Buick Regal License Plate Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The Buick Regal license plate position uses two distinct bulb types across its model years: the 194 and the 12961, both of which share the T10 miniature wedge form factor.
• The 194 is an ANSI-standardized bulb operating at 12 volts and 3.78 watts, making it one of the most widely used miniature wedge bulbs in North American vehicle applications.
• The 12961 is a Philips part number rather than an ANSI designation, operating at 12 volts and 5 watts with a W2.1x9.5d base, which is the standard base specification for T10 wedge bulbs.
• Although both bulbs share the T10 wedge form factor, the 12961 draws 5 watts compared to the 194's 3.78 watts, meaning the two are not electrically identical despite their physical similarities.
• The Buick Regal (2011-2013) is specified with the 12961 bulb for the license plate position, setting those model years apart from all other listed years in the specifications.
• The 194 bulb is specified across the majority of listed model years, spanning 1973-2004 and 2014-2017, with the exception of the 2011-2013 gap where the 12961 applies.
• The W2.1x9.5d base designation on the 12961 refers to a wedge base with a 2.1mm wire width and a 9.5mm pin spacing, which is the defining physical characteristic of the standard T10 wedge base family.
• Because the 194 carries an ANSI designation, it is produced by multiple manufacturers, whereas the 12961 designation is specific to Philips, though functionally equivalent T10 5W alternatives from other manufacturers may carry different part numbers.