Apply for an operating permit for a vehicle that does not require registration

Various types of vehicles that are not subject to registration require an operating permit in order to be driven on public roads. These include, for example:

• self-propelled work machines and forklifts
• single-axle tractors for agricultural or forestry use
• Light Motorcycles
• two- or three-wheeled mopeds
• motorized wheelchairs
• Small electric vehicles such as e-scooters
• Trailers used in agricultural or forestry operations

Depending on the type of vehicle, you may be granted an operating permit with or without the assignment of a separate license plate.

For mass-produced vehicles, the General Operating Permit (ABE) is issued by the manufacturer.

You must apply for an individual operating permit (EBE) if your vehicle, which is exempt from registration, does not have an EU type approval or any other national approval, such as an ABE. Examples include:

• homemade vehicles
• Individual productions
• Vehicles from small-series production
• Vehicles from abroad without EU type approval

To obtain an EBE, you must submit an expert opinion from an officially recognized expert or a technical service designated to inspect complete vehicles of the respective vehicle class, which must include various test reports. These reports must demonstrate that the necessary tests have been conducted and that the vehicle complies with the regulations.

You will receive an operating permit for an indefinite period. It expires if:

• If you make modifications to the vehicle and the vehicle type approved in the certificate of registration is changed,
• it is reasonable to expect that road users will be endangered,
• the exhaust or noise performance is impaired,
• if you fail to comply with any requirements regarding additions or extensions, or
• You must permanently take the vehicle out of service.

Once the operating permit has expired, you may apply for a new operating permit by submitting an expert opinion from an officially recognized expert or a technical service designated to inspect complete vehicles of the respective vehicle class. The authority responsible under the applicable state law has the final say on whether to grant a new operating permit.