Project: Google Map route for the road car / engine BaseCamp - Windows
Vehicles drive on the right side of the road i e - left direction by hand.
Distances and car speedos are kilometers and kilometers per hour.
The following information was kindly provided in February 1998 by the German Consulate General in Montreal It was written primarily for Canadians planning to ship a car in Germany but much also applies also to vehicles 'other countries.
There are no general restrictions on the importation of vehicles in Germany Whatever their age, all vehicles are treated equally insofar as the rights, taxes or technical inspections are concerned.
A valid driving license is required to conduct any type of driving a motor vehicle without, as in most countries, is against the law.
You do not get a German driver license up to 12 months as long as your a Canadian has not expired Although it is not required by law, we recommend you get in over your a Canadian international driving license.
If you are staying in Germany for more than 12 months or your Canadian driver's license expires during the same period, you will need a German license A German license may be obtained by driving schools, which are costly long addresses and driving schools can be found in local yellow pages.
You can obtain the German license required if you.
Having no outstanding warrant against you Fьhrungszeugnis.
Declare that your license is still valid.
The German license is divided into different classes different vehicles such as motorcycles, heavy trucks with a maximum weight of more than 7 tons 5, taxis and buses require skills and classes In these cases, consult a local driving school .
The minimum age to receive a driving license for cars and light commercial vehicles of less than 7 5 tons is 18. This is a Class 3 license.
Because of a new European directive old classes 1 to 5 are replaced by International Classes A to E The new class B license will comprise less than 3 5 tons driving license for cars and light trucks The new class license are expected to be introduced in the second half of 1997.
If foreigners under 18 years already have a foreign license valid when traveling in Germany, they are allowed to drive in Germany provided they obtain prior approval vorzeitige Erteilung der Fahrerlaubnis.
A permit is not required for the export of motor vehicles manufactured in Canada or in other countries.
The export of motor vehicles manufactured in the United States is controlled by Item 5400 of the Export Control List, however, there would be no need to obtain an individual export license, nor would there be a written requirement for prior authorization before exporting to Germany.
The goods may be exported under the authority of General Export Permit GEP 12 Germany To use the EPG, it can simply be written GEP-12 in the appropriate box of the export declaration of the Canada Customs form B-13 .
A tax on motor vehicles is subject to import duties Zoll and import value added EinfuhrUmsatzteur EUST or when crossing the German border or at a later date, for example, after the expiry of the Canadian entry of origin of the car.
Note imported vehicles for private use for up to 6 months are exempt from tax under certain conditions.
The vehicle must be registered outside the EU visit to Germany, however, there is a 6-month time limit, with or without interruption in a given period of 12 months of the loan or lease the vehicle or give it to a some reason a citizen of an EC member countries is prohibited.
Note Cars that are considered household goods are free of rights and taxes when moving to Germany to establish residence there, apply the following criteria.
The vehicle was in the possession of the person who moved to Germany and has been registered abroad at least 6 months prior to arrival in Germany.
Proof of residence outside the EU for 12 months before moving is provided.
The vehicle must be immediately registered with the local Motor Vehicle Branch see section 3 c Registration procedure.
The vehicle must not be sold, loaned, leased or pledged for a year after import.
After payment of all taxes and duties of a customs inspection certificate or authorization Zollquittung or otherwise licensed to Unbedenklichkeitsbe-scheinigung customs exemption is usually issued.
Remember this document will be required to register the vehicle see Section 3 c Registration procedure.
The following duty and tax rates are applied equally to all types of imported motor vehicles.
Admission 10 based on the transport costs of the purchase price at destination freight insurance material in Germany.
Value Added Tax EUST 15 based on the transport costs of purchasing duty-free imports prices.
7 for old cars and vintage vehicles in certain circumstances.
It is standard procedure for presenting a bill newest dealer to report the market value of the vehicle However, if this is not the fair market value, customs officers can determine the value by reference, the Car Guide -d'achat a dealer Schwacke list or request a certified valuation Wertgutachten.
