Driving on foreign plates in Germany: for how long?

Updated on 20 August 20263 min read

In short

A vehicle registered abroad may under § 46 FZV take part temporarily in German road traffic, and “temporarily” means a period of up to one year. But it is the second condition that decides, and almost every page omits it: this holds only as long as no regular location has been established in Germany for the vehicle. Anyone stationing their vehicle in Germany on a lasting basis therefore cannot rely on the year — the period does not run alongside the location question, it depends on it. Case by case the period may be longer where the traffic participation is an exercise of freedom of movement for workers, but never more than three years.

What § 46 FZV actually says

The consequence that surprises most people

The common belief is: “I have a year, then I'll change over.” The text says something else. Once the vehicle has its regular location in Germany, the temporary-participation framework no longer applies — however many months have passed since the move.

A holiday or a stay of a few weeks: classic temporary participation, no issue.
A cross-border commuter driving home to France, Belgium or Luxembourg each evening: the vehicle is kept there, not in Germany. The location question arises differently — and it still arises.
A move to Germany with a fixed address and the vehicle outside the door: this is where a regular location arises, and that is what counts.

What to do when the change-over becomes due

1
Check which authority is competentResidence or regular location — § 75(2) FZV. The office for where you live is competent.
2
Gather the foreign paperworkThe number of the foreign registration certificate must be evidenced (§ 8(1) FZV). Where part II of a two-part document is missing, confirmation via the Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt is required — this is the step that can cost weeks.
3
Hauptuntersuchung on the German schedule36 months to the first inspection of a brand-new car, then every 24 months (Anlage VIII StVZO). A valid foreign inspection report does not simply take its place.
4
Insurance and tax direct debiteVB number from a German insurer (§ 49 FZV) and the written direct debit authorisation for the Kfz-Steuer (§ 13 KraftStG). Without both, no registration.

Frequently asked questions

I have just moved to Germany. Do I really have a year?

The one-year period applies to temporary participation and presupposes that no regular location has been established in Germany. With a fixed address and the vehicle on site, that very condition becomes doubtful. Reading the year as a free pass is the commonest misreading of this provision.

Does the three-year exception apply to me?

It is in the statute, but applies expressly “case by case” and is tied to exercising freedom of movement for workers. It is not an extension you take, it is one that may be granted on the facts. Whether your situation falls under it can only be settled with the competent authority.

And if I simply do nothing?

You then drive a vehicle whose registration status no longer matches its actual situation. The consequences reach beyond registration law into tax and insurance, and they usually surface at a roadside check or after a claim — that is, at the worst moment. It is a question to settle beforehand.