Road Tax for Foreign Visitors

Road Tax for Foreign Visitors - Is it required?

Were I work we have some foreign visitors working for us through an agency. I've noticed that their car doesn't have a visible tax disc. They are from Poland - are they breaking the law driving around our roads without a tax disc? They speak very little english and I don't want to upset them if its unneccessary. I think they may be here for a while possibly permenant.

Colin M	There are international agreements which provide for the temporary use of a vehicle in a foreign country for a limited time, usually six months in a 12 month period. A visitor to the UK may use a vehicle displaying foreign plates, provided that all taxes (including vehicle excise duty) are paid in their country of origin. If a vehicle bearing foreign plates is stopped by the police, it is the responsibility of the keeper to demonstrate that he or she is eligible to use the vehicle in the UK without registering and taxing it. It is the responsibility for the driver to prove how long the vehicle has been in the country. This can be achieved by producing ferry tickets. Used or unregistered vehicles brought into the UK will be allowed to circulate freely for six months in any 12 month period without the need to register. Certain vehicles will be required to display a temporary 'Q' plate. Temporary visitor status is not appropriate to these vehicles.

Neil	If they are "visitors" - i.e. just visiting for a week or two, then so long as their car is legal in their own country and they have adequate insurance cover, it is legal here (just like if we take our cars on holiday to France). However, if they are resident here - living and working, with no intention to leave in the next few weeks - they should register their car in in the UK, with UK number plates and a UK tax disc.

Miss Kitty	They have a limited time whereby they don't need to re-register their car, as long as they have suitable insurance etc., but what they need to do depends on their long term intentions. Have a look at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/BuyingAndSellingAVehicle/ImportingAndExportingAVehicle/DG_10014623

bostonianinmo	If their vehicle is legally on the road under Polish law, a UK tax disc is not required. If they register the car in the UK, all UK requirements must then be met. They can use their Polish number plates for up to one year.