Lucky number plates not so lucky after '11

For consumers who spent money bidding for the lucky numbers on the license plates, there is no longer a guarantee on the duration that their plates may be used.

Taipei City Councilor, Chen Chien-ming said that the government should refund the cost of the plates based on when they were received, and how long they would be valid.

Motor Vehicles Office (MVO) at Taipei City government holds an auction every year for public bidding on license plates bearing lucky numbers, with winning bids for each plate often exceeding NT$100,000.

　　Chen yesterday pointed out that the bidding price for one plate, “8888-QQ”was NT$300,000 in 2007. That same year, the income the MVO earned from these plate auctions exceeded NT$91 million.

　　According to local customs, the figure “6”and “8”symbolize smooth road to success. Bidding prices spike for plates bearing these numbers, making them “golden license plates” in Taiwan.

　　According to MOTC in their latest announcement, the life-span for a license plate is from two to four years, leaving the car owner who spent a huge sum of money on “8888-QQ”with at most two years remaining to use the plates. MOV added that they will put out reminders for public notification.

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