Driving a foreign car into the UK
Discussion
Hi
How difficult is it to import an EU registered (French) car, over 15 yrs old, into the UK?
I'm guessing the main issue with driving it in through Dover is that although I can get insurance on it, and pre-book an MOT, it will still be displaying French plates and (my understanding is that) a UK national can't drive an EU registered car in the UK?
Its perfectly drivable and I don't need the hassle of a trailer.
Any advice? (I have the DVLA guide in terms of what I need to do to get it registered etc, but can't seem to get around the issue about it not being DVLA registered and me being a UK resident during that journey from Port to home/MOT station.
How difficult is it to import an EU registered (French) car, over 15 yrs old, into the UK?
I'm guessing the main issue with driving it in through Dover is that although I can get insurance on it, and pre-book an MOT, it will still be displaying French plates and (my understanding is that) a UK national can't drive an EU registered car in the UK?
Its perfectly drivable and I don't need the hassle of a trailer.
Any advice? (I have the DVLA guide in terms of what I need to do to get it registered etc, but can't seem to get around the issue about it not being DVLA registered and me being a UK resident during that journey from Port to home/MOT station.
What started as 4 Police forces running a trial, became 7 and now all forces can apply for the power to seize vehicles that are not registered in the UK but are being used by UK residents.
The commonly quoted "6 months grace" does not apply if you are a UK resident - this means that if you bring an eastern-european registered car to the UK and start working here, for a UK employer, paying UK tax, even if you only intend to be here for 5 months, you must register the car with DVLA at or before the point you become a UK resident or else the Police have the power to seize it.
Op Jessica is the umbrella Police operation used to seize foreign registered vehicles in use by UK residents.
http://www.hughesguides.com/foreignvehicles.pdf
Trade Plates sounds like a solution, but how can I, as a private citizen not working in the motor trade, get and use a pair legally?
I recall "Red & White - Stop on sight" as a Police indication of how often they find Trade Plates being used unlawfully.
The commonly quoted "6 months grace" does not apply if you are a UK resident - this means that if you bring an eastern-european registered car to the UK and start working here, for a UK employer, paying UK tax, even if you only intend to be here for 5 months, you must register the car with DVLA at or before the point you become a UK resident or else the Police have the power to seize it.
Op Jessica is the umbrella Police operation used to seize foreign registered vehicles in use by UK residents.
http://www.hughesguides.com/foreignvehicles.pdf
Trade Plates sounds like a solution, but how can I, as a private citizen not working in the motor trade, get and use a pair legally?
I recall "Red & White - Stop on sight" as a Police indication of how often they find Trade Plates being used unlawfully.
As a UK resident you can use an EU car with foreign plates for 6 months as long as it's registered where it came from. ie if it's a French car registered in france then you're OK. If it's not registered as legal to drive anywhere then obviously is not legal to drive in the UK either.
I don't think seizing foreign registered classics driven by UK citizens is very high on the priority list for UK police..
I don't think seizing foreign registered classics driven by UK citizens is very high on the priority list for UK police..
ZERO problem
Insured in France....cart Gris/Control Technique are both valid.
When back in the UK....Book MoT....have it MoT'd on the Vin
Download DVLA import form
Phone Tax office, obtain (they send it to DVLA) Zero Vat form
Send MoT/French Docs off to DVLA with money + Form
They issue UK plate
You will need Uk spec headlamps and MPH speedo for MoT
Insured in France....cart Gris/Control Technique are both valid.
When back in the UK....Book MoT....have it MoT'd on the Vin
Download DVLA import form
Phone Tax office, obtain (they send it to DVLA) Zero Vat form
Send MoT/French Docs off to DVLA with money + Form
They issue UK plate
You will need Uk spec headlamps and MPH speedo for MoT
sparkey said:
As a UK resident you can use an EU car with foreign plates for 6 months as long as it's registered where it came from. ie if it's a French car registered in france then you're OK. If it's not registered as legal to drive anywhere then obviously is not legal to drive in the UK either.
I don't think seizing foreign registered classics driven by UK citizens is very high on the priority list for UK police..
HiI don't think seizing foreign registered classics driven by UK citizens is very high on the priority list for UK police..
Sorry, thats not correct - As a UK resident you can't drive an EU car on foreign plates for 6 months - Search for "Op Jessica" - UK Police seizing thousands of cars being driven in these circumstances.
It may not be a high enforcement priority, but I'm keen to remain legal...
Stickyfinger said:
ZERO problem
Insured in France....cart Gris/Control Technique are both valid.
When back in the UK....Book MoT....have it MoT'd on the Vin
Download DVLA import form
Phone Tax office, obtain (they send it to DVLA) Zero Vat form
Send MoT/French Docs off to DVLA with money + Form
They issue UK plate
You will need Uk spec headlamps and MPH speedo for MoT
The problem is the drive from Port of entry to home (or even a pre-arranged MOT) - It isn't legal for a UK resident to drive an EU registered car on UK roads (the exceptions are very limited and don't cover these circumstances - e.g. UK forces personnel)Insured in France....cart Gris/Control Technique are both valid.
