# Paper Numbers on Cars

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 12, 2003, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597 "2003-05-12T02:18:31Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 7\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![teleute12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@teleute12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teleute12)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597/1 "2003-05-12T02:18:31Z")

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OK, so you know those square pieces of paper that people tape in their back windshield? The ones that are red (-ish, since they’re usually faded) with a white number on them (usually 1-10)? Does anyone know what those mean? I see them all the time in cars driving around here (Santa Rosa area, Cali), and I’m curious.

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**Author:** ![d12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/71c47a/32.png) [@d12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/d12)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597/2 "2003-05-12T02:48:49Z")

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Maybe from the local garage?  
Here in Ottawa, dealerships use those so they know which car needs to be worked on etc…  
Just my WAG

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**Author:** ![Luden](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/77aa72/32.png) [@Luden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Luden)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597/3 "2003-05-12T03:50:26Z")

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They are temporary registration stickers. The number signifies the month that the sticker expires.

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**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597/4 "2003-05-12T04:34:02Z")

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If you are talking about a small square red piece of paper with a white number on it, then **Luden** hit it on the head. They are temp registration stickers. Given out by the DMV when fees have been paid, but the more time is needed to complete the registration process.

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**Author:** ![teleute12](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3d9bf3/32.png) [@teleute12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/teleute12)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597/5 "2003-05-12T05:38:41Z")

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That’s exactly what they look like, **Rick**. Thanks to you and **luden** for answering.

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**Author:** ![Jinx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c6cbf5/32.png) [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597/6 "2003-05-12T12:27:06Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by teleute12 \*  
> \*\*That’s exactly what they look like, **Rick**. Thanks to you and **luden** for answering. \*\*

Luden’s answer doesn’t explain why the OP claims it’s numbers ranging from 1-10. What happened to 11 and 12? - Jinx

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**Author:** ![Mr\_Sherbet](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ad7895/32.png) [@Mr\_Sherbet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Sherbet)\
**Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 12:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paper-numbers-on-cars/174597/7 "2003-05-12T12:34:30Z")

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maybe she just hasnt seen 11 and 12 yet?