Guys, I'm currently having a debate with some friends as to what actually is the legal 'UK' markings requirement for Touring to Spain and Portugal. I have TWO of these stickers stuck to my number plate, which in my mind covers all bases for the EU. I've followed this guidance: What YOU need to ride in Europe | Essential checklist (bennetts.co.uk) Spain requires 'UK' stickers, I've got two that I've chosen to stick on my number plate. Last year I toured through France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy with the above and had zero issues. Is this enough for Spain? Anyone else here toured to Spain? If so what stickers did you have attached to your bike?
We have toured France (twice), Germany, Spain and Portugal since Brexit with nothing more than a 3”x2” (ish) oblong UK sticker on the number plate, similar to what you have. As far as I was aware, the white lozenge shaped UK national identifier sticker is only required if you don’t have the UK/Union flag numberplate sticker. I carried a white lozenge UK sticker in my tank bag just in case but didn’t need it. Andy
I had this, https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09SLV4T7T/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1, stuck to a new number plate so it was covered in the clear plastic. Andy
Yes, a rectangular UK (not GB) sticker up the side of the number plate should do (I got mine on eBay). The Bennetts article is very good, and you might want to read the MCN Euro guide as well. https://www.motorcyclenews.com/advice/travelling-touring/riding-motorbike-europe/ Also remember that in some countries (i.e. Switzerland) it's illegal to have a satnav that shows where the speed cameras are located. Most satnavs with recent software updates will automatically deactivate the speed camera feature, if not, you can manually deactivate that feature prior to crossing the boarder. Their speed cameras are much smaller than ours and not well marked so be aware. Have a great trip!
I don't have any identifying UK stickers on any of my vehicles and have done tens of thousands of miles all round Europe with no issues whatsoever. I don't want people knowing I'm from the UK, it's an embarrassment. And no speeding tickets either, so win win.
To be fair, the registration gives it away somewhat doesn't it, being pretty different from anywhere else? But same, no stickers. They know I'm from the UK because I'm fat, have tattoos and fart a lot.
Private plate makes it much harder to work out where it’s from. The only giveaway that I’m from the UK when abroad is the copious amounts of alcohol I drink. All while remaining very restrained, you understand.
Well, I disagree on the plate, considering it as the most recognisable by some margin. I too am a private plate exhibitor and do enjoy drinking establishments dry
Dutch plates look not too dissimilar to UK ones for starters. I've done plenty of trips to Europe with just a small lozenge GB, and now UK, sticker on the back of my left pannier. My reg plate is a plain one, no UK or flag markings. When star-bursting out from a multi night stopover without panniers I haven't bothered, no issues so far.
I did a trip to Spain last year with a similar setup. I had just one UK sticker on my number plate and didn't have any issues. Sounds like you're good to go with two. Enjoy your ride!
I have just come back from France / Spain tour. I was stopped in Spain by the Guarda Civil Traffico near Toledo, because they did not recognise my low digit Channel Island registration number. I have made my own GBG stickers - printed by an online printing company - and a small mounting plate, which covers that legal requirement. Because the French require you to have your original vehicle registration document I had that with me - so I showed them that as proof of the registration number. After checking their computer they then checked the chassis number of the bike against the document ! which of course matched. All good, but I always make sure to have a GBG somewhere visible if not actually already on the number plate itself.
In my travels since the early 1970’s, I have found that where ever you go, there is the letter of the law and then, the law according to the person in the uniform enforcing it. Because road traffic law is so inconsistent, I cover my arse by having a small bag of things that are required by the written law but not necessarily enforced by the officer of the law. Not sure if the Spanish are diligently enforcing the UK sticker requirement (that’s not required in France) but in September, I shall carry one for our trip from Santander to Caen just in case. As I will pack a breathalyser and spare bulbs for the lights that are not LED, just in case. It saves any potential hassle. Andy
