Private Vehicles – Important Rules and Regulations

Importation of Private Vehicles

Under the NATO status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) and the Supplementary Agreement (SA) there to, the GOC UKSC (G) is authorised to grant facilities to entitled British Forces Germany (BFG) personnel for the operation of individually owned vehicles for private motoring only.  These facilities comprise of:

• The registration of all types of vehicles both right and left hand drive.
• The issue of driving permits
• The issue of prepayment fuel coupons

The German Customs have given BFG personnel a tax – free concession on vehicles and we are permitted to import private vehicles free of import and value added tax provided the vehicles are for your own use only.  This is not a right and can be taken away if it is abused.  Your attention is drawn to Standing Orders British Army (Germany) 3213, Registration and Operation of BFG Registered Vehicles in Germany and BFG Form 74, which is a Notice Board Extract of the Standing Orders.  You must read and comply with these regulations.  If you have any queries you should contact your unit BFG Registration Officer who will advise you.  You should be aware that the disposal of a duty – free vehicle before it has been BFG registered for 12 months will result in an administration penalty being imposed on you.

BFG Registration and Licensing

All BFG personnel who own and have imported their private vehicles into BFG must register their vehicles with the BFG Vehicle Office (VLO) within thirty days of landing the vehicle in Germany.  However, before you can register your vehicle with the BFG VLO you must sit and pass the European Matrix Test on European traffic law.  You must also hold a national driving licence that is valid under German law.  BFG personnel may not register their vehicles with the German Authority.  The relevant unit BFG Registration Officer with RSU, Support Bn HQ ARRC or 101 Pro Coy RMP will advise on the correct procedure to be followed.

Entry into Germany

If you bring a private vehicle from the UK into Germany for BFG registration you must have the following documents in respect to the vehicle:

• UK vehicle registration document (V5C) or tax-free export certificate (VX302).
• Appropriate number plates displayed on the vehicle.
• A road fund licence valid until the date of BFG Registration
• A valid insurance certificate that covers residence overseas and registration with another licensing authority.
• A valid national driving licence for the type of vehicle being registered.
• BFG Form 80 (Special Import Certificate).  BFG Form 60 the application form for the BFG Form 80 is available from your unit BFG Registration Office.

Insurance for BFG Vehicles

insured against third party liability.  Proof of insurance must be produced when registering the vehicle with the BFG VLO.  An internal insurance certificate (Green Card) will be required if you are insured with a UK company.  If you are insured with a German company you will require the insurance policy, or proof of payment or Antrag and the White card before you can BFG register the vehicle.  You should note that only certain UK insurance companies are authorised to insure BFG registered vehicles and your BFG Registration Office will advise.  See also ANNEX C, Section 4, SOBA (G) 3213. 

Roadworthiness Inspection

All Vehicles, including caravans and trailers, over 3 tears old are required to have a BFG roadworthiness inspection, which includes a lighting test, completed within 30 days of initial BFG registration.  Inspections will only be carried out by prior appointment and bookings can be made by telephoning JHQ 2844 or Civil (02161) 472 2844.  The inspection is based on the UK MOT. 

Lighting Test 

All vehicles (except LHD), including caravans and trailers, are required to have a lighting test completed within 30 days of initial BFG registration.  Rhine Garrison Workshop carries out lighting tests without an appointment at the following times:

Monday to Thursday 1440-1540 hours

BFG Licensing Scheme Matrix Test and BFG Driving Permit (BFG Form 57)

Before you can BFG register your vehicle you must be in possession of a valid national driving licence and a BFG Form 57.  Before you can be issued with a BFG Form 57 you must sit and pass the European Matrix Test (Tick Test).  The test consists of 40 questions designed to test your knowledge of road and traffic laws.  To pass the test you must read the publication ‘Manual for Drivers in Germany, Belgium and Holland’ which is available from the HIVE or the GTO on Snyders Rd.  The Tick Test is conducted through the GTO on Tuesday and Thursday only. Opening times as follows: 0830 – 1200 hrs and 1330 – 1600 hrs The RSU Community Welfare Centre located on Trenchard Road, undertake Tick Testing on Monday and Wednesday  1000 -1200 hrs and 1300-1500hrs.

HQ ARRC AND Sp Bn personnel may undertake the Tick Test at the ARRC Families Centre located at 8 Beresford Road.

Once you have passed the Tick Test and provided you are over 17 years of age (16 years for a mofas and mopeds) and hold a full national driving licence valid for the vehicle to be driven you may apply for a BFG Form 57.  BFG Form 57 is valid for 5 years and applications should be made on BFG Form 9A. 

Items to be carried when driving a BFG Registered Vehicle

The following items should be carried in your BFG registered vehicle:

• ID Card
• BFG Form 73-BFG Registration Card
• Proof of insurance.
• Warning Triangle
• First aid Kit conforming to DIN 13164
• In addition you are advised to carry €25 cash, 5 litre spare fuel can, fluorescent vest, touch and fire extinguisher. 

BFG Helpline