Deposit Number Plates for Temporary Vehicle Deregistration

The process of temporarily depositing your Swiss number plates (Kontrollschilder) is a crucial procedure for vehicle owners in Switzerland who intend to take their vehicle off the road for an extended period. This could be due to seasonal use, long-term storage, awaiting sale, or extended repairs. By officially depositing your plates at your Cantonal Road Traffic Office (Strassenverkehrsamt), you can suspend ongoing financial obligations such as motor vehicle tax and liability insurance premiums. This guide will walk you through the necessary steps, requirements, and considerations for this process in Switzerland.

Why Deposit Your Swiss Number Plates (Kontrollschilder)?

Temporarily depositing your vehicle's number plates is more than just a bureaucratic step; it offers tangible financial and legal benefits while your vehicle is out of use. Understanding these advantages can help you make an informed decision.

Suspension of Financial Obligations

The primary benefit of depositing your Kontrollschilder is the suspension of two significant ongoing costs associated with vehicle ownership:

• Motor Vehicle Tax (Motorfahrzeugsteuer): Once your plates are deposited, your Cantonal Road Traffic Office will be notified, and your obligation to pay motor vehicle tax will generally cease for the period the plates are deposited. This means you won't incur tax charges for a vehicle that isn't actively being used on public roads.
• Liability Insurance Premiums (Haftpflichtversicherung): The Strassenverkehrsamt is responsible for informing your insurance company once your plates are deposited. This notification typically triggers a suspension of your liability insurance policy or an adjustment of your premiums, as the vehicle is no longer a risk on public roads. It's important to note that while liability insurance is suspended, some vehicle owners opt for a partial casco or full casco insurance for fire, theft, or damage while the vehicle is stored. You should discuss this with your insurer directly.

Reservation of Your Number Plates

When you deposit your plates, they are not immediately destroyed or reassigned. Instead, they remain reserved for you, the vehicle holder, for a specific period. This reservation ensures that when you decide to reactivate your vehicle, you can re-register it with the same plates. This is particularly convenient for owners of cherished vehicles or those who use specific vanity plates.

The duration of this reservation period can vary significantly from canton to canton, but according to federal guidelines, it is a minimum of one year. It is imperative to verify the exact reservation period with your specific Cantonal Road Traffic Office to avoid losing your plates.

Common Scenarios for Plate Deposit

• Seasonal Vehicles: Owners of motorcycles, convertibles, vintage cars, or campers often deposit their plates during off-seasons (e.g., winter for motorcycles, summer for winter sports vehicles).
• Long-Term Storage: If you plan to store your vehicle for an extended period due to travel, military service, or lack of use.
• Awaiting Sale: If you are selling your vehicle and it might take some time to find a buyer, depositing plates can save on ongoing costs.
• Major Repairs or Restoration: For vehicles undergoing extensive work that will keep them off the road for many months.

Understanding the Swiss Vehicle Registration System: Cantonal Responsibility

Switzerland operates a highly cantonal system for vehicle registration, driving licences, and number plates. While federal laws and guidelines establish the overall framework, the specific procedures, forms, fees, and processing times are largely determined and managed by the Cantonal Road Traffic Offices (Strassenverkehrsamt / Office Cantonal des Automobiles) in each of the 26 cantons.

This means that:

• Your Canton of Residence is Key: The Strassenverkehrsamt responsible for your vehicle's registration and plate deposit will always be that of your official canton of residence.
• Varying Procedures: While the core principle of plate deposit is consistent nationwide, the exact steps, required documents, methods of submission (e.g., online forms, specific postal addresses, appointment systems), and even the duration of plate reservation can differ.
• Official Language: Communication and forms will typically be in the official language(s) of your canton (German, French, or Italian).

Eligibility and Prerequisites for Depositing Plates

To deposit your Kontrollschilder, you generally need to meet specific criteria. These are typically consistent across cantons as they derive from federal principles.

Vehicle Holder Requirements

• Registered Owner: You must be the officially registered holder of the vehicle whose plates you intend to deposit. The vehicle's registration document (Fahrzeugausweis / permis de circulation) should bear your name.
• Same Canton: The vehicle must be registered in the canton where you intend to deposit the plates. If you have moved to a new canton and haven't yet transferred your vehicle's registration, you must do so first.

