Signs for motor vehicles

Signs for motor vehicles are mainly attached to commercial vehicles due to legal regulations . They identify special characteristics of vehicles, their tax treatment or provide information on the load.

Markings according to German law

"Low-noise vehicle" sign

According to § 49 Paragraph 3 StVZO , vehicles that belong to noise class G 1 within the meaning of Annex XIV to Article 48 of the StVZO and are therefore considered to be low-noise may be marked with the sign "Low-noise vehicle" according to Annex XV to Article 49 Paragraph 3 of the StVZO, be marked. The sign must be visibly and firmly attached to the front of the vehicle; it may also be attached to the rear of the vehicle. According to § 31e StVZO, foreign motor vehicles that belong to noise class G 1 within the meaning of number 3.2.1 of Annex XIV to § 48 of the StVZO are considered to be low-noise and may be labeled with the "Low-noise motor vehicle" according to Annex XV to § 49 paragraph 3 of StVZO marked.

According to Section 49 (3) sentence 2 StVZO, other vehicles may not be marked with this symbol. Likewise, according to § 49 Paragraph 3 Clause 3 StVZO, no signs may be affixed to vehicles that could be confused with the "low-noise motor vehicle" according to Annex XV to § 49 Paragraph 3 of the StVZO. According to § 31e sentence 2 StVZO, this applies accordingly to foreign vehicles.

Anyone who deliberately or negligently marks a vehicle that is not allowed to be marked with the "low-noise motor vehicle" according to Annex XV to Section 49 (3) of the StVZO or applies a symbol to a vehicle that is marked with the "low-noise motor vehicle" according to Annex XV can be confused with Section 49 Paragraph 3 of the StVZO, acts in accordance with Section 69a Paragraph 5 Number 5e StVZO in accordance with Section 24 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG); this also applies to foreign vehicles. The regulatory offense can be punished with a fine of up to two thousand euros in accordance with Section 24 (2) StVG.

"Low-noise vehicle" sign

Truck with the "Low-Noise Motor Vehicle" sign on the front of the vehicle

Round character with white letter "G" in font size h = 125 mm (according to DIN 1451 , Part 2) in a green circle with a diameter of 200 mm, around the circle a white border with a width of 10 mm. Non- retroreflective , colors according to color register RAL 840 HR , color for white: RAL 9001 and for green: RAL 6001 .

Identification mark for tax exemption due to exclusive use in combined transport

Trucks that only travel between the loading or unloading point on the one hand and the nearest suitable train station on the other, or an inland port or seaport within a radius of no more than 150 kilometers as the crow flies (and thus handle the pre- and post-carriage on the road in combined transport ) are externally included provided with this identification mark. These vehicles are exempt from vehicle tax in accordance with Section 3 No. 9 KraftStG , provided that the vehicles are externally recognizable as being intended for these purposes.

Identification mark for tax exemption due to exclusive use in combined transport

Truck with identification mark for tax exemption due to exclusive use in combined transport

Square identification mark with a white “K” on a green background. Often offered in 100 × 100 mm, 150 × 150 mm and 200 × 200 mm formats.

A-sign - warning sign for waste transport

According to § 55 KrWG and § 10 AbfVerbrG , vehicles with which waste is transported on public roads must be provided with two rectangular, reflective, white warning signs ( A-signs ) at least 40 centimeters wide and at least 30 centimeters high before starting the journey . The warning signs must be marked “A” in black (letter height 20 cm, font width 2 cm). The warning signs must be clearly visible on the outside of the vehicle during transport, in the front and rear. In the case of trains (vehicle combination), the rear panel must be attached to the rear of the trailer.

Anyone who intentionally or negligently fails to provide a vehicle with warning signs correctly, completely or in good time is acting improperly in accordance with Section 69 Paragraph 2 Number 13 KrWG and Section 18 Paragraph 1 Number 11 AbfVerbrG. This administrative offense can be punished with a fine of up to ten thousand euros in accordance with Section 69 (3) of the KrWG and a fine of up to twenty thousand euros in accordance with Section 18 (3) of the AbfVerbrG.

