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In many countries, including Germany, variable number plates are an interesting option for vehicle owners who own several vehicles and want to use them alternately. In this article, we will delve into the topic in detail Change indicator employ, explain the requirements, advantages, disadvantages and the process of applying and using.
definition and purpose
A pair of Change indicator is a license plate number that can be used for several vehicles of the same owner. The vehicles may only be moved individually and alternately in public transport. The aim of the scheme is to offer vehicle owners who have multiple vehicles the opportunity to partially save on road tax and insurance costs by only paying for one vehicle instead of each individually. This can be especially true for owners of seasonal vehicles, vintage cars or second vehicles.
Requirements for changing license plates
However, in order to be eligible for the variable number plate, the vehicles must meet certain requirements:
- Both must belong to the same vehicle owner.
- They must be in the same class of vehicle (e.g. car, motorcycle, trailer).
- They must be classified in the same emission class.
Application for a change of license plate
In order to apply for a variable number plate, the vehicle owner must carry out the following steps:
- Visit admissions office: The owner must visit the local registration office in person or through an authorized person to apply for the variable number plates.
- Submit documents: The owner must present all necessary documents, such as B. Identity card, vehicle registration documents, vehicle registration documents, proof of the valid main inspection (HU) and exhaust gas analysis (AU) as well as an electronic insurance confirmation (eVB) for beide Vehicles.
- To pay fees: License plate fees vary by state and vehicle type, but typically range from €30 to €60.
Advantages of changing license plates
- Cost cutting: The main advantage of variable number plates is that vehicle owners can save on some road tax and insurance costs because they only pay for one vehicle instead of each one individually.
- Environmental Protection: Variable number plates can also help protect the environment by helping to reduce the vehicle population and reduce the number of vehicles on the road.
- Flexibility: Vehicle owners can easily switch between vehicles with variable number plates and thus use the appropriate one as required. This can be particularly beneficial for seasonal companions, such as convertibles or motorcycles, as well as for vehicles with different purposes, such as vans or trailers.
- Ease of administration: Since only one license plate is used for several vehicles, this can reduce the administrative burden for the owner, especially when registering and deregistering and updating insurance and tax data.
Disadvantages of changing license plates
- Restriction of use: The biggest disadvantage of variable number plates is the restriction that the vehicles may only be moved individually and alternately on public transport. This means that only one vehicle with the variable number plate can be used at a time, which in some situations, e.g. B. on family trips or moves, can be impractical.
- Additional costs: While variable number plates can help vehicle owners save on tax and insurance costs, they can also come with additional costs. This includes the fees for applying for and rewriting the variable number plates as well as any costs for new license plate holders or adapters to be able to attach the variable number plates to the vehicles.
- Availability: Variable number plates are not available in all countries and regulations may differ from country to country. In Germany, for example, variable number plates for cars, motorcycles and trailers are possible, while in Switzerland only cars and motorcycles are eligible.
What to consider when changing license plates for the motorcycle?
Interchangeable license plates allow motorcycle owners a flexible solution to manage several vehicles under one license plate. However, there are some important points that should be considered when using variable number plates for motorcycles.
- Vehicle owner and license plate size: Interchangeable license plates can only be requested for two motorcycles from the same owner. Both motorcycles must have the same license plate size in order to be able to use the variable license plate.
- Vehicles may not be used at the same time: An important aspect is that the two motorcycles may not be moved on the road at the same time. The variable number plate must be attached to the vehicle currently being used.
- Savings on vehicle tax and insurance: One of the main benefits of variable number plates is the opportunity to save on road tax and insurance. However, not all insurance companies offer tariffs for variable number plates, so it is worth comparing the offers.
- Application and documents: In order to obtain an interchangeable number plate for motorcycles, the vehicle owner must submit an application to the responsible registration office. For this, the registration certificates part I and II, a valid main inspection (HU), the electronic confirmation of insurance (eVB number) and a valid identity card or passport are required.
- Observe country-specific regulations: In Germany, variable number plates for motorcycles are possible, but individual countries may have different regulations. It is therefore advisable to find out about the applicable regulations from the responsible approval office.
