UK Holiday Drivers in Europe Could Soon Be Fined at Home
British holidaymakers driving in Europe could soon find speeding tickets and other road fines following them home again, thanks to a new UK-EU agreement.
Since Brexit, many British drivers caught committing minor traffic offences on European roads—like speeding or using a mobile phone while driving—have largely escaped penalties. That’s because European police have been unable to access UK vehicle registration data, meaning they couldn't send fines by post to UK addresses.
Likewise, European drivers in the UK have enjoyed similar immunity since January 2021, as British authorities lost access to EU vehicle registration records.
But this “Brexit loophole” is coming to an end. A recently announced “reset deal” between the EU and the UK will restore the exchange of vehicle registration information, allowing cross-border enforcement of motoring offences once again.
What This Means for Travellers
- British motorists who commit traffic offences in EU countries could once again receive fines at home, potentially weeks after returning from their trip.
- European drivers travelling in the UK will also be back on the radar of British enforcement agencies.
- Fines for speeding, red light violations, and phone use behind the wheel will no longer be easy to dodge just by leaving the country.
Before Brexit, the Cross Border Enforcement Directive (since 2015) enabled this kind of cooperation across EU member states. Now, the UK is moving toward rejoining this system as part of a broader push to strengthen UK-EU ties.
For travellers, this means a return to stricter accountability while driving abroad. The grace period is ending—so make sure to stick to the rules, even when you're on holiday.
Travelling to the EU
UK holidaymakers can currently travel to the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. This visa-free access applies to tourism, family visits, and business trips across most EU countries. However, British nationals planning longer stays, work, study, or to join family members in a Schengen country will typically need to apply for a national visa or residence permit in advance.
It’s also important to note that in 2026, UK travellers will need to apply for ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) approval before entering Schengen countries, even for short visits. This electronic travel authorisation will add a new layer of pre-travel requirements for British nationals heading to Europe.
If you need assistance with your visa application, IaM can help. Whether you're planning a short holiday, a career move, or a permanent relocation, our experienced legal team takes the stress out of your application.
What’s your go-to getaway destination this summer? Talk to us in the comment section below. Or if you need more advice on the above, contact us for further travel & immigration advice.
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IaM can help with your visa application to Europe, the United States, the UK & other countries
If you need help with a US visa, a UK Visa, or a visa to Europe, including help with appointment booking obligations, IaM can help. For more information and advice on US immigration, UK immigration law and US visa applications or if you need any help or assistance please, reach out to your Visa Coordinator at IaM.
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Over the past 6+ years, with IaM, and working in the travel and immigration sector, Charlie has authored 200+ in-depth guides on Schengen, UK visas & other destinations they have relocated 1,000+ families safely through the system. A Clockwork Practitioner, Charlie also works hard to streamline operations and adheres to the mantra "Task Clients Well".
When they’re not translating policy into plain English, you’ll find them scouting new destinations, collecting local stories, and mastering a new language to better serve our global community.
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