Overview
- The symbol identifies a Wechselkennzeichen that lets two vehicles share one registration number under defined conditions.
- According to the GDV, both vehicles must be in the same EU vehicle class, and using both at the same time is prohibited with a €50 fine for violations.
- The plate consists of a shared main section with the W and a vehicle-specific part that remains on each car.
- The inactive vehicle must be parked on private property, and leaving it on a public road without the full plate can trigger a €40 warning fine.
- Upfront costs run about €65 in registration fees plus €20–30 for embossing, there is no German vehicle‑tax reduction, and ADAC reports that discounted insurance tariffs are now rarely offered.