Distinguishing sign (nationality sticker) on cars in Germany (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: A car registered in another state must carry its country's sign at the rear in Germany. This is not needed if the plate shows the sign at its left edge under Regulation (EC) No 2411/98.

RuleWhat applies
Separate rear sign required on a foreign-registered carCar with a distinguishing signYes [1]
Country sign on an EU plate accepted instead of a separate signCar with a distinguishing signYes [1]
Own plate with country code replaces the sticker abroadCar with a distinguishing signYes [2]
Country sign usedCar with a distinguishing signD [3]

Notes

  • The obligation falls on the person driving the vehicle.
  • The exception covers vehicles registered in another EU member state or another contracting state whose plate carries the sign on its left edge, as set out in Regulation (EC) No 2411/98.
  • Regulation (EC) No 2411/98 requires EU member states to treat the sign on the left of the plate as equivalent to a separate sign. It applies when driving in other EU member states.

Sources

  1. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 47 FZV - Kennzeichen und Unterscheidungszeichen (Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. European Union (EUR-Lex): Council Regulation (EC) No 2411/98 of 3 November 1998 on the recognition in intra-Community traffic of the distinguishing sign of the Member State in which motor vehicles and their trailers are registered (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bundesministerium der Justiz / Bundesamt für Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): § 12 FZV - Ausgestaltung und Anbringung der Kennzeichen (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.