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What will happen to UK number plates after Brexit?

Author

Emily Sparks

Published Jan 24, 2026

From the 1st January 2021 New UK Number Plates will no longer be able to display the GB Euro Badge. There is no need to remove existing GB Euro plates from vehicles, provided they were fitted prior to 2021. But in order to drive within the EU, vehicle owners must now display the White Oval UK Sticker – news article.

Will the UK run out of number plates?

Our current vehicle registration system will run out of combinations in 2050. This current system started in September 2001 with the 51 plate and every March the plate changes to the current year.

Will I need a GB sticker after Brexit?

From 28 September 2021, you need a UK sticker on your vehicle instead of a GB sticker. From 28 September 2021, you'll need a UK sticker instead of a GB sticker on your vehicle to drive abroad.

Are EU number plates still legal?

However, so you're not feeling left out, you can swap your EU flagged number plates here. However, it's NOT mandatory unless they were purchased after December 31st 2020.

Can I drive my EU car in UK after Brexit?

The UK was always dedicated to keeping licence requirements the same regardless of the outcome of the EU agreement after Brexit. This means that anyone from the EU and EAA can use their licence to drive and hire a car in the UK.

39 related questions found

Can I drive in EU with UK licence after Brexit?

Are UK driving licences still valid in the EU? UK photocard driving licences will continue to be valid while driving in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Can I drive my UK car in Spain after Brexit?

UK vehicles are currently treated the same as vehicles from other EU countries when it comes to registering them in Spain. If no deal is agreed stating otherwise, when the transition period ends, UK cars brought to Spain will be treated as non-EU imports. This means they will need to go through customs.

Do I need a carnet for Europe after Brexit?

ATA Carnets were not previously needed for UK businesses travelling into other EU countries, but since 1st January 2021 and the end of the Brexit transition period, firms can choose to use an ATA Carnet when transporting goods temporarily into EU countries or transferring them through the EU to non-EU or other ...

Do I need to change my number plate after Brexit?

British motorists driving outside the UK must now remove old-style GB stickers or cover them up. Instead they should display a UK sticker or have the UK identifier on their number plate. The UK government guidance has been in place since Tuesday 28 September.

What is the new registration plate for September 2021?

As of September 2021, the age identifier (third and fourth digit) will change from the current 21 to 71 on new cars registered from the September 1.

Do Used car prices drop when new reg comes out?

Do used car prices drop when a new reg comes out? Typically, the answer is yes. The reason is that dealers experience lots of traffic around early March and September, and most buyers are on the lookout for a brand spanking new vehicle.

Are 3D reg plates illegal?

A truly 3D/4D plate with gel-coated or laser-cut raised characters is legal as long as the characters are a single shade of black on all faces and the plate complies with all other regulations in terms of font, size and spacing.

Are 4D number plates illegal in UK?

Unlike 3D-effect number plates, 3D Gel and 4D number plates are legal in the UK; however, they must conform to strict regulations. The individual letters must be fixed onto the number plate's surface and unable to be removed.

Are 3D plates becoming illegal?

Under new rules both 3D and 4D plates have been made illegal. The new revisions to number plates have been made to reflect changes to our roads.

What can I bring back from holiday after Brexit?

You can bring in one from the following:

  • 200 cigarettes.
  • 100 cigarillos.
  • 50 cigars.
  • 250g tobacco.
  • 200 sticks of tobacco for electronic heated tobacco devices.

Do I need a carnet for UK?

You must show the carnet to customs each time you import or export your goods or pass through a country including the UK. You must also show the carnet to customs each time you enter or exit Northern Ireland.

What is an ATA Carnet UK?

ATA Carnet lets you temporarily export commercial samples, trade fair or exhibition goods and professional equipment to countries that are part of the ATA Carnet system.

How long can I drive my car in Spain after Brexit?

Driving in Spain after Brexit

But the good news is they aren't required in Spain for visits of up to six months. From mid-2021, there's also no requirement to show an insurance green card when entering the EU. But you must make sure your car identifier is 'UK' rather than 'GB'.

Can I use my blue badge in France after Brexit?

The badge holders enjoyed automatic recognition when Britain was a member of the EU. Travellers were able to use their permits in a number of countries including France, Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal. But this was stopped on December 31, 2020 when the EU transition period ended.

Why are used cars so expensive right now 2021 UK?

A lack of new cars right right now inevitably means a lack of near-new used car stock for the next year, and shortages of 1-3 year-old cars for the next few years. Most used car retailers are reporting a combination of high demand and low stock, which is pushing used car prices to record levels.

Are UK car prices falling?

The UK used car market remains low on stock, falling by a further 3.2% from February into March 2022 and levels were 12.9% lower than a year earlier. Despite a strong demand February 2022 used car sales fell by 21.4% compared with January because of stock restrictions.

What will happen to second hand car prices?

Since the start of 2021 used car prices have risen nearly 30 per cent with some models rising as much as 70 per cent.

When can I buy a 22 plate from DVLA?

The DVLA have today released millions of new 22 series registrations for viewing on the DVLA registrations website. These are brand new registrations from the DVLA, which will all be available to buy at 10:00am on Tuesday 9th November 2021.