Government announce on 30th Nov that fitting GB EU flag plates is prohibited from 1st Jan
2 December 2020
On Monday, 30th November, the government announced that as a result of Brexit, number plates with GB EU flags can no longer be fitted to vehicles from 1st January 2021. Existing GB EU plates can continue but must also show a GB oval overseas travel.
After 31st December 2020, the UK’s Brexit transition period with the EU comes to an end. As a result, GB EU number plates (as shown below) will no longer be permitted to be fitted to vehicles from 1st January 2021.
What has changed legally?
In legislation terms, the amended Statutory Instrument (Road Vehicles (Display of Registration Marks) (Amendment) (EU Exit) (No. 2) Regulations 2020) confirms that GB EU flags are only permitted during the UK’s membership of the EU i.e. before the end of the Brexit transition period.
When was the new legislation passed?
The Statutory Instrument was passed by Parliament on Monday 30th November, to be effective from 1st January 2021.
Can I still display my existing GB EU flag plate after 1st January 2021?
There is no need to remove your existing GB EU flag plate, providing it was/is fitted before 1st January 2021.
However, if you intend to travel to the EU in your vehicle, you will need to also display a GB oval.
What alternative flags can I have?
Your BNMA member manufacturer can supply you with a range of legal regional flags, including:
• GB/Great Britain and the Union Flag (see note below)
• SCO/Scotland and the Saltire
• CYM/Cymru and the Welsh Dragon
• ENG/England and the Cross of St George
Update January 2021: we are seeking clarification on the format of the GB Union Flags that may now be permitted for most EU travel without an accompanying GB oval and will update this article shortly. However, Spain, Cyprus and Malta require UK vehicles to always show GB ovals, regardless of their plate flag.
When will the changes to GB EU flags be effective?
Immediately after the end of the Brexit transition period: 1st January 2021.
I’m a registered plate outlet, how do I find out more how my BNMA member manufacturer will handle these changes?
We recommend visiting your manufacturer’s website by clicking on their logo on our member’s page to find out more or get in touch with them.
Where can I find out more about the changes?
- View the full amended Statutory Instrument on number plates here: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1363/made
- View the UK government’s general Brexit transition guidance: https://www.gov.uk/transition