Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > 4 wheels > 4 wheel Overland Travel
Do u need UK road tax to drive in the EU? Do u need UK road tax to drive in the EU?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
4 wheel Overland Travel NON-technical 4 wheel forum, for subjects specific to TRAVEL with 4 (or more!) wheeled vehicles. e.g. Driving Techniques, Shipping etc.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

25 years of HU Events


Destination ANYWHERE...
Adventure EVERYWHERE!




Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Sep 2003
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Do u need UK road tax to drive in the EU?
OK, I have a new (UK) MOT and a new (UK)insurance policy. But as I will be leaving the day my (UK) road tax runs out, do I need to buy a new tax disc? I'd prefer to say it is off road until I come back.

I assumed I do need to buy a new tax disc. But I won't be in the UK during the next 12 months, and have the insurance to cover me in Europe. Somebody told me I don't really need it etc

Any ideas?

But will my insurance not be valid etc?
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Sep 2003
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Lack of tax should not invalidate your Insurance, unlike a lack of an MOT. Best thing is to phone an insurance broker or your own insurer.

Steve
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Kent, Uk
Posts: 391
Hi Darrin
the official line is that if you do not have valid road tax from your country of origin then you are illegal, and therefore could be liable to being uninsured. Outside the EU tou will probably get away with it - certainly in Africa.
I'd tax it for six months just before you leave, with tax to start for the day after expiry of current tax-disc.

Happy travels.

------------------
ChrisC
__________________
ChrisC
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 26 Sep 2003
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Thanks Chris,

I figured it would be like that - as long as you pay tax on it somewhere in the eu you are ok - just like booze from France etc.

dj
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Sep 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: UK
Posts: 2
Just a point to note- you need to register with the DVLA that your vehicle is off the road (SORN)when you stop having a tax disc or they will fine you lots (£1000 I think) when you next go to tax your vehicle.
We have just had a similar discusion with the DVLA and reached the same conclusion as you with the tax disc but are going to send it home to get a refund when we leave the EU.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Sep 2003
roamingyak's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Portugal
Posts: 1,134
Hi Nelly,

Yes, I know about registering it off road - what form, who do you send to etc for the refund and to then let them know it is off road?

Cheers, dj
__________________
Kiwi, 7 years around Africa. Overlanding channel:https://www.youtube.com/c/roamingyak
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 26 Sep 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: UK
Posts: 479
There is a section on the renewal form that they send out when you tax is due for being offroad or alternatively you should be able to get it from the post office. Go and spend some quality time with those lovely people in the village post office, I'm sure they will be able to point you in the right direction. Only problem might be I believe it does invalidate your insurance. I would send it back with the form once you have exited the Europe. I take it you haven't left yet then....

[This message has been edited by Toby2 (edited 26 September 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 27 Sep 2003
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
If you are using your 'normal' UK car insurance when you travel abroad you will require an MOT certificate and depending on your insurance company, UK road tax, or the insurance company may invalidate your insurance. If, however you arrange 'Green card' insurance from one of the companies listed elswhere on this site (Knopfleurs, for example) you do not require either the MOT or the Road Tax. Neither of these documents are recognised by the authorities outside the UK they only satisfy your UK insurance company.

Bear in mind, however that on re-entering the UK the vehicle must be taxed to use it legally on a public road. You may drive the vehicle without an MOT if you have a pre-booked appointment for an MOT test and you are on-route to that test.

If you use your 'normal' UK insurance outside the UK the cover will only be valid for a short period of consecutive days, usually 30.

It sounds complicated, but with a little careful planning you can remain legal.



[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 26 September 2003).]
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Oct 2003
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Spain
Posts: 97
>>[QUOTE]Originally posted by as I will be >>leaving the day my (UK) road tax runs out, >>do I need to buy a new tax disc? I'd >>prefer to say it is off road until I come >>back.

Hi !!! . Defeinitely you do NOT need a tax disc , unless you use UK public roads. Be your car abroad , or even in UK countryside , as long as you dont drive on public road , you dont need a UK tax disc.

Also , In my xperience (4 years with a UK registered car in Spain ) , police will never ask for the road tax thing. They will ask for insurance , and they "may" ask for a valid MOT .

The law says that you must tax your car in the country the car resides more than 6 months . (in my case ,I should tax my car in Spain , which I dont! ) . I got spanish friends with Spanish cars in UK , and they had to buy a tax disc.

In resume : You must pay the local (UK , or whatever ) tax if the car stays longer than 6 months in that country. In practice , no one ask for it .

Curiously , you will find that you are asked for the tax thing ... in Senegal , Mali , etc... just triying to catch you to get some cadeau/bribe .

I wouldn worry that much about being taxed abroad , as about what happens when you return with a car without Mot & Tax.

Have fun
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 Nov 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Milton Keynes, UK
Posts: 2
When you return and try to re-register your vehicle you will have to sign a document to say you have not used it on the road (other than to and from an MOT) since it was last registered on pain of a £1000 fine.

If you decline to sign this your new road tax will be "back dated" to when your last one expired.

------------------
Timing is an important consideration in the efficacy of a rain dance.
__________________
Timing is an important consideration in the efficacy of a rain dance.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 20 Nov 2003
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Denmark, Western Australia (previously Derbyshire, UK)
Posts: 94
Quote:
Originally posted by mcdarbyfeast:
If you use your 'normal' UK insurance outside the UK the cover will only be valid for a short period of consecutive days, usually 30.
With Frizzell I get 180 consecutive days in EU with same level of cover as at home & no need to inform them of trips - they cover cars and bikes although they would not cover my XR650-R. Oh and *nobody* could get close on price or service.

http://www.frizzell.co.uk/cricket/homepage/page_1.asp

Ian

[This message has been edited by Ian Bradshaw (edited 20 November 2003).]
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 15 Mar 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2003
Location: UK/ZW
Posts: 725
DVLA have just told me a SORN is not valid if your vehicle leaves the country.

------------------
Enzo
BUNDUBASHER.com
__________________
Enzo
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
Ecuador June 13-15
Bulgaria Mini: June 27-29
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Aug 14-17
Romania: Aug 22-24
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)

Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:17.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top