CC and CD stickers on private cars: Fake diplomats face punishment

The answer is clear: This is not permitted – and, depending on the situation, can be considered an administrative offense or even a criminal offense . Anyone driving with such a license plate as a private individual must expect legal consequences.

The stickers stand for "Corps Diplomatique" and "Corps Consulaire" and are closely associated with the special diplomatic status. In Germany, these symbols are reserved exclusively for diplomats, consular officials, or selected foreign representatives officially accredited and registered as such by the Federal Foreign Office. The Vehicle Registration Ordinance (FZV) precisely regulates which markings may be affixed to vehicles. The CD or CC sticker may only be affixed if officially approved and noted on the vehicle registration certificate .

Unlike decorative country license plates , CD/CC stickers are sovereign license plates with signaling significance in road traffic. They indicate a special diplomatic status – particularly with regard to parking zones, traffic controls, and the enjoyment of immunity. For this very reason, they are protected and may not be used by unauthorized persons.

Private individuals who affix a CD or CC sticker to their vehicle without authorization are violating the Vehicle Registration Regulations. This constitutes an administrative offense , which can be punished with a small fine of ten euros . The police can also order the sticker to be removed immediately.

However, it becomes problematic if the sticker deliberately creates the impression that the vehicle is a diplomatically privileged vehicle. Anyone who affixes the sticker with the intention of gaining an advantage in traffic—for example, during a traffic check or in stationary traffic—may be liable to prosecution.

Then two paragraphs, among others, come into effect:

• Section 22 of the Road Traffic Act (StVG): Anyone who unauthorizedly provides a vehicle with a license plate that simulates official status is guilty of license plate misuse. This is punishable by a fine or imprisonment of up to one year.
• Section 132a of the German Criminal Code (StGB): The misuse of titles, professional designations, and badges is also punishable. Here, too, the law provides for fines or imprisonment of up to one year.

In such cases, it is no longer a minor offense, but a deliberate deception that can be prosecuted as an offense - including an entry in the certificate of good conduct and points in the driving license register.

The context is always crucial for the legal assessment: A mere sticker, affixed to a vehicle for collecting or decorative purposes, is usually classified as an administrative offense. However, as soon as there is a concrete attempt at deception—such as actively claiming diplomatic status to authorities or exploiting the sticker to avoid a fine—the sticker becomes a criminally relevant symbol.

Even if one does not pose as an official, but merely feigns the status of a foreign diplomat, this is legally problematic. Assuming rights to which one is not entitled—such as diplomatic immunity—can be punished criminally, even without actually feigning sovereign acts.

In the photo show we show you the creative excuses of traffic offenders.