German transit plates and French plaques WW: driving an imported car while you wait for the carte grise

German transit plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)

In Germany, export plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen, beginning with "Z" or carrying a yellow band on the right) can be obtained for 14 days, renewable. They come with temporary insurance and allow you to drive as far as France.

Cost: roughly €200 to €300 for 14 days. Apply through a German insurer or a motor trade professional in Germany.

German yellow plates

Yellow plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen) are Germany's short term transit plates. They are valid for 5 days and cost around €100 to €150. They suit a short journey, for example from a dealership to your home.

These plates are not suitable for an import from Germany to France, because their validity period is too short.

German red plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen)

Red plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen) are the official export plates in Germany. They start with the letter "Z" and are valid for 12 months. They include temporary insurance for the duration of the journey.

Cost: roughly €200 to €300 for 12 months. These plates are well suited to an import from Germany to France, because they let you drive legally throughout the administrative process.

French plaques WW

In France, plaques WW (garage or transit plates) let you drive while you wait for permanent registration. They are issued by a professional (a garage or an agent) and are valid for 4 months at most.

Temporary insurance is required. Some insurers offer specific policies for vehicles going through registration.

Comparing the different plates

Here is a side by side comparison of the various transit plates:

• Yellow plates (Kurzzeitkennzeichen): 5 days, €100 to €150, short journeys within Germany
• Red plates (Ausfuhrkennzeichen): 12 months, €200 to €300, export from Germany
• French plaques WW: 4 months, variable cost, driving in France while waiting for the carte grise (the French vehicle registration document)
• Permanent plates: unlimited duration, cost varies by region, final registration

The right order of events

The typical path runs as follows: German transit plates for the drive home, then arrival in France, then plaques WW from a garage, then the quitus fiscal (the French tax clearance certificate), then the COC (certificate of conformity), then the ANTS (the French national vehicle registration agency), then permanent plates.

Never let your transit plates expire: driving without valid plates is an offence that can bring a fine and seizure of the vehicle.