Papierabnahme
German short form for the Dokumentenabnahme – the pre-start check of driving licence, registration and insurance.
Papierabnahme (literally 'paper check') is the common German short form for the Dokumentenabnahme. It refers to the inspection of the entered vehicle's papers – driving licence, registration document and proof of insurance – before the start. Start clearance is given only once the Papierabnahme has been passed. For the full explanation, see Document check.
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Related terms
Pre-war vehicle
Vehicle from the era before the Second World War, usually up to the 1939 model year. The term is not officially defined; the cut-off varies by source.
H-Kennzeichen
Germany's official historic-vehicle plate with an ‘H’ for cars 30+ years old – full everyday use, flat vehicle tax, free access to low-emission zones.
Rotes Kennzeichen
Umbrella term for Germany's red recurring-use plates – depending on the leading digits 05 (inspection), 06 (dealer) or 07 (historic vehicles).