Apply for exemption authorisation for agricultural or forestry vehicles (e.g. agricultural tractors, forwarders), their trailers, work machines (e.g. forklift trucks, combine harvesters) or special vehicles in accordance with Section 70 StVZO
Vehicles or vehicle combinations that do not comply with the construction and operating regulations of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) require an exemption licence in accordance with Section 70 Para. 1 StVZO in order to participate in public road traffic.
The exemptions can generally be granted for a period of validity of up to twelve years, although a time limit is possible.
In addition to a permanent licence, an exemption can also be granted for individual journeys.
Responsible authority
Exemption licences in accordance with Section 70 StVZO are issued by the licensing authority responsible for your place of residence or the registered office of your company (of the district or independent city) or Department 46 of the responsible regional council (Stuttgart, Tübingen, Karlsruhe or Freiburg).
Details
Prerequisite
As a general rule, exemptions may only be authorised if all reasonable options for complying with the provisions of the StVZO and the FZV have been fully exhausted.
Procedure
You can apply for the exemption authorisation in writing or online.
Before you can apply for an exemption for a vehicle, you need an expert opinion from an officially recognised expert for motor vehicle traffic or a technical service recognised in accordance with Section 30 of the EC Vehicle Approval Regulation (EG-FGV) for testing complete vehicles of the respective vehicle category.
The expert opinion must state the necessary exemptions from the StVZO, the suitability of the vehicle or vehicle combination and the requirements and conditions deemed necessary in the interests of road safety. The expert must describe the exemptions in detail and justify their necessity.
You can then apply for the exemption authorisation.
The competent authority will examine your application and, if it is favourable, will grant you the exemption.
Important: The vehicle or vehicle combination may only be driven after an exemption has been granted.
Deadlines
The application must be made well in advance of the planned journey. There are no other statutory deadlines.
Required documents
- Details of the vehicle owner
- For new applications, an expert opinion (not older than 18 months) for obtaining an exemption permit in accordance with § 70 StVZO from an officially recognised expert for motor vehicle traffic or a technical service recognised in accordance with § 30 of the EC Vehicle Approval Regulation (EG-FGV) for testing complete vehicles of the respective vehicle class
- To extend an existing exemption authorisation: Copy of the old §70 STVZO exemption authorisation, if necessary an expert opinion must be submitted subsequently
- To supplement or amend an existing exemption authorisation: Supplementary report not older than 18 months (If towing vehicles or trailers other than those listed in the exemption authorisation, stating the vehicle identification number, are to be used in vehicle combinations such as trains or articulated lorries, a supplement to the exemption authorisation is required)
- To transfer an existing exemption authorisation: Existing exemption authorisation with the corresponding expert opinion and the registration certificates
- Copy of the registration certificate part I or operating licence of the vehicle or vehicle combination concerned
- If applicable, old exemption authorisation according to § 70 StVZO
- If applicable . Insurance certificate
- Proof of licence plate reservation, if applicable
- Authorisation, if the application is made on behalf of a third party
Costs
The fee notices are based on the Fee Regulations for Measures in Road Traffic (GebOSt). There, a framework fee of EUR 10.20 to EUR 511.00 is set for each decision on an exemption from a provision of the StVZO per exemption and per vehicle/owner; if there are several vehicles of the same design at the time of application, a reduced fee may be set. The exact amount of the fee depends on the processing effort and economic advantage for the applicant in each individual case; the fee is set at the discretion of the authority.
The amount of the fee also depends, among other things, on the period of validity. When submitting your application, you must therefore state the desired period of validity.
If an exemption authorisation in accordance with § 29 and/or § 46 of the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) is applied for and granted at the same time, an additional fee is due. This is a minimum of EUR 40.00 and a maximum of EUR 1,300.00.
Processing time
These are individual case reviews. The processing time depends on the effort involved. Therefore, it cannot be specified exactly.
Miscellaneous
The local jurisdiction is generally based on your place of residence (main residence) or the registered office of your company.
The vehicle or vehicle combination may only be driven after an exemption permit has been issued.
In some cases, an additional permit in accordance with Section 29 (3) StVO or Section 46 (1) No. 5 StVO must be applied for if certain upper limits regarding weight, height or width are exceeded.
Legal basis
Straßenverkehrs-Zulassungs-Ordnung (StVZO)
- § 70 Ausnahmen
Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO):
- § 29 Übermäßige Straßenbenutzung
- § 46 Ausnahmegenehmigungen, Erlaubnisse und Bewohnerparkausweise
Gebührenordnung für Maßnahmen im Straßenverkehr (GebOSt)
Release note
Machine generated, based on the German release by: Verkehrsministerium Baden-Württemberg, 29.10.2025