Vehicle Requirements

• Valid Registration: The vehicle should have a currently valid registration. The process of depositing plates is a temporary suspension, not a full deregistration for scrapping.
• No Outstanding Issues: Ensure there are no outstanding fines, taxes, or other administrative blocks related to the vehicle or its holder that would prevent the Strassenverkehrsamt from processing the plate deposit.

Essential Documents and Information Required

Gathering the correct documents beforehand will ensure a smooth and efficient process. While specific cantons might request minor additional items, the core requirements are generally as follows:

Mandatory Documents

• Original Number Plates (Kontrollschilder): Both front and rear plates, if your vehicle uses two. These are the physical items you are depositing.
• Original Vehicle Registration Document (Fahrzeugausweis / Permis de Circulation): This is the main document proving your ownership and the vehicle's registration details. The Strassenverkehrsamt will typically mark this document as invalid or keep it while the plates are deposited, returning it to you upon reactivation.
• Proof of Identity: While not always explicitly requested if submitting by post, it's advisable to have a valid passport or Swiss identity card ready if you are depositing plates in person at the counter. For businesses or associations, an extract from the commercial register (Handelsregisterauszug) or statutes may be required.

Information to Prepare

• Your Contact Details: Full name, address, phone number, and email.
• Vehicle Details: Make, model, chassis number (Fahrgestellnummer), and licence plate number.
• Reason for Deposit: While not always strictly required, a brief note explaining the temporary cessation of use (e.g., "seasonal use," "long-term storage") can be helpful, especially if submitting by post.

Step-by-Step Procedure for Depositing Your Kontrollschilder

The process for depositing your number plates is relatively straightforward, but careful attention to cantonal specifics is vital.

Submission Methods in Detail

Most Strassenverkehrsämter offer at least two main methods for depositing number plates:

• Postal Submission: This is often the most convenient method. Ensure the plates are securely packed to prevent damage during transit. It is advisable to send them via registered mail (Einschreiben) for proof of delivery. Include a clear note stating your name, address, the vehicle's details, and that you wish to temporarily deposit the Kontrollschilder.
• In-Person at the Counter: If you prefer direct interaction or need immediate confirmation, visiting the Strassenverkehrsamt in person is an option. Be prepared for potential waiting times, especially during peak hours. You will hand over your plates and documents directly to a clerk.

Costs, Fees, and Reservation Period

Understanding the financial aspects and timelines associated with depositing your plates is crucial.

Costs for Deposit

Generally, the act of temporarily deregistering your vehicle by depositing the number plates is free of charge in most cantons. For example, Canton Zurich explicitly states that "Das Abmelden eines Fahrzeugs ist für Sie kostenlos" (Deregistering a vehicle is free of charge for you). However, always confirm this with your specific cantonal office, as minor administrative fees could theoretically apply in some rare cases.

Plate Reservation Period

As mentioned, once deposited, your Kontrollschilder remain reserved for you, the vehicle holder, for a specific period.

• Minimum Duration: Federal guidelines stipulate a minimum reservation period of one year.
• Cantonal Variation: The exact duration beyond this minimum can vary by canton. Some cantons might offer a longer standard reservation, or allow for extensions upon request.
• What Happens if Not Reactivated: If you do not reactivate your vehicle and collect your plates before the reservation period expires, your plates may be released for general use, meaning you would lose the right to use them. If you then wish to re-register the vehicle, you would be issued new plates (potentially at a cost) or need to request new custom plates.

Important Considerations and Common Pitfalls

Navigating administrative procedures often involves specific rules and potential traps. Being aware of these can save you time, money, and hassle.

Unplated Vehicles on Public Roads

One of the most critical rules to understand is that a vehicle without valid number plates and active insurance cannot be driven or parked on public roads or public land in Switzerland. This includes streets, public parking lots, and even roadsides.

• Consequences: Violating this rule can lead to significant fines, impoundment of the vehicle, and legal repercussions, as the vehicle is considered unregistered and uninsured.
• Safe Storage: Ensure your vehicle is stored exclusively on private property (e.g., a private garage, driveway, or secure storage facility) for the entire duration its plates are deposited.

