What is Spanish Snowbirds?

[arniegp]

Back in July 2016 to get MOT done



You would think by now that the DVLA or whoever, would allow a UK vehicle to be MOT'd] in any EU country it finds itself in. After all, a mechanic is a mechanic irrespective of language.

I have experienced the dreaded discovery of been MOT less whilst abroad and fortunately got home without incident, although unaware that my insurance was invalid.

Perhaps a case for Jeremy Corbin!

 

[BrianG]

I agree. When you think of all the stupid laws we are all expected to comply with yet when it comes to simple things to make life easier NO CHANCE!!
The europe we have now is not what I signed up for.
Sorry about off topic rant

 

[horshamjack]

I agree. When you think of all the stupid laws we are all expected to comply with yet when it comes to simple things to make life easier NO CHANCE!!
The europe we have now is not what I signed up for.
Sorry about off topic rant

I agree with the previous posts. You would think you could get your vehicle MOT done in Europe!! then we could fulltime over there can tax and insure online

 

[Byronic]

Back in July 2016 to get MOT done



You would think by now that the DVLA or whoever, would allow a UK vehicle to be MOT'd] in any EU country it finds itself in. After all, a mechanic is a mechanic irrespective of language.

I have experienced the dreaded discovery of been MOT less whilst abroad and fortunately got home without incident, although unaware that my insurance was invalid.

Perhaps a case for Jeremy Corbin!

It's a few years off yet, even for the possibility of a 2nd Coming of JC. Meantime there's always the Osborne pleasing reasonable compromise option to fall back on...... buy a new vehicle every 3 years!

 

[Deleted member 967]

It's a few years off yet, even for the possibility of a 2nd Coming of JC. Meantime there's always the Osborne pleasing reasonable compromise option to fall back on...... buy a new vehicle every 3 years!

Remember however. That if you take a vehicle out of the UK for 12 or more months DVLA require that you de-register it, as exported and it is re-registered in the country you spend the most time in. Other countries such as Spain require that vehicles that are imported for longer than 6 months be re-registered there.

Europe is not joined up. The vehicle must comply with the laws of the country it is registered in at all times. So even a new vehicle that doesn't need a MOT for 3 years still needs to be in the UK for at least one day on the year.

 

[Bob M]

First Time Snowbirds

Hi,

We have driven abroad lots, so have no worries there. What we would like is a few general tips on motor homing in France, Spain etc. We intend on a wildcamping/Aires/campsite mix, staying a few days here and there before drifting off.

Do we need to take anything "extra" ? Should we take the two little calour gas bottles, and swop them as we go? Will headlight converter stickers last 90 days? Is it worth taking the awning? Is there anything anyone thinks essential?

It's all an adventure, even if Ralfe Finnes might rate it differently.

Bob m

 

[Deleted member 967]

Hi,

We have driven abroad lots, so have no worries there. What we would like is a few general tips on motor homing in France, Spain etc. We intend on a wildcamping/Aires/campsite mix, staying a few days here and there before drifting off.

Do we need to take anything "extra" ? Should we take the two little calour gas bottles, and swop them as we go? Will headlight converter stickers last 90 days? Is it worth taking the awning? Is there anything anyone thinks essential?

It's all an adventure, even if Ralfe Finnes might rate it differently.

Bob mView attachment 34013

You will need all of your documentation with you. Driving licence, V5, Insurance certificate. Certified photocopies are acceptable in Spain. We make copies of all our documents and keep them safe just in case something happens to the originals (including Passports). You need to carry some ID at all times (photo driving licence or passport)
Triangles and Safety Jackets for all occupants. Flip Flops and backless shoes are not allowed for driving in Spain. Spare glasses (if used).
UK gas bottles are just that. Calor is not available to swap abroad so you will need to obtain bottles abroad if you use more than you can take with you.
We have beam benders fitted for most of the year with no problems (LHD in UK)
Awnings are only of use if you intend to use a campsite. They are not for Aires or Wild-camping. Remember putting anything out under or around your vehicle, as it is in running condition, is considered camping. Even raising a roof top satellite dish can be considered camping. Opening out windows can also be considered as camping.
Some Aires have time limits so check the information.
We carry water and spare full containers as some locations in winter, the water is turned off to prevent frost damage.
Remember. Waste water from your grey tank can be used to rinse your cassette.

