Driving in Europe after Brexit

Whether we know it or not, Brexit has changed our lives in a big way. Europe is a different place to visit now, and while it’s still possible to get around, there are more obstacles than there were before. Even though the effects aren’t too bad when people are on vacation, it’s a whole different story for people who want to move.

When people move or travel on the continent, they often want to take their own car or rent one. Driving in Europe can be hard if you’re not used to driving on the other side of the road or don’t know what paperwork you need. We’re here to help you figure out how to drive in Europe by telling you how Brexit has changed the process.

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Driving in Europe: left or right?

The fact that only four countries drive on the left can help you figure out if you need to be on the left or right side of the road.
# The UK
# Republic of Ireland
# Malta
# Cyprus

Everyone else drives on the right. If you are in the UK, you will also be able to tell because the car will be set up on the other side than usual, with the steering wheel on the left instead of the right.

What do I need to drive in Europe after Brexit?

After the UK leaves the EU, it makes sense to think that Brits will have to jump through more hoops. We are no longer part of the EU, so when we leave the UK, some of our documents will no longer be valid. We will go over any special documents you may need to drive in the EU, such as your UK driving license, proof of insurance, registration documents, and the possibility that you may need a local license or IDP.

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Driving License

Residents of the UK who have a UK photocard driving license won’t have to worry about getting a new license or an International Driving Permit (IDP). If your license was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey, or the Isle of Man, or if it is on paper, you may need to apply for an IDP.

If you plan to drive through the EU and into another country, you may need an international driving permit. Keep this in mind if your plans change. Getting an international driving permit costs £5.50 and isn’t too hard to do. If you need one, make sure you do your research because there are a few different kinds.

Getting ready to move to an EU country is a little different. Most UK licenses are only good for a short time, which can change depending on where you go. On the government website, you can find information about swapping licenses for your country. But if you plan to stay abroad longer than this, we suggest that you get a local license and trade in yours.

Certificate of Motor Insurance

When you drive your own car in an EU member state, you will need to be able to show a certificate that shows you have car insurance. Most rental car companies will also suggest that you get insurance. If you don’t, you’ll have to pay for any damage you cause while driving around the country.

When you drive in the EU, you do not need to carry a green card.

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Registration Documents

If you will be driving in the EU for less than a year, you must always have your vehicle registration papers with you. Among these are:
# VE103 to show that you are allowed to drive a rented or leased car abroad.
# Logbook (V5C) registered in your name

Additional driving requirements post-Brexit

GB Stickers After Brexit

After September 28, 2021, number plates on cars registered in the UK will say “UK” instead of “GB.” From this date on, cars that still say “GB” will need a UK sticker to drive in the EU. If your car’s number plate doesn’t have the new UK identifier, you will need to buy a UK sticker and put it on your car.

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Motoring Accidents

If something bad happens and you get into a car accident in an EU country, you don’t need to worry. First, you should call your insurance company. You might need to be ready to file an insurance claim in the local language since legal proceedings must take place in the same country where the accident happened. If the driver who was at fault doesn’t have insurance or can’t be found, you might not get any money.

Breakdown Cover

With Brexit, it’s more important than ever to find out if your UK breakdown cover will still help you if you break down in the EU. There may be a deal where European breakdown services help each other out, but it’s best to know what the rules are before something goes wrong.

Headlight Converters

If you’re from the UK and taking your own car, you may need headlight converters because your headlights are set for driving on the left instead of the right. If you don’t change them, they can blind other drivers.

In the EU, it is against the law to blind other drivers. If you don’t change it, you could get a fine or even lose your insurance. They cost less than $10 and are easy to put on.

Safety Equipment

In some EU countries, you are required to have snow chains, warning triangles, reflective jackets, and winter tyres in your car at certain times of the year. If you don’t have the equipment, you’re breaking the law. In Belgium, having the wrong equipment, or none at all, can get you a fine of up to £500.

Each country has its own list of things you’ll need, so check the list for the country you’re going to. If you rent or lease a car, check the trunk, because most rental companies will give you the tools you need. Check if you need an emissions sticker to avoid a fine of more than £70. This can vary from country to country and city to city.

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Tips for driving in Europe

# If you’re going to rent a car, ask the DVLA for a personal code. This lets the rental company see how many points you have on your license.
# not always checked, but good to have in case.
# Make sure you have the right papers with you, like a passport and a driver’s license.
# When you take your own car, bring all of the above, as well as the car’s logbook, insurance certificate, and a copy of your travel insurance.
# Renting a child’s car seat can cost between £6 and £8 a day, so it’s best to bring your own.
# Before you drive anywhere, check the rules and laws of that country.
# Headlight converters are just stickers that you put on your headlight that change how the low beam works. You can get them at stores like Halfords.
# Stickers that said “GB” have been replaced by stickers that say “UK.” If you drive your own car to Spain, Cyprus, or Malta, you will need a UK sticker even if your license plate already says “UK.” One sticker only costs about £3.99, so make sure you have one before you go.
# The UK’s Highway Code was just updated, so make sure you know the latest rules for driving in the country you are in.
# If you take your car to a country outside of the EU or EEA, like Turkey, you’ll need to ask your insurance company for a “green card” to make sure you can drive there.

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