Anyone who starts a test drive when buying a car has already seen it: the red license plate. We will explain who can apply for it and what advantages it has.
Red markings have been around in Germany for almost 100 years, but they have changed their meaning over and over again. Nowadays they are used by car dealers, officially recognized experts or inspectors. We explain which requirements for a red license plate have to be fulfilled and what the advantage is.
Who can use a red license plate?
Who can actually put a red license plate on their car? This explains the Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) in paragraph 16, paragraph 1:
"If it is not approved, a vehicle may be put into operation for test, test or transfer journeys without an EC type approval, national type approval or individual approval, if there is a motor vehicle liability insurance in accordance with the compulsory insurance law and the vehicle is without prejudice to the § 16a carries a mark with red lettering on a white, red-edged background (red mark). "
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Paragraph 2 further states that "the locally responsible licensing authority may issue a red mark for reliable motor vehicle manufacturers, motor vehicle parts manufacturers, motor vehicle workshops and motor vehicle dealers for a limited or revocable period".
Simply put: Commercial car sellers, officially recognized experts as well as inspectors and car manufacturers can use a red license plate. Since these are often used by car dealers, they are colloquially called dealer license plates.
Car dealers are given red license plates with the identification number "06" at the beginning. The identification number "05" is reserved for technical inspection bodies or monitoring organizations.
Red license plates for private individuals only for classic cars
But what about private individuals? Until May 1, 1998, they were also allowed to use red license plates to make a transfer journey. However, this is no longer permitted. Short-term license plates must be attached to the car for such journeys.
However, there is one exception: classic cars. However, this only applies to test and movement trips, test drives for vehicle sales and trips to vehicle meetings. In normal road traffic, a normal or an H license plate must be used.
Red plates for classic cars begin with the identification number "07" and end with an "H".
Find out here what the H mark means and which cars get it.
The advantages of red flags for dealers
The use of red license plates is particularly worthwhile for car dealers. Because these enable test drives without prior registration of the car - and test drives are important for buyers.
Of course, sellers could simply apply for registration for every car, but the advantage of red license plates is that they are not vehicle-bound. That means the seller can apply for a red license plate and use it for all of the cars he offers.
Red markings for test, test and transfer runs
test drive
A test drive is not the same as a test drive. In order for a seller to be able to use a red license plate for a test drive, this drive must serve to prove to a buyer the functionality of the car . Say: The buyer intends to buy the car
If manufacturers or sellers offer a free test drive to create an incentive to buy, red markings may not be used. The Federal Ministry of Transport, Building and Urban Development decided this in 2007.
Read here what the "E" on the license plate stands for.
Transfer Cruise
If the test drive is successful and the car is sold, the dealer can offer to deliver the car free. Red flags may be used for this within the European Union.
Examination trip and workshop trip
When talking about test drives, we are not talking about driving license tests. Instead, red license plates may only be used by officially recognized experts or examiners on test drives if they test the functions of a car - e.g. B. The safety check of a truck.
Requirements for red markings
However, not every car dealer or expert may apply for a red license plate. Because the FZV stipulates that only "reliable" traders can get one. But how do you prove its reliability? To do this, you can present the following documents to the admissions office:
- Information from the Federal Central Register (certificate of good conduct)
- Extract from the KBA's central traffic register
- Information from the responsible central commercial register
Find out here what the number codes on diplomatic plates mean.
The following points are indications of unreliability
- Past fees from previous approval processes of more than 20 euros
- Arrears tax payments of over 5 euros
If you meet one of the above two points, the red flag can be refused. In addition, it must be demonstrated that the license plates are used for a car-related business.
Red marks: insurance and tax
Vehicles with red license plates that take part in regular road traffic must also be insured. Liability insurance or partial or full insurance is required. Vehicle tax is also due for red license plates. This is 46.02 euros per year for motorcycle license plates and 191.73 euros per year for vehicle license plates.
Special requirements for red license plates
If you own a red license plate, you have to prove that you are using it correctly. Therefore, a logbook and a vehicle registration book must always be kept with the license plate.
This data must at least be documented:
- Used license plate
- vehicle Make
- vehicle manufacturers
- vehicle type
- VIN
- Day of the ride
- Start and end time of the trip
- Name and address of the driver
The owners of red license plates must keep the data for at least one year and present them on request from the authorities.
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Term for red license plates
Red marks are valid for one year when applying for the first time. An extension can be requested after the expiry. The logbook , vehicle registration book and insurance cover must be shown for this. If all information is correct, the license plate will be extended. This can also be unlimited.
Can I borrow red license plates?
Borrowing the red license plate from a friend of yours for a short transfer trip may be tempting, but is not permitted under any circumstances.
Fasten the red license plate correctly
The special license plates are not permanently assigned to a car, so they do not have to be permanently installed with a vehicle. However, they must be attached to the front and back so that they are clearly visible . Note: Other signs must be covered.
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