Insurance Suspension is Not Always Automatic or Complete

While the Strassenverkehrsamt informs your liability insurance company about the plate deposit, do not assume all your insurance needs are automatically covered or cancelled.

• Liability Suspension: Your mandatory third-party liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung) will typically be suspended.
• Other Coverage: If you have partial casco (Teilkasko) or full casco (Vollkasko) insurance for damage, theft, fire, or natural perils, these policies may remain active or change to a "storage insurance" rate. This is especially important if your vehicle is valuable or stored in a place vulnerable to damage or theft.
• Direct Communication: It is highly recommended to contact your insurance provider directly after depositing your plates to clarify the status of your various policies and confirm any premium adjustments.

Losing Plate Deposit Confirmation

The confirmation document you receive from the Strassenverkehrsamt after depositing your plates serves as crucial proof.

• Proof of Deregistration: It verifies that you have fulfilled your obligation and are no longer liable for tax and liability insurance for that period.
• Reactivation Requirement: You may need this document (or its details) when you wish to reactivate your vehicle. Keep it stored securely with your other important vehicle documents.

Technical Inspection (Motorfahrzeugkontrolle - MFK) Before Reactivation

Depending on how long your plates have been deposited and the age of your vehicle, you might need a new technical inspection (MFK) before you can reactivate it.

• Intervals: Swiss vehicles require periodic technical inspections. If the normal inspection interval has passed while your vehicle was off the road, or if it has been out of circulation for a very long time, the Strassenverkehrsamt might require a new MFK before re-issuing your plates.
• Check Cantonal Rules: Verify this requirement with your Strassenverkehrsamt when you plan to reactivate the vehicle.

Handling "Interchangeable Plates" (Wechselschilder)

If you use interchangeable plates (Wechselschilder) – a system allowing you to use one set of plates for two vehicles of the same category (e.g., two cars, two motorcycles), provided only one is used on the road at any given time – the rules for deposit are slightly different:

• Deposit Affects Both: If you deposit your Wechselschilder, both vehicles associated with those plates are considered temporarily deregistered.
• Partial Deregistration: If you only wish to take one of the two vehicles off the road while still using the other, you would typically need to fully deregister the first vehicle (not just deposit the plates) or adjust your Wechselschilder arrangement if allowed by your canton. This often involves the Strassenverkehrsamt annulling the vehicle registration document for the vehicle being taken off the road and informing your insurance.

Table: Depositing Plates vs. Permanent Deregistration/Scrapping

It's important to distinguish between temporarily depositing plates and permanently deregistering a vehicle for scrapping or export.

Feature	Depositing Number Plates (Hinterlegen)	Permanent Deregistration / Scrapping (Abmelden)
Purpose	Temporary non-use, seasonal, storage, sale	Permanent removal from road, end-of-life, export
Plates	Reserved for you (min. 1 year)	Typically destroyed or released for new use
Vehicle Registration Doc.	Marked invalid, returned/retained, reactivated	Annulled, destroyed
Insurance & Tax	Suspended for non-use period	Fully cancelled
Reactivation	Possible with new insurance proof	Requires new registration process (new plates)
Vehicle Status	Remains yours, can be re-registered with same plates	Vehicle ceases to be registered under your name
Cost	Generally free	Generally free (for deregistration), but costs may apply for scrapping itself

What Happens After Plate Deposit?

Once you have successfully deposited your Kontrollschilder and the Fahrzeugausweis with your Strassenverkehrsamt, several important administrative actions occur:

• Confirmation of Deposit: You will receive confirmation that your plates have been deposited. This might be an official letter, a stamped document, or a notification via an online portal. This confirmation is your proof of temporary deregistration.
• Invalidation of Vehicle Registration Document: The Strassenverkehrsamt will typically invalidate the original Fahrzeugausweis (e.g., by cutting a corner, punching a hole, or stamping "ungültig"). This document will either be returned to you (in its invalidated state) or retained by the office. It signifies that the vehicle is no longer legally registered for road use.
• Notification to Insurance Provider: The Strassenverkehrsamt is obligated to inform your liability insurance company about the deposit of your plates. This notification initiates the suspension or adjustment of your liability insurance premiums. While this happens automatically, direct follow-up with your insurer is still highly recommended to confirm the exact status of all your policies.
• Motor Vehicle Tax Suspension: Based on the plate deposit, your obligation to pay motor vehicle tax for that specific vehicle will cease for the period the plates are deposited. You should receive confirmation of this or notice of a credit/reimbursement for any overpaid tax.

