07er-Kennzeichen

The 07er-Kennzeichen is a red German classic-car plate, officially a ‘red plate for recurring use’ (rotes Kennzeichen zur wiederkehrenden Verwendung). Introduced in the early 1990s, it is a transferable plate: a single red number whose digits start with ‘07’ can cover several historic vehicles driven in turn – but only one vehicle may be on public roads with it at any time. The current legal basis is §43 of the German Vehicle Registration Regulation (Fahrzeug-Zulassungsverordnung, FZV); until 2007 the rules were set by the individual federal states. Each registered vehicle needs a classic-vehicle assessment (Oldtimergutachten) under §23 StVZO: it must have been first registered at least 30 years ago, be largely original and in good condition and serve the preservation of motoring heritage. The keeper's reliability is also checked, usually via a police certificate of good conduct and a record from the driver-fitness register in Flensburg. Use is tightly limited: permitted are participation in classic-car events (meetings, rallies, parades) including the drive there and back, plus test, transfer, inspection and workshop drives. Everyday trips, shopping or commercial use are forbidden; breaches can mean a fine and even loss of the plate. A logbook (Fahrtennachweisheft) must record every drive, and the vehicle document booklet must be carried. Tax is a flat rate – currently 191.73 euros a year for cars and 46.02 euros for motorcycles – regardless of how many vehicles are listed; only the highest-taxed vehicle is charged. Vehicles on an 07 plate are exempt from the periodic roadworthiness test (HU) and may enter all low-emission zones without an emissions sticker. Unlike the H-Kennzeichen, which covers the continuous operation of a single car, the 07er-Kennzeichen suits collectors who move several classics only occasionally and for specific purposes. Abroad it is officially recognised only in Switzerland; elsewhere – such as France or the Benelux countries – it is merely tolerated, so carrying proof of an event invitation is advisable.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Can I drive on the 07er every day? No. Only event, test, transfer, repair and maintenance drives are allowed (§ 43 FZV). Everyday use requires a normal registration or an H-Kennzeichen.

Which events count? Events for the display of historic vehicles and the preservation of automotive cultural heritage – this includes regularity and classic rallies, tours, meets and exhibitions, in each case including the drive to and from.

Can I run several vehicles on one 07er? Yes. The plate is used on changing vehicles of a collection, but only one vehicle may be moved at a time.

Do I have to keep a logbook? Yes. A Fahrtennachweisheft is mandatory and must be carried on every trip.

Does the 07er need a periodic inspection? The entered vehicles are not individually registered, so there is no fixed inspection cycle; they must nevertheless be roadworthy and safe. A historic-vehicle assessment (§ 23 StVZO) is required for entry.

Costs at a glance

The vehicle tax is a flat 191.73 euros per year per plate (not per vehicle), or 46.02 euros for motorcycles. Registration incurs one-off fees (roughly 100–200 euros, depending on the office and plates); per vehicle the historic-vehicle assessment is added (about 80–200 euros), plus liability insurance. The 07er may enter low-emission zones without an emissions sticker. From several classics onward the red plate quickly pays off, because tax and registration apply once rather than per vehicle.