Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Like Tree1Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Feb 2013
branners's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 46
Rules on long term bike storage in UK

I hope to travel from Australia to Uk and then leave bike in Uk for 12 months and then ship to USA for rest of RTW
Are there restrictions preventing me leaving aust reg vehicle in UK for 12 months?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
You don't need a carnet and I don't think they stamp it into your passport so I don't see any problem.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: West Midlands ,UK
Posts: 158
Press release 24: DVLA clamps down on overseas registered vehicles

Release Date: 03/08/2006
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) announced today it is clamping down on foreign registered vehicles that flout the UK registration and licensing laws, with enforcement measures that include wheel clamping and impounding foreign registered vehicles that don’t comply with UK laws.
Leaflets and windscreen warning notices will be placed on offending vehicles and persistent offenders may find their vehicle wheel clamped and impounded and, if unclaimed, disposed of by crushing.

Vehicles that are properly registered and taxed in their home countries and brought into the UK temporarily are usually exempt from UK registration and licensing, and may be used in the UK for up to six months in any twelve month period.
After that they must be registered and licensed with DVLA. Keepers must register and license their vehicle immediately they become resident in this country.
DVLA has been working closely with relevant organisations to help explain the UK registration and licensing rules to ensure these drivers fully understand what is required.

Transport Minister, Stephen Ladyman said: "This is good news for all law-abiding motorists. Cracking down on foreign vehicles whose keepers fail to abide by UK registration and licensing laws will improve road safety and free up valuable police resources."

DVLA is taking the lead and the Republic of Ireland, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden have agreed to allow enforcement action to be taken in the UK on non-compliant vehicles registered in their countries. Information will be shared with the EU Commission and other member states and as a result the initiative may be extended to include vehicles from other countries."

Ends.

Well thats what they try to do , but as with all things the practice of it is a little vague . Provided your Vehicle is all legal in your own Country and you have a reasonable excuse for being in the UK, if stopped you may be ok.
What the essence of the directive is to stop un road worthy vehicles staying in the UK without an annual MOT( ministry of transport road worthiness certificate)
Hope this helps
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
As noted in the post above, the legal limit to keep a foreign registered bike in the UK is 6 months. I kept a bike with foreign plates longer than this without any problems.

In practical terms it is extremely difficult for the DVLA or local authorities to keep track of this as, assuming you arrive either via ferry or eurotunnel, there is no record of when your bike arrived.

Provided you have a green card and the vehicle is roadworthy you are unlikely to face any major issues if you are stopped. If you park it on the road I would keep it covered to minimise the risk that anyone notices it has been there for more than six months.

The other option is to take it over to France and leave it there for a while to keep under the six month limit.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Feb 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Angouleme, France
Posts: 41
deleted

Last edited by Stray Dog; 17 Jan 2015 at 12:18.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: West Midlands ,UK
Posts: 158
Forgot to mention you are welcome to keep your bike in my garage for the winter , if you need somewhere ... I am in the Midlands near M6 J3
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 24 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Up in the hills of Norfolk
Posts: 249
Quote:
Originally Posted by Matt Roach View Post
As noted in the post above, the legal limit to keep a foreign registered bike in the UK is 6 months. I kept a bike with foreign plates longer than this without any problems.

In practical terms it is extremely difficult for the DVLA or local authorities to keep track of this as, assuming you arrive either via ferry or eurotunnel, there is no record of when your bike arrived.

Provided you have a green card and the vehicle is roadworthy you are unlikely to face any major issues if you are stopped. If you park it on the road I would keep it covered to minimise the risk that anyone notices it has been there for more than six months.

The other option is to take it over to France and leave it there for a while to keep under the six month limit.
I think you'll find the same sort of restrictions in France as well.

But I agree that in practical terms it's unlikely to be a problem.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Quote:
Originally Posted by Stray Dog View Post
In theory, as already stated, 6 months on any one year is the limit for a foreign reg vehicle in the UK.
But if it's in storage and not being used then I cant see a problem.
I have had a French reg car in the UK for nearly 2 years, no one has said anything.
Apart from my wife, who says "When are you going to get rid of that piece of crap out the garden".......

Dog
And the reverse situation is prevalent, although I have heard of similar enforcement "ideas" by the French authorities concerning the keeping of foreign registered vehicles there; nevertheless, there are lots of UK registered cars etc based in France, with out of date RFL discs on the windscreen.
And to think that we are all part of a common market called the EU.

I would think that an AUS reg bike could easily be "lost" in Britain for years, never mind just one year, especially in any of the cities.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 27 Feb 2013
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 381
Hiya

I think the six month in any twelve is some sort of EU ruling, so applies to EU vehicles only? But how they would enforce in reality is more relevant. The UK DVLA just sit by the roadside in Spain for instance pulling the ExPats in UK registered vehicles, but I would think can only do anything about no MOT or tax. Proving you havn't popped back into France for an hour two months ago is surely impossible?!

Stupid rules!!!
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 28 Feb 2013
branners's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 46
Thanks so much for your responses and offer to store...reciprocated if you come to melbourne!
Seems like there isn't an issue to worry ablut

Geoff
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 7 Dec 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Buenos Aires
Posts: 27
what about a south american registered bike?

hi all,

Thanks for your advices!

I am planning to croos with an argentinian registered bike, do you know if could storage the bike for 6 months or as it is not european I could not do it?

thanks all for your help!!!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 7 Dec 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
Storage is not a problem. What 'they' are trying to stop is people using a vehicle (as in day to day use, even week to week) that has been in use for longer than 6 months. So using the vehicle as a tourist for up to 6 months .. then putting it in storage (off street) until you come back is fine .. just don't say in the one spot using it too long (6+ months). Oh .. don't come back too soon .. legal probably 6 months minimum, practically within the memory of the local police.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Dec 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: UK
Posts: 69
It all depends if the DVLA systems have been updated to record foreign vehicles and the ANPR vehicles can detect a foreign plate. If so, they can ping when you pass a Police car and you will get pulled once the 6 months is up.

That said, when was the last time you saw a foreign car get stopped entering the UK from the ferry.

Personally I would be more concerned to make sure I had insurance as without it you will get your bike seized immediately.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 12 Jan 2015
HUBB Advertiser
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cork Ireland
Posts: 181
If any of you guys need storage, please feel free to contact me.

WW
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 Jan 2015
Lifetime Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 365
I've had my Australian registered bike in and out off the UK over the last three and a bit years. There was one gap of 18 months between trips where it stayed stored in the UK. No issues have been raised so far either when I'm riding in the country, which is only for short periods, or when I leave and re-enter. Also at one stage I had to get police involved when bike was stolen and they never queried during that as to why an Australian bike was there. Don't think you'll have an issue.

Sent from my GT-I9507 using Tapatalk
__________________
Martin

finally back on the road again


http://awayonmybike.blogspot.com/

Last edited by navalarchitect; 13 Jan 2015 at 21:21.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 18:55
Long term storage solution in montevideo uruguay jhoncooperworks SOUTH AMERICA 7 16 Aug 2017 19:32
Uruguay, Montevideo, long term storage, advice and mechanical fixing. maja Sleep and Eat, South America 3 8 Oct 2014 15:14
Air freighting to Argentina, the definitive guide srileo Trip Transport 2 20 Oct 2012 03:38
A Gringo in Colombia Ride4Adventure Ride Tales 13 20 Apr 2012 02:15

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:15.