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

GB sticker changes: ferry and rail carriers continue to give drivers wrong advice

Published 14 October 2021

GB car sticker has been replaced with new UK version
Drivers can be fined up to €135 if they don't comply with new EU rules
Most carriers continue to give outdated advice

EuroTunnel, P&O Ferries, DFDS and Stena Line still advise drivers to display a GB sticker in the EU, despite the fact new legislation means motrists could face an on-the-spot fine of €135 (£114).

Le Shuttle incorrectly states the GB sticker is "compulsory" kit on its Motoring Checklist, while DFDS says a GB sticker is "an essential item" and P&O Ferries lists a GB sticker under its "Brexit Travel Checklist". Finally, Stella Line incorrectly says a "GB sticker... must be visible at all times."

A spokesperson from the AA said: "There is no legal requirement/timeframe for private companies to update their website information, but one hopes they do it quickly so it does not confuse and misadvise drivers.

IMG_20211014_102122 (1)

"Ultimately though, the onus is on the driver to get it right, not the responsibility of the travel/ferry company."

The UK government warns drivers they must display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if a number plate has any of the following:

a GB identifier with the Union flag
a Euro symbol
a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
numbers and letters only - no flag or identifier

While their online information hasn't been updated, most European carriers sell UK stickers at crossings or motorists can buy one for less than a fiver from high-street stores.

While their online information hasn't been updated, most European carriers sell UK stickers at crossings or you can buy one for less than a fiver from high-street stores such as Halfords.

All cross channel carriers were contacted by HonestJohn.co.uk but DFDS were the only one to respond, saying: "DFDS is currently updating the advice to customers on its Brexit pages and the latest information will be available from later this afternoon. We apologise for any confusion caused while we update our information sources."

Why are GB stickers Changing to UK?

Changing the national identifier from GB to UK symbolises the United Kingdom's unity as a nation and is part of a wider move towards using the UK signifier across government.

What does GB mean on a number plate?

The GB on numberplates stands for Great Britain, since Brexit, however, British cars are required to display a UK sticker to avoid fines in the EU.

Since 28 September 2021, British cars must display a UK identifier sticker which replaces the old GB badge.

Ask HJ

Are EU number plates legal in the UK?

I have a 2020 MINI. The number plate has the EU flag on it, which must be illegal when travelling in Europe. Do I need to change the plate and get one with a GB flag on it?

The registration plate is 100 per cent legal as the car was registered when the UK was still part of the EU. You will not have any problems driving on European roads but from 28 September 2021, British cars must display a UK identifier sticker (which replaces the old GB version).

Answered by Dan Powell

Why don't speedometers highlight the most important speeds, like 30mph?

Why can't cars sold in the UK have speedometers that highlight the most important speed limits, e.g. 30 mph, in numbers instead of a trying to align a needle with a small blob of paint? I've stuck a 30 sticker over the blob, to make it more easy to read and thus stay legal, but why can't manufacturers come up with a more sophisticated solution?

Because most cars in the world have kilometre speedos and that's what they are designed to have. A mpg speedo face is a compromise. They have come up with a solution which is big, digital speedos, bit a lot of drivers still prefer hard to read clocks.

Answered by Honest John