If you are planning a road trip through Europe then there are some essentials you really shouldn’t be without. There is lots of information online and before you go ensure you check out the country you plan to travel to as they each have their own laws and requirements, and you don’t want to risk an on the spot fine! The most important are your documents. You shouldn’t travel without these anyway, but you could be asked for them at anytime whilst in a foreign country. If you can’t produce them then you could be fined, have your car confiscated and end up at the police station trying to sort out the whole mess. Ensure you have a valid passport and full driving license, for some countries you will also need an International driving license. It’s always useful to acquire one of these anyway before travelling abroad as they can be a particularly useful document and are an easily recognized form of identification. You’ll also need the original vehicle registration document and the motor insurance certificate. It’s best to take out travel insurance when abroad, although you can receive emergency treatment in the event of an accident, not every country is comprehensive and you will be liable for some of the costs. It’s also vital you have sufficient cover in the case of a breakdown, if you are not covered for this then costs could be very high if you have to be towed to a local garage. The laws regarding drinking and driving are just as strict as the UK, in some countries you are not allowed to drink at all. If you are caught then the fines and penalties can be severe. It is required by International Law to have a GB sticker displayed on your car, to indicate your country of registration. Crystal dome country GB plates offer a neat tidy design for European driving and are self adhesive and easy to attach, or simple self adhesive GB stickers can be found for under 2. If you don’t like the idea of a sticker then try a magnetic GB plate, it leaves no sticky adhesive residue and won’t damage your cars paintwork, also it can be used over and over again. Reflective vests are an essential piece of safety equipment and can protect you in all kinds of dangerous traffic conditions, including vehicle breakdown, accidents, punctures, or walking at nighttime. They are specifically designed to maximise visibility at night or in bad weather conditions and if at any time you have to leave your vehicle then you should always wear a reflective vest to ensure your safety. They are also a legal requirement in most European countries, in some you are even obliged to carry one for passengers. If you are from the UK it means your headlamps are specifically designed for driving on the left hand side of the road. If you drive in Europe on the right, your headlamps will dazzle oncoming drivers, both hazardous and illegal. This can be prevented by adapting your headlamps. Headlamp beam converter kits can be found at most motor vehicle shops, or look online and get them delivered in no time. Headlamp converters or deflectors universal design ensures they fit all headlamp configurations making them perfect for all vehicles. Warning triangles are also compulsory in most countries in Europe. If your vehicle breaks down or is involved in an accident you have to warn approaching traffic by placing a warning triangle 50 - 150m behind your car. Large quality E approved triangles can be found online for under 10 complete with a stand for extra stability in windy conditions. In some countries, such as Spain, then 2 triangles are required. Always carry a spare bulb kit with you as it’s illegal to drive if your lights, including lenses and reflectors, are not in working order, even during daylight hours. If a light fails and you get stopped by the police then you could receive an on the spot fine. The European Good Samaritan Law calls for every driver to stop and offer help when coming across an accident, so always carry a first aid kit in your car. In most countries it’s only recommended you carry a kit, however in some countries, Austria, for example, it’s required to carry a first aid kit at all times. If you want to avoid on the spot fines and a lot of hassle, then look online for important travel information and European driving requirements. Each country has its own rules and regulations worth checking out if you want to stay safe and legal.
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