As of 18 July 2024, you will need a bilateral road haulage permit to travel to or through Norway. This has replaced the UK Licence for the Community.
A UK Licence for the Community does require usage in other instances. This includes journeys for hire or reward within the EU, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
It is a single permit that covers trips between these countries.
It also allows transit traffic through these countries to and from non-EU countries. However, you will need extra permits for the non-EU countries.
The UK Licence for the Community also allows you to carry out a few haulage jobs inside an EU country.
This is called ‘cabotage’. It also works between two EU countries, known as ‘cross-trade’.
There are no limits on the number of available licences.
Eligibility
A standard international vehicle operator’s licence for Great Britain or Northen Ireland is needed to apply for a UK Licence for the Community.
Where you can use the licences
You can use UK Licences for the Community in the 27 EU countries and 3 other countries. A full list of these countries can be found on the Government website here.
Rules for using the licences
You can only use licences issued to you. You cannot transfer them to another operator or company.
The licence includes:
- A copy that you must keep at your main office for inspection by enforcement agencies.
- A certified copy for each of the vehicles authorised by your standard international vehicle operator licence.
Certified copies of the licences are not specific to any one vehicle.
What to do when you make journeys
For any journey transporting goods throughout the EU, you must carry a certified copy of your UK Licence for the Community.
It is a legal requirement to carry a certified copy if you’re transporting goods using another type of permit.
This also applies to drivers who are asked to show it by an enforcement officer.
It is illegal to not carry the certified copy or show it to enforcement officers when asked to.
For more advice on the new international road haulage licence amendments, please contact Jared Dunbar at jid@dynesolicitors.co.uk or on 01829 773 105.