If this, as you say, is an EU concession and they withdraw it then it simply confirms many opinions of how vindictive they really are.

Under treaties dating back to the middle of the 20th century vehicles travelling internationally have to carry an oval country of origin sticker.

There are various benefits and concessions that apply amongst the nations of the EU. One very small one is EU pattern number plates that, by adding the origin detail to the index plate, remove the need for origin stickers when travelling within the EU.

If we are no longer a member we no longer have that concession.

Our politicians could have negotiated a deal that allowed us to retain that concession. However they're fixated with the concept of UK as an independent sovereign state*. We can book their people and they can book us for non-compliance.

*The idea that France or Italy are not sovereign states is nonsense on stilts but we get the leaders we deserve.

Using the number plate instead of the International oval is an EU internal concession - our exit deal might have continued that concession but clearly hasn't.

There are many breaking the law then. I have observed on vehicles from many countries that the country of origin letters are displayed on the number plate. With or without the EU logo as appropriate. I cannot recall seeing any foreign vehicles with a separate white large oval with their identity letters displayed. maybe I am not noticing them. What possible harm can it do to display on the number plate like all the others? If this, as you say, is an EU concession and they withdraw it then it simply confirms many opinions of how vindictive they really are.

Cheers Concrete

For a few more days, the EU concession operates within the UK - after 1/1/21 it depends on agreement between the UK and the EU as we'll be outside it.