Country lane in England ()
If you just PCSed to England, here are some of the essential driving basics you need to know.
First, these documents are required to be in any vehicle you drive:
• Those stationed in England are required to attain USAFE Form 435 driver’s licenses.
• Valid stateside driver’s licenses.
• Proof of insurance.
• Vehicle registration.
• IDP required for those stationed outside of the U.K. and staying for more than 12 months.
To help ease traffic jams, drivers are required to pay a congestion charge before driving in the Central London Congestion Charging Zone during weekdays (except public holidays) between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
For information, zone locations, or to pay online, visit the official site at www.tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge.
There is a “No Overtaking” policy within a 10-mile radius of RAF Lakenheath for all U.S. personnel and depedents. Find out more details from your Safety Office.
Unlike in much of Europe, there is not a priority given to vehicles coming from the right (or left). All intersections have signage or road markings to indicate whether drivers must yield (give way), stop or continue.
When you fill up on base, show USAFE Form 435 as verification of your entitlement. There are no monthly rations, but gas must be used within reason (per 3rd Air Force regulation).
If you are filling a vehicle that is not on your driving/ fuel permit card, you must be able to show one of the following: rental agreement, TDY orders or Form 941 customs import form.
If stationed in England, the first year for your first registered vehicle is tax free. Afterward, payment of the road tax is an annual requirement in order to drive on British roads.
When drivers commit moving (and some parking) violations and receive citations either on or off base, information is sent to U.S. Forces security personnel, and points are assessed against your Drivers/Fuel Permit (DFP) based on citation severity.
For a table of specific offenses, corresponding assessed point values and suspension lengths, refer to the current regulations found at www.e-publishing.af.mil.
Vehicles built after April 1981 must have single fog lights mounted on the rear right side. Parking lights must be white, not amber, and all headlights must be angled for driving on the left side of the road.
Cars built after April 1986 must have driver-side turn signal repeaters. Rear turn signals must flash amber.
Very few American vehicles meet the standards for light requirements in the U.K. but can be converted for $200 to $300.
