Road approval

A road approval is the official authorization to operate a vehicle on public roads. This approval documents that the vehicle complies with the applicable legal regulations in terms of safety, environmental compatibility and technical equipment.

In order for a vehicle to be approved, all relevant components (e.g. lighting, mirrors, restraint systems, tires or trailer couplings) must comply with certain standards and often have type approval or individual approval. In Europe, the ECE regulations are particularly relevant here. It defines international standards that are implemented in Germany by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA).

Individual vehicle parts do not receive their own road approval, but can have a type approval, a general operating permit (ABE) or an EC type approval. These certificates are used to ensure that the installation of these parts in an approved vehicle is legally compliant.

For subsequent conversions or additions, vehicle owners must check whether the part used has a valid approval. Without this proof, the operating license of the entire vehicle may expire – which can lead to fines, insurance exclusion or immobilization.