Green, blue, Czech, German… Carriage marks are not just a piece of sheet metal with a green stripe. They’re a temporary identity card for a car that has its own rules. In this article, we’ll look at the prices, legal limits, the process of getting a transfer plate and the fines you can face if you use a transfer plate incorrectly.
A transfer plate, sometimes referred to as a “green plate” and officially a transfer registration plate, is a temporary registration plate that is assigned to vehicles for the temporary use of the vehicle, e.g. for transport or export. It is most commonly used when importing or exporting a vehicle, for technical tests, or when vehicles are transferred between companies.
According to the Act on the Conditions of Operation of Vehicles on Roads, a transfer plate is assigned for a limited period of time, usually a few days, but not more than three months. The authorisation to use it is strictly limited by purpose. If, for example, you buy a vehicle abroad and want to bring it to the Czech Republic, you either need a transfer plate from the country of origin (e.g. a green number plate from Germany) or you apply in the Czech Republic for a transfer plate for export.
The plate has more than just an aesthetic purpose – it is legally attached to the vehicle. Without insurance or with an expired technical inspection, a transfer plate may be invalid and driving with it means driving without a valid registration. You can be fined up to CZK 10,000 and banned from driving again.
The colour of the licence plate is not arbitrary, as each has its own meaning. In the Czech Republic, you will mainly see two types: the blue licence plate and the green licence plate. Both have specific uses and different legal relevance.
The law also distinguishes other special registration marks:
Importantly, the colour of the registration plate determines not only its purpose, but also its legal regime and limits of use. So-called misuse of the colour, for example using a green number plate in normal traffic without a valid purpose, is therefore a violation of the law.
The rules for the assignment and use of licence plates are regulated primarily by the aforementioned Act on the Conditions of Operation of Vehicles on Roads, and the Ordinance on Vehicle Registration specifies what the plate should look like, who can obtain it and how long it is valid for.
Carriage mark:
The plates cannot be used for normal driving. By law, any vehicle with a transfer plate must also be insured and roadworthy if it is to be operated on public roads. Violation of these conditions (for example, driving without a purpose or with an expired plate) may be considered as operating a vehicle without registration, which the law qualifies as an offence.
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You apply for a licence plate at the municipal office of the municipality with extended jurisdiction. It can be a marking of a vehicle for export or short-term transport within the country.
For the application you need:
The transfer plate is physical (number plate) and is usually accompanied by a sticker with a validity date. It can be issued for up to 3 months, but clients usually ask for a shorter period.
Issuing a plate costs 200 CZK for each plate + insurance (compulsory liability insurance for a few days can cost from 300 CZK upwards).
Transfer plates from Germany, known as Kurzzeitkennzeichen (short-term plates), are one of the most common ways to bring a used car into the country. To obtain them, you need to visit the Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) in Germany.
In order for the office to issue you with a plate, you must present a sales contract, proof of roadworthiness (TÜV or COC), take out insurance (called an eVB number) and pay a fee (about €40-80).
The plate is valid for 5 days and has a date marked on the yellow field. After arriving in the Czech Republic with such a plate, the car must be registered as soon as possible.
Please note: It is permitted to drive in the Czech Republic with a German transfer plate as long as it is valid and the vehicle has valid insurance.
Tip: What is the difference between compulsory liability insurance and accident insurance? When is it worth having an accident insurance policy and what does it cover? Not only that, you can find out in our article.
Whether you use a Czech or a German plate, the obligation to have compulsory insurance always applies. The vehicle is driven on public roads.
With a Czech licence plate, you must provide proof that you have taken out third-party liability insurance when you apply. This also applies to plates issued for export (e.g. blue plates). Without insurance, you will not be granted a transfer plate at all.
Abroad (e.g. in Germany), you must first obtain an eVB number – an electronic insurance certificate. The insurance is short-term and the price depends on the number of days, the engine power and the riskiness of the driver.
Without valid insurance, you risk a fine of up to 50,000 CZK, a driving ban and, in the event of an accident, having to pay for the entire damage out of your own pocket.
5 things to look out for when using a licence plate
Transfer plates, known as temporary registration plates, are used to legally transport vehicles without permanent registration, typically for import, export or technical testing. In the Czech Republic, they are distinguished by colour – the most common are the blue export mark and the green mark (e.g. the German Kurzzeitkennzeichen), each with a different purpose and time limitation. In order to issue a transfer mark, proof of insurance, technical competence and purpose of use must be provided. Use without fulfilling the legal conditions can lead to a fine of up to CZK 10,000 or a driving ban. In addition to these, there are other special plates (test, historical, diplomatic, etc.) which have their own legal regime. It is possible to apply for a licence plate at the local authority, and you need to provide proof of insurance and other documents – the cost of issuing one is around CZK 200 per plate + insurance. For imports from Germany, five-day plates are commonly used, issued by the local authority after proof of contract, roadworthiness and eVB number (insurance). Always keep an eye on the purpose of use, the validity of the plate, the condition of the car and insurance – otherwise you risk not only a fine but also liability for damages in the event of an accident.
Tip: Thinking of buying a new or used car? We’ll advise you on how to buy a car, what to look out for and what to check.
No, the transfer tag is disposable. You must apply for a new one when it expires.
Yes, as long as it is valid, has insurance and fulfils the purpose of the journey.
Maximum 3 months, but usually only for a few days depending on the purpose.
Yes, the vehicle must be roadworthy.
Short-term compulsory liability insurance costs about CZK 300-1000 depending on the car and the length of the policy.
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Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.
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