By car in the UK

Temporary importation of cars

Ukrainians can temporarily import a car into the UK for up to 6 months (180 days) within a 12-month period, without having to pay customs duties and VAT.

Key conditions:

1. The car must be registered in Ukraine and used only by the owner or a person with a power of attorney.

2. During temporary importation, it is prohibited to:

- sell the car;

- transfer it to another person (even friends or relatives);

- use it for commercial purposes.

4. The owner must always have documents confirming their place of permanent residence outside the UK.

💡 If the owner of the car changes the status of stay (starts living in the UK permanently or receives resident status), then after 6 months the car is automatically considered imported and is subject to registration, even if it was previously planned to be temporarily imported.

Customs clearance and registration

If the car stays longer:

1. Notification of HMRC (customs) - before or immediately after importation.

2. Payment of customs duties and VAT:

• Customs duty is usually 10% of the value of the car.
• VAT - 20%.

3. MOT technical inspection - mandatory for obtaining a license to use.

4. Registration with the DVLA:

• Obtaining British license plates.
• Issuance of a new registration certificate (V5C).

In case of violation of the terms of temporary importation, fines and possible seizure of the car are provided.

A Ukrainian driver's license is recognized in the UK for 12 months from the date of commencement of residence.

After 12 months, you need to obtain a British driving license. To do this, you need to pass a theoretical and practical test at the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

💡 Ukrainians who are in the status of temporary protection (Homes for Ukraine, Ukrainian Family Scheme) can also use a Ukrainian license for 12 months.

It is not possible to exchange a Ukrainian driver's license for a British one without passing exams. The UK does not have an agreement with Ukraine on the automatic exchange of driving licenses.

Green card

• Required for traveling in Europe (France, Belgium, Germany, etc.).
• It covers civil liability to third parties in most European countries.
• ⚠️ In the UK, after Brexit, the Green Card is not recognized as a single document, so separate local insurance is required to use a car there.

UK insurance (insurance for the UK)

Local car insurance is required when entering the UK.

The main types:

• Short-Term Insurance - temporary insurance for 1 day, week or month. Ideal for tourist trips.
• Comprehensive insurance - full coverage (analogous to Ukrainian CASCO), includes protection of your car.
• Third Party Only - minimum compulsory third-party liability insurance (analogous to MTPL).

💡 It is forbidden to use a car without British insurance, even if you have a Green Card.

Features of registration

• The policy can be issued online or at border crossings (but it is usually more expensive there).
• The cost depends on the driver's age, driving experience, car type, and length of stay.
• A British address is often required to apply for a policy (you can specify the address of a hotel, friends, or a reservation).

Most British insurance is only valid if you have a local address. For tourists who come for a short period of time, special Visiting Vehicle Insurance policies are often required, which are issued through specialized companies.

Left-hand traffic

• You need to drive on the right side of the road.
• Overtaking is on the right.

Speed limit

In urban areas - 30 mph (about 48 km/h).

Country roads - 60 mph (96 km/h).

Highways - 70 mph (112 km/h).

Other rules

• Seat belts are required for all passengers.
• Children under 135 cm or under 12 years of age must be in a car seat.
• Using a phone while driving is prohibited.
• The permissible level of alcohol is 0.8 ppm, but a complete refusal is recommended.

Parking and toll roads

Parking is strictly controlled in UK cities.

• Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) are specially designated areas where parking is allowed only during certain hours or with a permit.
• Pay and Display - parking lots where you first pay in a machine and put the receipt under the glass.
• Parking machines accept cards or mobile applications (RingGo, PayByPhone).
• Improper parking is punishable by a fine of £70 to £130. If you pay within 14 days, the fine is usually reduced by 50%.

Toll roads and zones

• Most highways are free.
• There are toll bridges and tunnels:

- Dartford Crossing near London is a toll (£2.50 per car).

• London Congestion Charge - a fee for entering the central zone of London (£15 per day, valid from 7:00 to 18:00 on weekdays).
• Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) - an additional fee for cars that do not meet environmental standards (£12.50 per day).

💡 You can pay for paid zones online or through the TfL (Transport for London) app.

Failure to pay the ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) or Congestion Charge in London is punishable by a fine of £160, which may increase if not paid on time.

If there are victims

1. Immediately call the police and an ambulance (999 or 112).

2. Stay in place until the services arrive.

If there are no victims

1. Stop the car in a safe place.

2. Put up an emergency stop sign.

3. Exchange contacts and insurance information.

4. Notify your insurance company.

Requirements

• Driver's age - from 21 years (often from 23 or even 25 years for premium cars).
• Minimum driving experience - 1 year.
• You need a passport, a Ukrainian driver's license of international standard, and a credit card.

Deposit

• When renting a car, a deposit on a credit card is blocked - from £200 to £1500.
• The amount depends on the car class, company, and type of insurance.

Features

• Possibility to choose a car with an automatic transmission (especially recommended for left-hand drive).
• Additional options:

- GPS navigator.

- A child seat.

- Wi-Fi router.

• Some companies offer “no deposit” packages, which are usually more expensive.

💡 Many companies offer full insurance to reduce or eliminate liability for damage.

1. Study the schemes of crossing the English Channel (Eurotunnel, ferries) in advance.

2. Take out medical insurance for yourself and your passengers.

3. For traveling in the UK, it is sometimes recommended to use a UK sticker on cars with foreign license plates, including Ukrainian ones. This is not mandatory for short-term entries, but it makes identification easier.

4. It is recommended to have breakdown cover or at least have emergency contacts. This is especially important on highways where self-evacuation is prohibited.

5. Check your headlights: On left-hand roads, the light should be adjusted so as not to blind oncoming drivers (special stickers for headlights are often sold).

6. Always have a first aid kit:

• first aid kit;
• a vest with reflective elements;
• an emergency stop sign;
• spare washer fluid.

7. Prepare your navigation: Google Maps, Waze, parking applications (Parkopedia, RingGo), TfL for London.

8. Have small change or a card: some parking meters do not accept banknotes.

9. Check the rules for importing luggage and personal belongings: there are restrictions on food, alcohol, and tobacco.

10. Calculate the time: traffic jams in large cities, especially London, can significantly delay the trip.

💡 Contacts for emergency services and roadside assistance in the UK

AA (Automobile Association): 0800 88 77 66

RAC: 0330 159 1111

National Highways: 0300 123 5000

💡 Apps for paying Congestion Charge and ULEZ

TfL Pay to Drive in London is the official app for paying for travel in London.

Services from Visit Ukraine for traveling by car

Traveling to the UK by car is an ambitious and exciting adventure that requires careful preparation. We are ready to help you at every stage:

1. Green Card - a must for Europe before the English Channel.

2. UK Insurance - advice and assistance in finding local insurance.

3. Health insurance - for your safety in the EU and the UK.

4. Legal support - assistance with customs, registration, accidents.

5. 24/7 support - we are always in touch wherever you are.

With Visit Ukraine, your trip to the UK will be safe, well-thought-out and as comfortable as possible!