Driving business cars abroad

It’s important for business car drivers to have a VE 103 certificate with them before they go on holiday this summer. Robin Mackonochie, from the British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association, explains why.

Drivers travelling in mainland Europe are required to carry their vehicle’s registration document with them at all times.

In the case of leased or rented vehicles – where the leasing or rental company is the owner – the original registration document belongs to them. So a substitute document is permissible.

This document is known as a Vehicle on Hire Certificate: the VE 103.

It must be carried in the vehicle.

Drivers of leased or rented business vehicles that are travelling in mainland Europe may have their vehicle impounded if they are not carrying a valid VE 103.

Substitutes – a letter of authority, or even a photocopy of the registration document – will not be accepted by authorities, such as local police or customs officials.