Driving a UK registered car in Europe

Looking to take your car to Europe this summer? British drivers are common on the continent, especially in the sunnier months. If you’re looking to take your car with you on your long holidays, or you’re thinking of moving to Europe and taking your car with you, then you need to be sure you have the right documentation prepared.

This blog breaks down what documentation you need, and what has changed after Brexit. It will also discuss what a COC is, and when you will need it on the road.

What’s changed after Brexit?

Since Brexit, the re-introduction of fiscal and bureaucratic borders between the EU and the UK has meant the re-introduction of lots of different processes and documentation. This means that the older processes are no longer valid and there may be new red tape that you must follow when you are driving a UK registered car in Europe.

For example, the GB sticker on the rear of your car is no longer valid. It is important to replace it with a UK sticker, or a registration plate with a UK flag. On the other hand, your UK driving licence is still valid to drive in EU member states, and the European Commission has announced that you do not require a green card as proof of your insurance.

How long can you drive a UK registered car in Europe for?

While each member state has different rules and different lengths of time, for short term holidays on the continent you do not need to change the registration plates or your driving licence. You don’t need to register the car for only short term stays. In France and Spain, you will be able to drive your UK registered car on a UK licence for six months. 

However, If you are looking to move your car permanently to a European country, or you would like to drive your UK registered vehicle on the continent for longer than six months, you will need to register your car in your new country. This is the same, too, if you’ve found the car of your dreams in England and you need to import it into your home country to bring it home. 

In all these circumstances registering your car in its new country will require a COC, or a Certificate of Conformity.

What is a COC?

A COC is a certificate issued by your car manufacturer to ensure conformity with the type approval of the European Commission. It is a manufacturer’s declaration that the vehicle complies with the standards of the EC and the approved type to which the vehicle belongs.

Essentially, this document is to ensure the free movement of goods and that these goods comply with homogenous standards – or that they are the same. This means that whether you buy an Audi in France or in the UK, the manufacturer issues a COC to say that the quality and standards of those Audis are the same as each other. The DVLA in the UK, the French ANTS and the Spanish DGT (plus other local registration offices) ask for a COC when you register an imported, used car from the EU.

The bottom line is, if you want to register your UK car in a EU member state country, or you want to register an EU car in the UK, you will need a COC. 

Got specific questions about the export and import of vehicles? Check here for more information.

Get a COC for driving a UK registered car in Europe

The process to get a COC can be arduous, involving long wait times and complicated negotiations with your car manufacturer. Getting a COC with EUROCOC is much simpler.  

EUROCOC is an intermediary of Certificates of conformity (COC). We are able to help you with getting the correct documents you will need for the registration of an imported car. We can help you get COC documents for:

• Passenger vehicles (M1)
• Light goods vehicles (N1)
• Motorcycles (L)

EUROCOC is able to get a COC for almost any brand of vehicle, and almost any manufacturer, no matter whether it is a used car or not. There are, however, certain limitations based on the year of production.

Can I get a duplicate COC?

If your car is used, you will be issued with a duplicate COC. This is because the manufacturer issues the original COC at the time of the initial purchase of the brand new car. If you don’t have it already, there is a high chance that the original COC was already issued, and your request will issue a duplicate. Don’t worry, though, the duplicate is still valid. Click here to get a duplicate of a COC for your vehicle.

COC in Belgium and Luxembourg

While it is true that you do not need a COC if you are simply on your travels on the continent, or wish to drive your UK registered car for only a short time in Europe, there are two exceptions.

In Belgium and Luxembourg it is a requirement that you have a COC on board in your car at all times. You must be able to present this document at roadside checks, and if you are unable to do so you may face penalties.

The COC Bottom Line

Don’t leave it to chance, and get your COC in advance of your travelling with EUROCOC. With our quick and easy service, plus our outstanding team to help you every step of the way, it’s never been easier to get the correct documentation before you travel.

Click here to order your COC now.