As MOTs do not exist in the Island, Jersey cars will not meet strict safety regulations under the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic – an international treaty to be adopted by the UK when it leaves the EU next year. UK drivers are unaffected and will continue to be able to take their cars to Europe as long as they have passed the annual MOT.
Officials from Jersey’s External Relations Department are currently trying to establish what measures will need to be introduced for Jersey cars to meet the EU’s regulations.
But some motor trade experts in Guernsey – which is facing the same issue – believe local MOTs are now highly likely.
And in addition to vehicles having to meet safety standards, Jersey drivers may also need to apply for an International Driving Permit before heading abroad.
In the UK these permits can be bought from the Post Office for £5.50, but it is not known how such permits would be acquired in Jersey.
In response to questions over whether Jersey cars could be driven in Europe after Brexit, an External Relations Department spokesman said: ‘We have become aware during the Brexit discussions that one of the consequences of the UK leaving the EU is that, under the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Jersey vehicles will need to meet EU roadworthiness standards in order to be driven on EU roads.
‘The government is exploring the options for addressing this issue. When we have identified the right option for Jersey, we will communicate this as soon as possible.’
He added: ‘The Government of Jersey continues to have proactive engagement with the UK government on all matters relating to Brexit, including transportation.’
The issue has also been raised in the States of Guernsey. Speaking during a sitting last week, Deputy Jan Kuttelwascher said that if Guernsey vehicles needed certificates of roadworthiness, it is important that local tests are introduced ‘sooner rather than later’.
And Deputy Lyndon Trott said that Guernsey’s Environment and Infrastructure Committee were looking into ‘matters of that type’ to ensure the island complied with EU regulations.
Meanwhile, the president of Guernsey’s Motor Trade Association said it was likely the island would need to introduce an MOT-equivalent certificate of roadworthiness for cars driving in Europe.
The Jersey Motor Trades Federation were approached but no one was available for comment.
