On a driving trip in Europe, you’re in charge. It’s up to you whether you take the road less travelled, or the autobahn directly to your destination.
You can choose the route, the places you go, the hotels you stay in, and the food you eat. Plus, you can bring back as many holiday memories as you can fit in the boot of your car.
But it is also up to you to ensure you stay on the right side of the law… And no, I don’t just mean driving on the other side of the road.
Most countries in Europe require you to have a lot more safety equipment in the car than we do in the UK. They ensure you’re prepared for any eventuality.
If you fail to have any or all of the equipment in your car, then you’re at risk of receiving a fine from the police authorities. And that’s not something you want to remember your holiday by.
Not all EU countries require you to have the same safety equipment, so check the law of every country you plan to drive in.
However, we have put together a brief guide to cover everything you may need when driving on the continent.
The Essentials
It’s good to take the stress out of organising everything you need to have in the car. After all, you’ll have enough problems remembering to pack everything in the suitcases.
And that’s why the EU Travel Kit contains everything you’re possibly going to need when driving on the other side of the Channel.
The kit contains a warning triangle and hi-vis jacket, so if you break down, you can ensure you’re well seen to help prevent further incident. However, some countries like France require you to have a high visibility jacket for every passenger, so you may have to buy extra.
A first aid kit is also a requirement in many countries. However, it never hurts to have one in the car, just in case one of you does actually get hurt.
Breathalysers are only compulsory in France, but they must meet a certain NF standard, like those in the kit. Also, note that most countries have a lower drink-drive limit than we’re used to, so make sure you’re aware of what this is before you lift a glass to your lips.
It’s good practice to always have spare bulbs in the car, just in case anyway. In the UK, you would get a broken bulb fixed as soon as possible, but in France, you must change it right away.
And to counteract how headlights are configured for driving in the UK, you must fit headlight beam adjusters. They will ensure headlights aim towards the kerb and not dazzle those driving on the other side of the road.
Having a GB sticker on the back of the car also helps everyone to identify the country where your car is registered.
What Else You Might Need
Whatever country you drive in, you need to have your driving license as well as proof of tax and insurance, and registration documents.
In some countries, like Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, it’s a requirement to have a small extinguisher in the car. And similarly to hi-vis jackets, they should be kept in the car so you can quickly grab them from the driver’s seat.
Remain mindful of the speed limits in Europe, just like you do in the UK. Make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and knowing that 100kph is equal to 62mph.
You’re likely also to need maps and an EU Satnav so you don’t get lost. Plus, it will save a lot of arguments about which way you should go.
Altogether, these are the ingredients for a great holiday everyone will remember forever.
The EU Travel Kit should be the first step towards helping you to prepare for your trip aboard, but do make sure you check local regulations to ensure you have everything you’re going to need.