How it works
It's for people who don't normally live in the UK, bringing their own vehicle for private use. You can't sell it, lend it or hire it out while it's in the UK.
There are two clocks. Customs: each time the vehicle comes in, it has to be taken out again within 6 months. Driving on foreign plates: up to 6 months in total, whether that's one visit or several shorter visits over 12 months.
The vehicle has to be registered and taxed (in the US, that means currently registered) in its home country. You don't need UK registration, UK road tax or an MOT (the UK safety test) during that time.
Driving through the "nothing to declare" channel counts as your customs declaration. Form C110 is officially optional, but fill it in anyway. It's your proof if police or Border Force stop you, and it's the route for asking HMRC for more time. If your vehicle needs Q plates, the C110 is required.
You need insurance that covers you on UK roads. A US policy won't. Carry proof, like a Green Card (the international insurance certificate) or a policy document from a UK or European insurer.
Need longer? Email HMRC (citex.temporaryadmissionsteam@hmrc.gov.uk) before your 6 months run out. Stay past it without permission and you have to register and tax the vehicle in the UK, paying VAT and duty.
An example
You ship your Tacoma to Europe and take the ferry from Calais to Dover on 10 April 2026. You drive around Britain and leave for France on 9 July 2026, which uses 91 days. On 1 September 2026 you come back for autumn. BorderRunner counts 6 calendar months in any 12, across every visit. That leaves 90 days, so the app has you out by 30 November 2026.
Mistakes people make
- Thinking the vehicle clock is the same as your own visitor stay. You might get 6 months as a visitor, but the vehicle count is separate and it adds up every visit in the 12 months.
- Driving on their US insurance. It doesn't cover the UK, and third-party cover is mandatory.
- Letting the home registration run out while in Britain. The relief depends on the vehicle being registered and taxed at home.
- Thinking the clock stops while the vehicle sits in storage and you're away. It doesn't. The UK only gives extra time for boats while the owner is away, not for cars.
- Lending the vehicle to a UK friend or selling it before you leave. Either one ends the relief and makes VAT and duty due.
Quick answers
How long can my foreign vehicle stay in the UK?
It has to leave within 6 months of each arrival, and it can only be driven on foreign plates for 6 months in total over 12 months. BorderRunner counts 6 calendar months in any 12, across every visit.
Does my US car insurance work in the UK?
No. You need insurance that covers UK roads, and third-party cover is required.
Can I get more time for my vehicle in the UK?
Email HMRC before your 6 months run out. Stay past it without permission and you'll owe VAT and duty.
Does the UK clock stop if my vehicle is in storage?
No. Parking or storing a car doesn't stop the clock. The UK only gives extra time for boats while the owner is away.
Where this comes from
Government sources only. Read the rule yourself.
- GOV.UK: Temporary imports of vehiclesgov.uk ↗
- HMRC: Temporary admission, time limits and extensionsgov.uk ↗
What changed
12 Oct 2026. Counts 6 calendar months in any 12, as GOV.UK states, instead of capping at 180 days.
3 Oct 2026. Checked against GOV.UK and HMRC. Clarified that storing a car doesn't stop the clock.
A plain-language summary of the official rules. It isn't legal advice. If your situation is unusual, confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified adviser.
