Technical inspection and replacement of numbers: Ukrainian drivers face fines in Germany.

Ukrainian refugees who have been living in Germany for more than a year have received new rules regarding their vehicles. After September 30, they are required to replace Ukrainian license plates with German ones. During the first year of their stay in Germany, they are allowed to use cars with Ukrainian plates without re-registration, but after this period, official registration of the vehicle in Germany is required. Some federal states provide the opportunity to obtain exceptional permits that allow the use of a car without German registration until September 30, 2024.

An application for vehicle registration can be submitted to the institution responsible for vehicle registration at the place of residence. Participants in the process must present identity documents, Ukrainian registration certificate and license plates, an individual permit or EU certificate of conformity for the vehicle, and proof of insurance.

After September 30, 2024, Ukrainian vehicle documents and license plates will no longer be valid in Germany, and their further use will be prohibited. Failure to comply with vehicle registration requirements is considered an administrative offense and is subject to a fine.

Original documents must be presented during vehicle registration, so digital versions are not accepted. The return of license plates is possible if Ukrainian registration certificates are deemed invalid with a mark indicating the granting of German registration.

Ukrainians cannot deregister vehicles from German registration until they return to Ukraine, as without registration they are not allowed to move in Germany. The deregistration process is simplified, and the application can be submitted online.