Refugees from Ukraine have the right to drive a car with Ukrainian registration in Germany, but the time frame is limited by several regulations. Find out how long you can drive a car with Ukrainian license plates in Germany and how to register the vehicle

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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According to the decision of the EU Council adopted in the summer of 2022, Ukrainian rights are recognized in all EU countries. Therefore, Ukrainians can use both physical and digital licenses outside of Ukraine. At the same time, driving a car with Ukrainian registration in European countries, including Germany, is limited by certain regulations. Thus, after the expiration of a certain period of time, refugees are obliged to register their vehicles in Germany and obtain German license plates.

What rules apply in 2024 and how to register a car in Germany are described below.

When do you need to register Ukrainian cars in Germany?

In Germany, as in other EU countries, there is a requirement to register cars that have been in the country for more than 6 months. However, Ukrainians do not have to do this - a car with Ukrainian registration is allowed to be used for up to one year. The countdown starts from the first day of entry into the country.

At the same time, the transitional period when Ukrainians were allowed to drive cars with Ukrainian registration was supposed to expire on March 31. However, the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport and the federal states agreed to extend the procedure for exemption from mandatory registration of Ukrainian vehicles for six months. So now, Ukrainians are exempt from mandatory registration until September 30, 2024.

The exemption is intended for refugees who do not want to stay in Germany permanently and can provide proof of valid registration documents, appropriate vehicle insurance and a certificate of a positive security check. 

How can I opt out of mandatory car registration in Germany?

As stated on the website of the State of Brandenburg, refugees who have a residence permit or a residence permit in the country must apply to the State Office for Construction and Transport (LBV) and provide

– registration documents;

– appropriate vehicle insurance (international insurance policy "Green Card";

– a certificate of positive technical inspection. 

In this case, the inspection must be recognized by a technical testing center or organizations such as TÜV, DEKRA, KÜS or GTÜ. Read more about how to pass TÜV here.

How much does it cost to register a car in Germany?

The cost depends on the federal state and can range from 31 to 100 euros.

Important! Driving an unregistered vehicle is an administrative offense that entails fines for the driver. Thus, in case of failure to comply with the current requirements, a Ukrainian will have to pay a EUR 70 fine. In addition, they will be subject to 1 penalty point. A driver who accumulates 8 penalty points may lose his or her driver's license. 

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Who and where should register a car in Germany?

A car can be registered by either its owner or another person for whom a power of attorney has been drawn up. However, we recommend that you consult with your local authorities before issuing a power of attorney to another person.

Cars are registered by the German state registration authority - Zulassungsbehörde. To complete the procedure, prepare the following documents:

– an application (you will be provided with a sample when you contact the authority);

– an identity document;

– proof of car insurance (motor liability insurance);

– technical passport (Hauptuntersuchung)

– a certificate of successful completion of the technical inspection.

You will be informed about the full package of documents when you apply to the state registration authority.

After registration, the driver will receive a registration certificate, a German license plate, and a license plate stamp from the federal state.

Taxes for registered vehicles

For each registered vehicle, you have to pay an annual tax, the amount of which depends on the engine size, year of manufacture, and environmental friendliness of the car. On average, this amount ranges from 200 to 500 euros.

Insurance for Ukrainian cars in Germany

Driving an uninsured car in Germany is prohibited. Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a car without a valid policy commits a criminal offense and is liable for damages caused to third parties.

There are two options for a car insurance policy for refugees: "Green Card" and border insurance policy:

– The Green Card can be purchased in a few clicks here, even when you are already in Germany. You will receive an insurance policy that will guarantee compensation in the event of a traffic accident;

– a border insurance policy is sold when crossing the border with an EU country (but it should be borne in mind that the "Green Card" is mandatory when leaving Ukraine, so it is much more convenient and cheaper to immediately take out international insurance that will be valid in 50 countries). 

Remember that you should keep your insurance policy with you at all times and show it to the police whenever you are asked.

Please note that for cars registered in Germany, you need to buy another insurance policy, the cost of which depends on your driving experience, fines and car condition.

We remind you! Germany is one of the top countries where the risk of getting into an accident is minimal, but, unfortunately, no one is immune from a traffic accident. Read how to behave in the event of an accident on German roads and what to do after an accident to compensate for damages in our previous article.