Beiträge getagged mit: "license plate"

Depending on the purpose for which you are traveling with a trailer, you need a special model. For example, sports trailers are a special category that you can use to transport animals, motorcycles, boats or gliders. Special provisions apply to these special trailers with regard to the intended use, license plate number or insurance.

License plate and main inspection for your trailer

While it used to be no problem if you were driving a trailer without an official license plate back in the days, today you risk a fine. Since the early 1990s, all sports trailers have had to have an official license plate and therefore also have to be regularly subjected to the main inspection, which is usually due every two years. Many sports trailers have a green license plate, this is handed out if the trailer only serves a single, specific purpose. You can probably expect a green license plate for a trailer for a glider, while a black license plate is often used for horse trailers.

Before you set off with your sports trailer, you should make sure that you have the following documents with you: On the one hand, you need the trailer operating license and, on the other hand, the test report from the general inspection. The certificate from the registration office is also important and is checked during a traffic check.

Sports trailers and their use

Most sports trailers may only be used and are only approved for their originally intended purpose. Therefore, the green license plate is usually used for these trailers. An exception can be the horse trailer, for example. You have the choice and can also use a different license plate and thus expand the use. If you rent a sports trailer from someone, then be sure to check the license plate number of the trailer before driving. If you are driving with a green license plate and misuse the trailer, then you must expect the consequences in the event of an inspection.

Also pay attention to the speed at which you are traveling. Most trailers are allowed 80 km/h on German motorways, but you can apply for a 100 km/h permit. All information about the 100 km/h sticker can be found in our blog post.

On the safe side: Liability for special trailers

If you are traveling with the trailer and it is coupled to the towing vehicle, the liability insurance of the towing vehicle will usually also cover possible damage. However, if the trailer becomes detached from the towing vehicle or, for example, moves away from its parking position or slips, then the liability insurance of the towing vehicle no longer applies. It is therefore advisable to take out special liability insurance for the trailer.

If you are traveling with a rear bike rack, you must also have a license plate number for your rear bike rack. This is a so-called sequential indicator. It does not differ from your license plate and is basically a duplicate.

That’s why you need a license plate for the rear bike carrier

Such a sequential indicator is always important if the existing is concealed on the vehicle. This can be the case, for example, by loading with a transport box for the trailer hitch or just with the widespread rear bicycle carriers. It does not matter if the rear bike rack covers everything or if it is still partially visible, you must always plan a follow-on license plate when using a rear-wheel carrier. It’s best to pay attention when buying the carrier that it also has a license plate holder so that you can mount the required license plate as well. In many countries, the absence of the successor mark is punishable, so it is important to be prepared before going to Switzerland for example26. Also in Austria you should prepare yourself and assemble your successor license plate on the rear bicycle carrier. Basically, a missing license plate can also be punished in Germany.

Also make sure that the lights on the vehicle are often covered by the transporting bicycles. In road traffic, the other road users can not see your taillights and turn signals so it is important to use a lighted rear bike carrier.

 

Get a follow-up license plate for your rear bike carrier

If you buy a rear bike carrier, you should get the following number plate immediately. Since this requires no stamping, you can usually save long waiting times. Just have your license plate duplicated at your local contact point, as a rule a number of providers are based at the Traffic Office, so you can get the license plate there at short notice. The waiting times on site are individual, but usually very low. Often ordering on the Internet is no problem, so you even save the way to the office.