UK Drivers Face Further Red Tape When Driving In Europe From September
Spain News
Published: 18 August 2021 14:45 CET
Updated: 08 September 2022 14:45 CET
Prior to Brexit, UK drivers visiting Europe were able to drive easily with very little hassle other than to remember to drive on the right and not the left.
However, since cutting ties with the bloc, things that were relatively straightforward have now become a little more difficult.
From September 28, 2021, the number plate national identifiers displayed on vehicles registered in the UK will change from GB to UK.
The identifier can be incorporated on the number plate with a Union Flag or can also be added as a separate sticker.
Any number plates that use the letters GB along with the EU’s Council of Europe golden stars will no longer be valid when driving in Europe.
If a vehicle does not have a UK identifier on the number plate a UK sticker will be required. From the end of September, GB stickers will no longer be acceptable.
It's believed that the new stickers were brought in to be more inclusive to Northern Ireland which isn't a part of Great Britain but forms a part of the United Kingdom.
In a statement, the UK's Department for Transport said, "Changing the national identifier from GB to UK symbolises our unity as a nation and is part of a wider move towards using the UK signifier across government.
"GB number plates will still be valid within the EU as long as drivers display a UK sticker on the rear of their vehicle."
The news comes just months after UK Ministers unveiled a new GB number plate with a Union flag and replaced the previous one known as the ‘Euro plate'.
Unsurprisingly, a number of Brexiteers were not happy about the news.
Former Brexit Party MEP Ben Habib went as far as labelling the move “petty in the extreme”.
“They gain no better understanding of the vehicle or its driver just because it has a GB sticker on it. We live in a digital age.” he said.
He added, “All they need is sight of the number plate to know everything they need to know.
“This is vintage EU, bureaucracy for bureaucracy’s sake, designed to cause difficulties rather than assist. Thank God we are out.”
Driving Licences Will Remain Valid
On a positive note, existing UK driving licences for those who are visiting Spain and the EU will remain valid.
However, there are some exceptions to this in that those who only have the paper driving licence and not a photocard as well as those whose licences were issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man may need to purchase an International Driving Permit (IDP) before driving in certain EU countries.
IDPs can be purchased in the UK for just £5.50 from the Post Office.
IDPs come in three different varieties which are 1926,1949 and 1968.
Which one you will need will depend on the country you are visiting.
The UK government stresses that if you are unsure which IDP you need, you should contact the UK Embassy of the country you are visiting to ascertain any specific requirements prior to travel.
Fortunately, for those wishing to visit and drive in Spain, there is no current requirement to obtain an IDP. More information on IDPs from the UK government can be found at the official address below.
https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit
Drivers will also be required to carry the V5c logbook when driving their own vehicle or a VE103 to prove they are permitted to take it out of the UK if driving a hired or leased vehicle.
It is also essential that your insurance is valid and appropriate for driving abroad and that your vehicle has a valid MOT.
Joel Kempson, Uswitch’s Car insurance Expert, said: “Driving in the EU has been a simple task for decades.
“However, Brexit means that we now need to take extra care when driving into the EU from Great Britain."
He added: “We advise anyone driving into the EU to do their research and ensure they have all the documentation they need to hand well in advance.”
“Failure to do this could result in getting turned away at the port, or in some cases, being issued with a fine or even court.”
Sources
https://www.uswitch.com/car-insurance/guides/what-you-need-to-know-about-driving-in-the-eu/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qaDhPnT6Bn4
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1476127/brexit-news-driving-europe-red-tape-gb-stickers-licence-plate-ben-habib-spain
https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/general-advice
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47459859