Note We recommend that private importers that do not have a recent bill from their vehicle or that deliver a car guy out of the ordinary, have their car before declaring the value appreciates This should avoid lengthy discussions after.
If necessary, the feedback can be organized in Germany local branches of the organization DEKRA see Appendix offers such services and certified experts personal fee, some transport agencies complete customs clearance and customs formalities on your behalf.
For further questions, please contact the German customs directly see the Appendix.
A tax rebate on GST goods and services 7 can be obtained from the Canada Revenue on the following conditions.
The vehicle will be exported within sixty days of purchase and prior use in Canada.
An export declaration form stamped by Customs Canada to the output port, in some cases, the draft law lading freight enough.
A rebate of the provincial sales tax to 12 PST 5 as a function of the province is generally possible for Ontario, the following conditions must be met.
The vehicle will be exported within thirty days of purchase.
For more information on this subject, please contact the representatives of the Canada Customs.
3 REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES with German authorities DETAILS DOCUMENT.
This section summarizes the legal procedures and prerequisites to a motor vehicle in Germany If this area does not concern you, please continue with Part II.
Note Foreigners staying temporarily allowed to drive their license plates with their home and registrations in Germany for up to 12 months imported motor vehicles, until the registration expires is required A registration document with a German translation use of the vehicle is the duty and taxes for 6 months or as section 2 b customs, tariffs and taxes lMPORT.
A general license Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis.
Motor vehicles can not be registered if they are officially licensed by the Federal Motor Vehicle Authority Kraftfahrtbundesamt KBA.
Each motor vehicle is subject to a general inspection, including safety and emissions test After passing an operating license is granted Allgemeine Betriebserlaubnis Normally the manufacturer or importer shall initiate the procedure of a certain line model this inspection ensures that vehicle performance meets German regulations on technical standards, environmental and safety title emits Kfz-Brief KBA for each vehicle, the list of technical features the title is automatically issued by the car manufacturer or the importer.
Is also authorized a certified expert Kfz Sachverstдndiger to deliver the title after making a technical inspection in Section 3 b Technical Inspection This is usually necessary when the technical data for used cars have changed.
Note; Don t add modifications or special features of motor vehicles registered without consulting a German expert certified; otherwise you may lose the license, and most insurance coverage, you may have difficulties registering a car that has not already been registered.
Foreign vehicles imported on private initiative are not usually the German title required and must be obtained at the start of the registration procedure see section 3 b Technical Inspection Directorate motor vehicles local KfzZulassungsstelle The title should be published with technical data of the car by a certified expert.
Note: It is the sole responsibility of the owner or the person otherwise legitimated to provide all the necessary technical data of the motor vehicle if an imported vehicle operating general permit has not been granted previously.
Very few American cars and some Japanese models are popular in Germany These cars have already passed the General Inspection of the vehicle and obtained a general operating permit.
To meet the standards of German motor vehicles several changes to the imported car is necessary Be aware of the costs for the necessary changes in Section 3 b Technical Inspection.
Note The date of the first registration of the vehicle determines the applicable legal standard This date must be provided by the applicant.
Note To avoid the procedure time and cost to collect the specifications of your car with a general inspection, contact the manufacturer or importer of your car before shipping date information on the vehicle identification number VIN year of manufacture, type and technical data such as.
Note If the vehicle has no other valid plates, special license plates are available to drive the vehicle instead Inspection Request red license plates Kennzeichen rote to the local motor vehicle department.
Organizations Technical Inspection Fahrzeug-Hauptuntersuchung common TUV by a certified expert is required by law for each vehicle, TUV and DEKRA maintain local test centers in most towns and cities in Germany, where they make the necessary checks costs are about 65 DM per car addresses are listed in the phone book Many service stations and car repair shops also offer this service at a reasonable price.