When back in the UK....Book MoT....have it MoT'd on the Vin
Download DVLA import form
Phone Tax office, obtain (they send it to DVLA) Zero Vat form
Send MoT/French Docs off to DVLA with money + Form
They issue UK plate
You will need Uk spec headlamps and MPH speedo for MoT
The rest is correct, but thats the process for import - my concern is the first drive from Port to home (or pre-arranged MOT)
iDrive said:
Stickyfinger said:
ZERO problem
Insured in France....cart Gris/Control Technique are both valid.
When back in the UK....Book MoT....have it MoT'd on the Vin
Download DVLA import form
Phone Tax office, obtain (they send it to DVLA) Zero Vat form
Send MoT/French Docs off to DVLA with money + Form
They issue UK plate
You will need Uk spec headlamps and MPH speedo for MoT
The problem is the drive from Port of entry to home (or even a pre-arranged MOT) - It isn't legal for a UK resident to drive an EU registered car on UK roads (the exceptions are very limited and don't cover these circumstances - e.g. UK forces personnel)Insured in France....cart Gris/Control Technique are both valid.
When back in the UK....Book MoT....have it MoT'd on the Vin
Download DVLA import form
Phone Tax office, obtain (they send it to DVLA) Zero Vat form
Send MoT/French Docs off to DVLA with money + Form
They issue UK plate
You will need Uk spec headlamps and MPH speedo for MoT
The rest is correct, but that's the process for import - my concern is the first drive from Port to home (or pre-arranged MOT)
The car was/has to be Insured, Registered in France, have Control Technique etc
(I used a company in Paris for a short weeks insurance for cover back from the place of purchase, this was pre arranged with the assistance of the seller who faxed all the relevant forms/details to them directly)
Edited by Stickyfinger to correct my errors about Road Tax in France
Edited by Stickyfinger on Sunday 13th August 08:12
Well there's no road tax in France, and Operation Jessica is targeting cars that have been on the road in the U.K. For over 6 months.
Just drive it but be insured.
If the car is legal in France then it's OK in U.K. But not indefinitely.
Lots of expats moving back to UK (Brexit) I don't see their cars being confiscated at the ports, maybe after 6 months.
Just drive it but be insured.
If the car is legal in France then it's OK in U.K. But not indefinitely.
Lots of expats moving back to UK (Brexit) I don't see their cars being confiscated at the ports, maybe after 6 months.
Stickyfinger said:
The only question is the road tax issue, I was informed by the DVLA help line that if I was going from port to home there is not a problem (if the car is Registered in France) as there is no "intent" to avoid paying Uk road tax as it is not possible to obtain that as the car is yet to be registered.
Nice of the Helpline, but they won't be there when I drive through Dover at 2am - It relies on the Police to elect to not seize my car - and I'm keen to be legal, not rely on the nicety of the Officer.Edited by Stickyfinger to correct my errors about Road Tax in France
Edited by Stickyfinger on Sunday 13th August 08:12
leyorkie said:
Well there's no road tax in France, and Operation Jessica is targeting cars that have been on the road in the U.K. For over 6 months.
Just drive it but be insured.
If the car is legal in France then it's OK in U.K. But not indefinitely.
Lots of expats moving back to UK (Brexit) I don't see their cars being confiscated at the ports, maybe after 6 months.
Unfortunately, the 6 months only applies if you are not a UK resident - if you are, you are required to have the car UK registered and taxed at all timesJust drive it but be insured.
If the car is legal in France then it's OK in U.K. But not indefinitely.
Lots of expats moving back to UK (Brexit) I don't see their cars being confiscated at the ports, maybe after 6 months.
iDrive said:
Unfortunately, the 6 months only applies if you are not a UK resident - if you are, you are required to have the car UK registered and taxed at all times
indeed. gotta love forums.
Some other countries are hot on this and clamp down, not so much as a pure police issue, more for revenue. Portugal and Switzerland for sure.
i suspect if you had 'all your ducks lined up' to be legit asap then bib would use discretion. not ideal for you as you've stated. Maybe get met at the port by a trailer? that would cost some ££ but not as much as a full transfer from abroad.
News to me!
I have a 1991 Alfa Spider registered, insured and CT'd in France (where we have a house but are non-resident). I brought it back to the UK last year for some work at a local specialist and didn't experience any problems, however I was not stopped by the Police. Will obviously have to be more careful in future.
I had thought that drivers of foreign registered cars had a period of grace before having to register their cars in the UK (as is the case in France)?
I have a 1991 Alfa Spider registered, insured and CT'd in France (where we have a house but are non-resident). I brought it back to the UK last year for some work at a local specialist and didn't experience any problems, however I was not stopped by the Police. Will obviously have to be more careful in future.
I had thought that drivers of foreign registered cars had a period of grace before having to register their cars in the UK (as is the case in France)?
