Requirements for UK goods vehicle drivers driving abroad
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, you will need extra documentation to drive a lorry or a truck in the EU and EEA.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, you may also need one or more international driving permits (IDPs) to drive a lorry or a truck in the EU and EEA.
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Some of these requirements may change depending on the terms that the UK leaves the EU.
Haulage journeys to, in or through the EU and EEA
Currently, you must have a standard international operator’s licence along with a community licence for journeys to, from or through the EU and EEA.
Vehicles under 3.5 tonnes (including vans) and drivers operating on own account (carrying their own goods) do not need an international operator’s licence or Driver CPC.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019
You can continue to use your EU Community Licence until 31 December 2019. You will not need any extra permits to transport goods in EU countries until 1 January 2020.
You’d be allowed to do these types of journeys:
- journeys to and from the UK, for example, a journey from the UK to Germany, or a journey from Italy to the UK
- driving through EU countries to reach another EU country, for example, driving through France to reach Spain
- limited cabotage or cross-trade – the rules on what you can do will change from the day the UK leaves the EU
- You will not be allowed to drive through the EU and EEA to a third country, for example, driving through France to get to Switzerland, without an ECMT permit.
If you get a new international operator licence or renew your licence from April 2019, you will get a ‘UK Licence for the Community’ instead of an EU Community Licence. This will work in the same way as the EU Community Licence. It will let you do the same journeys a Community Licence allows. The same rules will apply to using it. You do not need to exchange EU Community Licences for UK Licences for the Community.
Arrangements for haulage in the EU after 2019 are not yet agreed.
Haulage in the Republic of Ireland
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, you can use your Community Licence for journeys to and from Ireland, journeys through Ireland to other EU or EEA countries, or journeys through Ireland between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Haulage in Switzerland and Norway
The UK has signed transport agreements with Switzerland and Norway. The agreements mean that you can continue to drive in Switzerland and Norway using a Community Licence after the UK leaves the EU.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, you will need an ECMT permit for journeys through EU or EEA countries to Switzerland.
Trailer registration
You must register commercial trailers weighing over 750kg and non-commercial trailers weighing over 3,500kg before towing them to or through most EU and EEA countries.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, some EU and EEA countries may also require a separate Green Card as proof of insurance for trailers.
If you take an abnormal load trailer outside the UK, you must apply for a keeper’s certificate for an abnormal load trailer. You need to keep the keeper’s certificate in your vehicle when you go abroad.
Driver CPC for lorry drivers
The UK will continue to recognise Driver CPC qualifications from EU countries after EU Exit.
The EU may not recognise UK-issued Driver CPC qualifications after EU Exit.
Exchanging your UK Driver CPC will ensure that you can continue to work for both UK and EU companies after the UK leaves the EU.
Driving licences and international driving permits
On 28 March 2019, the type of international driving permit (IDP) that some countries outside of the EU and EEA recognise changed.
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, you may need one or more IDPs in addition to your UK driving licence to drive in EU and EEA countries.
If you hold a UK driving licence you will not need an IDP to drive in Ireland when the UK leaves the EU as Ireland does not require IDPs to be held by driving licence holders from non-EU countries.
Number plates and national identifiers
Under international conventions, GB is the distinguishing sign to display on UK-registered vehicles when driving outside of the UK.
Following the UK’s exit from the EU, it is recommended that you display a GB sticker on the rear of your vehicle, whether you currently have a number plate which includes the GB identifier or not.
Vehicle registration documents
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, you should continue to carry your vehicle registration documents with you when driving abroad for less than 12 months. This can be either:
- your vehicle log book (V5C), if you have one
- a VE103 to show you’re allowed to use your hired or leased vehicle abroad
Vehicle insurance and road traffic accidents
If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, there may be changes in the:
- need to carry insurance Green Cards for both vehicles and trailers in the EU and EEA
- way to make an insurance claim when involved in a road traffic accident in an EU or EEA country
Driving to the Port of Dover or Eurotunnel
There are contingency plans to manage freight traffic on the major roads leading to the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel. These plans, activated in times of cross-Channel disruption, are known as Operation Brock. If the UK leaves the EU without a deal on 31 October 2019, Operation Brock may be activated if there are significant delays at the border between Dover and Calais.
Before you travel, check if delays are possible at the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel and check if Operation Brock is active. If Operation Brock is active, check online for advice and look out for road signs telling you where to go.
Plan ahead if you travel during Operation Brock.
For advice on road transport issues, contact Jared Dunbar on 01829 773 105 or jid@dynesolicitors.co.uk
Information is correct at time of writing