Importing a UK car back into the UK from France

Hades

Hades

Hades

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Joined
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I've seen a car advertised that is currently in France. It was originally a UK car but in the last few years was taken out to France with the current owner. Before I consider viewing it does anyone have any experience of re-importing a UK car back into this country? Is it simply a matter of getting it MOT'd, taxed and registered with the DVLA in this country again or does it need to pass some kind of import test? Also does anyone know how long that process would take?

Would I have to get the car transported back to the UK or would it be possible to drive it back on French plates (with appropriate insurance of course)?

All this would affect the overall price so I wanted to check the process before approaching the seller.

Thanks.
 
Perfectly possible to drive it back on French plates - your insurers may be willing to insure it on the VIN on a temporary basis, or if not speak to Axa insurance who would definitely be able to sort it for you.

The one thing you might have to watch for is the front lights - technically you're supposed to change them to LHD versions when you import a car into France or it won't pass the CT (French MOT). However, I know several people who managed to get a CT without changing the light units - the whole process is very French in that there's very little logic or common sense applied at all. So it might be worth checking the model numbers of the light units before you order new ones, as they may not need changing at all.
 
Buy car.
Go to French DVLA-equivalent office and get export papers.
Drive to UK.
Import.

The fact that it's already been UK-registered should make it easier to register, if anything.
 
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