- Correct approval when changing vehicle parts: When changing vehicle parts, it is important to ensure that the license plate number is correctly attached to the motorcycle being used. Otherwise there is a risk of fines for violations of the registration regulations.
What to consider when changing the number plate for the trailer?
Variable number plates for trailers can be a practical solution for having multiple trailers under one number plate. Here are some important things to consider when using trailer variable number plates.
- Vehicle owner and vehicle type: Interchangeable license plates can only be requested for two trailers from the same owner. Both trailers must belong to the same type of vehicle in order to be able to use the variable number plate.
- Savings on vehicle tax and insurance: One of the main benefits of variable number plates for trailers is the opportunity to save on road tax and insurance. However, not all insurance companies offer tariffs for variable number plates, so it is worth comparing the offers.
- Application and documents: In order to obtain an interchangeable number plate for the trailer, the owner must submit an application to the responsible registration office. For this, the registration certificates part I and II, a valid main inspection (HU) or safety check (SP), the electronic confirmation of insurance (eVB number) and a valid identity card or passport are required.
- Observe country-specific regulations: In Germany, variable number plates for the trailer are possible, but other countries may have different regulations. It is therefore advisable to find out about the applicable regulations from the responsible approval office.
- Correct approval when changing vehicle parts: When changing trailers, it is important to ensure that the change number plate is correctly attached to the trailer being used. Otherwise there is a risk of fines for violations of the registration regulations.
Are variable license plates possible for classic cars?
Yes, variable number plates are also possible for classic cars, provided they meet the requirements for registration as a historic vehicle. If a classic car meets these requirements, it can be used in the same way as other vehicles Change indicator be allowed. Note, however, that there may be special regulations for historic vehicles that vary by country or region. It is therefore advisable to obtain information about the specific requirements from the responsible approval office.
Which license plates are not available as variable license plates?
In Germany there are different types of license plates that cannot be used as variable license plates. Some examples are:
- Red license plate (also called dealer license plate): These license plates are special license plates used by car dealers or workshops to move vehicles for test drives or for transfer purposes. They are not available as variable license plates.
- Seasonal license plates: Seasonal license plates are license plates that are valid for a specific time of year in which the vehicle may be used. They are not available as variable license plates.
- Temporary registration: Short-term license plates are license plates that can be used for a limited time (usually a maximum of five days), for example to transfer an unregistered vehicle or drive it to the TÜV. They are not available as variable license plates.
- Customs code: Customs plates are used by companies or people who import goods from abroad to Germany or export them from Germany. They are not available as variable license plates.
- Export indicator: Export license plates are license plates that are used for the transfer of vehicles abroad. They are not available as variable license plates.
- Electric license plate: Electric license plates are license plates that are used for purely electric vehicles. They are not available as variable license plates.
Where do I have to park vehicles with variable number plates?
It should be noted that unused vehicles may not be parked on public roads. Only the vehicle with the complete and valid number plate is allowed. If a vehicle with an incomplete variable number plate is parked on a public street, you could face a fine of €40 and a point in Flensburg. Caution is also required when driving with an incomplete variable number plate. A point and a fine of €50 can also be imposed here.
summary information on the change of license plate
- Interchangeable license plates apply to two vehicles from the same vehicle owner
- the vehicles must have the same dimensions of the license plates
- the vehicles may not be moved in traffic at the same time
- Savings on vehicle tax and insurance are possible
- Easier management thanks to a uniform identifier
- Variable number plates are possible in Germany for cars, motorcycles and trailers
- Application to the admissions office required
- Registration certificate parts I and II, valid HU, eVB number and ID are required
- Individual federal states may have different regulations
- Not all insurance companies offer tariffs for variable number plates
- Important: When changing vehicle parts, make sure that you have the correct registration, otherwise there is a risk of fines
Conclusion
Interchangeable license plates can be an option for owners who own several vehicles and want to use them alternately. They make it possible to save costs for vehicle tax and insurance while at the same time benefiting from the flexibility of using the right vehicle as required. However, they are associated with restrictions and sometimes additional costs, so the owner should consider whether the variable number plate is suitable for the individual situation.
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