May 21, 2012

Driving Abroad? You May Need A GB Sticker

If you plan to use your car outside the UK, you need to make sure it has the correct country code markings on it.

This is pretty simple – here are the rules:

  • Within EU – GB sticker or EU-style registration plates with GB on blue background required
  • Outside EU – GB sticker always required

If required, your GB sticker should always be displayed clearly on the rear of your car. Nothing is needed at the front.

Remember that Switzerland and Andorra are technically outside the EU – so to be safe, a GB sticker is required.

Note: Registration plates with ENG and a St George’s cross or similar Scottish and Welsh plates aren’t sufficient when driving abroad. You must have a standard issue EU-style plate with GB below a ring of stars on a blue background – like this:

EU format British car registration plate

EU format British car registration plate

Comments

  1. rob says:

    hi guys . on a gb plate . the backgroung colour is black . is that acceptable in spain or does it have to be blue . the front plate is blue but the citroen dealer supplied it with a black background . cheers for your patience .

  2. Roland says:

    Rob,

    I’m not certain, but I suspect the rules specify that it must be blue. If you are worried, just stick a GB sticker on the back of your car as well and you will be covered – you only need a GB sticker OR an EU-style registration plate, not both.

    Regards, Roland

  3. rob says:

    cheers roland . i have been thinking about it too . 5 quid and i have a proper and legal nmbr plate .

Trackbacks

  1. [...] Check whether you need a GB sticker & buy a warning triangle (2 for Spain) and at least one yellow reflective vest [...]

  2. [...] GB Sticker – Remember that even if you have a modern-style licence plate with GB on, some countries, such as Switzerland and Andorra, are outside the EU – so you will need a GB sticker, too. Check out our GB sticker & licence plate guide here. [...]

  3. [...] Check whether you need a GB sticker & buy a warning triangle (2 for Spain) and at least one yellow reflective vest [...]

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