Rectangular, reflective, white warning sign at least 40 centimeters wide and at least 30 centimeters high, bearing the inscription "A" in black (letter height 20 cm, font 2 cm). ("A-sign")

Truck with A-plate on the front of the vehicle

Refuse collection vehicle with A-plate on the back of the vehicle

Markings according to Austrian law

Sign with the letter L for the identification of low-noise vehicles

A motor vehicle that is classified as a low-noise motor vehicle within the meaning of Section 8b (1) of the KDV 1967 is to be identified in accordance with Section 8b (5) of the KDV 1967 next to the front license plate with a circular green plate with a white border and the Latin letter L. A vehicle with this sign is not subject to night driving in Austria on certain motorways between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Since the Austrian requirements for a low-noise motor vehicle according to § 8b Paragraph 1 i. V. m. Paragraph 4a of the KDV 1967 are higher than the German requirements for a low-noise motor vehicle, the German symbol “Low-noise motor vehicle” is not recognized in Austria.

Carrying the aforementioned circular green board in accordance with Section 8b (5) of the KDV 1967 on vehicles and trailers other than those on which the board must be attached is not permitted under Section 26a (1) of the first sentence of the KDV 1967. According to Section 26a, Paragraph 1, Clause 2 of the KDV 1967, objects which, by their nature and appearance, can easily be mistaken for such boards, may not be attached to vehicles.

Sign with the letter L for the identification of low-noise vehicles

Truck with board with the letter "L"

Circular green board with a diameter of at least 20 cm, a white border and the Latin letter L in permanently legible and indelible white letters. The board must be designed according to the model in Appendix 5c to the KDV . The board with a diameter of 15 cm is also permitted. In these versions, the dimensions of the letter L, in deviation from Appendix 5c, are 85 mm high, 55 mm wide and 12 mm thick.

Identifications when using technically restricted CEMT permits

The Guide for Government Officials and Hauliers to Use the Multilateral CEMT Quota , which governs the issuance of CEMT permits , defines technical vehicle categories. These are named:

"EURO IV safe" vehicle,
"EURO V safe" vehicle,
"EURO VI safe" vehicle,
"EEV safe" vehicle.

However, the designation "EEV safe" vehicle does not count as a separate category within the system of multilateral CEMT contingents, therefore, within the multilateral CEMT approval system, "EEV safe" vehicles are regarded as belonging to the "EURO V safe" category and are subject to the regulations of corresponding chapter.

If a trip is made using a CEMT permit, it is strongly recommended that a magnetic sticker or sticker with a green background and a white border be affixed to the front of vehicles or vehicle combinations belonging to one of the vehicle categories specified above, in order to facilitate and accelerate border crossings. each corresponding to the designated vehicle category bears the inscription "IV", "V", "EEV" or "VI" in white ( IV stands for EURO IV, V for EURO V ).

The dimensions of the stickers are given:

"Green diameter: 200 mm,
white diameter: 220mm,
Letter 114 mm

or alternatively:

green diameter: 130 mm,
white diameter: 150mm,
Letter 75 mm. "

The stickers or magnetic stickers, which are urgently recommended to facilitate and accelerate border crossings, identify a motor vehicle or a vehicle combination in such a way that, firstly, a valid proof sheet "CEMT - proof of compliance with the technical and safety requirements for a motor vehicle" and a valid proof sheet " CEMT proof of technical inspection for motor vehicles and trailers "has been issued together with two translations and, secondly, in the case of the use of a CEMT authorization that is limited to vehicles of this or a lower (technical) category, these proof sheets including translations (as well as in If trailers are carried for each trailer, also its proof sheet “Proof of compliance of a trailer with the technical safety requirements” and proof sheet “CEMT proof of technical inspection for motor vehicles and trailers” each including two translations) in the version valid at the time and the vehicle (or vehicles) actually complies with the technical regulations required for the provision of these CEMT certificates (or correspond).

