Number Plates with GB EU Flag to be Prohibited from January 1st
The UK government has announced that from January 1st 2021, UK registered vehicles can no longer be fitted with number plates with the GB EU flag. The move comes as the UK fast approaches the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31st. The government passed the new legislation on Monday, November 30th.
Why Is the GB EU Flag Being Prohibited?
Fitting number plates with the GB EU flag is only allowed while the UK is still a member of the European Union. When the Brexit transition period comes to an end on December 31st 2020, the UK officially leaves the EU and the flag will no longer be permitted.
The good news is that if you already have GB EU plates, they can continue to be used and you don’t have to change them. However, for driving in Europe after Brexit, you will need to display an oval GB sticker or badge.
Display an Alternative Flag
When you buy new number plates, or if you want to change your EU plates, they can display one of several legal UK national flags, including:
- GB/Great Britain and the Union Flag
- ENG/England and the Cross of St George
- SCO/Scotland and the Saltire
- CYM/Cymru and the Welsh Dragon
The national flags do not officially act as a notifier that your vehicle is from the UK. For travelling overseas, the plates must also be accompanied by a legal GB oval.
Getting Your Number Plates Made Up
You can only get your number plates made up by a registered number plate supplier, such as CarReg. The supplier will need to see original documents that prove your name and address and show you’re entitled to use the registration number.
You can use the following to confirm your name and address:
- driving licence
- utility, Council Tax or rates bill from the last 6 months
- bank or building society statement from the last 6 months
- national identity card
These documents will confirm your name only:
- passport - does not have to be issued in the UK
- bank or building society debit or credit card
- police warrant card
- armed forces identity card
To prove that you’re entitled to use the registration number, you’ll need an official DVLA document, such as the log book (V5C), the green new keeper slip from the log book, a certificate of entitlement (V750), or a retention document (V778). For the full list of valid documents, check with the DVLA.
Get Personalised Number Plates with A Flag
If you decide to change your plates, why not choose personalised number plates? CarReg has a database with over 60 million available registration numbers to suit all budgets. When you’ve found your perfect private number plates, you can choose whether or not to display your national flag on them.
