Why are UK plates not GB?

“Changing the national identifier from GB to the UK symbolises our unity as a nation and is part of a wider move towards using the UK signifier across government. However, if British drivers are in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, they must show a UK sticker no matter the symbols on the plate.

Is it illegal to have GB on your number plate?

The new rules state that any driver with a GB sticker on their car now needs to replace it with a new UK one if they are taking their vehicle abroad. “Drivers also need to remember that number plates featuring the blue band and letters ‘GB’ next to the European golden stars are also no longer valid,” Mr Dennis warned.

Why are UK license plates different Colours?

According to the DVLA, having a white plate at the front and a yellow plate at the back is designed to give drivers on the road a very quick way of telling if they’re looking at the front or rear of a vehicle.

What countries have blue stripes on the license plate?

The current form of German European license plates have been in use since 1994. Most license plates for countries in the European Union have a blue graphic strip on the left side of the plate.

Do you need GB plates in Europe?

A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “Changing the national identifier from GB to UK symbolises our unity as a nation and is part of a wider move towards using the UK signifier across government.” In Spain, Cyprus or Malta, a UK sticker is now mandatory regardless of the number plates.

Do I need GB sticker in Europe?

If your car has a GB logo resting on the blue EU flag on its number plate, you’ll need a separate GB sticker. If your car has the GB logo on its own or on the Union Flag on its number plate, you should be okay.

Why are British license plates yellow and white?

All UK-registered vehicles manufactured after January 1, 1973, must display numberplates that are white at the front, yellow at the rear, have black characters and be made of reflective material. Yellow was chosen because it provides the biggest colour contrast, after white, with the black lettering.

Why are UK plates white and yellow?

According to the DVLA, the plates every car carries in the UK are different in colour for a simple reason. For the rear plate, yellow was chosen as, after white, it was the next clearest colour for the human eye to read black characters on.

What countries have EU license plates?

Member Countries

Austria	Belgium	Bulgaria
Finland	France	Germany
Hungary	Ireland	Italy
Lithuania	Luxembourg	Malta
Poland	Portugal	Romania

Why do some number plates have GB?

For the last 111 years, the GB sticker has been valid for cars from England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. However, the GB stands for Great Britain, which includes England, Scotland and Wales but not Northern Ireland, while the United Kingdom is made up of all four nations.

Is UK driving licence valid in Europe?

UK photocard driving licences will continue to be valid while driving in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. Those who live in an EU country – or in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland – and are currently using a UK driving licence, will have to exchange it for a local one.