The Identity Card of the Train: UIC Leaflet 438-3 Explained

Introduction to UIC Leaflet 438-3

Every locomotive operating on an international railway network carries a unique “license plate”: a 12-digit sequence painted on its side. UIC Leaflet 438-3, titled “Identification marking for tractive stock,” defines the structure and logic of this numbering system.

This standard ensures that a traffic controller in Switzerland can instantly identify the type, origin, and technical capabilities of a locomotive arriving from Italy, simply by reading its code. This system is the foundation of the modern European Vehicle Number (EVN) used in the National Vehicle Registers (NVR).

Snippet Definition: What is UIC 438-3?

UIC Leaflet 438-3 is a technical standard that establishes the 12-digit identification numbering system for tractive stock (locomotives, EMPs, DMUs). It assigns specific meanings to each digit position—indicating the vehicle type, country of registration, technical series, and serial number—and defines the algorithm for calculating the final self-check digit.

The Anatomy of the 12-Digit Number

The number is typically displayed in the format: 91 80 6185 001-2 D-DB. Here is how UIC 438-3 breaks it down:

Positions 1-2: Type of Vehicle

These digits indicate the traction type and interoperability status. Common codes include:

• 90: Miscellaneous (e.g., steam locos, maintenance vehicles).
• 91: Electric Locomotives.
• 92: Diesel Locomotives.
• 93: High-speed electric trainsets (EMU).
• 94: Electric multiple units (conventional).
• 95: Diesel multiple units (DMU).

Positions 3-4: Country Code

Historically, this was the code of the owning railway (e.g., 80 for DB, 87 for SNCF). In the modern context, it represents the country of registration (e.g., 80 = Germany, 33 = France, 75 = Turkey).

Positions 5-11: Technical Characteristics & Serial

This block is often managed nationally. Digits 5-8 usually denote the Class/Series (e.g., Class 185), and digits 9-11 represent the individual serial number of that unit in the fleet.

The Check Digit (Position 12)

The final digit, separated by a hyphen, is a safety feature calculated using the Luhn Algorithm (Modulo 10). It allows computer systems to instantly verify if a number has been entered incorrectly (e.g., a typo).

Calculation Method:

1. Multiply the digits in odd positions by 2 and even positions by 1.

2. Sum the digits of the results (e.g., 14 becomes 1+4=5).

3. The difference between this sum and the next multiple of 10 is the Check Digit.

Comparison: UIC 438-3 vs. TSI OPE

The UIC leaflet laid the groundwork, but European Law (TSI) now governs the mandatory application.

Visual Layout

UIC 438-3 also specifies where the number goes. It must be legible, placed on both sides of the body shell, approximately 1.5 meters from the rail level if possible, using a standard font (typically DIN 1451) that is readable by Optical Character Recognition (OCR) cameras.