European Registration Rules Are Different Than In The Usa
US-Imports : The American Way of Driving
There are many question marks that arise prior to buying a US car. What is allowed in Europe ? How much do the possible modifications cost? What to do? In general, the following applies: the vehicle must meet the statutory road traffic regulations applicable in Europe when it is registered. You are best advised to consult an expert about the required modifications in advance. The decisive factor is the exhaust emission test.
Exhaust emission test can pose problems if your vehicle is the first of its kind to be registered. The measurement procedures in the USA, Canada, and Europe are completely different. As a result, the exhaust emission values and measurement results are not comparable. Some car manufacturers issue a corresponding certification, which, however, experience has shown cannot be completely trusted. At any recognised exhaust emission control laboratory, a exhaust gas measurement costs approximately 1000 euros for a vehicle with a gasoline engine and approximately 1200 euros for a vehicle with a diesel engine.
Since the vehicle tax in the whole Europe is measured according to the vehicle's exhaust gas emissions and the vehicle must have an applicable emission key number, an exhaust emission test is essential.
Lights out for American lighting systems
The lighting system is generally to be modified according to the European regulations. US headlamps must be replaced with headlamps that are approved in Germany. Alternatively, you can obtain an individual assessment for a headlamp at a recognised technical light institute. However, it costs around 900 euros.
The front yellow side lights in the blinkers must be replaced with white lights. If the headlamps must be replaced, you may integrate them into the new headlamps. Red rear blinkers are prohibited. You may also need to install the yellow turn signal lamps or the complete rear lighting units for these models. And, in the end, you must retrofit the vehicle with a type-approved rear fog lamp.
The American dream in the eyes of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations
To register your American vehicle, you require a corresponding assessment according to § 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). You can ask for one at all TÜV STATIONS, where we offer special acceptance test certificates. You require a temporary license plate from your registration office for the trip to the TÜV STATION.
If the expert gives his written OK, you can register the vehicle at the registration office.
You should enclose all the available technical data of your vehicle with all enquiries to the car manufacturer. Always remember to provide the complete vehicle identification number (VIN).
There are many question marks that arise prior to buying a US car. What is allowed in Europe ? How much do the possible modifications cost? What to do? In general, the following applies: the vehicle must meet the statutory road traffic regulations applicable in Europe when it is registered. You are best advised to consult an expert about the required modifications in advance. The decisive factor is the exhaust emission test.
Exhaust emission test can pose problems if your vehicle is the first of its kind to be registered. The measurement procedures in the USA, Canada, and Europe are completely different. As a result, the exhaust emission values and measurement results are not comparable. Some car manufacturers issue a corresponding certification, which, however, experience has shown cannot be completely trusted. At any recognised exhaust emission control laboratory, a exhaust gas measurement costs approximately 1000 euros for a vehicle with a gasoline engine and approximately 1200 euros for a vehicle with a diesel engine.
Since the vehicle tax in the whole Europe is measured according to the vehicle's exhaust gas emissions and the vehicle must have an applicable emission key number, an exhaust emission test is essential.
Lights out for American lighting systems
The lighting system is generally to be modified according to the European regulations. US headlamps must be replaced with headlamps that are approved in Germany. Alternatively, you can obtain an individual assessment for a headlamp at a recognised technical light institute. However, it costs around 900 euros.
The front yellow side lights in the blinkers must be replaced with white lights. If the headlamps must be replaced, you may integrate them into the new headlamps. Red rear blinkers are prohibited. You may also need to install the yellow turn signal lamps or the complete rear lighting units for these models. And, in the end, you must retrofit the vehicle with a type-approved rear fog lamp.
The American dream in the eyes of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations
To register your American vehicle, you require a corresponding assessment according to § 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). You can ask for one at all TÜV STATIONS, where we offer special acceptance test certificates. You require a temporary license plate from your registration office for the trip to the TÜV STATION.
If the expert gives his written OK, you can register the vehicle at the registration office.
You should enclose all the available technical data of your vehicle with all enquiries to the car manufacturer. Always remember to provide the complete vehicle identification number (VIN).