Tuning on the license plate? Beware of forgery of documents!

Recently updated on December 3, 2021 at 06:50 am

We have often dealt with the subject of modifications to the license plate. No matter if it is now Carbon Plate,  License plate sticker or the illegal ones Plate Flipper goes. But we keep getting inquiries from readers who have many more questions. Therefore, once again a comprehensive overview with the most important questions and answers. What happens if you cover the license plate in some way? Is that automatically a forgery of documents? Here the answer is very simple JA! Every tuning specialist should know that, but also every normal driver. Anyone who changes the color of their license plate, as is often seen in the tuner scene, or attaches a small sticker to the license plate, is misusing the license plate. It doesn't matter whether it's just a tiny sticker from his favorite club or a larger one.

these things are allowed -> CLICK

Can a license plate be stuck over or stuck on? The clear answer here is NO! Because according to the requirements of the Vehicle Registration Ordinance, the license plate must always meet these requirements.

Is it allowed to spray the license plate colorless? As long as the license plate is still recognizable, the criminal offense of forging documents is not recognized. However, it is still a license plate misuse (§ 22 StVG), if the transparent spray is to work against radar detectors / speed cameras and makes it undoubtedly difficult to record the vehicle.

Trust online providers or rather not? Many online providers claim that the blue EU field, where the D for Germany is located, for example, can be pasted over. Unfortunately, there is a certain trend of misstatement, because that's exactly what it is not allowed. It can therefore become quite expensive for the buyer, since changing the number plate is prohibited and will remain so.

Are adhesive labels allowed? Certain conditions are required to be able to affix a license plate. As a rule, it is NOT allowed. The official test seal is usually missing on adhesive labels. Therefore, it is not a substitute for a normal license plate and must not be exchanged as desired and attached to the vehicle. It is only permitted in exceptional cases, with a special permit and then also receives an official test seal from the authority.

What are the penalties for sticking on the license plate? If no criminal offense is recognized, then it is an administrative offense (§ 48 FZV) and this is punished with a fine of up to 65 euros. However, if the sticker or the like is not removed, the vehicle can be shut down immediately. Only in rare cases is a forgery (§ 22 StVG / 267 StGB) recognized, which can then mean a prison sentence of up to 5 years or a fine. In the event of a possible accident, the sticker on the license plate can also be assumed to be the cause of the accident. Because here the other road user could have been irritated, which can then lead to an increase in the penalty.

Is the license plate number a certificate? A license plate is before the attachment not yet for a certificate. But as soon as the license plate is attached to the vehicle, a declaration was made. The license plate allows the vehicle to be registered in road traffic using the unique combination of letters and numbers, which in turn makes the license plate a certificate.

License plate misuse or falsification of documents? According to the penal code § 267, it is generally a forgery of a document if a real document is changed or the invalid document is used, whereby the creation of a wrong document for the purpose of use is of course also punishable. Thus, someone acts consciously if he gives his vehicle a different license plate or better a license plate than is known to the authorities. This also includes any changes to the license plate, as well as the complete exchange. There must also be a resolution to persuade another person to take legal action through such an act. The offense is fulfilled if the license plate is intended to cause deception and people therefore act wrongly. Participation in road traffic already fulfills this situation.

Document suppression yes or no? According to Section 274 of the Criminal Code, suppression of documents is distinguished from forgery of documents by the fact that the document was not made illegible by misuse or change, but simply. This can be done by masking or covering with Mark Rollo happen. The whole thing only becomes punishable if the mark as evidence is removed, which can lead to the impairment of the right to provide evidence. Below is a video of such a deliberate illegal concealment.

Misdemeanor or a crime? If a change has been made to the license plate, it is a criminal offense. The distinction between misuse of a license plate and forgery of a document is decisive, whereby this is determined by the purpose of the trade. This also includes dealing with the license plate. It is also important which elements on the license plate have been changed or hidden. A deception is always present if the license plate is made unrecognizable in elementary components, such as if the location code or the TÜV sticker were damaged. Then there is suspicion of fraud and you are not far from the crime. However, the fact of license plate misuse is rarely enforced. Because this is more of an administrative offense according to § 48 FZV and less often a criminal offense. The EU symbol is also not necessarily an elementary label. However, according to § 10 FZV the star wreath can be defined as part of the license plate. A license plate misuse according to § 22 StVG would be possible.

the following legal options exist

1. License plate holder: Since the license plate holder is not part of the license plate, it can be stuck on, foiled or painted.
2. Plastic license plate / 3D license plate: They are an alternative to the conventional aluminum aluminum license plate. They offer three-dimensionality. The raised numbers and letters are embossed on them like a relief. It is produced using the embossing process and not by deforming the plate. The plastic letters with molded pins are placed on the base plate and fastened. The letters are pre-colored and permanently bonded to the board. And we've already tried it including the legal Carbon variant.
3. Short license plate: The short license plates simply look better, and can even become a status symbol. In this country they are getting harder and harder to get, but they are allowed.
4. Self-illuminating license plate: The Federal Motor Transport Authority has granted approval for the new, self-illuminating license plates. It is important that the prescribed sizes of the license plates for cars and motorcycles are strictly observed, otherwise there is a risk of a fine. If such a self-illuminating license plate has been installed, the standard or standard is no longer required Illumination of the license plate.
5. Move license plate: If the vehicle does not permit otherwise due to its design, an offset number plate is permitted. But it is important that license plate is still clearly visible. There is a certain gray area in the laterally offset number plate.

Of course that had not been the case.

tuningblog.eu has a lot of other articles on the subject of auto & tuning in stock. Do you want to see them all? Just click HERE and look around. But also planned changes in the law, violations in road traffic, current regulations in the field of STVO or on the subject inspection we would like to inform you regularly. Everything you can find in the category "Test sites, laws, offenses, information". Following an excerpt of the last information:

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