UK drivers risk being slapped with unpaid traffic fines as EU countries can request DVLA data after 'reset'

The deal covered many of the most important topics which featured in the initial Brexit deal, including trade, fishing, defence and energy security.

One of the hidden mechanisms included in the UK-EU reset document could impact motorists who may have committed traffic offences when travelling abroad.

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Since the UK left the European Union, there has not been an official mechanism in place for foreign governments to issue fines to drivers from the UK.

Local authorities across the continent could have difficulties issuing fines to British motorists since they may not have access to the DVLA's database of names and addresses.

Under the "Internal security and judicial cooperation" section of the agreement, section 53 outlines plans to reinforce mutual exchanges of data between the EU and the UK.

It stated that reciprocal changes could be introduced for fingerprints, DNA, and criminal records of third-country nationals.

It also stated: "Acknowledge the requirement in the Trade and Cooperation Agreement to set up automated searching of vehicle registration data."

Drivers can still be slapped with fines when travelling in Europe if they are stopped by police in EU member states, even after Brexit.

Despite this, since the start of January 2021, UK drivers can no longer receive fines in the post for minor offences committed in the EU.

The UK Government's Road Traffic Offences and Licensing FAQs outlines that before leaving the EU, countries could request access to the DVLA's data.

It highlights that the EU Directive 2015/413 applies to road safety offences like speeding and using a mobile phone behind the wheel.

While further information has yet to be outlined by the UK Government or the European Union, drivers could receive traffic and road charges going forward.

With the new plans to share vehicle registration data, EU member states could seek to issue fines for past contraventions.

Although this may seem unlikely, popular tourist destinations, like Spain, France and other hotspots, could look to seek compensation for offences committed in recent years.

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The Road Vehicles (registration and licensing) (amendment) (EU exit) Regulations 2020 meant that the UK no longer had an obligation to provide vehicle registration data to EU countries when requested.