UK drivers, motorists and road users heading to Europe this summer have been warned they need to display a key sticker. Drivers heading abroad have been warned to follow strict licence plate rules or they could be fined.
In 2021 UK stickers officially replaced GB stickers and drivers could be fined a minimum of £120 if found travelling without an identifier. Motorists could be fined a minimum of £120 by the police or local authorities, it has been warned.
Drivers do not need a UK sticker if the number plate has the UK identifier with the Union flag on it. A spokesperson from Motor Match explained that UK drivers going abroad need to ensure they are “fully prepared”.
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If a vehicle still has a ‘GB’ sticker, they will need to change it to a ‘UK’ sticker before travelling in Europe. It can be purchased for £1.50 at Post Offices and in garages, the experts say. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said that changing the national identifier from GB to UK “symbolises our unity as a nation and is part of a wider move towards using the UK signifier across Government”.
They went on and added: “Discussions were held with representatives of the number plate manufacturers and stakeholders were notified of the change when the notification was deposited with the UN, providing a three-month notice period before the changes come into force.”
If your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack), you do not need a UK sticker. However, you will need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following: a GB identifier with the Union flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales and numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier.
If you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker no matter what is on your number plate. You do not need a UK sticker or identifier to drive in Ireland.