Apply for a licence to operate vehicle parts
If components are to be modified or fitted to a vehicle, the vehicle may only be driven on public roads if a valid type-approval has been granted for these vehicle parts. This applies, for example, to wheel rims, special wheels, auxiliary heaters, tow bars and many other extras. A number of requirements must be observed to ensure that the vehicle’s type approval is not invalidated.
For instance, modifications that affect the vehicle type, alterations that worsen exhaust emissions or increase noise levels, or changes that could endanger other road users will usually result in the vehicle’s type approval being revoked.
If the parts form a technical unit that can be treated independently in the type-approval process, the requirement for type-approval can be assessed. The type-approval may be restricted if the use of the parts can only be permitted on vehicles of a specific type, a specific model, or only where they are fitted or mounted in a specific manner. The validity of the type-approval may be made conditional upon inspection by an officially recognised expert or inspector for motor vehicle traffic or by a motor vehicle expert.
As a general rule, it is advisable to fit or install on vehicles only those parts for which there is a type-approval for vehicle parts in accordance with Section 22a of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO), a general operating licence for vehicle parts in accordance with Section 22 of the StVZO, or an equivalent approval based on EC Directives or ECE Regulations. Even in the case of parts for which a certificate exists, it may be necessary for the fitting or installation to be inspected and approved. Whether this is necessary can be determined from the part’s certificate. Furthermore, a type-approval for vehicle parts or the certificate must specify the vehicle types for which the part is suitable and how it is to be fitted. Many technical modifications must be recorded retrospectively by the registration authority in vehicle documents (Registration Certificate Part I, trailer register, etc.).
The registration authority may grant an individual type-approval to the authorised holder for vehicle parts that are not subject to the type-approval requirement under Section 22a of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations, provided that- or installation inspection has been carried out by an officially recognised expert or inspector for motor vehicle traffic or by an officially recognised monitoring organisation, and whose use does not contravene any traffic regulations.
Responsible authority
the licensing authority in whose district you have your main residence, place of business or branch
The registration authority is,
- for a city district: the city council
- for a rural district: the district administration
Contact
Details
Prerequisite
The registration authority may grant an individual operating permit to the authorised holder for vehicle parts which are not subject to the type-approval requirement under Section 22a of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations, provided that there is a- or installation inspection has been carried out by an officially recognised expert or inspector for motor vehicle traffic or by an officially recognised monitoring organisation, and the use of which does not contravene any traffic regulations.
Owners or other authorised persons are eligible to apply.
Procedure
- If the vehicle part intended for use does not belong to an approved type, an application for individual approval may be submitted to the competent registration authority, accompanied by a report from an officially recognised motor vehicle expert or the aforementioned testing centre.
- If the assessment is favourable, the registration authority grants the individual approval by noting on the report from the officially recognised motor vehicle expert or the testing centre, specifying the place and date: ‘Operating licence granted’.
- Any restrictions or exceptions to the provisions of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations must be included in this note.
- If the vehicle component is fitted to a motor vehicle or motor vehicle trailer, the individual approval must be entered in the registration certificates and indicated in any trailer registers that may have been issued.
Deadlines
none
Required documents
- Proof of authorisation to dispose of the vehicle
- Documents setting out the technical description of the vehicle part
- where applicable, a sample of the vehicle part
- Registration certificate, Part I
- Trailer register, if applicable
- where applicable, a report from an officially recognised expert at a testing organisation in accordance with Section 21 of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) or a certificate of acceptance from a test engineer at an approved testing organisation
Costs
Fees are set in accordance with the Schedule of Fees for Road Traffic Measures (GebOst).
Processing time
These are individual authorisations. It is therefore not possible to specify the processing time precisely.
Miscellaneous
If you wish to modify or fit additional components to a vehicle, you may only drive the vehicle on public roads if a valid type-approval has been granted for these vehicle parts. This applies, for example, to alloy wheels, special wheels, auxiliary heaters, tow bars and many other retrofits. You must comply with a number of requirements to ensure that your vehicle’s type approval remains valid.
Legal basis
Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO):
- § 19 Erteilung und Wirksamkeit der Betriebserlaubnis
- § 22 Betriebserlaubnis für Fahrzeugteile