Temporarily importing a vehicle
Visitors to the UK can usually use a vehicle displaying foreign number plates for six months provided all motoring taxes are paid in the originating country. This can consist of one single or several shorter visits in any 12 month period.
Foreign plates
If the police stop a vehicle with foreign plates, it's the keeper’s responsibility to show they are allowed to use the vehicle in the UK without registering and taxing it.
Non European Union (EU) vehicles
To use a non-EU vehicle in the UK on a temporary basis, the driver of the vehicle needs to contact HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) on entering the UK. The decision lies with HMRC whether a visiting vehicle from outside the EU can be used.
If a vehicle is to remain in the UK, it must be registered and taxed immediately at a DVA local office.
European Union vehicles
EU vehicles brought into the UK can be used for six months in any 12-month period. You do not need to register the vehicle in the UK as long as you can show that the vehicle complies with the registration and tax requirements of its home country. It’s the responsibility of the driver to prove how long the vehicle has been in the country. Producing ferry tickets can do this.
If the keeper of the vehicle becomes resident in the UK, the vehicle must be immediately registered and taxed in the UK.
UK residents are not allowed to use a foreign registered vehicle on UK roads. The exception is when a UK resident:
- is employed or self-employed in another EU member state
- uses a EU registered company car temporarily in the UK for business purposes
Certain vehicles will be required to display a temporary 'QNI' plate. Temporary visitor status isn't appropriate to these vehicles.
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