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What license plate sizes are allowed in Germany and when are there problems? An overview of acceptable and problematic formats follows in this article. In Germany, the license plate sizes for vehicles are regulated by law in order to ensure uniform standards and to facilitate identification. The sizes vary depending on the vehicle type and license plate type. In this article we will give a comprehensive overview of the license plate sizes permitted in Germany, which formats can be sealed at the registration offices without any problems and which occasionally cause difficulties with the sealing. We also discuss which formats are directly rejected.
Legal regulations & permitted license plate sizes
The legal regulations for license plate sizes in Germany are specified in the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) and Annex 4 to the FZV. The permissible dimensions for the various vehicle classes and license plate types are listed there.
The most common license plate sizes in Germany:
- 520mm x 110mm: Standard size for cars, trucks and buses
- 460mm x 110mm: For vehicles with little space on the license plate bracket
- 420mm x 110mm: For motorcycles
There are also special sizes for certain vehicle types and special license plates:
- 340mm x 200mm: For agricultural or forestry tractors, self-propelled machines and forklifts
- 280mm x 200mm: For trailers in factory traffic
- 255mm x 130mm: For light motorcycles and mopeds
Problem-free sealing at the registration office
The standard sizes and special sizes mentioned above are usually easily sealed on the approval authorities, as they comply with legal requirements.
sealing problems
In some cases, however, difficulties can arise with the sealing, for example if a license plate does not meet the legal requirements, but also in the case of certain vehicle models with special requirements for the license plate holder. Problems can arise, for example, with US import vehicles and correspondingly smaller license plate holders (small recess) if a German license plate is to be mounted. In such cases, vehicle owners often have to find an individual solution, such as attaching a special adapter or a custom-made bracket.
Rejected Formats
License plate sizes that do not meet the legal requirements will be rejected by the registration authorities. These include, for example:
- License plates with impermissible dimensions that are not listed in Annex 4 to the FZV
- License plates that do not comply with the prescribed fonts, font sizes or character spacing
- Labels with unauthorized symbols or logos
- License plates that do not comply with the prescribed colors (black writing on a white background).
Tips for vehicle owners
To avoid problems with the sealing and registration of the vehicle, you should note the following points:
- Choose the right license plate size for your vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements and the requirements of your vehicle type. If you are unsure, you can contact the registration office or an experienced motor vehicle expert in advance.
- Make sure that the license plate complies with the font, font size, character spacing and color requirements. Only then is it acceptable to the admissions office.
- For vehicles with special requirements for the license plate bracket (e.g. US imports), you should find out about possible solutions in advance and, if necessary, obtain suitable adapters or brackets.
- Please note that different license plate sizes or non-compliant license plates can cause problems not only with registration but also on the road. In the event of violations, the police can impose fines and order rectification.
When do I get a "short license plate number"?
A short license plate is a license plate that has fewer characters than a standard license plate. In order to obtain a short license plate number for a passenger car, certain requirements must be met:
- Space on the vehicle: The short license plate can be issued if the space available on the vehicle does not allow for a standard size. This can be the case with older vehicle models or vehicles with a special body shape. In such cases, however, the vehicle owner must prove that a standard license plate cannot be installed.
- Availability of letters and numbers: The assignment of short license plates also depends on the availability of letter and number combinations at the responsible registration office. In some regions, the range of possible combinations is limited, so short license plates may not be available, even if the vehicle requirements are suitable.
- Application and fees: In order to get a short number plate, the owner usually even has to submit an application to the registration office. It is important to note that short license plates are often associated with even higher fees.
- Compliance with legal requirements: Regardless of the license plate size, all license plates must comply with legal requirements. These include the prescribed fonts, font sizes, character spacing and colors.
It is important to note that the registration authorities are generally restrictive when it comes to issuing short license plates and only issue them if the requirements mentioned are met. Vehicle owners who want a short number plate should obtain information in advance from their responsible registration office and prepare the necessary evidence and application documents.
May I have my license plate? offset?
