Yes, I had temporary import plates giving me insurance in Germany (only) for 5 days; technically need changing within 15 days of arriving in France ... took me 2 months but had French insurance.

Kira

I think he is looking foe a more "permanent" plate.. Mind you, there is a guy near me that has had his van on German export plates for at least 2 YEARS!

Lots of people run vehicles in Europe with plates that should have been changed ages ago. Look at all the Brits in France/Spain with what a really, illegal cars. To be legal in another EU country, a vehicle should be legal in its HOME country and then for a max stay of six months.
Just seems the police cant be arsed to do anything about it... until the accident occurs

John

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

I think if you've moved to France on a full time basis then officially it's only one month.
I suspect the police don't bother because there are so many and a lot of them are holiday makers or holiday home visitors and there's the language barrier as well so no they can't be arsed.
A lot of Brits. seem to believe that it's alright and simply carry on regardless, at least until they have an insurance claim.

Residents in France have 15 days to change, I know this having been threatened by gendarmes - you should get onto WW plates whilst doing the rest. Insurance companies give 6months tops (Macif will anyway!)

Kira

I have bought and sold in Germany. To echo other contributions,

1. language is not a problem (there are always friendly English speakers to hand).

2. temporary registration for export is easy, but it is short term. Long term, it is impossible without residence. Forget it.

OPTIONS

1. You could go illegal - with an expired plate. Not advised really. Someone somewhere will spot the date on that plate. Lots of German cars are finding their way to Africa at the moment, so it is well possible that the locals know the registration regulations. It depends on your attitude to risk. IMO, no: you'll already have enough on your plate without the potential mega-hassle of an illegal car. Think confiscation, huge bonded transport costs, being stuck for months paying fines, even jail, ouch. Some countries are sharper than others - Panama and Costa Rica I recall caused a couple of travellers problems with dodgy papers.

(BTW, insurance is not an issue once you're out of the EU - you get it on borders or not at all. It is worthless but obligatory.)

2. Idea: If you are determined to buy in Germany, you could do this and then register in UK. I think this is a viable option - maybe others could comment.

In the UK - unlike Germany - the plate stays with the vehicle for the life of the car, all other things being equal. Once registered in your name you get the ownership documents and no renewal is needed. You will need a carnet for Africa, and, speaking the language, this is another reason to have a UK vehicle.

The paperwork for registration is simple and cheap. The system is efficient. Ditto for carnets.

3. Make your life even simpler. Buy a LHD vehicle in the UK. They do exist you know, perfectly legally. Base yourself in the UK for a period, buy the car, get the paperwork up and going, then off you go. The time, hassle and money you save with this option will be well worth the "cost" of limited choice.

Hauling yourself around Germany asking for directions from blank faced pedestrians is draining. Contrast this with southern England: half the UK population live a few hours from London, and they all speak English. Lots of LHD expedition vehicles come up for sale on ebay and various overlander sites. I think this is your best bet by far. Get googling, put the word out, something nice will come your way I am sure.


Hope this helps,

Simon

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Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp