The rules on British number plates for anyone travelling abroad in their car are set to change from today, 28th September 2021.

28th September, 2021

Previously, Brits would display a ‘GB’ sticker on their car before driving abroad – unless they had a number plate that also features the ‘GB’ initials, underneath the Union Jack.

As of today, the Government requires every motorist to display the letters ‘UK’ on their vehicle before entering another country.

The new rules come into effect from Tuesday, September 28, at the end of the summer holiday season.

The change comes after the government unveiled a new British number plate on January 31, 2021 – the first anniversary of Brexit.

Transport secretary Grant Shapps presented the new design, which features the letters ‘GB’ under a flag of the Union Jack. British number plates had previously featured GB under a circle of EU stars.

Welsh and Scottish drivers could still travel abroad with number plates displaying the Welsh or Scottish flag, but only if they also placed a GB sticker on their vehicle.

The new rule change means that the GB sticker will no longer be valid.

Every motorist under the new law will either need to buy a new number plate featuring the letters UK, or make sure they have a sticker displaying the same letters to prevent any punishment.

Drivers who ordered the new design earlier this year must now purchase a UK sticker to put alongside it to make it legal.

If Britons fail to display the letters UK somewhere on their vehicle when abroad after the end of September, they will be fined according to the law of the country they are in.

The Government’s website contains more information about what British drivers must currently do when travelling abroad with a vehicle – you can access this information here*.

Your UK vehicle insurance gives you a minimum of third party cover to drive your vehicle in EU countries.

If you’re planning to drive on the Continent, it might be worth checking with your insurer if your policy covers extra things like theft or damage. As your current UK cover levels may not transfer abroad.

If you’re an existing One Call customer, you can check your cover levels in your policy documents which can be found on your account on our customer portal.

If you’re not a One Call customer, please contact your insurer or insurance broker to find out more.

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** Please note that the above information has been gathered through secondary research. The information provided is not based on our opinion. You should seek further guidance and information before making an informed decision.