What is life like with your car? Let us know and win £500 in John Lewis vouchers | No thanks

Can I bring my car that now has French plates back to the UK?

I brought my UK car over to France five years ago and now want to bring it back to UK to sell as I’m moving to Australia. I can’t find accurate information online for my situation. Can you please tell me the paperwork and process I need to follow and I need to complete an MoT in UK if my car already passed the French version of this?

Asked on 21 March 2024 by Lisa McEwan

Answered by David Ross
The government's website provides most of the information you require here: www.gov.uk/importing-vehicles-into-the-uk but the exact circumstances depend on your vehicle. If it was originally exported from the UK to France then it should be compliant with UK regulations, but this depends on whether you had any modifications carried out for it to comply with French regulations. Returning it to its original UK specification should mean it complies with the relevant regulations. For it to be taxed and insured it will require a valid MoT certificate.
Similar questions
I want to buy a 1986 Citroen in France and drive it home. What documents will I need and what are the regulations post brexit?
My car (Ford C-MAX) was first registered on 1st March 2010. I bought it new from Motorpoint Derby with only about 3 miles on the clock. The local Ford dealer tells me that it is due for its first MOT...
My daughter and her husband are thinking of buying a Toyota Alphard as an alternative to a Mazda Bongo. What are the service intervals? Does it have a cam belt or cam chain? A cursory check online shows...
 

Value my car

Save £75 on Warranty using code HJ75

with MotorEasy

Get a warranty quote

Save 12% on GAP Insurance

Use HJ21 to save on an ALA policy

See offer