Compulsory Documentation and Equipment
Documents
In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried:
● Full, valid UK driving licence
● Proof of ID (passport)
● V5 registration document
● Motor insurance certificate - further information below
HISTORIC VEHICLES
For passing through customs with a historic military vehicle, we also strongly recommend that you carry a copy of the OGEL document covering the temporary export from the UK of historic vehicles. SEE BELOW.
TRAILERED VEHICLES
For general information regarding trailering vehicles to France see here
In June 2024, the customs in Normandy stipulated that if a vehicle is trailered into Normandy from the UK, a CERFA form should be used. We strongly recommend that members download and fill in the following forms and get them processed by Customs on entry to the country. They will take the first part and stamp and return the second for your return journey.
The form can be found here https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/R47654?lang=en
● Full, valid UK driving licence
● Proof of ID (passport)
● V5 registration document
● Motor insurance certificate - further information below
HISTORIC VEHICLES
For passing through customs with a historic military vehicle, we also strongly recommend that you carry a copy of the OGEL document covering the temporary export from the UK of historic vehicles. SEE BELOW.
TRAILERED VEHICLES
For general information regarding trailering vehicles to France see here
In June 2024, the customs in Normandy stipulated that if a vehicle is trailered into Normandy from the UK, a CERFA form should be used. We strongly recommend that members download and fill in the following forms and get them processed by Customs on entry to the country. They will take the first part and stamp and return the second for your return journey.
The form can be found here https://entreprendre.service-public.fr/vosdroits/R47654?lang=en
OGELs (export licenses for historic vehicles visiting overseas)
Vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into France for up to six months in any period of 12 months. Historic military vehicles are covered by a piece of legislation called an OGEL
In the past, there has been a great deal of confusion about whether export licenses are required when taking ex-military vehicles abroad to attend commemorative visits or for leisure purposes. The MVT have now received definitive guidance from our contact in the Export Control Joint Unit of the Department for Business & Trade.
The legislation called Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces) or OGEL covers historic military vehicles that are being temporarily exported for the purposes of historic-re-enactment, historic commemorative event, private battlefield tour or private recreational purposes.
Condition 4 (Registration) States: The requirements of Article 28 of the Order shall not apply to any export under this licence.
This means that there is no need to register to use the licence on SPIRE to take our vehicles to Normandy in 2024 as long as they return within 3 months and do not change ownership.
Members simply need to print off and carry the OGEL document (the 2019 document accessed by the link
Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces)
or use the pdf link below and have it ready to show customs if they are requested to do so.
In the past, there has been a great deal of confusion about whether export licenses are required when taking ex-military vehicles abroad to attend commemorative visits or for leisure purposes. The MVT have now received definitive guidance from our contact in the Export Control Joint Unit of the Department for Business & Trade.
The legislation called Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces) or OGEL covers historic military vehicles that are being temporarily exported for the purposes of historic-re-enactment, historic commemorative event, private battlefield tour or private recreational purposes.
Condition 4 (Registration) States: The requirements of Article 28 of the Order shall not apply to any export under this licence.
This means that there is no need to register to use the licence on SPIRE to take our vehicles to Normandy in 2024 as long as they return within 3 months and do not change ownership.
Members simply need to print off and carry the OGEL document (the 2019 document accessed by the link
Open General Export Licence (historic military vehicles and artillery pieces)
or use the pdf link below and have it ready to show customs if they are requested to do so.
| OGEL - print and carry with you |
Armoured Vehicles
Please note that for armoured vehicles, there are separate regulations and they will require certification.
Members are advised to read the licence carefully to ensure it meets their requirements. OGELs are licences with set terms and conditions which you must comply with. If you cannot meet all conditions, you will need to apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) via SPIRE.
Please note that for armoured vehicles, there are separate regulations and they will require certification.
Members are advised to read the licence carefully to ensure it meets their requirements. OGELs are licences with set terms and conditions which you must comply with. If you cannot meet all conditions, you will need to apply for a Standard Individual Export Licence (SIEL) via SPIRE.
Insurance
Before you travel, organising the proper insurance is imperative. Green Cards are no longer required. Not many UK insurance policies give you full coverage abroad and we recommend that you check your individual policy providers; they will be able to explain to you whether your current policy is adequate. Some policies only extend as far as third-party cover and if there is an accident you may still end up out of pocket. You may want to look into adding extra temporary European cover insurance (which can be only around £25) to get comprehensive cover and give you peace of mind.
Most trailers require separate insurance (for full cover) and documentation.
Most trailers require separate insurance (for full cover) and documentation.
UK Identifiers (UK Stickers)
From 28th September 2021, the distinguishing mark (or national identifier) displayed on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom that are driven abroad changed from GB to UK.
This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in France.
The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad.
If your vehicle does not have the UK identifier within the number plate, you will require a UK sticker when driving in France.
From 2nd August 2021, drivers have not required an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to France.
This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in France.
The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad.
If your vehicle does not have the UK identifier within the number plate, you will require a UK sticker when driving in France.
From 2nd August 2021, drivers have not required an insurance green card for taking their vehicles to France.
Equipment you must carry on your vehicle
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You are required by law to carry the following items in each vehicle :
A French driving kit will have the items you need – so pick one up for about £20 to help you avoid hefty on-the-spot fines. |
Be aware that you cannot take the following with you into France:
You cannot take the following unless you pay to have them inspected before you leave and get a ‘phytosanitary certificate’:
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Note: Before 2020 it was a legal requirement to carry a breathalyser kit with at least two disposable testing units - however, this is no longer the case. It is still recommended to carry one, while travelling for safety purposes.
