Belgian driver registers COVID-19 personalised number plate

A Belgian driver has paid €1,000 to own the personalised vehicle number plate COVID-19.

A fellow motorist spotted the car on Wednesday afternoon in Gentbrugge and shared the pic on Twitter.

FPS Mobility spokeswoman Charlotte van den Branden confirmed it was real: "Yes, a personalised COVID-19 license plate has been requested and obtained."

The number plate was requested on 11 May, as soon as mechanics reopened for non-urgent work, including personalised registration plates.

The spokeswoman added: "There is nothing defamatory, racist or homophobic in this case. Nothing prevents someone registering their vehicle with the plate INFLUENZA if they wanted.

"This is a personal choice and it's no more offbeat than HI HI HI and HA HA HA, which also exist."

Since Belgium introduced personalised plates in 2014, more than 30,000 have been registered.

Photo courtesy Stijn Vlaeminck/Twitter