The vehicle owner is the person or organization that permanently uses a vehicle for its own purposes and decides on its use – regardless of who is registered as the owner in the vehicle registration certificate (registration certificate part II) or who actually drives the vehicle. In the corporate context, the company itself often assumes this role, particularly in the context of a vehicle fleet.
What characterizes a vehicle owner?
In legal terms, a vehicle owner is the person who:
- uses the vehicle for his own account,
- determines the use of the vehicle.
Ownership is particularly relevant when it comes to clarifying liability issues or traffic violations, as the owner can be held liable for certain administrative offenses – even if they were not driving themselves.
Rights and obligations
As a vehicle owner, you have a number of rights and obligations:
Duties:
- Ensure insurance cover
- Apply for vehicle registration
- Have main and exhaust emission tests carried out
- Ensure road safety (e.g. through regular maintenance)
- Organize driver’s license checks and UVV inspections (especially in the vehicle fleet)
- Reporting of keeper data in fine proceedings
Rights:
- Free choice of drivers (for private vehicles)
- Determination of use, utilization and decommissioning
- Access to all vehicle-related documents
Difference to vehicle driver and vehicle owner
- Vehicle driver : Actually drives the vehicle in road traffic.
- Vehicle owner Is in possession of legal ownership (e.g. through a purchase contract).
- Vehicle owner: Is responsible for the operation of the vehicle.
Conclusion
The vehicle owner bears a central responsibility in road traffic and fleet operations. Their duties are clearly regulated by law and relate in particular to road safety,
