Brexit will affect UK drivers in EU member states in a variety of ways.
This guide highlights some of the adjustments that will happen.
The changes to the processes and regulations that govern driving around Europe will impact driving permits, vehicle insurance, driving licences and a myriad of other circumstances that motorists will have to take into account if they want to drive on European highways after Brexit. This will be especially important for those who drive HGVs or are learning at places such as the LGV Training Company.
International Driving Permits
If UK proceeds to have a no-deal Brexit on March 29 the Department for Transport has suggested that British drivers who want to drive in EU countries will be necessitated to acquire an International Driving Permit (IDP).
What is an IDP, exactly? Fundamentally, it is a translated form of your current licence. It will allow authorities in EU nations to confirm your credentials in an expedient manner. One can apply for an IDP at the Post Office. You will have to part with £5.50 to acquire it.
Keep in mind that the IDP will have to be accompanied by your normal photo card licence, on its own, it is an invalid document.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit?
In actual fact, there are two distinct kinds of IDPs you can buy. One is mandated by the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic and the second arises from the 1968 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic.
After March 29, IDPs under the 1949 Act will apply in Spain, Ireland, Malta and Cyprus only. 1968 IDPs will have to be procured by those seeking to travel to any other European Union country. The Department of Transport has indicated that the licence you require will be based on the EU country that you will be driving in. It has also indicated that drivers missing the necessary licence will be turned back at border points or encounter compliance actions such as penalties and fines for lacking the legally required documents.
Green Card
British citizens driving in Europe after Brexit will also require a motor insurance green card as a compulsory addition to the IDP. The green card is documentary proof from your insurer showing that you are covered with adequate insurance to drive abroad.
The good thing is that applying for a green card is a cost-free process that is quite convenient; you just need to contact your insurance provider and request for one.
Road Traffic Accidents
If you will be driving on European roads post-Brexit you are counselled to confirm with your insurance provider on claim processing. Demand for clarity that in case of involvement in a road crash with an EU driver, where you consequently file a claim, your insurance company will follow up on your stead with the EU driver’s insurer and act on your behalf in the matter.
Vehicle Registration Documents
If a no-deal Brexit happens on March 29, the laws governing vehicle registration when moving within Europe are not expected to change.
The normal practice of always having your V5C log book with you in your car should be continued. In cases where you are using a hired UK-registered vehicle make sure you have a VE103 as evidence that you have the right to drive the car in the EU.
Number Plates and GB Stickers
As it is currently, UK registered cars on roads in EEA and EU countries must retain a GB sticker fastened at the rear. The exception is only for cars that have a Euro-plate which is a number plate that contains an EU flag symbol as well as a GB sign on the left.
If no-deal Brexit happens UK-registered cars must attach a GB sticker; it does not matter whether they have a Euro-plate or not.
Trailer Registration
After March 29, the registration of commercial trailers exceeding 750kg and non-commercial ones with a weight of more than 3500kg will be mandatory before they are transported to any EU or EAA destination.
Though no legal obligation is necessary, motorists can elect to officially register trailers that are non-commercial and weigh over 750kg.