Alfa Romeo forced to redesign number plates due to safety laws

Future Alfa Romeo models will lose some unique character due to new pedestrian safety regulations.

Asymmetrically mounted number plates are as much a trademark of Alfa Romeo as the iconic "scudetto." Unfortunately, this will soon change. Because of strict regulations, the tradition that began in 1955 with the Giulietta Spider must become a thing of the past.

The issue of plates came up again with the premiere of Alfa's most miniature model, the Junior, which has a centrally mounted number plate. According to the brand's chief stylist, Alejandro Mesonero-Romanos, a similar fate awaits all new Alfas.

In an interview, he said we can no longer mount number plates to the side due to homologation regulations concerning pedestrian safety. Some die-hard Alfisti believe that an Alfa is not an Alfa without a side-mounted plate, but history remembers many beautiful Alfas with a centre plate.

He added that he has an Alfetta and a Giulia with a central plate, and they look beautiful.

The matter that may concern brand fans is the "scudetto." Those worried that the central plate would obscure the grille could rest easily. The element will be redesigned in future models so that the plate fits below without a problem.