Acura CL License Plate Bulb Size

The Acura CL license plate light requires a 168 bulb size for proper illumination of the rear registration area. Data for the specified component covers the range from 1997 to 2003.

The year-by-year compatibility chart below provides a quick reference to verify the correct bulb size for your vehicle.

Bulb Size by Year Range

Years	US Type	EU Type	Shop
2001-2003	168	W5W	Check Price
1997-1999	168	W5W	Check Price

Bulb Specifications

Description	Type	Shop
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 4.9W.	168	Check Price
ECE standard (Europe & worldwide). Single-filament signalling bulb with W2.1x9.5d wedge base. 12V, 5W.	W5W	Check Price

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The 168 bulb is the sole license plate bulb type listed for the Acura CL across all model years in the specifications, covering 1997-1999 and 2001-2003.
The 168 is classified as a miniature wedge bulb, designated T10, which refers to its tubular wedge-base form factor commonly used in low-current automotive lighting positions.
The 168 bulb operates at 12 volts and draws 4.9 watts, placing it in the low-wattage range typical of license plate and courtesy lighting applications.
The 168 carries ANSI standard recognition in both the United States and Canada, meaning it conforms to a defined performance and dimensional standard shared across North American markets.
The T10 wedge base design does not use a separate metal base or pins; instead, the glass envelope itself is shaped to friction-fit into the socket, which is a defining characteristic of the wedge bulb family.
Because the 168 is an ANSI-standardized type, it is produced by multiple manufacturers and is widely available as a direct replacement without socket modification for the Acura CL.