Story Audi Q5 3.0 TDI from Italy
or the difficulties of registering a car with Russian license plates
Case
In July 2024, the owner of a diesel Audi Q5 TDI contacted us with a request to help register the vehicle with the Italian Motor Vehicle Inspectorate (UMC) and register it with the State Automobile Register (PRA).
What was the difficulty?
When moving to Italy for permanent residence, the owner of an Audi Q5 decided to take advantage of preferential vehicle registration. This meant he cleared the car through customs without paying duties and taxes. However, he failed to register the car within the required timeframe.
The owner contacted several agents and was always refused.
The refusals were made for various reasons: some lacked documents, others cited sanctions, and still others simply said it was impossible. They generally advised selling the car and buying a new one in Italy.
But the owner was happy with the car, and we decided to add our experience navigating Italian bureaucracy to our collection.
The owner contacted several agents and was always refused.
The refusals were made for various reasons: some lacked documents, others cited sanctions, and still others simply said it was impossible. They generally advised selling the car and buying a new one in Italy.
But the owner was happy with the car, and we decided to add our experience navigating Italian bureaucracy to our collection.
Italian law requires that a vehicle be re-registered with Italian license plates within three months of receiving residency. Otherwise, a fine of €1,000 and the vehicle being towed to an impound lot, possibly with disposal, is imposed.
A unique aspect of Italy is that each regional government agency interprets Italian law differently. It often happens that what works in one place may not work in another, even with the same initial data. A different organization, a different employee, will give different answers about the possibility of importing a car from Russia.
A complex process lay ahead, but we set out to find a solution. Looking ahead, we had to contact more than one traffic police department and tried different regions. But the bottom line is this: individuals CAN import and import cars registered in the Russian Federation.
A unique aspect of Italy is that each regional government agency interprets Italian law differently. It often happens that what works in one place may not work in another, even with the same initial data. A different organization, a different employee, will give different answers about the possibility of importing a car from Russia.
A complex process lay ahead, but we set out to find a solution. Looking ahead, we had to contact more than one traffic police department and tried different regions. But the bottom line is this: individuals CAN import and import cars registered in the Russian Federation.
Registration process
While the traffic police were searching for the car, its legal use in Italy expired. We stored it in the garage.
When we got the green light, we scheduled an inspection. They check the steering play, brake performance, headlight performance, exhaust system, and verify the engine number (DFA code) and VIN.
A passed inspection is valid for two years.
After the inspection, the ACI prepares the license plates within a week.
This, too, proved challenging. They suddenly refused to recognize the ricevuta in Italy—a receipt confirming the application for a residence permit. Therefore, negotiations and exchanging legal references took some time. The key here is to be persistent and act within the law.
We received the license plates and then registered the car with the State Automobile Registry (PRA).
The next step was getting insurance. Driving without insurance in Italy is prohibited, as it can incur hefty fines.
When we got the green light, we scheduled an inspection. They check the steering play, brake performance, headlight performance, exhaust system, and verify the engine number (DFA code) and VIN.
A passed inspection is valid for two years.
After the inspection, the ACI prepares the license plates within a week.
This, too, proved challenging. They suddenly refused to recognize the ricevuta in Italy—a receipt confirming the application for a residence permit. Therefore, negotiations and exchanging legal references took some time. The key here is to be persistent and act within the law.
We received the license plates and then registered the car with the State Automobile Registry (PRA).
The next step was getting insurance. Driving without insurance in Italy is prohibited, as it can incur hefty fines.
Result
In total, it took about eight months to solve the problem.
But now the owner drives his car in Italy according to all the rules and laws.
We find solutions even in difficult situations!
But now the owner drives his car in Italy according to all the rules and laws.
We find solutions even in difficult situations!
Malaga
April, 2025
We help you find your car and quickly resolve all issues along the way.
Para2Move Team, write to us @Para2Move_Team or email us at Para2move@gmail.com
Para2Move Team, write to us @Para2Move_Team or email us at Para2move@gmail.com
