Driving in Europe After Brexit: What UK Drivers Need to Know

Summary

• UK licence: Valid in all EU countries, but some require an IDP.
• UK sticker: Required on your car (old GB stickers are no longer valid).
• Insurance Green Card: No longer required in most EU countries, but check before you go.
• Country-specific rules: Each country has different requirements - research before you travel.

Brexit changed the rules for driving in Europe. While you can still take your car to the continent, there's more to think about than before.

This guide covers everything UK drivers need to know for driving in Europe in 2026 and beyond.

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Is My UK Driving Licence Valid in Europe?

Yes. Your UK driving licence is valid for driving in all EU and EEA countries. However, some countries may also require an International Driving Permit (IDP).

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An IDP is an official translation of your licence. You need one for:

• Spain (1949 IDP required)
• Italy (may request IDP)
• Some non-EU countries (Switzerland, Norway, etc.)

You can get an IDP from the Post Office for around £5.50. You'll need:

• Your UK driving licence
• A passport photo
• The application fee

There are two types of IDP (1949 and 1968 conventions). Check which one your destination country requires.

Tip: Even if not legally required, an IDP can help if your licence is questioned - it's worth the small cost for peace of mind.

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UK Vehicle Sticker

Since Brexit, you need to display a "UK" identifier on your car when driving in Europe.

• Old "GB" stickers are no longer valid
• You need a "UK" sticker or a UK-format number plate with the UK identifier
• If your number plate already shows the UK identifier (UK letters with Union flag), you don't need a separate sticker

UK stickers are available at car accessory shops, petrol stations, or online.

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Car Insurance for Driving in Europe

Green Card

A Green Card is an international certificate of insurance. Good news: since 2021, Green Cards are no longer required for most EU countries.

However, you should:

• Contact your insurer before travelling to confirm you have European cover
• Check if your policy covers the countries you're visiting
• Ask about breakdown cover abroad

Some insurers automatically include EU driving; others require you to request it or pay extra.

What Level of Cover?

UK policies typically only provide third-party cover abroad, even if you have comprehensive cover in the UK. Check with your insurer and consider topping up.

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Documents to Carry

When driving in Europe, always carry:

• UK driving licence (photocard)
• International Driving Permit (if required)
• V5C vehicle registration certificate (logbook)
• Insurance certificate or proof of cover
• Passport
• MOT certificate (if your car is over 3 years old)

If you're driving someone else's car, also carry written permission from the owner.

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Country-Specific Requirements

Each country has its own rules. Common requirements include:

Country	Special Requirements
France	Breathalyser (recommended), Crit'Air sticker for low emission zones, headlight beam deflectors
Spain	1949 IDP, two warning triangles, reflective jacket in car
Germany	Umweltplakette (emissions sticker) for city centres, first aid kit
Italy	IDP recommended, warning triangle, reflective jacket
Austria	Motorway vignette (toll sticker), first aid kit, warning triangle
Switzerland	1949 IDP, motorway vignette, warning triangle

Check gov.uk "Driving abroad" pages for up-to-date requirements for each country.

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Key Driving Rules Differences

• Drive on the right: Obvious, but takes adjustment
• Priority to the right: In many countries, traffic from the right has priority at unmarked junctions
• Speed limits: Vary by country - France 130km/h motorways, Germany unlimited on some autobahns
• Alcohol limits: Many countries have stricter limits than the UK (some are near-zero)
• Headlights: Some countries require dipped headlights at all times
• Radar detectors: Illegal in most European countries

Headlight Adjustment

UK headlights dip to the left, which dazzles oncoming drivers in right-hand drive countries. You need to either:

• Apply headlight beam deflectors (stickers)
• Adjust your headlights if they have a European setting

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Toll Roads and Vignettes

Many European countries have toll roads or require vignettes (pre-paid stickers):

• France: Toll booths on motorways (can be expensive)
• Spain: Some toll motorways
• Italy: Extensive toll network
• Austria: Vignette required for motorways
• Switzerland: Vignette required for motorways
• Germany: No general car tolls (yet)

Vignettes can often be purchased online in advance or at border petrol stations.

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Low Emission Zones

Many European cities have low emission zones similar to ULEZ:

• France: Crit'Air sticker required in many cities (Paris, Lyon, etc.)
• Germany: Umweltplakette (green sticker) for city centres
• Belgium: LEZ in Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent
• Netherlands: Various city zones

Older diesel and petrol cars may not meet requirements. Check before you travel and order stickers in advance.

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Breakdown Cover

UK breakdown policies may not automatically cover you abroad. Check with your provider and consider:

• European breakdown cover extension
• Repatriation cover (getting your car home if it can't be fixed)
• Alternative transport and accommodation if stranded

See our breakdown cover guide for more information.

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Common Questions

Can I still use the Eurotunnel and ferries?

Yes. Eurotunnel and ferry services operate as normal. Just ensure you have the correct documents.

How long can I drive in Europe?

As a UK resident visiting, you can typically drive in EU countries for up to 90 days in any 180-day period (tourist visa rules). For longer stays, you may need to register your vehicle.

What about hiring a car in Europe?

You can still hire cars with your UK licence. An IDP may be required in some countries. Check with the rental company.

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Pre-Trip Checklist

• ☐ Check IDP requirements for destination countries
• ☐ Get a UK sticker or check number plate has UK identifier
• ☐ Contact insurer to confirm European cover
• ☐ Check breakdown cover includes Europe
• ☐ Gather documents (licence, V5C, passport, etc.)
• ☐ Buy/download toll vignettes
• ☐ Order emission zone stickers
• ☐ Pack mandatory equipment (warning triangles, reflective jackets, etc.)
• ☐ Apply headlight beam deflectors

For more on European road trips, see our European road trip guide.

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Final Thoughts

Driving in Europe post-Brexit is still possible and enjoyable - it just requires more preparation. Check requirements for each country, ensure your documents and insurance are in order, and allow time to gather necessary stickers and equipment.

With proper planning, your European road trip can be just as good as it ever was.

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