What affect will Brexit have on number plates?

Brexit is fast approaching and people across the country are pondering what affect this will have on travel and the relevance number plates will have when travelling through the European Union (EU). Hopefully we will be able to clarify a few things and put your mind at rest over the legalities of number plates after leaving the EU.

Will the EU flag be allowed on GB number plates after Brexit or will we have to change?

The short answer is no. There are currently 4 options to choose from when getting a number plate made in regards to the flag which include the Union Jack, St Georges Cross, Scottish Saltire and Welsh Dragon. As we are aware there is no legal obligation to remove the EU logo from your number plate post Brexit so there is no need to rush to get yours replaced. In future however it would be wise to choose one of the 4 options just in case these rules change.

Will the number plate format change?

The answer again is no, the DVLA are in charge of the format of GB number plates so this will remain the same. The GB format is unique so will be easily identifiable whilst travelling in the EU post Brexit. We do however advise you double check with the DVLA before travel to make sure it is up to date with all current legislation to avoid any potential issues.

Will I need a GB sticker when travelling in the EU post Brexit?

At present the guidelines from the DVLA state that if your vehicles number plate has either the EU or GB flag you don’t have to have a GB sticker to travel across Europe. These guidelines also state if you have any other flag on your number plate then it must state what country you are from as well, for example if you have the St George’s Cross the it must also say ENG.

All other number plate formats will require a GB sticker on the vehicle to allow for travel across Europe. These rules may be subject to change following Brexit so it would be wise to keep an eye on any guideline and legislation changes.

We hope to have cleared a few things up and hope we can all move into this new situation as stress free as possible.