In Germany, the positioning of the license plate on the vehicle is regulated by the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). According to § 10 StVZO, the license plates must "be permanently and securely attached to the front and rear of the vehicle and be illuminated in the dark". The license plate must be attached in such a way that it is easily recognizable and cannot be covered or soiled. But there is no express rulethat the license plate must be positioned exactly in the middle of the vehicle. However, the central mounting is the most common and widely accepted position, as it ensures visibility and detectability.
If you want to attach the license plate somewhere other than the middle, it is important that the position meets the requirements of the StVZO and that the license plate is still clearly visible and recognizable. If you are unsure about the permissible positioning, it is advisable to contact the local registration office or a motor vehicle expert. In some cases, such as US import vehicles or vehicles with special body styles (e.g. Alfa Romeo), it may be necessary to mount the license plate off the usual central position. In such situations, however, the chosen position must always comply with the legal requirements and must not pose a risk to road safety.
May I in Germany Adhesive label use?
No! Adhesive number plates for motor vehicles are not permitted in Germany. The Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) stipulate that license plates must be firmly and permanently attached to the vehicle. Adhesive labels do not meet this requirement as they do not offer the same strength and durability as traditional embossed metal labels. In addition, German license plates must meet certain requirements in terms of material, size, font and color. Adhesive labels usually do not meet these requirements because they are made of other materials and do not have the required embossing.
The use of adhesive labels in Germany can lead to penalties and a request for rectification. To avoid hassles and fines, always use approved embossed metal or plastic plates that meet legal requirements. For bicycles, bicycle trailers or e-scooters, on the other hand, adhesive labels in the form of insurance stickers can be used in some cases. These correspond to a different legal regulation and are permitted for these vehicle classes.
Sind Carbon Plate permitted?
Carbon license plates are a modern alternative to the conventional license plates made of sheet metal or black plastic. They have a noble and sporty look that is reminiscent of the composite material carbon. Carbon license plates are allowed in Germany if they bear the DIN test mark and meet the reflective surface according to DIN 74069.
Are license plates off Plastic permitted?
License plates made of high-quality plastic, often with raised 3D letters, are dent and corrosion-free and are easy to clean. According to Section 10 (2) of the FZV (Vehicle Registration Ordinance), such a license plate can be approved without restriction and corresponds to the DIN standards.
Sind self-illuminating signs permitted?
Self-illuminating license plates are an innovative alternative to conventional license plate lights. They consist of an aluminum plate laminated with an electroluminescent foil and a reflective foil. The foil glows in the dark thanks to an electrical impulse generated by an inverter. Luminous license plates have been in Germany since 2007 authorized and meet the legal requirements for license plate recognition. They have the advantage of using less power, being less susceptible to dirt and damage, and offering better visibility.
Another Europe sticker allowed on license plate?
Nein! This is an administrative offense that can be punished with a fine. The blue EU field with a wreath of stars in yellow and the "D" as an indication of the vehicle's country of origin are standard for all permitted license plates in Germany. In many European countries, including Germany, it is mandatory to use the Euro registration plate, which consists of the blue sticker with the EU symbol (a circle of 12 yellow stars) and the country code.
Can I attach the number plate with a magnet or Velcro?
In many countries, including European countries, license plates are required by local regulations and laws safe and permanent be attached to the vehicle. The use of magnets or Velcro could may not offer the required stability and security and violate the regulations. However, the interpretation is still "very spongy", since it is not specifically defined what a "safe and permanent“ Attachment is. It is therefore better to ask the responsible registration office, the local police and a testing organization beforehand.
And finally ...
In Germany, the license plate sizes for vehicles are regulated by law in order to ensure uniform standards and to make it easier to identify vehicles. Most vehicles can easily be fitted with the usual standard sizes or special sizes that are sealed at the registration offices. However, difficulties can arise with certain vehicle models or illegal license plate formats. In order to avoid problems with registration and on the road, vehicle owners should comply with the legal requirements and, if in doubt, seek advice from experts or the registration office.
Of course, that wasn't the end of it.
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