Temporary plates for an unregistered vehicle

Registration and vehicle inspection

Temporary plates: when you need them and what to check before applying

Temporary plates are not a short registration for every situation. They are issued for a specific purpose and route, with documents proving the basis for use.

In short

Temporary plates are used to mark an unregistered vehicle temporarily in prescribed situations, for example going to a vehicle inspection, being transported to the place of registration, or after a repair or modification. Before applying, check the basis, route, period, roadworthiness, insurance and proof of ownership.

Start by asking why the vehicle needs to move

The most important information is not the make of the car but the reason an unregistered vehicle needs to go on the road. It may be going to the place of registration, to a vehicle inspection, returning after a repair or being moved for testing.

The documents and the way the application is handled depend on that basis. So in the first conversation, describe the starting point, the destination and the purpose of the trip.

The documents must link the vehicle, the owner and the purpose

The procedure typically checks the applicant's identity, ownership, roadworthiness where applicable, compulsory insurance and proof of payment of the relevant obligations. The exact list should be confirmed for your specific case.

If the vehicle was bought, imported or is company-owned, or if someone else is applying, say so before you come. Missing proof cannot be replaced by a verbal explanation.

Temporary does not mean unrestricted

Temporary plates have a purpose, a time limit and conditions of use. They should not be seen as permission to use an unregistered vehicle for ordinary driving until the registration is sorted out.

Before setting off, check what the issued documents say and whether the vehicle, route and period match the approved use.

What to tell the AC Bugarski administration office

Have the chassis number and basic vehicle details ready, and explain where the vehicle needs to go, why, and who the owner is. The office can then check whether the service can be completed and what you need to bring.

This text is for orientation and does not replace confirmation of the current procedure. Regulations and operating conditions can change, so always ask for a final answer before you come.

Three things to remember

  1. 01

    Temporary plates are requested for a specific purpose, not as a general substitute for registration.

  2. 02

    The documents depend on the basis and on who owns the vehicle.

  3. 03

    Before moving the vehicle, confirm the validity period, route and insurance.

Straight answers

Can temporary plates be used for everyday driving until the vehicle is registered?

No. They are issued for a specific purpose and under the conditions that go with that application.

Does the vehicle have to be roadworthy?

Proof of roadworthiness may be part of the procedure, with exceptions depending on the purpose, for example when the vehicle is being taken to the inspection. Confirm your case before applying.

Can AC Bugarski handle everything for me?

Call the administration office, describe the basis and the vehicle, and you will get confirmation of what AC Bugarski can complete and which documents are needed.

Sources and further reading

This article is informational. Check regulations, conditions and changing figures before a specific procedure.