Austria changes rules for cars with Ukrainian plates: when local registration is required

Austria’s Federal Agency for Reception and Support (BBU) has reported a change in the rules for cars with Ukrainian plates. When the 42nd amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act took effect on 30 July 2026, the special arrangement introduced in 2022 ended. The general rules for foreign-registered vehicles now apply. The decisive question is whether the car has its permanent place of use in Austria.

If a car with Ukrainian plates was brought into Austria before 30 July 2026 and continues to be used there, it must be registered in Austria by 30 May 2027 if its permanent place of use is in the country. For cars brought in after 30 July 2026, the deadline under the same condition is one month. According to BBU, registering a main residence in Austria normally creates a legal presumption that the car has its permanent place of use there.

BBU notes that Austrian registration entails requirements and costs. The Ukraine Refugee Coordination Office, together with the finance and transport ministries, has prepared detailed answers for owners of such cars; they are available on BBU’s Ukraine page.