Sonderkennzeichen

Sonderkennzeichen, or special registration marks, are vehicle license plates issued to designate a vehicle with a status or use that differs from ordinary private or commercial operation. They serve to identify the vehicle for administrative, regulatory, security, or legal purposes and can affect taxation, insurance, and permissible usage. The exact design, color, and alphanumeric format vary by country and region.

In German-speaking countries, examples of Sonderkennzeichen include plates for diplomatic or international organizations, official government or municipal vehicles, and plates for historic vehicles or for temporary or special-use cases. Each category has its own eligibility criteria and plate design rules, reflecting the specific status the plate denotes.

Issuance typically rests with the local vehicle registration authority (or equivalent), which requires documentary proof of eligibility, such as diplomatic status, official assignment, or historic-vehicle criteria. The legal implications of carrying a Sonderkennzeichen can include privileges, exemptions, or reduced taxes, as well as certain usage restrictions or access rights. When the vehicle no longer meets the criteria, the plate is usually returned or reissued for a different category.

In practice, the term encompasses a range of uses, from formal official and diplomatic assignments to special-purpose cases like historic or temporary testing vehicles. The exact provisions and appearance of Sonderkennzeichen are jurisdiction-dependent, so details should be consulted with the relevant registration authority in the applicable country.