Vehicle registration plates of Hungary

Vehicle registration plates in Hungary usually consist of six characters on white background with black letters. The current system was introduced in 1990. The standard license plates for private vehicles carry three letters and three numbers, separated with a hyphen. The combination has no connection with geographic location.
History.
Many different license plate formats were in use in Hungarian history. Below is just a short summary of the different systems before the one we use nowadays.
Early times, World Wars and the Rákosi era: 1901-1958.
The first registration plates were handed out in 1901, when Hungary was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This contained numbers only and just a couple of hundred vehicles were registered until 1910. 
In 1910 a new system was introduced which divided the country into 15 districts. Regional codes were followed by numbers on the plates. Owing to the larger number of vehicles, from 1922, plates also included the year of issue next to the regional code. The same regional system was maintained until 1933, even though the territory of Hungary was significantly reduced after the Treaty of Trianon. 
In 1933 the regional system was changed to a two letter - three number format. Front plates were rectangle, rear plates were square shaped. In the 1940s, in and shortly after the years of the World War II the format was temporarily changed to one letter - four number. From 1948 the previous two letter - three number format returned. In the years of the harsh communism there were only a few private cars, most of the vehicles were owned by the state, there was no need of expanding the number of characters.
Socialist era: 1958-1990.
From 1958 citizens were allowed to buy a vehicle for private purposes, the format was changed to two letter and four number, with small dashes between them (eg.: AB▪12▪34). The letters were in connection with the type/nature/owner of the vehicle. Standard plates had black characters on white background, commercial vehicles had so called "inverse" plates, white characters on black background. Diplomatic plates had blue background (just as nowadays).
The current system: 1990-.
There were almost 2 million cars in traffic in 1990 which required the introduction of a new system. The current three letter - three number format was introduced in 1990 with the Hungarian flag above ‘H’ on the left side of the plate, separated by a black vertical line. This was slightly modified from May 1, 2004 (when Hungary joined the European Union ) the EU stars are shown above the ‘H’ on a blue stripe. However, some plate types are still issued in the pre-2004 format.
Future.
In 2012 the Hungarian government wanted to replace the current license plates with a new system that would indicate the geographical area where the car was registered. The introduction date for this or any other new system has not been announced yet. Based on the number of license plates issued in a year, the current system has enough combinations approximately until 2025. Roumors have started in May, 2021 about a system which would consist of four letters and three numbers and would be introduced in 2022. The ministry has not confirmed the information and declares that it's still an open question. 
Ordinary plates.
 
Ordinary plates carry six characters, three letters and three numbers (except for personalised plates).
Normal series.
The plate consists of three letters and three numbers, separated with a hyphen. It has a reflective white background, black frame and black characters. The series are given out in alphabetical order, so the approximate age of the license plate (and sometimes of the car, if it was registered for the first time) can be determined. 
Taxi and commercial.
The system is similar to the normal series, but the background colour is yellow. Taxi plates are ranging from EAA to EDZ. Sometimes plates from the normal series are remade as a yellow taxi plate. Commercial plates are ranging from FIA to FZZ. Changing normal white plate to yellow commercial could be requested before 2004 (yellow plates with for instance G, H or I first letters often occur). Since 2008 yellow plates are not a requirement for trucks and buses, new yellow plates starting with 'F' are rare nowadays.
Motorcycle.
Similar to normal plates, but small size and two-line format is used. Also consisting of three letters and three numbers, but without a hyphen and the first letter is ‘U’. Some cars can have plates from the ‘U’ series, where there is only room for motorcycle-sized plates both on the front and the back (typically American cars).
Trailer.
Same format as the normal series, but the first letter is X (all combinations were used up in 2014) or W (currently issued).
Special plates.
The common format for special plates is mostly two letters followed by two numbers and two numbers, separated with a hyphen.
Diplomatic.
Since May 2017 diplomatic corps plates carry the letters CD and six numbers, separated with a hyphen. The plate has white characters on light blue background. First three numbers are matched to countries, numbers are arranged in chronological order of the first diplomatic contact with each country. 001 belongs to Vatican City, 020 belongs to the United States. The complete code list is not known yet. Last three numbers are in connection with the diplomatic person's working position (ambassador, consul, embassy staff, etc.). Before 2017 plates starting with CD were for diplomats, who are leaving the country permanently, valid for 30 days. This plate has black letters (2 letters, 4 numbers) on white background, and the Hungarian tricolor on the left, still issued.
Veteran vehicles.
The plate starts with OT, followed by four numerals. There is no EU version of this plate. The vehicle has to be at least 30 years old, still has its original technical specifications.
Military.
Military plates start with H followed by one letter and four numbers. Mostly tricolor plates, with some euroband exceptions. Letters seen in use: A (cars), B (buses, minibuses), E, F (minibuses), I, K (minibuses, jeeps), M, N (motorcycles), P, R, S (military ambulance), T (trucks), V, X (trailers).
Police and customs.
It starts with R, next to one letter and four numerals. Most common for police is RB, but nowadays plates from the normal series are generally used. Letters seen in use: A (cars), B (cars), F (trucks), K (motorcycles). RR 00-01 to 49-99 is used by and RR 50-00 to 99-99 is used by .
Ambulance.
Ambulance vehicles’ plates start with MA, then four numbers. This type was introduced in 2006, before that normal plates were in use.
Motorsport.
Vehicles used for motorsport purposes can ask for SP plates since October, 2012. The format is same as the others above. No euroband version. This plate cannot be used to drive in regular traffic on an everyday basis. SP plates will be replaced with general temporary I plates according to a Ordinance, accepted in 2019. Date of introduction was moved from Jan, 2021 to Jul, 2022. 
Others.
According to an Ordinance, accepted in 2019, plates from the normal series will be issued instead of 'Y' plates. 'M' plates will be replaced by 'I', general temporary plates. Date of introduction was moved from Jan, 2021 to Jul, 2022. 
Temporary plates.
The format is one letter and five numbers, separated with a hyphen. On the right side two small numbers are indicating the year of issue (E, P, Z plates) or the year when it is valid (V plates). For instance, 16 means 2016. No EU version of these plates. 
E, P and Z plates will be replaced with general I plate according to a new Ordinance, accepted in 2019. V plates will be ceased. Date of introduction was moved from Jan, 2021 to Jul, 2022.