Visitors (Non-Residents): If you are visiting the UK as a tourist or for a short period, you can typically drive your car with foreign plates for up to six months in any 12-month period. During this time, your car should be registered and insured in your home country, and you must comply with all the road traffic laws and regulations of the UK.
Residents (Permanent or Long-term): If you are a UK resident, the rules are stricter. As of my last update, residents were required to register their cars with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) within a specific period after bringing the car into the UK. This period was usually six months, but it might vary depending on individual circumstances. After registering the car with the DVLA, you would be required to get UK number plates and comply with UK road tax and insurance requirements.
Keep in mind that even if you are allowed to drive on foreign plates for a certain period, you must adhere to all traffic laws and regulations during your stay in the UK. If you plan to stay longer or become a resident, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the car importation and registration process in the UK and comply with all requirements to avoid any legal issues.
To get the most up-to-date and accurate information on driving with foreign plates in the UK, you should check the official website of the UK government or contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) directly.