European Legalities

Touring in Europe used to feel simple. GB sticker, a wallet full of Euros, a change of underwear and head to the port. A combination of Brexit, increasing emissions regulations and diverging legislation in EU countries means it is getting more complex. There were always a few national variations but these are growing and becoming more diverse

The Basics

The first principal is that to be legal abroad, you must be legal at home. You should not let your MoT expire while abroad, or SORN your vehicle. There are the generic standards – things you need to do pretty much everywhere. You need to take your driving licence, your passport and your V5C registration document showing you are the vehicle keeper or a VE103. A VE103 is a form showing you have permission to take a vehicle you lease, or do not own, abroad. If you have an old non-photo licence then some EU countries will require you to carry an International Driving Permit, so either update your licence or get an IDP from the Post Office.

Your vehicle must be MoT’ed if required, plus taxed and insured. You should take these documents, or copies of them, with you. Your insurance will normally cover you for the EU, plus Bosnia, Lichtenstein, Norway and a few others, but check whether you need to inform your insurers that you are heading over the water. Green Cards are once again not needed in the EU after a period of doubt post-Brexit. You are required to display a UK, not GB, sticker. In most EU countries a UK oval and Union Flag built into the number plate will suffice. However, Spain, Cyprus and Malta require a separate UK sticker.

This all seems pretty simple and sensible. Add a Global Health Card, the newer version of the old EHIC card, and some good travel insurance that covers you for motorcycling and you are heading in the right direction.

Emissions