Driving in Europe

Driving in Europe

If you are taking your car to the continent, it’s important to be aware of the latest laws and regulations. We recommend taking a look at the RAC’s Driving in Europe Checklist, which we have summarised for you, here. Moto-Lita is not affiliated with the RAC.

European driving checklist

This essential checklist will tell you everything you need to know for driving in Europe, from what to take with you to things to remember when you get there.

  • Important documents: driving licence, passport, proof of car insurance, vehicle registration document, European breakdown policy details, travel insurance documents

  • Required equipment for driving abroad: reflective jackets, warning triangle, UK sticker, first aid kit, safety helmets (if taking a motorbike)

  • Recommended additional items: Fire extinguisher, replacement bulbs, a torch, blanket, suncream, water, an up-to-date map or sat nav

Important documents for driving in Europe

  • Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number

  • Proof of vehicle insurance

  • Proof of ID (passport)

  • V5C certificate (also known as a V5C logbook)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents

  • Before you travel ensure your vehicle’s tax and MOT are valid and up-to-date

  • Crit’air sticker if driving in France - an important law change for French cities

You may also need to carry other documents with you, namely

  • One or more international driving permits

  • A UK sticker (if you don’t have a UK identifier with the Union flag on your number plate)

Required equipment for driving in Europe

  • Reflective jackets (there must be one for each passenger and be kept within the cabin of the car)

  • Warning triangle (compulsory in most countries)

  • Headlamp beam deflectors (depending on your car, you’ll either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually)

  • Safety helmets are compulsory for riders and passengers of motorcyclists and moped users

  • UK car sticker

  • First aid kit (compulsory in Austria, France and Germany)

  • Recommended things to take with you for driving in Europe

  • Fire extinguisher

  • Replacement bulbs

  • A high quality torch

  • A spare fuel can

  • Additional engine oil and water (for topping up)

  • An up-to-date road map or satellite navigation system

  • Blanket

  • Sun cream

  • Refreshments and plenty of water

  • If you have children, take some games you can play in the car during the journey

  • Take extra supplies of medication in case you can’t get these abroad

  • Photocopies of important documents

  • European Health Insurance card

In addition to the checklist above, the next best thing to do is to familiarise yourself with the driving laws, specific entry requirements and compulsory items to carry for the country/ies you will be driving in.