Having been unable to travel in Europe for so long during the pandemic, you may not be aware of new rules governing vehicle registration plates. Following Britain leaving the EU under 'Brexit', the old-style EU number plates are no longer relevant, especially when travelling in Europe.
All new cars registered after 1st January 2021 will now need to display the new-style vehicle registration plates. Since 28th September 2021, older registered vehicles will need to use a UK sticker on the vehicle, in addition to the plate, when travelling in Europe if they have:
In Spain, Cyprus or Malta, or countries outside the EU, you must display a UK sticker no matter what's on your number plate.
If you have a number plate with a Union Jack marker that includes the UK symbol, you do not need to display a separate UK sticker.
The new design of vehicle registration plate has the union flag and the letters UK to denote the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland. The background of the flag can be either plain (for petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles) or green (for all-electric vehicles). 'Green' number plates can help you benefit from cheaper parking than petrol or diesel vehicles and can mean free entry to clean air zones (CAZ).
