Honda CR-V License Plate Bulb Size

The Honda CR-V license plate light uses 168 and 12961 bulb sizes for the rear illumination area. Available information covers the span from 1997 through 2016 for the specified vehicle components.

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	Bulb Size
2012-2016	168
2002-2011	12961
1997-2001	168

Bulb Specifications

Description	Bulb Size
ANSI standard (US & Canada). Miniature wedge bulb (T10). 12V, 4.9W.	168
Philips part number. Miniature wedge bulb (T10) with W2.1x9.5d base. 12V, 5W.	12961

Other Locations

Additional Notes

The Honda CR-V license plate bulb specifications cover model years 1997 through 2016, with two distinct bulb types used across that span.
The 168 bulb is an ANSI-standard miniature wedge type in the T10 form factor, rated at 12V and 4.9W, and is recognized across the US and Canadian markets.
The 12961 is a Philips-designated miniature wedge bulb, also in the T10 form factor, rated at 12V and 5W, and uses a W2.1x9.5d base.
Both the 168 and 12961 share the T10 wedge form factor, though the 12961 carries a specific base designation (W2.1x9.5d) that the 168 specification does not reference.
The Honda CR-V (2012-2016) uses the 168 bulb for the license plate position.
Model years 2002-2011 use the 12961 bulb, making it the fitment for the longest continuous span within these specifications.
The 168 bulb also appears in the 1997-2001 CR-V, meaning it is used in two separate, non-consecutive model year groups.
The wattage difference between the two bulbs is minimal, with the 168 rated at 4.9W and the 12961 at 5W, though they are listed as distinct fitments and are not presented as interchangeable within these specifications.
The 2001 and 2002 model years represent a transition point between the two bulb types, with 2001 using the 168 and 2002 using the 12961.
The 2011 and 2012 model years represent a second transition point, with 2011 using the 12961 and 2012 returning to the 168.