The federal states of Germany have agreed not to extend the grace period for the use of cars with Ukrainian registration. After a year in Germany, Ukrainian citizens will have to register their cars

Issuing a policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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Germany refused to extend the grace period for drivers from Ukraine. Thousands of refugees are staying in Germany with their vehicles, but they may not have registered them until now.

According to German law, cars with foreign license plates can drive in the country for a year after crossing the border. For many refugees, this period has expired, so they must register their cars.

Why was the benefit for Ukrainians canceled?

For several months, there was a discussion among the federal states about how to resolve the situation with the large number of Ukrainian cars. Some states wanted to allow Ukrainians to drive without registration in the future, while others were convinced that such vehicles were dangerous.

Interestingly, two federal states have previously decided to extend the grace period for Ukrainian drivers. Lower Saxony allowed the use of cars without registration if the driver had a motor vehicle liability insurance. Saxony-Anhalt, on the other hand, has not published any requirements for Ukrainians. It is not yet known whether the new ruling will cancel these decisions.

The main reason for car registration was safety concerns. Currently, there is no mechanism to check whether Ukrainians have insurance. In addition, automatic fixation devices cannot identify vehicles with foreign license plates.

Prohibitions for unregistered cars

Cars with Ukrainian license plates will not be able to drive or park in Germany if they have been in the country for more than a year.

Registration procedure 

The ministers of transport of the federal states of Germany have not yet determined the registration procedure for refugees. The final approval is scheduled for early May. 

Usually, the registration procedure consists of several stages, including

1. passing a technical inspection;
2. confirmation of a German insurance policy;
3. payment of the annual car tax.

It should be added that some states want to give Ukrainians a transition period for registration.

The absence of air travel to Germany complicates the process of returning to Ukraine. However, the land borders are open, so we suggest you find out the most convenient routes to return home.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.