Can I Drive a US Plated Car In Europe?


When considering the idea of delivering your automobile from the U.S. to Europe, some laws and policies must be regarded as if you wish to avoid legal trouble or avoid paying astronomical monetary fees for non-compliance. Luckily, when you hire the help of a reputable international car dispatching company, they will ensure that you understand and are aware of all relevant policies and restrictions. You can also call the embassy of the European country you’re shipping the vehicle to. The embassy will provide you with the current tax rates for auto imports and the most recent changes to the laws on importing coups.
If you’re going to ship a car to Europe, you’re probably wondering if you can drive it around with U.S. plates. Driving in Europe with a U.S.-registered vehicle is NOT prohibited. However, only carriages remaining in the country for under 6 months can be driven without registration here. Any cars remaining in the country permanently or over the 6-month must be registered before it’s too late. Vehicle registration here is subject to charges, fees, and taxes.

The Benefits of Shipping a Car Overseas
Aside from the freedom you’ll have to travel in your own vehicle, overseas auto transport has many other benefits.
- International auto shipping services are the most reliable, practical, and affordable way to get a car here.
- You’ll have many transfer options for international transport for your car. Options like high-priority services are also available to most delivering customers. Some transporters will modify your services to suit your needs and budget better.
- The equipment, freight ships, dispatching containers, and other transport tools the transporter uses are nearly impossible to find otherwise. There isn’t any other established delivery process that can successfully get the vehicle into a foreign country.
- By state law, dispatching companies must carry the minimum insurance coverage requirements. However, if you’d like to purchase more protection, you should be able to do so through the transporter.
- Any dependable international transporter will train its staff members to remember and keep up with import policies. This will make it easier to comply with all laws and gather all the proper documents to earn import approval through Customs.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is US car insurance valid when driving in Europe?
Standard US auto insurance is typically not valid in Europe. Drivers must obtain European liability coverage, often issued under the Green Card system. Some travelers arrange coverage as part of their international car shipping service, which helps ensure compliance before the vehicle enters Europe.
Can I drive a US plated car in Europe legally?
Yes, you can drive a US plated car in Europe temporarily, usually for up to 6 months. You must carry valid US registration, proof of ownership, and compliant insurance. The vehicle cannot be sold or rented locally. Longer stays trigger customs import rules, emissions testing, and EU registration requirements enforced by border and tax authorities.
Can I ship my car to Europe instead of driving it?
Yes, shipping your vehicle is often easier than driving long-term on US plates. Shipping allows controlled customs entry and avoids border insurance issues. Common methods include container shipping or roll on roll off car shipping, depending on budget, destination port, and vehicle type.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Europe?
In most European countries, an international driving permit is strongly recommended alongside your US driver’s license. Police frequently request it during roadside checks, especially outside tourist areas. Some countries legally require it. Carrying an IDP helps avoid fines, delays, or misunderstandings when driving a US registered vehicle abroad.
What documents are required to ship and drive a US car in Europe?
You typically need the vehicle title, passport, proof of ownership, shipping paperwork, and valid insurance. Customs may also require a temporary import declaration. A complete checklist is outlined on the documents required for international car shipping page to help avoid delays or rejections.
How long can I drive my US car in Europe before importing it?
Most EU countries allow temporary use for 3 to 6 months without formal importation. After that, the car must be imported, taxed, and registered locally. Customs authorities track entry dates closely, and overstaying can result in fines or forced vehicle export under EU transport regulations.

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