Magnetic badge or sticker for "EURO IV safe" vehicle

Magnetic badge or sticker for "EURO V safe" vehicle

Magnetic badge or sticker for "EURO VI safe" vehicle

Vehicle combination with a sticker with the inscription "V" for "EURO V safe" vehicle

Other markings

Repealed and therefore invalid labels

Removed markings when using technically restricted CEMT permits

Revoked and thus expired versions of the guideline for government officials and transport companies for the use of the multilateral CEMT quota regulating the issuing of CEMT permits , which have been replaced by the currently applicable version (see corresponding section above), defined technical vehicle categories with the Designations

"Green truck" or "green" vehicle (the latter name since May 24/25, 2005, the associated program was also previously called "green" vehicle, vehicle category up to January 1, 2009),
"Super green and safe" vehicle (until January 1st, 2009),
"EURO3 safe" vehicle (until January 1st, 2009),
"EURO III safe" vehicle (with effect from January 1, 2009 up to or including December 31, 2015),
"EURO4 safe" vehicle (since May 24/25, 2005 to January 1, 2009, the successor category "EURO IV safe" vehicle is still in force, see the relevant section above).

For the period of validity of the vehicle categories listed above, in order to facilitate and accelerate border crossings, it was strongly recommended to affix a magnetic badge or sticker with a green background and a white border to the front of vehicles or vehicle combinations belonging to one of these vehicle categories Affiliation

for the category "green truck" or "green" vehicle in white the label "U" or "E" (environment),
for the category "super green and safe" vehicle in white the inscription "S" (Sûr = Safe = Safe),
for the category "EURO3 safe" vehicle in white the label "3" (3 = EURO3),

for the category “EURO III safe” vehicle in white the inscription “III” (III = EURO III) and

for the category "EURO4 safe" vehicle in white the label "4" (4 = EURO4)

carried when a trip was made using a CEMT permit.

Magnetic badge or sticker for "green" vehicles with the letter "U"

Magnetic badge or sticker for "green" vehicles with the letter "E"

Magnetic badge or sticker for "super green and safe" vehicle with the letter "S"

Vehicle combination with badge with the inscription "S" for "super green and safe" vehicle at the front (next to it is the sign with the letter "L" according to Austrian law)

Magnetic badge or sticker for "EURO3 safe" vehicle

Magnetic badge or sticker for "EURO III safe" vehicle

Magnetic badge or sticker for "EURO4 safe" vehicle

Vehicle combination with badge with the label "4" for "EURO4 safe" vehicle on the front (next to it is the sign with the letter "L" in accordance with Austrian law)

Motor vehicle intended for the transport of goods with a sticker with the label "3" for "EURO3 safe" vehicle at the front (next to it is the sign with the letter "L" in accordance with Austrian law)

supporting documents

↑ Truck emblems "What do the green round signs on the front of the truck mean?" In: fahrtipps.de , Andreas Wismann, May 5, 2004, accessed on September 1, 2016.

↑ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g Chapters 9, 10, 10. a and 11 i. V. m. Appendix 8, and Chapter 1, 16th indent, these together i. V. m. Chapter 3.14 i. V. m. Appendix 3, the latter two together i. V. m. Chapters 5.11, 6.3 and 6.4 of the Guide for Government Officials and Hauliers to Use the Multilateral CEMT Quota, as amended by the Resolution of the Council of Ministers of the European Conference of Ministers of Transport (CEMT) on the Guide for Government Officials and Hauliers to Use the Multilateral CEMT Quota on January 1, 2002, decided at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the CEMT on 29./30. May 2001, changed at the meeting of the Council of Ministers of the CEMT on 24./25. May 2005, adapted by the ITF group for road transport with effect from January 1, 2014 , made known in the Federal Republic of Germany by the announcement of the resolution of the Council of Ministers of the European Conference of Transport Ministers (CEMT) on the guidelines for government officials and transport companies for use the Multilateral CEMT Contingent of January 19, 2015 ; in: Bundesgesetzblatt , Volume 2015 Part II No. 3, published in Bonn on February 3, 2015, pp. 69 to 135 , accessed in September 2016 (PDF file, 12.62 MB).

[1] Truck emblems "What do the green round signs on the front of the truck mean?" In: fahrtipps.de , Andreas Wismann, May 5, 2004, accessed on September 1, 2016.