Avoiding tolls with rented foreign plates: a costly scheme
To bypass toll/road charges (Toll/Maut) in Germany and neighboring countries, some drivers resort to using temporarily rented foreign license plates—for example Polish, Bulgarian, or even non-EU plates. While it may look like a smart way to save dozens or hundreds of euros, the law can treat it as tax evasion and customs-related violations, potentially leading to heavy fines or even vehicle seizure.
Why do some people use foreign plates?
Many European highways (e.g., Austria, Switzerland, and certain German routes for heavy vehicles) charge road fees that are calculated:
by distance traveled
or via prepaid stickers (vignettes)
Some drivers therefore attempt to:
“rent” a temporary foreign registration plate
register the car under a shell foreign company
drive with plates from a neighboring country to avoid certain taxes/fees
What legal violations may apply?
Toll fraud (Mautbetrug)
In Germany and Austria, this can be treated as a legal violation and may be prosecuted.
Sham registration (Scheinfirma / Scheinzulassung)
If foreign plates are used without a genuine foreign base of residence/use, the registration may be considered unlawful.
Violation of vehicle tax residency rules (§ 1 KraftStG)
Anyone residing in Germany for more than 6 months and using a foreign-registered vehicle may be required to register it locally within one month.
Possible penalties
| Violation | Possible penalty |
|---|---|
| Using foreign plates without authorization | Fine up to €500 + temporary seizure |
| Avoiding fees (vignette or toll) | On-the-spot fine up to €300 |
| Forging registration documents | Fine + possible suspended sentence under § 267 StGB |
| Vehicle tax evasion | Backdated payment + additional tax penalty |
Real-life example
In Bavaria, an SUV with Polish plates rented via an intermediary was stopped after authorities found the driver was a German resident living in Munich for over a year. Result:
immediate seizure/withdrawal from use
backdated tax/registration claims for a full year
a tax-evasion file opened by the Finanzamt
Special note on tolls in Germany
Private passenger cars are currently not generally subject to a nationwide toll in Germany (except for certain private tunnels/bridges). However, commercial vehicles—or trips through countries such as Austria, Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic—may require toll systems or vignettes. Some countries also issue automatic camera-based fines when plates are not registered in their systems.
When are foreign plates legal?
if you live abroad and drive in Germany only temporarily (under 6 months)
if the vehicle belongs to a foreign company and you have a short-term work arrangement in Germany
if there is no intention of long-term local use
Conclusion
Saving a few hundred euros in tolls or taxes may seem tempting, but rented foreign plates are not a “minor issue”—they can escalate into tax and customs proceedings. The rule is clear: your place of residence determines where the vehicle must be registered—not the country on the plate.
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ـ* The website’s writers and editors strive to provide accurate information through extensive research and multiple sources; however, errors may occur or some details may be uncertain. Please treat this content as initial guidance and consult the relevant authorities for confirmed information.
