Many people probably think, "Rental car license plates start with 'わ', right? You can usually tell just by looking."

Indeed, "わ" plates are synonymous with rental cars. But are they really the only ones?

Have you ever wondered, "Wait, I think I've seen rental cars with 'れ' plates too...?"

This article answers those little questions about rental car license plates.
SAPPORO RENTA LEASE will clearly explain everything from why "わ" plates are used to the secret of the intriguing "れ" plates.
After reading this article, observing license plates during your drive might become even more enjoyable.

What you'll learn in this article

Rental cars aren't just "わ" plates! Do "れ" plates also exist?
Why? The reason "わ" plates are said to be used for rental cars
Regions where "れ" plate rental cars are said to exist and why
Hokkaido/Sapporo's "れ" plate situation (including SAPPORO RENTA LEASE's vehicle ratio!)

Rental cars aren't just "わ" plates! Why do "れ" plates also exist?

While the image of "rental cars mean 'わ' plates" is strong, that's not the whole story.
Generally, it is said that the hiragana used on rental car license plates includes not only "わ" but also "れ".

However, "れ" plate rental cars don't seem to be frequently seen everywhere in Japan. Why is that? Let's look at the reasons together.

Why are "わ" plates said to be used for rental cars?

So, why are "わ" plates used for many rental cars?
Regarding this point, there is actually no clear official reason announced.

However, a widely known and influential theory is that it's because "わ" is at the end of the hiragana syllabary, making it easy to distinguish from private vehicles.

Hiragana used on license plates excludes some characters like "お, し, へ, ん". "わ" is among the last characters.

Since "わ" and "れ" cannot be registered for general vehicles like private cars, it is thought that the intention was to make it easy to identify a vehicle as "this might be a rental car" by its license plate.

What are the benefits of being able to identify a rental car at a glance?

If a rental car can be easily identified by its plate, consideration from other drivers can be expected.
Rental car drivers may be unfamiliar with the local geography or driving a type of car they don't usually drive.
When others recognize "this might be a rental car," it can lead to considerations like slightly more cautious driving or maintaining a safe distance.

Regions where "れ" plate rental cars are said to exist and why

You might understand the "わ" plate story somewhat, but a question arises: when and where do you see "れ" plates?
Let's consider the main regions where "れ" plates are said to be seen and the background behind it.

Case 1: Okinawa Prefecture - Demand so high that "わ" plates are insufficient

Okinawa Prefecture is known as one of Japan's leading tourist destinations, with very active rental car usage.
Therefore, it is said that a situation arose where "わ" plates alone were insufficient to assign numbers to rental cars.
For this reason, there is a theory that "れ" plates began to be used additionally to compensate for the shortage.
When using a rental car in Okinawa, you might have many opportunities to encounter cars with "れ" plates.

Case 2: Hokkaido - Historical background and, again, the possibility of plate shortage

In Hokkaido, especially in urban areas like Sapporo, you might also see rental cars with "れ" plates.
This is thought to be related to past circumstances and recent situations.
・Possibility of historical background: It is said that there was a period in Hokkaido when "れ" was primarily used as the rental car plate number.

After that, it seems there was a transition to "わ" plates in line with national trends.
・Possibility of re-emergence due to plate shortage: In recent years, Hokkaido has also seen an increase in rental car demand due to rising tourist numbers, making it possible that "わ" plates alone have become insufficient in some situations.

Therefore, it is thought that the "れ" plates, which were once used, have been put into use again.

Thus, many "れ" plate rental cars are actually operating in Sapporo.
If you use a rental car in Sapporo, it might be interesting to check your car's license plate.

Summary: "わ" and "れ" are rental car identifiers! Enjoy them during your Hokkaido drive

This time, we've discussed the story behind rental car license plates "わ" and "れ".

・Rental car license plates are generally said to use either "わ" or "れ".

・"れ" plates are particularly seen in Okinawa Prefecture and Hokkaido, and may be relatively rare in other regions.

・The main reason "わ" plates are used is likely to distinguish them from private vehicles, which is the prevailing theory.

・The background for using "れ" plates is to supplement the shortage of "わ" plates. In Hokkaido's case, past usage and recent demand increases are related, and "れ" plate rental cars are actively operating in Sapporo.

Has this resolved your little questions about rental car license plates?
While license plates are usually not given much thought, knowing such trivia might make observing cars in the city or during your travels a bit more enjoyable.
Next time you see a rental car, be sure to check, "Is that plate 'わ' or 'れ'?"

May your Hokkaido drive be more memorable with new discoveries.SAPPORO RENTA LEASE is also by your side on your journey.