Overseas Operations - Northern Ireland

Please note: This section contains a brief summary of the rules for operating vehicles in Northern Ireland; information on journeys to other international locations has not been included. Relevant and more up-to-date information for overseas journeys including the Channel Islands can be found in the Logistics UK European Road Transport Guide, one copy of which is provided free to International Logistics UK Members or can be purchased in the Logistics UK Shop.

This chapter outlines the requirements for vehicles visiting Northern Ireland from Great Britain and provides advice on operator licensing rules for operators based in Northern Ireland.

Updates for 2023:

• Driver and Vehicle Agency - Online Licence Check Service.

• New rules for international road haulage.

• Updated registration and licensing information. 

Download the overseas operations - northern ireland chapter of the Yearbook of Road Transport Law

Contents:

• Moving goods to or from Northern Ireland.

  • Register for the Trader Support Service.

• Permits.

• Road tax.

• Insurance.

• Weights and dimensions.

• Security.

• Driver and vehicle licensing.

  • Driver & Vehicle Agency - Online Licence Check Service. 

  • First registration and licensing.

  • Tax renewal.

  • Trade licensing.

  • Bulk transactions.

  • Fleet scheme.

  • Payment methods.

• Journeys to Southern Ireland from mainland UK and Northern Ireland.

• Flagging out.

• Drivers’ hours, records and tachographs.

• Working time regulations.

• Operator licensing.

  • Who needs a licence?

  • Who is the user of the vehicle?

  • Are there any exceptions?

• New Rules for International Road Haulage in 2022.

• Prohibitions.

• Dangerous goods transport.

• Annual MOT for light vans and cars.

• Abnormal loads.

• Logistics UK services in Northern Ireland.