According to the government, starting from April 1, 2026, both primary and temporary registration of M1 category light cars over 6 years old will be banned in Georgia.
M1 category includes more than 5 tons full-load vehicles designed to carry passengers (with more than 8 seats except the driver’s seat) and their luggage. Consultation can be conducted at the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ SP Service Agency to determine the compliance with the M1 category of a specific car.
The established restriction does not apply to electric cars, and their registration is allowed regardless of the year of issue. The prohibition also does not apply to the import of cars unless the importer does not register them in Georgia, as well as re-export, transit, and export.
The restriction will not apply to cars already registered in Georgia, as well as to cars imported until April 1, 2026.
The exception also applies to those cars whose transportation in the direction of Georgia has begun by April 1, 2026. In case of marine shipping, it shall be stated in the conosement or relevant document issued by the carrier that the vehicle has been received at the port or on the ship or loaded in a container by April 1, 2026.
In case of an automobile, railway, or self-driving car, the exception will apply only if the car crosses the Georgian state border no later than July 1, 2026, and the importer provides documentation that transport has started by April 1, 2026.
In addition, the requirement that the car must meet the Euro 5b standard remains in force, and no additional exception applies to this requirement. Pursuant to a Government Decree, effective 1 April 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 1 April 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.