Pre book an mot locally to you, for the earliest time available. Give the mot centre chassis number to log on their appointments sheet. .gov site says you cannot be prosecuted if driving to a pre arranged mot it does not say anything about this being local or how early you may arrive there. I'm sure if the car looks legit and as said before you have all of your evidence to back up your intentsions your car will not be seized.
Oh and by the way what car is it?
Oh and by the way what car is it?
Edited by cahami on Sunday 13th August 14:49
I give up.
Could someone please explain why I have never seen a foreign can impounded at any port and driver just stood there with no transport.
Make around 10 crossings per year for the last 15 years.
According to this Frenchspider should have lost his car at the port
I'm out I've had enough of experts talking rubbish
OP don't do it you have your car taken off you at the port and crushed.
There happy?
Could someone please explain why I have never seen a foreign can impounded at any port and driver just stood there with no transport.
Make around 10 crossings per year for the last 15 years.
According to this Frenchspider should have lost his car at the port
I'm out I've had enough of experts talking rubbish
OP don't do it you have your car taken off you at the port and crushed.
There happy?
iDrive said:
Hi
How difficult is it to import an EU registered (French) car, over 15 yrs old, into the UK?
I'm guessing the main issue with driving it in through Dover is that although I can get insurance on it, and pre-book an MOT, it will still be displaying French plates and (my understanding is that) a UK national can't drive an EU registered car in the UK?
Its perfectly drivable and I don't need the hassle of a trailer.
Any advice? (I have the DVLA guide in terms of what I need to do to get it registered etc, but can't seem to get around the issue about it not being DVLA registered and me being a UK resident during that journey from Port to home/MOT station.
How will they know at the port of entry what your Intentions are?How difficult is it to import an EU registered (French) car, over 15 yrs old, into the UK?
I'm guessing the main issue with driving it in through Dover is that although I can get insurance on it, and pre-book an MOT, it will still be displaying French plates and (my understanding is that) a UK national can't drive an EU registered car in the UK?
Its perfectly drivable and I don't need the hassle of a trailer.
Any advice? (I have the DVLA guide in terms of what I need to do to get it registered etc, but can't seem to get around the issue about it not being DVLA registered and me being a UK resident during that journey from Port to home/MOT station.
Just look unconcerned and do not look shifty and there should be no probs
Back in the 80's I was MD of a company in Norway, and we had a car from the Belgium subsidiary,.The UK training manager, said he would drive it back to UK, and then drive it to Belgium when he next visited (he did European training for the Group), he got to Newcastle on the ferry and could not enter as he was a UK resident. I got left on the dock in Newcastle. I took the ferry for my next leave a few weeks latter, got in the car and drove it out no problem as although, on British passport, I could prove I was not resident, left it at the Birmingham subsidiary and the training manger drove it to Belgium no problem.
Probably all changed but the issue was residency not citizenship. I had a Norwegian car and when I drove it to UK I was always asked, at customs before entry for proof of residency.
Probably all changed but the issue was residency not citizenship. I had a Norwegian car and when I drove it to UK I was always asked, at customs before entry for proof of residency.
What then counts as proof of residency? I can produce utility and local tax bills for our house in France as well as proof of ownership, if necessary and my Alfa Spider being registered in France has our French address on the Carte Grise (registration document). If I were to roll up at a U.K. Port in the Spider with said documents how could they determine that I was non-resident in France?
iDrive said:
Hi
How difficult is it to import an EU registered (French) car, over 15 yrs old, into the UK?
I'm guessing the main issue with driving it in through Dover is that although I can get insurance on it, and pre-book an MOT, it will still be displaying French plates and (my understanding is that) a UK national can't drive an EU registered car in the UK?
Its perfectly drivable and I don't need the hassle of a trailer.
Any advice? (I have the DVLA guide in terms of what I need to do to get it registered etc, but can't seem to get around the issue about it not being DVLA registered and me being a UK resident during that journey from Port to home/MOT station.
Well you asked for advice and the overwhelming advice appears to be that you should drive it, there's no problem. How difficult is it to import an EU registered (French) car, over 15 yrs old, into the UK?
I'm guessing the main issue with driving it in through Dover is that although I can get insurance on it, and pre-book an MOT, it will still be displaying French plates and (my understanding is that) a UK national can't drive an EU registered car in the UK?
Its perfectly drivable and I don't need the hassle of a trailer.
Any advice? (I have the DVLA guide in terms of what I need to do to get it registered etc, but can't seem to get around the issue about it not being DVLA registered and me being a UK resident during that journey from Port to home/MOT station.
You, however seem determined to find someone to agree with you and to find a problem and make it difficult for yourself.
So that you can rest easy I'll change my advice:
Definitely don't drive it! It's a terrible offence! I have it on good authority that the police are reading this thread and have a car waiting outside Dover for you to make your move and are looking forward to crushing your car and arresting you.
Get a trailer or don't get a French car.
I always used a work permit as proof of residency, these days I am resident in Asia so I still use a permit in my passport, my wife has used utility bills to prove UK residency, so may be ok as work permits no longer exist in Europe, do you have tax statement or the equivalent of a NHI Number,
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