Hi, I'm new in Geneva and have just bought a used car, which is now sat in a garage with no plates as the previous owner kept them when I bought it. This is a Swiss car so there's no import issue here

As I've just arrived and don't have my Swiss residents permit yet I can't register the car, and haven't been able to swap my UK drivers license for a Swiss one yet either

Is there any way I can get temporary plates for my car until my residents permit turns up so I can drive it? Will I need proof of insurance to do so, and can I even get insurance whilst I'm still on a UK drivers license?

I've searched this forum and google for an answer to this but without success so apologies if this has been covered before. Thanks, Steve

unlike the UK, the number plate stays with the owner - its not for the car.

you will need your permit/ID card when you register the car.

take it as a 95% chance they will also question why you dont have a swiss licence yet - it only takes a few days to get it.

you will need proof of insurance before they give you the plates, most companies will fax the detials through.

I think I need the residence permit to get a Swiss drivers license though. Basically is there any way to get this car on the road before my residence permit arrives and I can do the proper 1. Get Swiss License 2. Get insurance 3. Register and get plates process?

Thanks!

No

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Email, actually (they've modernized)

And, no, there are no temporary plates here.

However, if you are friends with a car dealer or garage owner, they can theoretically lend you a garage plate (and yes, I have done it many times, but my daughter worked at the dealer).

Tom

modenisation, pah, i still use an abacus.... whatever is the world coming to, next thing houses will have running water.

The new law I heard is the dealer can't loan you his plate without him in the car or he can lose his plates.. but don't you have 11 months you can drive it with your old plates, and what is it a year to change your drivers license to here.

In short, as said above NO.
A dealer wouldn't lend you temporary plates unless he is a very very very good friend- as he would be responsible for any accident and fines.
You just have to be patient and go through the proper registration process and Insurance.

Sliced - the car has NO plates at the moment as bought second-hand in CH.

Indeed you need the permit to register the car, simple as.

The fact you have a UK licence has nothing to do with the fact you still have the year from entrance to surrender it for the Swissy, it makes no odds to the SVK.

The insurance as correctly stated has to be in place before they will had over your plates, and no we don't fax or even e-mail such cover proof anymore it is done almost instantaneously unless the transfer systems are down... at which point I personally favour semaphore