Interchangeable plates: how to apply for interchangeable plates
An interchangeable number plate is a number plate for two different vehicles. Comparis explains the details.
30.01.2024
iStock/Jens Rother
1. What are interchangeable number plates/licence plates?
Interchangeable plates are number plates for two different vehicles. You can only attach an interchangeable plate to one vehicle at a time. This could be when you drive a different car at the weekend than you do during the week, for example.
The advantage is you pay less tax and insurance than if you register each vehicle individually. The downside is only one of the vehicles can be used at a time.
2. Requirements for interchangeable number plates
The following applies regarding interchangeable number plates:
the same person must be the keeper of the vehicle.
both vehicles are registered in the same canton.
both vehicles need valid liability insurance.
Interchangeable plates: how many vehicles per plate?
You can use interchangeable number plates/licence plates for a maximum of two vehicles in the same category. The same plates cannot be used for cars and motorcycles.
Interchangeable plates for three or more cars
For certain vehicle types, you can use interchangeable plates for more than two vehicles:
classic cars
trailers
commercial vehicles
motorised bicycles and e-bikes
Comparis tip
Use special mounts for interchangeable plates, or magnetic plates. It makes the plates easier to switch.
3. Interchangeable plates and insurance: how does it work?
The liability insurance for interchangeable plates applies in full to the vehicle with the plates. For the vehicle without license plates, the insurance only applies to damage suffered in non-public places.
You can usually choose casco cover individually for each vehicle. This means that you can have full casco insurance for one vehicle, but only partial casco for the other.
You must inform your insurance company if you want to apply for interchangeable number plates. You won’t receive them if you don’t.
4. How much do interchangeable number plates cost?
Fees vary depending on the canton. In cantons Zurich and Ticino, interchangeable number plates for cars cost 50 francs. In St. Gallen, you pay 40 francs, whereas in Basel-Stadt they cost 70 francs.
In addition, interchangeable number plates for motorcycles and trailers usually have different prices than for cars. In Zurich, interchangeable plates for motorbikes cost just 30 francs.
5. When is it worth getting interchangeable plates?
Having interchangeable number plates can save you a lot of money. This is because you usually only pay motor vehicle tax for the most expensive vehicle. This is also true for liability insurance.
Example calculation: interchangeable number plates in Zurich
| Costs for two individually registered vehicles (CHF) | Costs for two vehicles registered with interchangeable plates (CHF) | |
|---|---|---|
| Motor vehicle tax | 1,336 | 998 |
| Liability insurance | 525.50 | 291.70 |
| Partial casco | 386.30 | 206.60 |
| Total | 2’247 | 1’496.30 plus one-time interchangeable plate fee: 50 |
Source: Traffic duties calculator for canton of Zurich, Comparis car insurance comparison
(as of: December 2023)
Basis of calculation
Škoda Octavia Combi 2.0 TDI SCR 150 4×4 Ambition
150 horsepower
Automatic
Cubic capacity 1,968 cm³
1,473 kg
List price 41,070
Accessories 3,452
1. Date of registration: January 2020
12,000 km/year
Policyholder = most frequent driver
Without lease
Garage available at home and at work
Jaguar XKR S/C Cabriolet
396 horsepower
Automatic
Cubic capacity 4,196 cm³
2,110 kg
List price 132,000
Accessories 13,200
1. Date of registration: January 2004
5,000 km/year
Policyholder = most frequent driver
Without lease
Garage available at home and at work
Sandra Muster
born: 1.1.1986
Driving licence since 1.1.2006
Nationality: Switzerland
Place of residence Zurich
6. Applying for interchangeable number plates
You can get interchangeable licence plates from your local Road Traffic Office. To apply, you will need the same documents as when you registered the first vehicle:
your electronic proof of insurance
your vehicle registration document
Which car insurance is the best for me?
Compare current car insurance premiums with Comparis. Please note that you cannot yet calculate premiums for interchangeable plates. This is because the option is generally not available on insurance companies’ online calculators.
This article was first published on 28.01.2022
