Why you might need new number plates after Brexit

GB number plates no deal Brexit

UK motorists may need to splash out on a new set of number plates in the event of a no-deal Brexit.  The news comes as the government issues guidance notes on preparing to drive in the EU after Brexit, with a warning that number plates displaying both the EU flag and a GB sign will no longer be valid from 29 March 2019.

Instead, drivers will have to replace the Euro-plate with a number plate displaying the GB plate without the EU flag. Alternatively, Remainers can hold on to their plastic slice of EU history, providing they display a GB sticker without any reference to the EU.

The EU and its members

According to the BBC, the EU - a political and economic union of 28 countries - has grown into a “single market” in which member states are treated like they are part of a single country. The official currency, the euro, is used by 19 member nations. The EU also has its own parliament, which rules on a variety of sectors, like environment, transport, consumer rights and communications.

Under the current rules, a separate GB sticker isn’t required when travelling within the European Union if the Euro symbol and GB national identifier are displayed on the number plates.

The Euro symbol must be a minimum height of 98mm, have a width between 40 and 50mm, have a reflective blue background with 12 reflecting yellow stars, and must show GB in reflecting white or yellow.

GB sticker on Triumph Stag

Alternatively, motorists can display the Union Flag, Cross of St George, Cross of St Andrew or Red Dragon, but they must be accompanied by letters denoting the country of origin.

For example, in the case of Wales, the options are CYMRU, Cymru, CYM, Cym, Wales or WALES.