In the canton of St. Gallen, one- to four-digit license plate numbers can only be inherited in a direct line. For example, if the grandmother passes away, her car is transferred to her daughter and then on to her grandchild. In this way, the license plate number is passed down twice in a direct line, and the grandchild can take over the number. How does this work in other cantons? <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In Swiss road traffic law, as in many other areas of law, a distinction must be made between federal and cantonal jurisdictions: While the Road Traffic Act (SVG) uniformly requires nationwide that all motor vehicles be equipped with a license plate, the cantonal motor vehicle departments are responsible for issuing them. Sometimes, these offices generate additional revenue for the cantonal administration by auctioning off low-numbered plates or plates with special number combinations. Once you have acquired such a license plate, you will likely want to keep it and perhaps even pass it down to future generations. <\/p>\n\n
What all cantonal regulations have in common is that the purchaser does not acquire ownership of the license plate but rather \u201crents\u201d it from the Department of Motor Vehicles for a (usually one-time) fee and must return it at the end of the period of use. Use generally ends when the registered vehicle is deregistered, unless a new vehicle is registered under the same license plate instead. However, the death of the vehicle owner may also be grounds for returning the license plate if it is not transferred to another person. <\/p>\n\n
That said, the rules regarding whether license plates are transferable and what happens to them in the event of death can vary greatly from canton to canton. Here are a few examples: <\/p>\n\n
If your canton of residence does not appear on this list, it is best to check with the relevant Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what regulations apply.<\/p>\n\n
To transfer the license plate, the previous owner\u2019s signature is normally required on the appropriate form. You can fill out this form in advance and keep it, for example, together with your will. That way, it will be available in the event of your death and can be submitted to the Department of Motor Vehicles. If no form has been prepared in advance, all beneficiaries listed in the family register or the inventory of estate must sign on behalf of the deceased in the event of death. In addition, the Department of Motor Vehicles may request copies of documents relevant to the estate. <\/p>\n\n
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