 

[Bob M]

Thanks for that

Just the job. In particular I hadn't realised the difference between parking ang camping.

Cheers

 

[vindiboy]

I'm hoping to find a camper friendly town that Vindiboy posted earlier this year, if it's still good, it sounds ideal for a Meet up, what do you reckon , John ?

I guess you are talking about Mijas Costa, great Aire there, free with the Mayors blessing, water and toilet dump too,the site is used for the market one day a week but that is not a problem as one is not supposed to park on that area anyway. I believe you have to register with the council to stay there now, no big deal in that, they apparently just want to see your vehicle docs I'm told, Mijas Costa is a short drive from Fuengirola.

Google Maps Tis Ere! The area has been altered since this Google view, it is now much better , the building you see at the entrance to the parking is a WOK, great chinese food buffet, 10 euros all you could eat when we were there, 2 other great chinese in the town,take aways too.Short walk to a lidl too.

 

[vindiboy]

Mijas Costa Aire.

 

[Byronic]

Remember however. That if you take a vehicle out of the UK for 12 or more months DVLA require that you de-register it, as exported and it is re-registered in the country you spend the most time in. Other countries such as Spain require that vehicles that are imported for longer than 6 months be re-registered there.

Europe is not joined up. The vehicle must comply with the laws of the country it is registered in at all times. So even a new vehicle that doesn't need a MOT for 3 years still needs to be in the UK for at least one day on the year.

I have friends that actually do as I have stated. They buy new, paying full VAT. They then fill and post off the V5/VSC4 Notification of Permanent Exporting etc. DVLA keep a Registration record. Insurance can be a bit problematical but they get an Export of Vehicle Specialist cover. Once they get overseas they let the current VED run out. Insurance Renewal is done online Certificate printout in an Internet café, times past it was Post Restante. If they were to get temporary insurance difficulties then I expect they'd do what I've done plenty of times..... Assurances Frontier, or visit a Gib. broker and get a policy underwritten by a Spanish Co. On return to the UK they go through Vehicle Import Formalities, not too difficult, as they've paid all dues and importantly retain the VAT Receipts, and apply for an updated V5 plus paying the VED.
They reckon this faffing around is preferable to a return trip from perhaps Greece, Morocco or southern Spain. They are well enough off to renew their m/home every three years, they are British and resident in the UK. If the Spanish authorities were to question them on whether they had been in the country over 6 months {they never have done) then they would have been in Portugal/France/Morocco recently wouldn't they!
BTW no legal MOTs obtainable for UK reg vehicles in "British" Gib in case any one is wondering!! And the Brit. hombre selling UK MOTs on the costas not so long ago is now holidaying at HM pleasure!

 

[vwalan]

last time i notified dvla i was going out of country for more than 12 months i sent part of v5 away. then when i came back all i did was get an mot and tax the vehicle . there was no import hassle just .
many are exempt mot,s you can tax on line or telephone . and with no tax disc in window its easier now than its ever been . glad mines disabled tax . even cheaper . ha ha .

 

[Byronic]

You can get hassles if your vehicle is worth a mint and near new. Collecting VAT on older vehicles?? Questionable, doubt if it's worth their while. Probably give me a refund!
Nobody at the DVLA seems to know the full legal position on payment of VED when the vehicle is actually exported and from the date stated but not yet registered in a new country, my friends have enquired several times, they would willingly pay but there doesn't seem to be provision. A gray area is the best response they've got.

 

[vwalan]

You can get hassles if your vehicle is worth a mint and near new. Collecting VAT on older vehicles?? Questionable, doubt if it's worth their while. Probably give me a refund!
Nobody at the DVLA seems to know the full legal position on payment of VED when the vehicle is actually exported and from the date stated but not yet registered in a new country, my friends have enquired several times, they would willingly pay but there doesn't seem to be provision. A gray area is the best response they've got.

you did say they payed full vat when they purchased . even if you fill in the export bits you never lose your original registration . you might be out longer than 12 mths but it doesnt matter . it just comes back pay your tax or get mot and tax . its so simple. you may have said you are exporting but when you bring it back its not going to have any duty. its uk reg so if you didnt claim anything back there is no duty or anything.

