Driving Overseas

Under UK law, the windshields, also referred to as windscreens, of vehicles first used prior to 1 Apr 85 must allow at least 70% of visual light to pass through the glass.  Vehicles newer than 1 April 85 must have windshields that allow 75% of visual light to pass through the glass and front side windows that allow 70% of visual light to pass through the glass.  The rear windows of vehicles can be heavily tinted as long as the vehicle is equipped with side mirrors. 

The rules limiting tinted vehicle glass were implemented for two important reasons: first, to increase road safety by improving driver visibility, and second, to protect Police Officers by giving them increased visibility into vehicles.  Whilst permanently tinted glass may improve the visibility of drivers in bright conditions it will restrict visibility in dark conditions which may prevent drivers from seeing other motorists or pedestrians. Also when vehicles are emerging from junctions, approaching drivers will look for confirmation that the drivers of the emerging vehicles have noticed their approach. Excessively tinted glass can prevent eye contact being established. It's illegal to fit or sell glass (or have a vehicle already fitted with glass) that breaks the rules on tinted windows.

The police or VOSA vehicle examiners use light measuring equipment to measure window tint. If your windscreen or front side windows are tinted too much you could get a ‘prohibition notice' stopping you from using your vehicle on the road until you have the extra tint removed, and/or a penalty notice or court summons. Tinted windows are not part of the MOT test.

Hands-free devices must be used while operating a motor vehicle on ALL military installations worldwide, as well as throughout the U.K. Fines for not using a Hands-free device are upwards of £200 and six points on your license.

Car insurance is very expensive in Great Britain, especially if you are under age 25. If you do not have any vehicle violations or accidents on your license while in the United States, then have your insurance company in the US write a letter stating such and you will be eligible for a considerable (up to 60%) discount on your insurance. 

All Civilians, Active Duty, and their dependents must acquire U.K. insurance to operate a motor vehicle in the U.K. 

There is a local Geico office located on RAF Lakenheath and also a local USAA insurance branch located in London.

USAA International Auto Insurance can be reached at (Toll Free) 1-800-531-8722/ 0800 28 9192 (local).
Geico overseas insurance can be reached at (Toll-Free) 1-800-248-4998/ 01638 53 3400 (local).

Requirements for the MOT testing include

• All vehicles built after 1 April 1981 must have a fog light, mounted at the rear of the vehicle, centered to the right hand side of the vehicle. Also, the light control switch must light up when the fog light is on and must be seen from the driver's seat.
• Parking lights must be white, not amber.
• The headlights in the UK are angled differently than in the States because of driving on the other side of the road. It is suggested that the re-aiming of your lights be done when you arrive in the UK.
• All vehicles built after 1 April 1986 must have a side repeater. A side repeater is a separate turn signal in the fender that can be seen from the driver side door. In most cases this means drilling holes in the fender of approximately 3/4 inch. Wraparound lights may substitute for the side repeater in some models.
• All rear turn signals must flash amber, and must not adversely affect any other light (brake light, parking light).
• Very few American vehicles meet the standards for light requirements in the UK. The price for a light conversion can be very high depending on the vehicle.

Road tax is a yearly tax paid to the UK government on motor vehicles using public roads. When you buy a vehicle, the vehicle tax will not be transferred with the vehicle. You will need to get a new vehicle road tax before you can use the vehicle. You can tax the vehicle using the New Keeper Supplement (V5C/2) part of the vehicle registration certificate (V5C) online, by using the automated phone service - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or visiting a Post Office branch.

If you bring a vehicle with you to the UK and do not plan on driving it for an extended period of time, you can make a SORN (Statutory Off Road Notification) if you don't use or keep your vehicle on a public road (eg you keep it in a garage, on a drive or on private land). You don't have to pay road tax. To apply for a SORN you can do so by applying online, by phone, or post.