Since the UK left the European Union, rules about driving in Europe have been a little different. Read on to find out what you need to know before you hit the road.
Leaving the European Union (EU) changed a lot of things, including what we need to have and do if we plan to drive in Europe.
To help you get the right paperwork and identifiers for your trip, we’ve put together the following guidance on the changes.
Green cards
A green card is proof that you have insurance that enables you to legally drive around another country.
However, since we left Europe, it has been decided that you no longer need to have a green card to travel in a European Economic Area (EEA), including Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. It also won’t be needed for driving in Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Switzerland or Serbia.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
If you have a UK photocard licence, you won’t need an IDP to travel to countries in the EU. You will also be able to drive around Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland without a permit.
However, if you only have a paper licence, you may need an IDP. You may also need one if your driving licence was granted in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
Longer stays may also mean that you need an IDP. The definition of a ‘long stay’ varies from country to country, but as a UK citizen you need to bear in mind that you are only able to stay in the EU for up to 90 days in any 180-day time period.
Identifiers
Post-Brexit, the rules have also changed regarding national identifiers.
Vehicles that have the GB mark with the golden stars of the EU will no longer be valid when driving in Europe.
Instead, you will need to have UK identification. New cars will have a UK marker with a Union Flag on their licence plate, but if you do not have this, then you will need to display a UK sticker.
In Spain, Cyprus and Malta you will also need a UK sticker even if you already have this marker included in your licence plate.
What else will I need to drive in Europe?
To legally drive in Europe, you will also need the following:
- A certification of Motor Insurance
- Your UK driving licence
- The vehicle Log Book (V5C)
- A VE103 if you are using a hired or leased vehicle
- A Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VOHC), if applicable (this should be provided by the company leasing your vehicle).
Going abroad?
If you’re planning to drive in Europe, make sure you get in touch with us to let us know where you are planning to drive and when. We can then update your Car Insurance.
You can also get in touch with us to discuss your Travel Insurance needs.