 

[Byronic]

you did say they payed full vat when they purchased . even if you fill in the export bits you never lose your original registration . you might be out longer than 12 mths but it doesnt matter . it just comes back pay your tax or get mot and tax . its so simple. you may have said you are exporting but when you bring it back its not going to have any duty. its uk reg so if you didnt claim anything back there is no duty or anything.

My post #51 "DVLA keep a Registration Record".
They declare re importation of the vehicle, and the IRD want proof that VAT was paid on purchase. If you export a vehicle within 2 months? you can elect to pay no VAT but you will if you come back, on a depreciating sliding scale.
Anyway the point is made that within certain parameters it is possible to not have to return to the UK for an MOT.

Most banks request that customers inform them if they're out of the country more than 3 months.
Household and Householders Insurers want know how long you're away etc.
If you're a pensioner you should inform the DWP if over 3 months away. I believe something similar if in receipt of Social Security Benefits.
I wonder how many people do all this, I know I don't.

 

[vwalan]

My post #51 "DVLA keep a Registration Record".
They declare re importation of the vehicle, and the IRD want proof that VAT was paid on purchase. If you export a vehicle within 2 months? you can elect to pay no VAT but you will if you come back, on a depreciating sliding scale.
Anyway the point is made that within certain parameters it is possible to not have to return to the UK for an MOT.

Most banks request that customers inform them if they're out of the country more than 3 months.
Household and Householders Insurers want know how long you're away etc.
If you're a pensioner you should inform the DWP if over 3 months away. I believe something similar if in receipt of Social Security Benefits.
I wonder how many people do all this, I know I don't.

no harm in telling them . sometimes they with hold payments till you get back. they ask what countries you have visited .
been like it all my life or adult life . i have had a war pension for most of it . have to tell them if leaving uk for more than 6 weeks. never lost anything .but have had payments held untill i return . even 40 yrs ago it was the same .some payments need you to tell them if out for more than 4 weeks . disability living allowance is one of them. mind makes a nice total when you come back.

 

[Mertom]

Gas

Hi,

We have driven abroad lots, so have no worries there. What we would like is a few general tips on motor homing in France, Spain etc. We intend on a wildcamping/Aires/campsite mix, staying a few days here and there before drifting off.

Do we need to take anything "extra" ? Should we take the two little calour gas bottles, and swop them as we go? Will headlight converter stickers last 90 days? Is it worth taking the awning? Is there anything anyone thinks essential?

It's all an adventure, even if Ralfe Finnes might rate it differently.

Bob mView attachment 34013

Might be worth considering refillable bottles you can then fill up at fuel stations with auto gas.we have a Gasit system cost around £370 fitted myself.might sound expensive but if you are going to travel in Europe a lot well worth it.

 

[jennyp19]

I noticed more Motorhome service areas on AP 7 /E15 than previously. We had to reverse on to one the other day and the ramp to it was deceptively stunt, and scraped bottom of van - so approach and leave with care with care. I assume the motorway services are wanting to attract buses with there passengers so providing useful free dumping and water refilling services. For anyone interested it cost us around €25 to travel from Santa Susana to Vinaros via motorway - worth it for us to get away from the rain and find the sun again.

 

[UKBiker]

Hi Phil,

I must say it sounds a great idea,we travel for three months from September but time and place is not a problem we only returned last year because of our 90 day insurance cover but we were tempted to stay longer. It would be great to meet others to share ideas and places with.


Regards. Snowbirds.

Hi,
forgive if i am wrong about this but the 90 day insurance cover is what the insurance companies say they cover you to the same standard as when in the UK surely the rest of the time we are covered within the EU and a few more countries with third party cover.

Regards,

Jim

 

[moonshadow]

What do you do do when your road tax expires while you are away? I see from the DVLA website you can re tax up to 2 months before it runs out, but we will be away longer than that. It says road tax can be renewed online but if we dOn't have the reminder I don't understand how that can work, nor can I figure out how to put a direct debit in place. I am reluctant to phone cos if they ask for the reg they will know that we will be driving home without tax once we arrive in the UK. I think I must be missing something somewhere.