Brexit: Do I need to change sticker on my French car to drive in UK?

A rule change means that British-registered cars require a new sticker to be valid in France. We explain the rules for going in the opposite direction

The UK’s exit from the European Union has led to questions about motoring rules and the right to drive EU-registered cars there
Thomas Brent
Published Last updated

Reader question: Regarding the new rule for displaying a UK sticker on British-registered cars when driving in France - what sticker do I need to display on my French-registered car when driving in the UK? Have the rules changed for that too since Brexit?

You can drive in the UK with a French-registered car (with a French / EU sticker) for up to six out of 12 months in the UK without officially registering it.

A newly introduced rule, referred to in the question, means that people driving UK-registered cars in France must now have a ‘UK’ sticker on their car instead of the previous ones which said ‘GB’ and had an EU flag.

Read more: British-registered cars now need ‘UK’ number plate sticker in France

The UK government rules on driving foreign-registered cars in the UK have not changed.

It is possible then to drive your French-registered car there without formal registration and without changing the sticker on the car.

However, you must ensure that:

  • The car is registered to the driver, or the driver must have proof that they are allowed to use the car.
  • The registration number is displayed on the front and back of the car.
  • The registration numbers are displayed in Latin characters and Arabic numbers
  • There is some sign of what country the vehicle is registered in on the rear of the car.
  • The car is legal and safe for road use in the country where it is registered.

You must also ensure that your car insurance is still valid when travelling outside of the EU. You should check with your insurer in advance of your trip.

If you wish to become a UK resident or have your car for longer than six months in the UK, you need to register and tax your vehicle there. See here for more details.

You are still legally allowed to drive in the UK with a valid French driving licence.

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