Proof of conformity of a motor vehicle

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Anyone who buys a new or used vehicle (in Luxembourg or another country), or who wishes to import their vehicle when relocating to Luxembourg, must be able to provide proof of its conformity for the purpose of registration.

To do so, the owner/holder of the vehicle must possess the following documents:

  • a European certificate of conformity;
  • a photograph of the manufacturer's plate;
  • a conformity sticker (for vehicles not subject to roadworthiness inspections).

European certificate of conformity

The certificate of conformity (also known as the European certificate of conformity, or COC) is a document issued by the manufacturer when the vehicle is first sold. It certifies that the vehicle is compliant with the European Union (EU) directives on automobile approval and driving.

The European certificate of conformity is one of the documents that must be kept on board vehicles registered for the first time on or after 1 February 2016.

For imported vehicles – whether less or more than 3.5 tonnes –, the certificate of conformity will contain the technical data that must be provided to the National Society of Automotive Traffic (Société nationale de circulation automobile – SNCA) to register the vehicle.

Some vehicles do not have a European certificate of conformity. If this is the case, the vehicle's technical data is checked at the time of registration. Two scenarios are then possible:

  • the technical data is documented (in the foreign registration certificates or in technical reports): no other document needs to be submitted;
  • the technical data is incomplete: the owner must visit an authorised technical service to have a technical report for the vehicle drawn up.

Photograph of the manufacturer's plate

The location of the manufacturer's plate is specified in the European certificate of conformity.

A clear, legible photo of the manufacturer's plate must be produced when registering:

  • a new vehicle purchased in Luxembourg;
  • a new vehicle purchased outside Luxembourg.

To prove the conformity of a vehicle that is not registered, the following documents must be provided:

  • a photo of the manufacturer's plate; and
  • the administrative record for vehicles registered for the first time on or after 1 February 2016.

The vehicle must be neither modified nor converted, and must be covered by a full European certificate of conformity with no inconsistencies.

If the vehicle has undergone modifications that alter its technical specifications, the vehicle owner/holder must undertake the procedures to submit registration documents to the SNCA. These procedures also apply to vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes. These modifications may be:

  • a combination of modifications: 2 or more modifications that affect each other (e.g. wheels and suspension); or
  • a single modification (not in combination) to cars, vans and motorcycles.

Depending on the modification or combination of modifications, the applicant must provide:

  • the report by an authorised technical service to prove that the modifications made to the vehicle comply with the legal framework; and/or
  • a certificate of conversion from an automotive professional indicating the vehicle's chassis number, the exact modifications, the references of the technical reports regarding the installed parts or modifications made, and a copy of the technical reports; and/or
  • a certificate of conversion from an automotive professional in addition to a list of any adjustments made.

Further details on possible modification scenarios and the procedures to complete can be found on the SNCA website.

Conformity sticker (for vehicles not subject to roadworthiness inspections)

When the vehicle to be registered is not required to undergo periodic roadworthiness inspections, it must be covered by a valid conformity sticker.

The conformity sticker must be obtained from the SNCA when the vehicle is a type of vehicle that fulfils the legal conditions.

The sticker must be affixed to the vehicle so that it is visible and legible at all times.

The following road vehicles are not subject to periodic roadworthiness inspections:

  • motor vehicles with a maximum design speed that does not exceed 25 km/hr;
  • trailers not intended for the transportation of people and whose maximum authorised mass does not exceed 750 kg;
  • mopeds and light quadricycles;
  • tractors and mobile machines whose maximum design speed does not exceed 40 km/hr, whose unladen kerb mass exceeds 600 kg and which are not designed to exceed 25 km/hr when towing one or more vehicles;
  • vintage vehicles registered for the first time prior to 1 January 1950.

Who to contact

National Society of Automotive Traffic

2 of 6 bodies shown

Related procedures and links

Procedures

Buying a new vehicle Buying a vehicle that was last registered in Luxembourg Buying a vehicle last registered outside Luxembourg Importing a vehicle when moving to Luxembourg

Links

Further information

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