Legal information
Behaviour, uniforms and the law
At present, there is no banned insignia or uniform. However it is illegal in the UK to assemble as an organisation in paramilitary uniform for political purposes. This stems from the 1936 Public Order Act which was brought in to stop Oswald Mosley and his black shirts, as well as other Fascist movements. This is not applicable for public performances, but may be used if the uniforms are worn in public, outside of an organised event without good cause. An offence is also caused if the use of insignia or uniform should offend an unsuspecting member of the public.Firearms laws
The relevant firearm licenses in the UK are split into three main categories:-Section 1 - Single shot manually loaded rifles, semi automatic shotguns and shotguns with a magazine containing more than three rounds. These may be held on UK or European firearms license and brought into this country with the correct paperwork.
Section 5 - Semi-automatic rifles, assault rifles, sub-machine guns light machine guns or handguns. These are only available to registered firearms dealers to section 5 level. As an individual it not possible to bring them into the UK. They may be hired from a Section 5 dealer by prior arrangement.Shotguns - Shotguns with a barrel of longer than 24 inches (60.96 cm) and a magazine of no more than three rounds may be held on a shotgun license. These may be brought into the country with the correct paperwork.
Caution - Blank firing firearms must comply with UK regulations. Unfortunately many continental blank firers, especially forward venters will not comply. Due to many varied forms of blank firers you should seek specific advice before bringing one to the UK. Also be aware that the UK is policed by separate constabularies. Some object to the same live firing weapons being used with blank ammunition and live ammunition.Realistic imitations firearms - as of October 2007 the sale or importation of realistic imitation firearms is illegal. However the membership of a recognised reenactment group is an acceptable defence. The Home Office's definition of a recognised reenactment group is one that holds public liability insurance. This should be deemed necessary to acquire or import a realistic imitation firearm into the UK. At this point (10/07) it is not clear, whether a non UK insured group will be recognised. If you intend bringing any of these firearms into the UK it is recommended to check with the authorities first. A good connection to a recognised UK group may help. For further information see the UK government site with the Statutory Instrument 2007 No. 2606, The Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (Realistic Imitation Firearms) Regulations 2007.
Deactivated firearms have to be proof-marked by a UK proof-house to be recognised as such. EU proof-markings are not acceptable under UK law. Firearms with EU proof-markings will be treated as live firearms and will require an EU firearms certificate to transport.
Vehicle owners should also be aware that un-dismountable weapons are still covered by firearms legislation. In some instances main battle tanks with smooth bored cannon have to be licensed under the shotgun regulations. Obviously, this leads to problems with storing such firearms as no one has a shotgun cabinet big enough to take such an item, so the law is not always followed to the letter. It is recommended to inform the authorities in advance of travelling in these cases.
Road rules
In the UK, you must have a relevant licence, road tax and insurance. Your vehicle must be certified as roadworthy according to your law. However, the British police have the right to declare your vehicle un-roadworthy if they deem it necessary. According to British law, your vehicle must conform to the regulations applicable at the time of it's manufacture. E.g. if your vehicle was produced without seatbelts, there is no requirement in British law to have seatbelts. It is important to bear in mind that whilst flip-up indicators, hand signals and the like are legally acceptable in the UK, most drivers will not expecting them. Take this into account while driving.Further notes:- The trafficators/flip up signals must also illuminate if the vehicle was made after 1936. Again, if anyone has any serious queries relating to the construction and use regulations, they should contact VOSA (Vehicle and Operator Services Agency) for advice and get it in writing. Likewise the DVLA (Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency) if they have any queries over grandfather rights and vehicles over 7.5 tons MAM. Insurance - there is a nice little amendment to the Road Traffic Act called The Motor Vehicles (Compulsory Insurance) Regulations 2000 (SI 726/2000) - this basically amends the requirements of insurance by inserting the words "or other place" (Council Directive 72/166/EEC). Basically this means that if your vehicle is at an event and not registered for road use, it still requires insurance in law. "Other place" originally meant car parks etc., but has come to mean any space to which the public have access, whether by paying a fee or not. There is an interesting quandary here - if your vehicle were parked up in the arena and only used in the battle, it may not require insurance as it's technically out of bounds, however if a child ran in front of you during the battle and was injured, it's not clear whether this SI would mean you were acting illegally.
Motorbike helmets are compulsory on single motorbikes and they have to conform to British standards. They are not compulsary on motorbikes with side-cars, if the side car is powered and permanently attached because these come under the same classification as three-wheeled cars and trikes. However, it is strongly advised to wear helmets.Tracked vehicles are permitted on UK roads, but they must be fitted with rubber road pads and should be fitted with an orange hazard signal. They also require a competent second person in the turret (or equivalent) who is in voice contact with the driver where the vehicle has restricted vision. Best to check with VOSA first as there is a load of recent rules on these.
As always, when you're in a foreign country for a reenactment, listen to the natives and follow their advice. Do not draw unnecessary attention to yourself and follow common sense.
© 2007 by bee • mailto: webmaster(at)ww2reenactment.info