Volkswagen Rabbit License Plate Bulb Size

Additional Notes

• The Volkswagen Rabbit uses two distinct bulb types across its production years for the license plate position: the DE3423 for the 2006-2009 model years and the 3893 for the 1975-1980 model years.
• The DE3423 is a festoon-style bulb measuring 41mm in length with end-cap contacts at each terminal end. This contact style means the bulb seats by pressing lengthwise between two spring clips rather than inserting into a socket.
• The 3893 is a dual-filament bulb with a BAY15d bayonet base. The BAY15d base features two pins offset at different heights, which prevents incorrect insertion and distinguishes it from single-filament bayonet types.
• Both the DE3423 and the 3893 operate at 12 volts and conform to ANSI standards recognized in both the United States and Canada.
• The festoon format of the DE3423 and the bayonet format of the 3893 are physically incompatible with each other. The housing designs for the 2006-2009 Rabbit and the 1975-1980 Rabbit are not interchangeable between those two generation groups.
• The dual-filament construction of the 3893 is noted as a specialty application. In a license plate context, a dual-filament bulb is atypical, as most license plate housings require only a single illumination function.
• The DE3423 festoon bulb's 41mm length is a specific fitment requirement. Festoon bulbs of differing lengths, such as the common 36mm or 44mm variants, would not seat correctly in the same housing.