UIC identification marking for tractive stock

This article is about the UIC system of classifying tractive stock and multiples. For locomotives, see UIC classification of locomotive axle arrangements.

The UIC identification marking for tractive stock is a standard for identifying train stock like locomotives that supply tractive force primarily in Europe. Since the beginning of 2007 locomotives or other traction units in Europe have been given a 12-digit number. Vehicle numbering is now governed by the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail[1] and in Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI) of the European Union, specifically the European Railway Agency's CR OPE TSI (Conventional Rail OPErations Technical Specification for Interoperability).[2] This makes the locomotive clearly identifiable within Europe and parts of Asia and northern Africa (see List of UIC country codes).

A complete number is referred to as a European Vehicle Number[3] and comprises 12 digits as originally outlined in UIC Code of Practice 438-3, Identification marking for tractive stock. Digits 1–2 are the type code, 3–4 the country of origin (where the vehicle is registered), 5–11 are defined by the country concerned, 12 is the check digit calculated via the Luhn algorithm.[4] It is followed by abbreviations for the country of origin and the owner of the vehicle.

The EU CR OPE TSI required that by 1 August 2008 all traction units had to be registered and marked with their number. Existing locomotive numbers used internally were not necessarily affected, but meanwhile in many countries the vehicles got 12-digit numbers.

UIC classification scheme for locomotives in Germany. For explanation see text.
  1. ^ see: UTP Marking 2015, Uniform Technical Prescription Applicable to Vehicle Numbers and linked alphabetical marking on the bodywork: THE RAILWAY VEHICLE MARKING, Applicable from 1.1.2015, retrieved from: OTIF page Prescriptions and Other Rules
  2. ^ "ERA".
  3. ^ "Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/1614 of 25 October 2018 laying down specifications for the vehicle registers referred to in Article 47 of Directive (EU) 2016/797 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending and repealing Commission Decision 2007/756/EC". Official Journal of the European Union. L 268: 84. 26 October 2018. Retrieved 25 July 2022.
  4. ^ Cite error: The named reference eurail was invoked but never defined (see the help page).