Before you venture across the channel in your own car, get to know the rules of the road in the countries you're visiting so you don't get caught out.

Documents for driving abroad in Europe

You may be asked to show your documents at any time and could be fined or even have your car taken away if they're not in order. You may need to carry the following:

• A copy of your DVLA driver record and a licence check code if needed.
• Your vehicle's registration document (V5c - the original, not a copy).
• Your motor insurance certificate. Your insurer may ask to be told when you're going abroad and only provide third party cover when you do.
• An International Driving Permit when necessary.
• A Green Card from your insurer when necessary (from 2 August 2021, you no longer need a Green Card when driving in the European Economic Area).
• Your passport(s).
• Your travel insurance documents.
• You may need a visa for certain countries too.

What to take in your vehicle

As well as your documents it’s also important to understand what other countries insist on you displaying or carrying in your car. Here’s a list of the most common items:

• A UK sticker. However, if you have a number plate with a Union flag marker that includes the UK symbol, you do not need to display a separate UK sticker.
• Headlamp beam converters. It's the law to not cause dazzle to oncoming drivers, rather than specifically to adjust your headlamp beams for driving on the right.
• Reflective jackets. Many countries require all drivers, including visitors, to carry reflective jackets and wear them as soon as anyone gets out of a vehicle in an emergency or breakdown.
• Warning triangle. Similar to reflective jackets some countries require drivers to carry a warning triangle for use during a breakdown.

For peace of mind, it’s best to have European breakdown cover as well as getting your vehicle serviced well in advance of your trip to reduce the chance of a breakdown while you're away.

If you’d like to have your car serviced before you head off across the channel, just give us a call on 01202 694758 or email us at info@star-tech.co.uk.