Reactivating Your Vehicle: Getting Your Plates Back

When you are ready to put your vehicle back on the road, you will need to "reactivate" it. This process essentially reverses the plate deposit and re-establishes your vehicle's legal status for road use.

Key Requirement: New Insurance Certificate

The single most crucial document for reactivating your vehicle is a new electronic insurance certificate (elektronischer Versicherungsnachweis).

• Contact Your Insurer: Before heading to the Strassenverkehrsamt, contact your chosen liability insurance provider and request an electronic insurance certificate for your vehicle. They will send this certificate directly to your Strassenverkehrsamt electronically. This confirms that your vehicle will have the necessary third-party liability coverage upon re-registration.
• Confirmation of Transmission: Your insurer should provide you with confirmation that the electronic certificate has been transmitted to the Strassenverkehrsamt.

Reactivation Steps

1. Obtain Electronic Insurance Certificate: Contact your insurance company and arrange for them to send the electronic insurance certificate directly to your Cantonal Road Traffic Office.
2. Prepare Documents: Have your invalidated vehicle registration document (if it was returned to you) and your identification ready. If your plates were deposited for an extended period, confirm with your Strassenverkehrsamt if a new technical inspection (MFK) is required before re-registration.
3. Visit or Contact Strassenverkehrsamt:
   • In Person: Go to your Strassenverkehrsamt. Present your documents. Once they verify the electronic insurance certificate has been received, they will re-validate your Fahrzeugausweis and return your reserved number plates to you.
   • By Post (if allowed): Some cantons may allow reactivation by post, especially if you had the invalidated Fahrzeugausweis returned to you. You would typically send this document back to the Strassenverkehrsamt along with a request for reactivation. Your plates would then be sent back to you. Verify this option with your canton.
4. Attach Plates and Drive Legally: Once you have your valid Fahrzeugausweis and physical Kontrollschilder, you can re-attach the plates to your vehicle and drive it legally on Swiss roads, provided all other conditions (e.g., valid driving licence, vehicle roadworthiness) are met.

Checklist: Before You Drive Again

Use this checklist to ensure you've covered all necessary steps before putting your vehicle back on the road after depositing plates:

• Electronic Insurance Certificate: Confirmed that your insurance company has sent a new electronic certificate to your Strassenverkehrsamt.
• Vehicle Registration Document: Possess a valid (re-validated) Fahrzeugausweis for your vehicle.
• Number Plates: Have your physical Kontrollschilder securely attached to the vehicle.
• Technical Inspection (MFK): Confirmed with your Strassenverkehrsamt whether a new MFK is required and, if so, that it has been completed successfully.
• Taxes: Confirmed that motor vehicle tax obligations are re-established.
• Driving Licence: Ensure your own driving licence is valid for the vehicle category.
• Vehicle Condition: Checked that the vehicle is roadworthy and safe to drive after its period of storage.

Official Sources and Further Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding depositing and reactivating Swiss number plates, always consult the official authorities.

• Federal Portal for General Information:
  • ch.ch - Registering and deregistering a car or motorbike (Provides general guidance on Swiss vehicle procedures, including plate deposit)
• Association of Road Traffic Offices (ASA):
  • Addresses of all Cantonal Road Traffic Offices (Strassenverkehrsämter) (Essential for finding the contact details and website of your specific cantonal office)
• Your Cantonal Road Traffic Office Website:
  • Search for "Strassenverkehrsamt [Your Canton Name]" or "Office Cantonal des Automobiles [Your Canton Name]"
  • Look for sections like "Fahrzeug abmelden" (Deregister vehicle), "Nummernschilder hinterlegen" (Deposit number plates), or "Wiederinverkehrsetzung" (Reactivation). These pages will have the specific forms, addresses, and detailed procedures for your canton.

Remember that while federal sources provide overarching rules, the practical implementation, specific forms, and detailed local instructions will be found on your Cantonal Road Traffic Office's official website.