Carry out international road haulage from 1 January 2021
What UK goods vehicle operators need to do to carry out international road haulage from 1 January 2021.
The UK has left the EU
This page tells you what you’ll need to do from 1 January 2021. It’ll be updated if anything changes.
For current information, read:
You can also read about the transition period.
Get the right operator licence
From 1 January 2021, the operator licensing requirements for journeys to, through or from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will change. You will still need a standard international operator licence, but there may be other requirements. Further details will be provided later in 2020.
Get the right permits
From 1 January 2021, you may need an ECMT or other additional permits for international journeys to and through EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Further details will be provided later in 2020.
Find out how to apply for ECMT permits and when to do it.
Register your vehicle trailers
You must register these types of trailers before you drive to or through most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway:
- commercial trailers weighing over 750kg
- non-commercial trailers weighing over 3,500kg
Register your trailer to take it abroad now.
Abnormal load trailers
You now need a keeper’s certificate for an abnormal load trailer to use it abroad. Keep the certificate in the vehicle to show at border crossings.
Some countries measure abnormal loads differently from the UK. Check with each country you’re travelling through to find out if the load you’re transporting counts as abnormal there.
Apply for a keeper’s certificate for an abnormal load trailer to use it abroad now.
Vehicle registration documents
Your drivers will need to carry your vehicle registration documents when driving abroad for less than 12 months. This can be either:
- the vehicle log book (V5C), if you have one
- a VE103 to show you’re allowed to use a hired or leased vehicle abroad
Display GB stickers
Display a Great Britain (GB) sticker on the rear of the vehicle and trailer, even if the vehicle has a number plate with the Euro symbol or a GB national identifier.
You do not need to display a GB sticker to drive in Ireland.
Vehicle and trailer insurance
A ‘green card’ is proof of motor insurance cover when driving abroad. Your drivers should plan to carry one for the vehicle they’re driving in the EU and EEA from 1 January 2021.
Your drivers will need to carry multiple green cards if:
- you have fleet insurance – you’ll need a green card for each vehicle
- their vehicle is towing a trailer – they will need one for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer (separate trailer insurance is needed in some countries)
- there are 2 policies covering the duration of the trip, for example, if the policy renews during the journey
Contact your vehicle insurance provider at least 1 month before you need green cards.
More about vehicle insurance.
What to do if your vehicle is involved in a road accident
If your drivers are involved in a road accident in an EU country they should in the first instance contact their insurer.
From 1 January 2021, any legal proceedings against either the responsible driver or the insurer of the vehicle will need to be brought in the EU or EEA country where the accident happened. You might have to make your claim in the local language.
You will not get compensation in some countries if the accident is caused by an uninsured driver or if the driver cannot be traced.
Get legal advice if you need more information about this.
What lorry and goods vehicle drivers need to do
Find out what your drivers need to do to drive professionally in the EU from 1 January 2021.