Increased take-up of personal contract hire could lead to thousands of motorists inadvertently flouting European legislation when driving across the Channel this year.

Growing PCH take-up could see more drivers falling foul of European legislation

So says the BVRLA following a warning from the DVLA that motorists taking their vehicle abroad must have their V5C logbook. For drivers of leased or hired vehicles, this requires contacting their rental or leasing provider to obtain a vehicle on hire certificate (VE103); an authenticated extract of the logbook that ensures drivers have the correct documentation to legally travel in Europe in a hire vehicle.

On average 4.1 million British drivers travel to Europe each year and with more drivers now opting for personal leasing, this could see a growing number of motorists falling foul of the VE103 requirement; recently published BVRLA data shows personal contract hire take-up grew by 14% in Q1 2018, slower than the 42% seen for the same period last year but in direct contrast to the fleet leasing market for cars (contract hire and finance lease) and the total car leasing market for Q1, which fell 4% and 1% respectively.

In response, the BVRLA is urging drivers to take action now on getting the correct documentation.

BVRLA’s director of member services, Nora Leggett said: “We ask that drivers who lease or rent their car notify their rental or leasing company now before the summer holiday peak so that the VE103 certificate can be processed and sent in plenty of time to avoid the prospect of stiff financial penalties, delay and upset to holiday plans.”

Leggett also urged drivers to check arrangements for European breakdown cover to avoid spiralling insurance cover.

“If in doubt, speak with your leasing provider or rental company and they will provide you with all the information you will need for a safe and compliant trip to Europe this summer.”

LeasePlan has also published a checklist for drivers going abroad this summer as the company additionally highlights the extra steps that drivers of lease cars need to carry out.

LeasePlan eight-point checklist for British motorists driving in Europe this summer:

• Apply for your Crit’ Air sticker well in advance of your date of travel to avoid running the risk of driving without one.
• Notify your leasing provider that you’ll be taking the vehicle abroad in advance to obtain a vehicle-on-hire certificate (VE103). All drivers who own their vehicle must be able to produce a V5 vehicle document (logbook).
• Check you have European Breakdown Cover.
• Consider giving your car a maintenance check before you head off to help improve fuel economy and avoid any preventable accidents.
• Whether you are travelling for business or pleasure, fully comprehensive insurance is essential for all drivers.
• Read up and ensure you comply with each country’s individual driving laws. For instance, France has banned satnavs that are capable of detecting speed cameras and it’s compulsory for all cars to carry a warning triangle, a high-visibility safety vest, spare light bulbs, GB stickers or number plate with an EU logo.
• Ensure your driving licence and passport are valid and up-to-date.
• Travelling with kids? Check the safety and compliance rules on car seats for each country before you set off.