What you need to know about driving in Europe if there is a NO DEAL

Brexit, it’s unavoidable. Whether you’re on your phone, watching TV or listening to the radio there’s just no ignoring it. However, isn’t this a good thing? I think that most of us would agree that it’s better to be informed on the topic of Brexit than remain blissfully unaware – especially when the outcome is relatively uncertain. One of these potential outcomes is a ‘No-deal Brexit’, which might have huge implications for driving regulations in Europe for us Brits. Here are some of the key things you should know on the subject if we find ourselves in that situation:

1.     You may have to apply for an IDP

When the clock strikes midnight on March 29^th 2019, will Britain turn back into the proverbial pumpkin? Well, probably not, but if you want to drive around in Europe after a No-deal you will have to buy a 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic IDP or a 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic IDP. If you’re going to go on holiday or plan a business trip, you can get either from the Post Office for £5.50 (a passport-sized photo and ID will also be necessary.) The 1949 permit is valid in Ireland, Spain, Malta and Cyprus and will work for 12 months after issue – however, the 1968 permit is valid in all other EU countries and is valid for three years.

2.     Winter tyres and snow chains are mandatory

As a general rule of thumb, having these two objects as safety precautions during the colder months is a good idea. But you might not have known that many European countries require cars by law to use these tools during adverse weather conditions. In fact, a new YouGov poll recently revealed that around 87 per cent of UK citizens were not aware of the rule, which applies in countries such as Austria, Croatia and Germany.

3.     Green Cards would be needed to prove third-party insurance

Currently, it isn’t necessary for UK motorists to carry a Green Card as proof of motor insurance cover when driving in the EU – this is because of access to a ‘Green Card-free circulation area’. However, this circulation area will cease to exist after March 29^th 2019, and the validity of UK Green Cards by that time is entirely up to the agreements reached between the relevant National Insurers’ Bureaux and the UK’s Motor Insurers’ Bureau. If an agreement is not reached, documentations checks would also be likely upon entering EU countries.