Which cars are not eligible for registration in the EU: key requirements and risks for Ukrainians

The European Union has strict technical and environmental standards for cars. Find out which cars are difficult or impossible to register in the EU, what to look for before buying, and what documents are required for a car to be allowed on European roads

Get your electronic road vignette for traveling in Europe online

GET

The European market has clear standards for transport, and not every car — especially those imported from countries outside the EU — can be registered. This is important to consider for Ukrainians who buy cars abroad, transport cars from Ukraine, or plan to register them after moving.

Non-compliance with standards may mean that the car will not be registered, will not pass technical inspection, and sometimes even be banned from use in certain cities due to “eco-zones.”

Top reasons why you will not be able to register a car in Europe

Before buying or importing a car into Europe, it is worth figuring out which models are not compatible with EU legislation and how to avoid risks.

Cars without a Certificate of Conformity (CoC): the main reason for refusal

A Certificate of Conformity confirms that a vehicle complies with European safety and environmental standards. Without a CoC, it may be impossible to register a car in the EU.

This is especially true for cars imported from the US, Canada, Korea, or the UAE. Even if the car is technically sound, but the manufacturer has not issued a CoC for this model, registration will be a problem.

American and other “non-European” cars: risks and additional costs

Models released for the American market often have:

● a different type of headlights and rear turn signals,

● different bumpers and safety standards,

● a speedometer in miles,

● compliance with American EPA environmental standards rather than European ones.

The main barrier is emissions. The EU has Euro 6 or Euro 7 standards, and even a slight non-compliance can be grounds for refusal of registration. Retrofitting such cars is expensive and not always possible.

Old diesel cars: eco-zone restrictions in Europe

Many EU countries have local entry rules:

● In Germany, France, and Belgium, cars below Euro 5 are prohibited from driving in city centers.

● Some cities completely restrict diesel cars older than 2009–2011.

● Special stickers (Umweltplakette, Crit'Air) are required to enter eco-zones.

Even if a car is registered, movement within cities may be restricted or prohibited.

Tip: If you plan to drive through Europe, remember about road vignettes — in many countries, fines without them can reach €80–300. You can quickly obtain an electronic vignette at Visit Ukraine — you will receive the document online in a minute, without queues or language barriers.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Cars after an accident, restoration, or with “rebuild” status

European technical inspections are very strict. A car that has been in a serious accident, had its body, subframe, or geometry restored, or has hidden damage often fails technical inspection due to safety risks. Even high-quality repairs do not guarantee a CoC or a positive technical inspection.

Tuning and modifications: not everything is allowed

Only certified parts can be installed in the EU. Problematic areas include: engine replacement, sports exhausts, non-standard suspension, LED headlights without certification, body and bumper extensions. Any changes that are not officially registered are considered illegal — the car will not pass inspection.

What to check before buying a car for registration in the EU

1. Eco-standard (Euro). Make sure the engine complies with the standards of the country where you plan to register it.

2. Availability of CoC. Without a certificate of conformity, you will have to undergo an individual examination — this is expensive and not always successful.

3. Car history. Avoid cars with the following statuses: salvage, rebuilt, non-repairable, export only.

4. Is registration of this model permitted in your EU country? Different countries have different nuances in their legislation.

5. Have there been any modifications, and are there documents confirming their legalization?

Why Europe regulates cars so strictly

The standards are aimed at reducing harmful emissions, improving road safety, creating uniform rules for everyone entering or residing in the EU, and protecting cities from pollution and excessive traffic.

Ukrainians who move to the EU or buy a car abroad should keep these rules in mind to avoid extra costs or not being able to register their car.

Also, when planning a trip to Europe in your own car, don't forget to get an electronic vignette — it's a must in many countries. The easiest way to do this is online at Visit Ukraine, where it only takes a few minutes.

We remind you! In most European countries, the penalty point system helps to reduce the number of accidents and make drivers more disciplined. Read about how penalty points work in France, Germany, Italy, and Poland, which violations lead to the loss of driving privileges, and how this affects insurance.

Photo: Shutterstock

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.