C2 We are going to initiate a service for our customers
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whereby we intend to send a recovery truck or two over to the Continent, and bring home broken down or damaged vehicles for repair at our premises. We would like to know if we can do this on our British trade plates. Also, can you advise us on any restrictions we may incur, eg is there any limit on the amount of diesel we can take, etc, and will an hgv Class I be acceptable in the various countries of the EEC?
AThough operators do recover broken-down vehicles from the Continent, with vehicles operated under British trade plates. there is no official sanction for this. There has been no attempt to establish a common policy on the use of trade plates abroad, and acceptance is a matter for the individual country. You should check with the authorities in the country concerned, and make sure your insurance policy covers the use of your vehicle abroad.
The amount of diesel allowed into any country is limited only by the fuel tank capacity of the vehicle. However, tax is payable, for instance, on fuel in the tank over 100 litres in France or 50 litres in Germany. You should check with the authorities of the countries through which you wish to travel about maximum amounts allowed before tax is due.
In general, there are no hgv driving licence regulations applicable in EEC member countries, but all will accept British driving licences, though international driving licences may be required outside the EEC.