THE Christmas holiday season is nearly here.
For those business drivers taking their company car abroad, it’s important to ensure you have the correct car documentation.
Business drivers of leased or rented vehicles travelling in mainland Europe may have their vehicle impounded if they are not carrying a Vehicle on Hire Certificate.
The Vehicle on Hire certificate is also known as a VE103.
All drivers travelling in mainland Europe are required to carry the vehicle registration document with them at all times.
This is not possible with rented or leased vehicles – the business car is owned by the leasing or rental company. So a substitute document is permissible. This is known as a Vehicle on Hire Certificate: the VE103.
Substitute business car documentation, such as a photocopy of the registration document, will not be accepted by local police or customs.
Cars can be impounded for several days by the police until the original registration document is sent out from the UK.
Those company cars requiring a VE103 will be on contract hire and personal contract hire (PCH) leases.
Business car drivers of rental vehicles will also need a VE103, especially those cars on three- or six-month mini-leases.
A VE103 can be obtained from your business leasing or car rental company.
The VE103 and driving company cars abroad
- The VE103 must be carried in all rented or leased vehicles
- VE103 documentation is the only legal alternative to the vehicle registration document
- The VE103 is valid for up to 12 months – so if you drove abroad during the summer it should still be valid
- If you own the vehicle, then you must take the registration document with you
- Also ensure your insurance covers you to drive abroad