New Trailer And Caravan Registration Requirement for Europe 

(Effective from 26 August 2025)

This is the biggest new rule affecting UK caravan owners:

• Any caravan or trailer over 750 kg MTPLM must now be registered before being taken into most European countries.

• This applies even for non‑commercial use, which is a major change from the old exemption.

• Affects all mainstream caravans (Bailey Discovery, Phoenix, Pegasus, Unicorn, Alicanto, etc.).

This rule does not affect towing within the UK — only when travelling abroad

An UK Caravan or trailer must:

1. Be registered for EU travel displaying the Registration Plate (UK Trailer Registration Scheme)

2. Display the correct UK registration plate matching the towing vehicle

3. Carry the registration certificate when entering the EU

If the caravan does not display the required plate, EU police treat it as an unregistered or improperly registered trailer.

This is more serious than the old "missing plate" offence.

Typical Fines Under the New Rules (2025–2026)

Important: Under the new EU‑travel rules, police can stop your journey

If the caravan:

• has no plate,

• has the wrong plate, or

• is not registered under the UK Trailer Registration Scheme,

many EU countries will not allow you to continue until you fix it.

France, Spain, and Italy are the strictest.

What this means for UK caravans in 2026

If a UK caravan over 750 kg enters the EU without the required plate, you risk:

• €100–€750 fine, depending on country

• On‑the‑spot payment

• Journey interruption until a plate is fitted

• In some cases, being treated as towing an unregistered vehicle

For us Transport Virgil, this is a zero‑tolerance compliance point.

Customs Services

1. Taking Your Car to the EU for a Holiday

If you're planning to take your car with you on holiday in the EU, the process is very straightforward. Below is a quick overview of what you'll need and what to expect.
A simple guide for travellers
Documents You Must Have With You , To drive your car in the EU, you'll need:

• Passport

• UK driving licence

• Vehicle insurance that covers driving in the EU

• V5C logbook (if you own the car)

• If the car isn't registered in your name:

• A letter of permission from the owner

• A copy of their ID

These are checked occasionally at borders or during roadside stops, so it's best to keep them handy.

2. Safety Items Required in Many EU Countries

Different countries have different rules, but most require you to carry:

• A warning triangle

• Reflective vests (often one per passenger)

• Headlamp beam deflectors

• Spare bulbs

• A first aid kit (mandatory in some countries)

These are simple, inexpensive items but legally required in many places.

3. Insurance & Breakdown Cover

Before travelling, make sure:

• Your car insurance includes EU cover

• You have European breakdown assistance (highly recommended)

This ensures you're protected if anything unexpected happens.

4. If Your Car Is Being Transported by Us

If Transport Virgil is moving your vehicle for you: Your car is treated as a temporary import for tourism, so no customs duties apply. 

We will need:

• A copy of your passport

• The V5C + Statutory Declaration (we will provide it for you).

Once the vehicle arrives, you simply collect it and enjoy your holiday.

5. Driving in the EU

A few things to keep in mind:

• Speed limits are in km/h

• Many countries have toll roads

• Some cities have low‑emission zones

• Drink‑drive limits are often stricter than in the UK

✔️ Quick Summary

You need:

Passport • Driving licence • Insurance • V5C • Safety items • Breakdown cover

If we transport the car:

Passport copy • V5C • Destination address • Booking reference