If the last year has taught us anything, it is that Covid is always ahead of anyone who thinks they know what is going on. I have a few Euro TDs booked with TDOs that have significant UK TD turnover. Although my Euro days keep falling by the wayside (Alemeria Feb, Assen April & probably Spa in May), the UK TD market is very strong and that, I hope, will keep my TDOs in business until travel returns.
Mate had to spend 3 hours "negotiating" at Dover port in order to be allowed to cross into France. He had the bike on trailer, road registered enduro bike. (insurance, tax, MOT up to date) I crossed without incidents 5 weeks ago, again road registered enduro bike...but in my minibus. Is it down to every border officer to decide/interpret the law as they like or it the actual law ambiguous? On the same note just seen this https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/biking-after-brexit/ "Another issue that needs to be addressed is the uncertainty of non-commercial transportation of bikes – ie. two mates with bikes in the back of a van – as it appears that motorcycles may also have to be treated as goods in these circumstances."
I want a road trip in my van to Spain (Almeria) at the end of next month. But as you hint, the ambiguity of the certification is putting me off. A mate who lives in Spain says as long as you have the V5 you’re ok. But then I keep reading about this carnet bollox. It’s putting me off. I might just hide my bike and kit under ping pong balls. Tell em I’m a ping pong ball salesman.
Lifted from the article linked, “Official advice given by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), who have partnered with the ACU and Motorsport UK to provide discounted carnets, says that in very simple terms road-legal bikes (so that’s numberplate, V5, tax, MoT, insurance and green card) transported by the owner do not need a carnet while non road-legal bikes (such as track bikes or motocross bikes without numberplates or V5s) will need the document.” It seems to me the argument used by officialdom that you might sell the vehicle whilst in Europe (no mention of the requirement coming this way) is fatuous. Any vehicle being driven/ridden by an individual solo from the UK into Europe could sell the vehicle and fly back. Once again, give any official the freedom to interpret rules and regulations, will lead to inconsistent application of the rule or regulation. Andy
Heading to VdV & Le Mans July 27th with two bikes in the trailer. I will take V5s and a packet of liquorice all-sorts to bribe the Douanes.
Not going to work if your bike is a trackbike I just moved 2 trackbikes out of the UK. I went in the van via a tourist terminal and was denied by French customs. I didnt have carnet. They are pretty strict there. You options are: 1) put a number plate on the back and hope they dont notice slicks 2) get ATA carnet. ACU membership gives you a discount There is a good PDF that goes over every single detail https://www.acu.org.uk/Uploaded/1/Documents/Carnet-Guide-Jan-2021-1.pdf Can also call a number on front page, they are very helpful fellas.
From this do I take it that should I and a mate decide to take our own bikes into the EU in my van that we need a carnet too. Even though we’ll just ride them once we get closer to where we want to ride, yet we can ride the same bikes into the EU without a carnet?
From what I've read on this thread plus peoples personal experiences that I've spoken to, it all sounds a bit pot luck. It depends which official you cop at the border. The dilemma here is if you go through the hassle and expense of a carnet, no one will check the fucker. If you don't, sods law dictates they will!
Was the "tourist terminal" Eurotunnel? Were you "denied" UK side of the crossing or the French side? Did you eventually make it, if so how?
I’d have a fiver it was euro tunnel, was U.K. side and was at French customs. Biggest counts out there. Slow. Difficult. Rude. Lazy. And being French officials likely corrupt. Maybe add €50 euro in the pouch with V5 should do it….
