Compulsory Documentation and Equipment
We have done our best to ensure that the information on this page is current and accurate but please check official sources to ensure your individual circumstances are covered.
Documents
In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried:
And for each vehicle that you take
And for any historic vehicle
And if trailering or taking a vehicle inside a van etc
- Full, valid UK driving licence
- Proof of ID (passport)
And for each vehicle that you take
- V5 registration document
- Motor insurance certificate
And for any historic vehicle
- OGEL exemption information (see below)
And if trailering or taking a vehicle inside a van etc
- CERFA Form (see below)
- Documentation for the trailer (see Towing a trailer in France)
OGELs (export licenses for historic vehicles visiting overseas)
For passing through customs with a historic military vehicle, we strongly recommend that you carry a copy of the OGEL document covering the temporary export from the UK of historic vehicles
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| OGEL - print and carry with you |
Armoured Vehicles
Please note that for armoured vehicles, there are separate regulations and they will require certification.
Please note that for armoured vehicles, there are separate regulations and they will require certification.
Insurance
Before you travel, organising the proper insurance is imperative. 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 and registration documentation - see our trailering page for more details.
The MVT PPLI included with every MVT membership includes cover for static displays in France.
Most trailers require separate insurance and registration documentation - see our trailering page for more details.
The MVT PPLI included with every MVT membership includes cover for static displays in France.
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.