Are checked mechanical condition and car accessories to comply with the data contained in the certificate see section 3 a general operating license The vehicle is also checked for its roadworthiness and compliance with safety standards such as the brakes lights perforation rust chassis, damper and the tire condition.
After any major change, the vehicle is checked to determine if the changes affect the handling or the car's performance characteristics This will determine whether the license can be maintained, see section 3 a general license.
A small sticker TЬV-Plakette affixed to the rear registration plate by the test center and certificates are proof of a successful inspection and bear an expiration date.
The certificate for cars and motorcycles expires two years after the inspection, and it is the sole responsibility of the owner to renew the special regulations exist for trucks and buses.
Note Pay special attention to the renewal date, you can be fined for going over.
At annual emissions check Abgassonderuntersuchung ASU is also required for gasoline-powered cars Currently, there is no comparable decision for diesel vehicles, but it should come into force shortly.
Both certificates are required at the time of registration of a motor vehicle usually pass cars thus imported technical inspection as mentioned above the general inspection, where required.
Note To avoid the high costs and disappointment, contact a certified expert German before the date of shipment to the needs of your car.
TЬV Rheinland of North America see Appendix will provide new technical requirements for each car model available in the US or Canadian market, for an amount of U S 30 pay by check in advance.
The registration of each motor vehicle shall be applied in the city of residence of the owner or the person legitimized the Vehicle Branch to local engine Kfz Zulassungsstelle.
In the countryside, the Motor Vehicle Branch is usually a county authorities department, in cities, there is a department of the Community authorities.
Proof of identity and residence eg passport and received residence registration Only residents and resident companies can register a car, either by themselves or through an authorized representative, who must submit a letter of attorney.
Zollbescheinigung clearance certificate showing payment or exemption from applicable taxes and duties see Section 2 b tariffs and import taxes.
Proof of ownership, e g by a bill of sale or commercial invoice.
Proof of liability insurance coverage by the presentation of insurance called doublecard Versicherungsdoppelkarte, see Section 3 of insurance coverage.
Export permits for the export of brand new and used in Canada and U S made Canadian vehicles, see section 2 of an export license.
The Kfz-short title, if one was issued before Otherwise an empty title will be issued which must be completed by a certified expert see sections 3 has 0perating General License 3B Technical Inspection.
Technical inspection and test certificates of emissions, if these were carried Otherwise, you will be asked how and where to get them, see section 3 b Technical Inspection.
A fee of about DM 30 - DM 60 must be paid in cash.
Note German authorities do not accept credit cards.
German license plates front and rear must be purchased Clerk advise you where to get the costs vary between about 35 DM and DM 50, depending on the required size of the plates.
After presenting the payment receipts, the registration certificate will be issued Kfz-Schein and three stickers will be affixed to license plates These show the validity of the registration of the vehicle, the passage of the last technical inspection on the back plate and the passage of the emissions test on the plate before be prepared to put the dishes before leaving.
Note According to German law, you are required to carry the registration certificate, the emission test certificate and driving license with you while driving your vehicle.
Do not worry about the apparent length of this procedure Normally it does not take too much of your time, if you have collected all the documents mentioned above before entering the motor vehicle department.
The automobile insurance system in Germany is strictly regulated by law and supervised by the authorities of the federal state.
Liability insurance for damage to third parties is mandatory for every vehicle to cover the risks of self-caused accidents Haftpflichtversicherung.
In addition, two types of damage insurance are available.
Full insurance partially Teil-Kaskoversicherung, ask insurance company in Germany for details.
A Voll-Kaskoversicherung insurance company, ask the insurance in Germany for details.
In addition, a special passenger insurance coverage is usually offered.
Rates are based on an individual policy years resulted safely, and are treated equally by all insurers.
The property damage insurance and, as of 1 July 1996, also liability insurance are linked to a system of classification of vehicles according to the damage or risk of theft and repair costs on average Rates are subject to change annual.
Before 1 July 1996, liability insurance has been linked to a classification system based on the amount of power the same way that the power of additional vehicle and high repair costs have increased the rate of the intervals long without self-caused accidents lowered.
