processes, such as registration renewals and reporting.
Fleet vehicles come with their own set of rules and regulations, and fleet plates ensure compliance.
Additionally, they may grant access to certain benefits, such as special parking spaces or exemptions from certain traffic regulations, depending on local laws and regulations.
How Does a Company Obtain an FP Plate?
If you are a business or organization looking to obtain an FP license plate, here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for one:
- Research the requirements: Begin by researching the specific requirements and eligibility criteria for obtaining an FP license plate in your jurisdiction. Contact the appropriate motor vehicle registration agency or visit their website for detailed information.
- Complete the application: Obtain the necessary application forms and fill them out accurately and completely. Provide any required supporting documentation, such as proof of business registration or fleet size.
- Submit the application: Submit the completed application form along with any supporting documents to the designated motor vehicle registration agency.
How Long Does it Take to Receive Fleet Vehicle License Plate?
Typically, it can take a few days to several weeks. Factors like having all the necessary paperwork completed correctly, the efficiency of the government agency, and seasonal variations can influence the processing time.
What Does FP Mean On A License Plate FAQS
What does FP represent on Illinois license plates?
As per the Illinois Secretary of State, the “FP” code stands for FLEET PLATE, and it is specifically issued to companies like Comcast, Enterprise Leasing, CILCO, Hertz, and others.
Are FP License Plates Collectible?
For avid collectors and die-hard memorabilia hobbyists alike, FP license plates can be quite sought after. As with any collectible item, rarity and aesthetic recognition come into play when deciding its worth.
Whether it’s a specific year or the most vintage type of FPs available, each kind has something extra special to offer passionate hobbyists.
Do vehicles with “FP” plates require special permits or licenses to operate?
Yes, in most places, vehicles with “FP” license plates must obtain special permits or licenses to operate as commercial passenger vehicles. These permits often involve specific regulations, vehicle inspections, and insurance requirements to ensure passenger safety.
Can private individuals use “FP” license plates on their cars for personal use?
Private individuals are not allowed to use “FP” plates for personal use unless they are genuinely engaged in a licensed passenger transportation business.
What are the penalties for misusing or displaying fraudulent “FP” license plates?
Misusing or displaying fraudulent “FP” license plates is illegal and subject to severe penalties. Penalties such as can fines, vehicle impoundment, and potential of legal consequences.
Final Thoughts
From now on, the next time you’re out and about and you spot a vehicle adorned with the letters “FP” on its license plate, you won’t have to rack your brain trying to figure out what it means. You’ll know immediately that it stands for Fleet Plate or Fleet Permanent.
It’s indicative of a vehicle owned or leased by companies, organizations, government bodies, police forces, bus companies, and taxi firms — provided they own a large number of vehicles.
By utilizing fleet plates, businesses can benefit from the ease of transferring them between vehicles while avoiding expensive and time-consuming registration processes. FP plated vehicles are an important asset to many companies in various industries as they allow them to efficiently carry out work-related tasks without worrying about who owns them.
Knowing what FP means in relation to license plates can not only be helpful but will make your trips around town much more interesting!
Managing Editor
Christopher is an automotive technical writer. When he’s not at the local autocross event, he can often be found working on one of his cars. Specializes in automotive class action law, industry trends, and automotive maintenance. Email me direct, or learn more about us
