License plates reveal various information – including the place where the car is registered. If you can see a small W on it, there is a special regulation.
Kassel – If you want to drive your own car, you also have to register it at a registration office. This is nothing new. The vehicle is then given a license plate number. Every now and then, small symbols and letters on it cause puzzles, including a license plate with the ominous addition of “2hot”. But not everyone is familiar with a small W.
License plate with a small W: Drivers can drive two vehicles with a changeable license plate
The mysterious letter can be found above the seal of the state in which the car is registered. He makes it clear that this is a so-called “changeable indicator”. This can be installed on more than one vehicle. According to TÜV Nord, it was made possible by a change to the vehicle registration regulations, which have been in force since July 1, 2012. This allows vehicle owners to register two vehicles with a changeable license plate.
The interchangeable license plate consists of two parts, as the ADAC explains: “The stamp plaque with the state coat of arms is attached to the common front part. 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 and longer part may only be attached and used on one of the two vehicles that are registered together with the interchangeable license plate. This means it must be attached to the vehicle that the vehicle owner is currently using.
A “1” is affixed to the permanently mounted smaller part of the interchangeable license plate on the first registered vehicle, while the second vehicle registered with 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, there are restrictions on the vehicles that can be used with a changeable license plate. Combinations of car and motorcycle are prohibited, as is the use of more than two vehicles with a variable 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 a changeable license plate must attach it completely to the vehicle they are currently driving. The second vehicle that is not currently in use cannot simply be parked anywhere. The ADAC makes it clear: “The unused vehicle must be parked on private property.” Parking on public streets is therefore prohibited. This could be difficult for vehicle owners as not everyone has enough parking space for two cars.
Anyone who does not follow the rules will face a fine. “If you drive with incomplete license plates, there will be a fine of 50 euros,” says 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 and administration fees – what are the rules for changing license plates?
At least there is an advantage when it comes to insurance. According to ADAC, insurance for two vehicles with a common license plate is usually cheaper than two separate insurance policies per vehicle.
However, there is a disadvantage to vehicle tax - it must be paid for both registered vehicles. Owners of interchangeable license plates incur administration fees of around 65 euros. Printing the license plate costs around 20 to 30 euros, depending on the region.