Overview
- - Users of an app and Reddit noticed “ST” listed for both Steinfurt and historically for Stade, contradicting the principle that each prefix is assigned only once.
- - Forum explanations and local reporting say Stade briefly issued about 500 “ST” plates in July 1956 before the federal ministry set “STD” as its code from August 1, 1956.
- - In Lippe, “LIP” replaced Detmold’s “DT” and Lemgo’s “LE” on November 1, 1990, and although no new DT/LE plates are issued, existing ones remain valid.
- - Lippe’s CDU has sought the return of DT and LE since 2023, and Landrat Meinolf Haase plans to file a proposal in March for the district’s decision process; the Kreistag will have the final say.
- - Apps now tell users DT is not currently being issued, aligning with the 1990 change, and officials note that while owners can choose letters and numbers after the prefix, certain combinations are banned in NRW.