Rules on Car Tax on Polish vehicle in UK

My partner has just brought his car to the UK from Poland. It is taxed and insured in Poland and as far as I understand it can remain in the UK for 6 months without having to get UK tax/insurance. However, this seems only to be the case if you are a temporary resident, which he isn't really. Also, after this 6 months, can you just take it over the border and then bring it back or do you have to wait some time before re-entry? Can anyone offer any advice on this issue? Obviously we dont want to pay for car tax twice.

I would have thought that there must be a web site connected to the DVLC based in Swansea. As far as I was aware, the owner of a foreign motor vehicle can keep and drive it on its original plates for up to one year. Then, the car will have to be re-plated and taxed and insured in this country. I imagine that you are talking about a polish polish registered motor car? It used to be twelve months but now, how you can prove the comings and goings of so called residents, I have no idea. Until Poland joined the E.U. a Pole would even have to put L plates on his car and retake the British driving test after residency here of one year, but now, with the standardized driving licenses throughout Europe, I doubt if this rule too still applies.

it's DVLA - Driving and Vehicle Licencing Authority

Yes, its based in Swansea

thanks for your replies. Well I have been told by the tax authorities that its 6 months.. but I didnt know you had to change the plates. I have to admit I am quite ignorant about car matters since I dont drive, so Im just trying to find out on his behalf. Has anyone here experience of this?

If you are bringing in to this country and you intend to do it all 'above board', the car may even be liable to duty on importation. Anyway, the car must be re-registered, how otherwise can you insure the car and obtain a road fund license. It is an E.U. ruling that the car must be insured in the same country where it is registered.

In fact, I have been playing with my computer and have tried the DVLC web site and all the information is there. If you go on to the web site and go through the procedures about bringing in to the U.K. a pre-used car, you will find the bit about the Commission Notice procedure otherwise known as the Mutual relocation Process for cars under ten years of age. Its all there, you can even download an application form through your computer on line.

Ok thanks. I will have a look at that.

you have to buy tax for your car regardless, you cannot keep freeloading on us brits

Many years ago, in the 1970's, a lot of Australians used to drive around Europe in old Dutch registered vehicles and then sell them in London to buy their return air tickets. It was a real head ache as very often these cars were not legally insured or taxed.

Funny u mention that Michał. My mate in Poland was gonna do exactly that, punt it off in London for a decent sum and go back to Aus, his home country.

once the tax already paid in poland ran out that is, of course...

Sometimes, I do not know how anybody can prove if you have paid for tax or not. In Germany the registration number is your tax and if you do not pay they came and took your plates away. If the car is in England, it could be here for years and not pay anything. How would anybody know it was not just a tourist visitor?

Road tax in Poland is included in fuel price. So you don't pay it the way it is paid in the UK.

really???

they do not pay anything to the gov apart whats deducted from the anyway cheap fuel?
wow! that is very progressive and actually very fair...


it's all in the paperwork. you might be lucky until your tuev (german mot) runs out after, in the best case, 24 months'...

you can only have your car as a tourist untaxed in england for up to 6 months. after that period you are the longer part of a years period in this country and so you have to pay your tax where you live. that is valid not only for income tax but for your car as well...

at some point you will be asked to register your car on an english plate anyway. and to get that you have to have paid your car tax anyway...

**** you. The car is already taxed in Poland and I AM A BRIT so crawl back under your racist stone.

I remember times, when we had to pay road tax separately. However it would be fair, if that money was spent on improving Polish road infrastructure instead of stuffing the hole in national budget.

yeah...

i know where you coming from.
nevertheless almost everywhere else fuel is more expensive plus you have to pay seperate road tax on top (which is usually used in the same way as in poland, if you know what i mean...)

under these circumstances i would be happy stuffing the hole in polands finances than any other country's... ;)

Hehe, now that Polish Złoty has become stronger, fuel in Poland costs almost £1 per litre !

when did that happen?? i have just been there after christmas and fuel was still way cheaper...

£1 = 4,77 ZLP
1 litre of fuel in Poland = 4,40 ZLP
Voila.