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License Plates

Maps4FS automatically generates country-specific license plates for FS25 maps based on the map's geographic location. This feature adds authentic regional licensing to vehicles in your custom maps.

License Plates Example

Compatibility

  • FS25: ✅ Fully supported

  • FS22: ❌ Not supported

How It Works

The system automatically:

  1. Detects country from map coordinates using geographic lookup

  2. Applies country code (e.g., Germany → "D", Serbia → "SRB", France → "F")

  3. Adds regional prefix (if specified) for cities/regions within the country

  4. Generates custom license plates combining both elements

  5. Updates map configuration to use the customized plates

  6. Falls back gracefully to default US plates for unsupported regions

License Plate Format

License plates consist of two parts:

Country Code (Automatic)

Automatically detected from your map's coordinates:

  • Follows international vehicle registration standards

  • Examples: D (Germany), SRB (Serbia), F (France), PL (Poland)

  • Cannot be manually overridden

Regional Prefix (Optional)

Manually customizable via UI settings:

  • Represents specific regions, cities, or administrative areas

  • Examples: "NS" (Novi Sad), "M" (Munich), "75" (Paris)

  • 1-3 characters maximum

Combined Result

Final license plates show: [Country Code] [Regional Prefix]

  • Serbia, Novi Sad: "SRB NS"

  • Germany, Munich: "D M"

  • France, Paris: "F 75"

  • Poland, Krakow: "PL KRK"

Supported Regions

License plate generation works for European countries and specific other regions. The system automatically detects the appropriate country code based on your map's geographic location.

For unsupported countries: The system automatically uses the default in-game US license plates. This ensures your map works regardless of location while providing enhanced authenticity for supported regions.

Regional Customization

You can customize the regional prefix using the I3D Settings → License plate prefix option in the UI.

Regional Prefix Examples

  • Cities: "NS" (Novi Sad), "BG" (Belgrade), "M" (Munich)

  • Regions: "75" (Paris region), "BY" (Bavaria), "SZ" (Salzburg)

  • Custom: Any 1-3 character identifier for your specific area

Configuration

  • Access via: I3D Settings → License plate prefix

  • Length: 1-3 characters maximum (letters or numbers)

  • Case: Automatically converted to uppercase

  • Optional: Leave empty for country code only

Technical Details

Map Configuration

License plates are configured in your map's map.xml file:

<licensePlates filename="map/licensePlates/licensePlatesPL.xml" />

Customization Files

If you want to manually customize or edit license plates:

  1. Navigate to: map/licensePlates/licensePlatesPL.xml

  2. Edit the configuration for custom layouts, colors, or positioning

  3. Modify textures in the same directory for visual customization

File Structure

map/
├── map.xml                              # References license plates
└── licensePlates/
    ├── licensePlatesPL.xml             # License plate configuration
    ├── licensePlatesPL.i3d             # 3D model definition
    └── licensePlates_diffuse.png       # Generated texture

US License Plates

Note: US license plates use completely different formats and layouts compared to European standards. Due to this complexity and regional variation, US plates are not automatically generated.

Recommendation: If you need specific US license plates, manually find and customize the appropriate template for your specific state/region.

Troubleshooting

Performance Warning (PNG Textures)

Maps4FS generates license plate textures as PNG files, which may trigger performance warnings in Giants Editor logs. This is expected behavior.

For optimal performance, convert the generated PNG to DDS format:

  1. Convert texture: Use image editing software or DDS conversion tools

  2. Replace file: Update licensePlates_diffuse.png with licensePlates_diffuse.dds

  3. Update reference: Edit licensePlatesPL.i3d file:

Change from this:

<File fileId="12" filename="licensePlates_diffuse.png" />

to this:

<File fileId="12" filename="licensePlates_diffuse.dds" />

💡 Tip: See DDS Conversion for detailed conversion instructions.

License Plates Not Appearing

  • Verify your map coordinates are within supported countries

  • Check that FS25 compatibility is enabled

  • Ensure the license plate prefix is 1-3 letters maximum

Wrong Country Detected

  • Double-check your map's center coordinates

  • Consider manually setting the prefix via UI settings

Custom Plates Not Working

  • Check map/licensePlates/licensePlatesPL.xml syntax

  • Ensure texture files are properly generated

  • Verify map.xml references the correct license plate file

Related Documentation

PreviousSplinesNextCustom OSM

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