Driving in Europe

Driving in Europe

If you're planning to go driving in Europe then you need to go prepared. Take a look at our guide to driving abroad, which lists all the essential equipment you'll need when heading off across the Continent.

Each European country has different driving laws and different rules on the equipment you should carry. For this reason, it's really important to check the laws in each country you plan to visit before setting off. That way you can ensure you have all the right kit before leaving.

When driving in Europe, you may be legally required to carry or use certain items that you wouldn't need in the UK. There can be heavy fines for not complying with the law, so it's a good idea to gather all the items before leaving.

BREATHALYSERS

From July 2012, it will be compulsory to carry a breathalyser in the car when driving in France. This comes into force on July 1st, although it will not be enforced until November 1st, when if you fail to produce a working breathalyser, you will be given an on-the-spot fine.

However, only breathalysers that are NF-approved will meet the legal requirement. French law states that one breathalyser must be produced, but it's recommended you carry two in case you use or break one.

GB STICKERS

When driving abroad it's compulsory for you to display a GB sticker on your car, unless your vehicle already has number plates that include the GB symbol (Europlates).

HIGH VISIBILITY JACKETS

It's compulsory to carry a high visibility jacket in a number of EU countries, including France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Poland. If you're traveling with your family, get one for each of them and keep them in the passenger compartment, not the boot.

WARNING TRIANGLES

Warning triangles can be placed on the road to alert other drivers if you have a breakdown or emergency. They're a legal requirement in most EU nations, although the number required differs from country to country. When driving in Spain, the law states motorists should use two warning triangles.

HEADLAMP CONVERTERS & SPARE BULB KITS

When driving in Europe, you must use headlamp converters by law. This is because in Europe they drive on the right, and headlights designed for UK roads could dazzle oncoming traffic. Fitting headlamp converters repositions the angle of your beam, ensuring the safety of other road users and giving you better visibility. Also, most European nations recommend carrying a spare bulb kit which will allow you to change your headlamps in the event of a problem. If you're heading to Spain or France you must carry this by law.