Can anyone tell me if you need a GB sticker to drive in Europe if your car is fitted with Euro GB marked number plates?

No, the Euro plates have the country of origin on, that is all that is required.

Good news - that'll save me about £2 then!

Thanks!

Depends where in Europe actually, most countries are fine, IIRC all the eurozone, but there are exceptions.

For example the Swiss will expect a GB sticker.

Edited 26 January, 201214 yr by cheezemonkhai

But Switzerland are not part of the EU.

So technically you are right, as any non European country does not recognise the Europlate on it's own, whether you would actually get fined for this is a different matter as you still have the car's country of registration clearly displayed,

I have travelled through Swiss many times and lots of nationalities have no issues without the sticker providing they are on Europlates, but having said that the Swiss are only after your money so will probably fine you.

While the Swiss might not be part of the EU, they are most certainly part of Europe.

I do agree though, they'll likely just fine you if they do get you. Now the french police... just make sure you've got everything twice!

I know the question is about GB stickers but if travelling abroad also be careful of additional requirements various countries have for things like fire extinguishers, flourescent jackets, warning triangle, spare bulbs, etc.. Also don't forget about the new French speed camera gps law.

Thanks for all that - I'll be travelling through France, Belgium, Germany and the Czech Republic. I need the fire extinguisher etc etc but as I'm not going to Switzerland I should be ok without a sticker!

Watch out if you're driving in Germany, depending on where you're driving (green zones, cities in particular) you may need to get an Umweltplakette. Available in Green, Yellow and Red, colour limits where you may drive your car and it's based on your car's emissions. Here's a link that might be useful for you:

www.environmental-badge.co.uk/en/environmental-badge.html

(You'll need to paste that link into your browser)

Hope you have a great journey

Edited 27 January, 201214 yr by Zlin

Useful site, select the country & it tells you the things you have to have & are advised to have http://www.rac.co.uk/driving-abroad/

If yioun havent been to France in the last few years be wary of speeding to much if at all as penalties are now very high, if 50kph over they can & very often do take your car

Sat navs programmed with speed cameras are now classed as radar detectors in France, if caught you get a substantial fine & also loose the unit

Edited 30 January, 201214 yr by Stuart_J

It might help someone to know that a friend of mine was warned that he was liable to a fine (in France) when he started his engine before he put on his seat belt. Technically he was in control of the car without seat belt. A bit OTT but it was a Gendarme who warned him so be aware.

Watch out if you're driving in Germany, depending on where you're driving (green zones, cities in particular) you may need to get an Umweltplakette. Available in Green, Yellow and Red, colour limits where you may drive your car and it's based on your car's emissions. Here's a link that might be useful for you:

www.environmental-badge.co.uk/en/environmental-badge.html

(You'll need to paste that link into your browser)

Hope you have a great journey

Yeh we never even knew about this when we went last time in our Pug 306 (probably not very "green"). We went into Koln but never had any problems so either we were lucky or just managed to avoid the green zones by chance.

Enjoy Germany. If an Audi, BMW or Merc badge fills your rear view mirror this is signalling to either go faster or move over! lol

It might help someone to know that a friend of mine was warned that he was liable to a fine (in France) when he started his engine before he put on his seat belt. Technically he was in control of the car without seat belt. A bit OTT but it was a Gendarme who warned him so be aware.

Ive found the thing to remember in France is treat the Gendarme with great respect. They are the law & they know it, be respectful & polite & generally they are very fair. Try & disagree & you are instantly asking for trouble.

Also remember if speeding at more than 50 kph over the limit on motorways & they have the right to impound your car & if they feel so inclined have it auctioned to aid their funds. Even if only impounded you cant have it back until after the case & the fines are paid. If the prosecutor thinks the fine is to small he can appeal so another hearing. It could be a few months before you get your pride & joy back.