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Additional Clarifications on Regulations Concerning M1 Category Passenger Vehicles
Pursuant to a Government Decree, effective April 1, 2026, the initial and temporary registration in Georgia of M1 category passenger vehicles older than six years will be prohibited.
The M1 category covers motor vehicles with a maximum gross weight of up to 5 tonnes. These vehicles are designed to transport passengers and their luggage and have no more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat. To check if a vehicle is in the M1 category, you may consult the LEPL Service Agency of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.
The restriction does not apply to electric vehicles, regardless of their year of manufacture. Vehicles imported into Georgia are also exempt, as long as the importer does not register them. The prohibition also does not apply to vehicles meant for re-export, transit, or export.
The restriction does not apply to vehicles already registered in Georgia or those imported before April 1, 2026.
An exception also applies to vehicles whose transportation to Georgia commenced before April 1, 2026.
In the case of maritime transportation, the bill of lading or other relevant document issued by the carrier must indicate that the vehicle was received at the port of departure, loaded onto the vessel, or placed in a container before 1 April 2026.
For vehicles transported by road, rail, or self-propelled means, the exception will apply only if the vehicle crosses the state border of Georgia by July 1, 2026, and the importer provides documentation confirming that transportation commenced before April 1, 2026.
Furthermore, the requirement that vehicles comply with the Euro 5b emissions standard remains in force, and no additional exemptions apply with respect to this requirement.