Dienstag, 09.12.2025
Affixing nationality symbols to the rear of vehicles
from
Dr. jur. Ingo E. FrommLawyer
Specialist in criminal law
Specialist in traffic law
Give me a call: 0261 - 404 99 25
E-Mail:
The obligation to display a nationality sign in international motor traffic dates back to the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic of November 8, 1968. The Vehicle Registration Ordinance has implemented these international requirements in Sections 12 (11) and 47 (2) FZV. The regulations are intended to ensure that vehicles can be clearly identified as belonging to their country of registration when abroad, which is particularly important in the event of traffic violations, accidents, or police checks.
Current significance of the nationality mark
The nationality symbol on the oval sticker ("D" for Germany) is no longer used for travel within the EU, as the Euro license plate integrates the nationality symbol.
Vehicles with a German license plate must still comply with the agreement when traveling to countries outside the EU that do not recognize the integrated symbol in the Euro license plate, even under special agreements. After Brexit, the D plate is also required for trips to the United Kingdom. In these countries, the small "D" in the blue field of the license plate is not legally recognized as a valid nationality sign within the meaning of the Vienna Convention. Consequently, even if a modern Euro license plate is mounted on the vehicle, the distinguishing sign must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle. Owners of vehicles that were registered before the introduction of the Euro license plate and therefore do not have an integrated nationality symbol, which applies to many classic cars, must continue to affix the oval D plate to the vehicle when traveling to other EU member states.
Relevance in terms of fines
Anyone driving a foreign vehicle in Germany without a Euro license plate and without a nationality sign is in violation of § 77 No. 27 FZV. However, these road users only face a warning fine of EUR 15. No points are incurred in Flensburg.
§ 12 (11) FZV is also violated by jokers who have affixed an oval sticker with the letters "CC" to their vehicle if the driver does not actually have diplomatic status. It is also common to see cars registered in Germany with the oval license plate of their favorite vacation country. However, this does not constitute an administrative offense, as § 12 is not listed in § 77 FZV.
Incidentally, if a nationality sign is required, smaller "mini D stickers" available in stores do not meet the legal requirements, especially since the Vienna Convention specifies the minimum dimensions for the oval sign.
If administrative proceedings are initiated against you, it is essential to seek the assistance of a lawyer specializing in traffic law.
The statements represent initial information that was current for the law applicable in Germany at the time of initial publication. The legal situation may have changed since then. Furthermore, the information provided cannot replace individual advice on a specific matter. Please contact us for this purpose.