Got a Puzzling "W" on Your German License Plate? Here's the Lowdown
Changing Automobile License Plates: Understanding Their Significance - Change symbol on vehicle license plate: Interpreting the anomaly indicators on automobiles
By Christian Hensen- - 2 Min
German roadways are brimming with a wide variety of vehicle license plates, from red to green, black, and even plates bearing unusual letters or numbers. When an odd plate catches your eye, it's natural to be curious about its meaning, such as the mysterious "W" that appears above the seal on some license plates.
A Reddit user asked the question, and the answer was swift: That license plate, found on a car owned by someone from Ludwigsburg (LB), belongs to a particular type of plate known as a swap plate. These plates arise when two vehicles with the same registration are registered - a rare occurrence, but one that can make sense in certain situations.
Take Note: The Rules for Swap Plates
Swap plates have specific requirements. The vehicles connected to the registration must belong to the same class, such as two cars, two motorcycles, or two trailers. However, it's not permitted to pair dissimilar vehicles, for example, a motorcycle and a car. Additionally, it's forbidden to operate both vehicles on the road simultaneously. Instead, only one vehicle should be in motion at a time.
The swap plate is constructed as follows: The common part, which includes the stamp seal bearing the state emblem, the "W," and the first part of the license plate ending, can be found up front. The MOT sticker for the specific vehicle is located on a short, vehicle-specific part of the plate, which makes up the last digit of the license plate. When switching vehicles, only the common part needs to be exchanged; the last digit remains on the vehicle.
Why Swap Plates?
One may question the reason for such a license plate, and the scenarios where it might be useful are limited. Examples include owning a classic car and a daily driver and switching vehicles periodically throughout the year or owning multiple motorcycles and swapping them based on planned trips.
swap plates can potentially save money, but their popularity remains low
Although it's possible to save money by registering two vehicles this way, the cost should still be calculated, especially for classic cars. Some insurers offer specific tariffs for this arrangement, but it's essential to weigh the potential savings against the disadvantages. Additionally, there's no reduction in vehicle tax associated with a swap plate.
additional downsides:
Not only is it prohibited to drive both vehicles simultaneously, but the "deactivated" vehicle must be parked off public property without a complete swap plate. In the absence of a full swap plate, the vehicle must be parked on private property, or a fine may be imposed.
Swap plates have been in use on German roads since 2012, but their popularity remains relatively low compared to seasonal plates or traditional plates for different vehicles.
In the automotive industry of Germany, swap plates for cars and motorcycles are used in certain situations, such as owning a classic car and a daily driver, or multiple motorcycles, where drivers might want to switch vehicles occasionally. These plates can potentially save money, but their popularity remains low. However, it's important to note that both vehicles cannot be driven simultaneously, and the "deactivated" vehicle must be parked off public property without a complete swap plate to avoid fines.
