The place of registration of a car can be found on the license plate. A small W, on the other hand, allows a special regulation – under conditions.
Munich - If you want to drive your own car, you can't avoid going to the vehicle registration office. There the license plates are registered or deregistered. There are different types of license plates that are attached to a car or other vehicles. Including those in which the small letter W is shown above the seal of the federal state in which the vehicle is registered. Not every driver is likely to know the meaning - just like that of a black line on a traffic sign.
License plate with a small W: Drivers can drive two vehicles with a changeable license plate
The solution: It is a so-called changeable license plate. This can not only be used for one vehicle, but can also be attached to two cars. According to TÜV Nord, this was made possible by a change to the vehicle registration regulations, which have been in force since July 1, 2012. This makes it possible for vehicle owners to register two vehicles with one changeable license plate.
The so-called interchangeable license plate consists of two parts, as the ADAC explains: “On the common one
front
In part, the stamp plaque with the state coat of arms is attached. The HU badge is attached to the short, vehicle-related license plate part. The last digit of the license plate is located here.” The front (longer) part may only be attached and used on one of the two vehicles that are registered together on the interchangeable license plate. In other words, the one the vehicle owner is currently driving.
A “1” (for the first vehicle) is affixed to the permanently attached smaller part of the interchangeable license plate on the first registered vehicle, and the second vehicle registered on the interchangeable license plate receives a “2”. This smaller part of the license plate always remains attached to the respective vehicle.
A variable license plate may be used for the following vehicle classes (source: ADAC):
Class M1:
Motor vehicle for the transport of passengers (maximum eight seats in addition to the driver's seat)
Class L:
e.g. motorcycles, trikes, quads
Class O1
: Trailer with a maximum permissible total mass of 750 kilograms
Driving and parking the stationary vehicle: These rules apply to cars with changeable license plates
However, not all vehicles with a changeable license plate may be used. Combinations of cars and motorcycles are prohibited, as is using more than two vehicles on one license plate. In addition, seasonal license plates, red license plates, short-term license plates and export license plates may never be used as interchangeable license plates.
There are also clear rules for dealing with the two vehicles - as well as other new requirements for license plates. Anyone who has registered two cars with one changeable license plate must have it completely attached to the car they are currently driving. The second car, which is not currently in use, cannot simply be parked anywhere during this time. The ADAC explains: “The unused vehicle must be parked on private property.” Parking on public streets, however, is prohibited. This might not be easy for vehicle owners, as not everyone has enough parking space for two cars.
Changeable license plate used incorrectly: there is a risk of a fine of up to 50 euros
Anyone who does not adhere to the rules must expect a warning - i.e. a small fine for an administrative offense. “If you drive with incomplete license plates, there will be a fine of 50 euros,” writes
bussgeldkatalog.org,
referring to the current catalog of fines from 2024: “If the vehicle is parked without the complete change license plate, the fine is 40 euros.”
Insurance, vehicle tax, administration fees and production – how much does a replacement license plate cost?
After all, you can benefit from insurance. According to ADAC, insurance for two vehicles with a common license plate is usually cheaper than two individual insurance policies per vehicle.
However, there is no advantage when it comes to vehicle tax - this must be paid for both registered vehicles. There is an additional administration fee of around 65 euros for changeable license plate holders. Printing the license plate costs around 20 to 30 euros, depending on the region. New license plates were recently issued to vehicle owners in the city of Munich.
(kh)