The results of Brexit may well affect your current travelling plans. In the event of a no-deal Brexit, several UK driving laws will change and this will affect both UK citizens and commercial drivers.

Do you have a Green Card?

All drivers should contact their insurer to arrange a ‘Green Card’, which will be required as proof of insurance, under EU regulations, in the event of a no-deal.

If you plan on driving in the EU then the Association of British Insurers advises you to get this Green Card about one month before you plan to drive your vehicle in the EU, or you risk breaking the law.

Changes for UK Citizens:

Driving within the EU? – After 28th of March 2019, UK citizens will need additional documentation to drive within the EU or EEA in the event of a no-deal Brexit deal.

Holidaying in the EU? – UK citizens must possess both a UK driving license and the correct IDP (international driving permit) to drive in EU and EEA countries. To find the right IDP for your holiday, check here (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/international-driving-permits-for-uk-drivers-from-28-march-2019).

A UK driving licence holder living in the EU? – You will need to exchange your UK licence for a local EU licence before the 29th of March 2019. If you don’t then a no-deal Brexit means you’ll need to pass a new driving test in the country you’re living in.

Changes for Commercial Drivers:

In the event of a no-deal, some countries won’t recognise your standard international operator’s licence and community license.

ECMT permit – For international travel, UK operators will need to have a European Conference of Ministers of Transport (ECMT) international road haulage permit for international travel. The application period for this closed on 18th of January 2019, if you didn’t apply in this time, consider investigating other options for transporting goods to the EU and EEA.

EU Driver CPC – Lorry drivers should exchange their UK Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) for an EU Driver CPC, which you can do by applying to the relevant body in an EU or EEA country.

If you have any other questions or queries about protecting yourself in a no-deal Brexit future, contact The Trust Insurance Group on 01476 434050.