French number plates

Yes, I know it is only a French number plate. It belongs to my brother and the 77 denotes the Seine and Marne départment. I am lamenting the fact that my grandchildren will no longer be able to play the game my children played that kept them amused on long journeys; that is spotting as many départments as possible. Firstly, the owner can choose any number to follow the registration, not necessarily the one where the car was bought and secondly the number is smaller and far harder to see. It has been an unpopular change and represents the passing of an era! How sad!