Formalities to complete for your personal vehicle
Are you importing your vehicle into the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg? Are you buying a new or used vehicle in Luxembourg?
Vehicle owners in Luxembourg have several administrative formalities to complete, whether for importing, registering, or using their car or motorcycle.
Here you will find all the administrative procedures you need to complete in Luxembourg for your motor vehicle. How do you register your vehicle? How do you take out car insurance? What are the mandatory periodic technical inspections for your vehicle?
Buying a vehicle in Luxembourg
Electric cars and combustion engine cars
Luxembourg is committed to the green revolution. It is important to note that from 2035, combustion engine cars will no longer be sold in Luxembourg, as in all European Union countries.
However, the Ferrari amendment tabled by Italian MEPs will allow manufacturers selling between 1,000 and 10,000 vehicles per year to have an extra year to develop 100% electric models. In addition, luxury car manufacturers selling fewer than 1,000 high-end vehicles per year will be able to continue to equip their cars with combustion engines. This should be of interest to enthusiasts of high-end cars in Luxembourg...
How can you drive more sustainably in Luxembourg?
Where to buy a new car?
There are several ways to buy a vehicle in Luxembourg, whether new or used.
Buying a vehicle from a car dealership
Luxembourg registers more than 40,000 vehicles every year. This figure is expected to rise in 2023. While gasoline-powered vehicles still account for more than a third of registrations, sales of electric vehicles are on the rise compared to diesel vehicles.
In terms of brands, German vehicles such as Volkswagen in first place, BMW in second, Mercedes in third and Audi in fourth are the best-selling cars.
Car dealerships sell both new and used vehicles.
If you are looking for a new vehicle at an attractive price, don't miss the Autofestival.
Used car sales websites
In addition to car dealerships, there are many car sales websites such as Luxauto, Auto.lu, Automarket, Bazar.lu, and more.
Advertisements from private individuals looking to buy a vehicle are also available on Facebook in groups such as " Voiture occasion Luxembourg " or " Occasion de voiture en Luxembourg," for example.
Registering your vehicle in Luxembourg
Every vehicle driven in Luxembourg must be registered, whether it is new or used, foreign or Luxembourgish. There are different scenarios for registering a vehicle. We therefore strongly advise you to visit the website www.snca.lu to find out what administrative steps you need to take to register a vehicle in Luxembourg.
In the event of a cross-border move, owners who import their road vehicles into Luxembourg have six months from the date of establishment to complete the formalities for registering their vehicle with the SNCA.
Find our practical guide to importing your vehicle and personal belongings into Luxembourg here.
Steps for registering a vehicle in Luxembourg
To register your vehicle in Luxembourg, you will need to go to the SNCA in Sandweiler with the following documents:
- application form for a registration certificate to be completed, signed, and submitted to the SNCA (downloadable from the SNCA website) with the following documents
- invoice/proof of ownership of the vehicle with VAT calculation
- validcar insurance certificate
- customs document, "vignette 705" or "ATV" for imported vehicles. You can obtain this vignette by taking the vehicle to one of the Customs and Excise Administration offices. This application must be made with a certificate of residence obtained from your local municipality.
- European certificate of conformity
- a chancellery stamp worth €50.
Every vehicle registered in Luxembourg is subject to an annual tax levied bythe Customs and Excise Administration in Luxembourg. This is the tax sticker. The document is sent to the vehicle's registered address with a request for payment of the amount due. Payment must be made upon receipt of the request.
Personalized license plate for your vehicle in Luxembourg
In Luxembourg, you can request a personalized license plate using a form that can be downloaded from the SNCA website. If the desired number has not yet been assigned, you can use it on your car for a fee. See www.snca.lu
Please note that, unlike many foreign registration systems, the allocation of a registration number does not mean that the vehicle is registered or that it is automatically accepted for registration! To comply with local regulations, you must follow the procedure above.
Vehicle inspection in Luxembourg
Types of vehicles covered by technical inspection
Vehicles registered in Luxembourg must have a valid technical inspection certificate.
The first technical inspection for cars, motorcycles, and trailers weighing more than 750 kg and less than 3,500 kg takes place four years after the vehicle is first registered.
The second technical inspection takes place two years later, i.e., six years after the vehicle was first registered. Subsequent inspections must take place every year.
Trailers weighing less than 750 kg must have a compliance sticker, which can be purchased from the SNCA.
Vehicles manufactured before 1950 are not subject to technical inspection.
Vehicles classified as "historic" must undergo a technical inspection every two years. "Historic vehicles" are vehicles that were manufactured or registered for the first time more than 30 years ago, of a type that is no longer in production and which have not undergone any major modifications. The new regulations do not change the status of vehicles previously classified as historic, i.e., those over 25 years old.
Technical inspection procedure
You can have your mandatory technical inspection carried out at:
- SNCT – Société Nationale de Contrôle Technique in Sandweiler,
- DEKRA or LUKS approved organizations
- partner garages.
The documents you need to bring to your SNCT appointment are listed on the SNCT website.
To have your vehicle inspected, you must make an appointment in advance. Please arrive at the inspection center at the appointed time. You can make or change your appointment online via the SNCT website or through the other organizations listed above.
All you then have to do is follow the instructions of the staff on site.
For more information: www.snct.lu or tel: +352 35 72 14-222
Please note! There is a charge for the technical inspection.
Your vehicle may also be inspected in the event of an accident or major repairs, if the vehicle undergoes modifications such as tuning, etc., or at the request of the authorities.
Vehicles in Luxembourg and winter regulations
Winter tires are mandatory in Luxembourg
Winters can be harsh in Luxembourg. That is why Luxembourg has made "winter tires" or "all-season tires" mandatory. They make it easier to drive on Luxembourg roads in winter conditions, i.e., in the event of black ice, packed snow, slush, ice patches, or frost.
This measure applies to all vehicles crossing the Luxembourg border, whether they are residents or not. Cross-border workers are also affected by this measure, as are occasional visitors.
Previously, this measure applied from November 1 to March 31. Today, there is no longer a specific date. However , offenders risk a fine if their vehicle is not properly equipped for winter conditions during a traffic stop.
In the event of weather conditions that are dangerous for traffic, the government may also advise the population to avoid unnecessary travel. Everyone will then receive an alert message on their Luxembourg mobile phone.
Legal requirements for vehicles in winter
In addition, in the event of snow or very low temperatures, remember to clear your vehicle of any snow or ice on the windows, windshield, and rear window. This is because visibility from inside the vehicle must be complete. Your license plate must also be completely clear.
In the event of snow, residents must clear the sidewalks in front of their homes to prevent falls.
Furthermore, it is illegal to leave the engine of a stationary vehicle running in order to warm it up or defrost the windows. As in the previous cases, these offenses are punishable by law. Offenders may be fined.
Remember, driving in Luxembourg requires compliance with the rules of the road. Consult the rules of the road in Luxembourg.
What assistance is available for your car?
In Luxembourg, you can get assistance for your vehicle at very competitive rates.The Automobile Club du Luxembourg offers motoristsan all-in-one solution for unparalleled convenience.
Find out more about the administrative procedures to be completed in Luxembourg.
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