Most insurance companies should adapt the new tariff system for the departure of liability insurance from January 1, 1997 former insurance policies can be adapted to the new rates, which is not recommended for old cars, cars with diesel engines or off-road vehicles.
Note We recommend you carry a letter accompanied by a German translation of your insurance company indicating how many years you have driven without an accident, as this may give you better rates While it can not be guaranteed that German insurer will recognize your accident free years, it is still worth trying.
For more information contact the German automobile insurer, the liability Association, accidents and car insurers.
Every licensed motor vehicles in Germany is automatically subject to a tax on motor vehicles Special Kfz-Steuer The first payment must be paid promptly after the registration of the vehicle Kfz Steuerbescheid.
Annual rates are high relative to other countries, where they are between about 11 and 00 DM DM 30 00 to 100 cc cylinders A different calculation is used for trucks according to the size of its load surface.
Rates vary depending on certain characteristics of the engine, for example, if the car is equipped with a catalytic converter or if it is gasoline or diesel For example, the rate is DM November 80 for a car with the standard American catalytic converter and DM 28 40 for a new car without emissions reduction systems for diesel engines rates are even higher for a 3 0 liter gasoline tax payable would be 30 times DM November 80, giving a total of 354 DM per year 00.
Recently, the political debate has surfaced calling for a reorganization of rate categories It was suggested that only rank as the effects of a car on the environment.
Useful addresses one external export licenses Affairs International Trade Canada Export licenses Lester B Pearson Building 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1A 0G2 Telephone 613 996-2387 Fax 613 952-3904 2 Authority Federal Motor Vehicle Kraftfahrt - Bundesamt Foerdestrasse 16 D - 24944 Flensburg Federal Republic of Germany phone; 011-49-461-31-6-O Fax; 011-49-461-316-1495 or 1650 3 Technical requirements and inspection of the vehicle TЬV APPRAISALS - Rheinland of North America, Inc. 32553 Schoolcraft Livonia road, Michigan 48150 U S phones; 313 261 - 8881 Fax; 313 261 - 8929 b DEKRA AG Schulze - Delitzsch - Strasse 49 D - 70565 Stuttgart Federal Republic of Germany Phone Fax 01149-711-7861-0 01149-711-7861-240 4 accident liability Association and car insurer HUK - Verband Glockengiesserwall 1 D - 20105 Hamburg Federal Republic of Germany 49-40 telephone 011 - 32 10 70 Fax 49-40 011 - 32 10 72-00 5 Customs Revenue Canada - Customs Excise travelers 5th floor, Connaught building, Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1A 0L5 phone 613 954-7125 Fax 613 996-5822 b Oberfinanzdirektion Berlin Kurfьrstendamm 193-194 10707 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany or September 15 60 10671 Berlin Federal Republic of Germany phone 49-30-88070 Fax 011; 01149-30-882-4089 v Oberfinanzdirektion Hamburg Rödingsmarkt 2 D - 20459 Hamburg Federal Republic of Germany Phone; 011 49-40-3706-0 Fax; 011 49-40-3706-2547 6 Association of Car importer Verband der Importeure von Kraftfahrzeugen e V VDIK Kirdorfer Str 21 D - 61350 Bad Homburg Federal Republic of Germany Phone 49 011 - 011 Fax 6172-840 40 49 - 6172-842 253 7 Car Club, a Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobilclub ADAC Am Westpark 8 D - 81373 Mьnchen Federal Republic of Germany telephone- 011 49-89-76-76-0 49-89-7676-2500 Fax 011 b von Automobilclub AVD Deutschland Lyoner Strasse 16 D - 60528 Frankfurt am Main Federal Republic of Germany phone 011011 Fax 49-69-660-60 49-69-660-62-10.
Importing a car support balance sheet in Germany, import, Germany, Federal Republic Germany, Federal Republic of Germany Phone.