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Best European travel kits 2019

Travelling to the continent and need a european travel kit for your journey we test eight to see which is best to take with you.

European travel kits - header

Whether you drive abroad once a year for the annual holiday, or once a week on business, you’ll need to make sure your car is legal and safe to drive. For many countries in Europe, that means having to carry extra safety equipment on board by law, much of which isn’t required in the UK.

The neatest and cheapest way to ensure you’re prepared is with a pre-packaged travel kit to store in your boot. We tested eight to see which is the best European travel companion.

How we tested them

We looked for packs which would be legal in the most commonly visited European countries for British motorists – namely France, Spain and Germany. They were judged on which had the best balance of contents and price. We also checked that the items could actually be useful, rather than just being legally compliant.

The perfect kit would contain different parts of all the packages here, but the Ring RCT1 gives the best compromise of price and contents. For £27 you get a pack which will keep you legal in most European countries.

The Family Motoring & Leisure Driving Kit comes in second place thanks to its sheer value for money. The RAC kit costs twice the price, but it makes up for that with contents to keep you legal across all of Europe; it comes in third.

  • 1. Ring Travel Kit RCT1
  • 2. Family Motoring & Leisure Driving Kit (France)
  • 3. RAC Premium European Motoring Family Kit

Ring Travel Kit RCT1

European travel kits - Ring Travel Kit RCT1

Price:  Around £27 Size: 461x211x91mm Rating:  4.5 stars Contact: www.amazon.co.uk

Ring’s best-selling kit has everything you need to be legal in most European countries, including two breathalysers. It also adds a few useful extras to the basic necessities, such as an emergency foil blanket and an additional hi-vis jacket for a passenger.

The bag itself is nicely made, and our only real criticism is the size of the first aid kit. It’s tiny and only seems to have the bare minimum. This is a really good-value pack though.

Buy now from Amazon

Family Motoring & Leisure Driving Kit (France)

European travel kits - Family Motoring & Leisure Driving Kit (France)

Price:  Around £19 Size: 490x230x64mm Rating: 4 stars Contact: www.amazon.co.uk

If you just want the very basics to keep you legal in France, this kit has everything you need for less than £20. There’s a pair of headlight adaptors, a small GB sticker, a warning triangle, two breathalysers and a single hi-vis vest.

There’s also a first aid kit, but it’s pretty perfunctory and won’t be able to deal with anything more serious than a grazed knee. It would be impossible to buy half of the items in the kit separately for less than this price, so it’s exceptional value.

RAC Premium European Motoring Family Kit

European travel kits - RAC Premium European Motoring Family Kit

Price:  Around £40 Size: 470x190x110mm Rating:   4 stars Contact: www.racshop.co.uk

The top-of-the-range RAC kit is pricey, but it’s packed with everything you need across Europe and includes four hi-vis jackets, a fire extinguisher and two warning triangles – something which is a requirement in Spain for residents, although only recommended for visitors.

The moulded case is far nicer than the soft bags used in other kits too, and is something you’d not mind keeping in your car all of the time. The only let down is a tiny first aid kit.

Buy now from RAC Shop

Ring Emergency RCT2

European travel kits - Ring Emergency RCT2

Price:  Around £25 Size: 461x197x90mm Rating: 3.5 stars Contact: www.ebay.co.uk

Although this pack is designed as a general breakdown kit, rather than being aimed at European travel, it contains many of the components you’ll need to stay legal abroad. If your car already has GB logos on the number plates and switchable beams, it will avoid doubling on these items, too.

Unlike the other kits, it also has jump leads, gloves, a torch and foil blanket. It’s pretty good value, too, at under £25. It’s not a complete Euro travel kit, so can’t be scored too highly, but it will be handy for many drivers.

AA Euro Travel Kit

European travel kits - AA Euro Travel Kit

Price:  Around £25 Size: 450x200x80mm Rating: 3 stars Contact: www.argos.co.uk

This AA-branded pack is sizeable, but it doesn’t actually have as much inside as you’d expect. On the plus side there’s a bulb kit and beam benders, a GB sticker and a reasonably comprehensive first aid kit, but only one hi-vis vest and no breathalysers.

The pack also includes a European driver’s handbook and a map of Kent; both contain info that is available online, but might come in useful for pre-trip research or reading material while you wait for recovery.

Family Motoring & Leisure Full UK France Travel Kit

European travel kits - GADLANE European Driving Travel Kit France

Price:  Around £33 Size: 500x130x130mm Rating: 3 stars Contact: www.amazon.co.uk

While this is a ‘Full France’ kit, it’ll keep you on the right side of the law through most of Europe. That’s because it adds a fire extinguisher to the kit tally – an item which is recommended in Belgium and compulsory in Poland.

The pack also has a pair of hi-vis vests, two breathalysers, a bulb kit and a magnetic, rather than adhesive, GB plate. Although the first aid kit is basic, this is good value if you need a fire extinguisher.

GADLANE European Car Driving Travel Kit France

European travel kits - Family Motoring & Leisure Full UK France Travel Kit

Price:  Around £25 Size: 480x192x62mm Rating: 3 stars Contact: www.ignitionline.com

Gadlane’s kit has everything you need for driving in France. There’s a pair of beam-bending headlight adaptors, a large magnetic GB plate, good-quality warning triangle, two breathalysers and a single hi-vis vest.

There’s also a bulb pack, which is recommended in France and other countries. While there’s nothing wrong with the kit, there are cheaper options.

Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

European travel kits - Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Price:  Around £25 Size: 450x130x90mm Rating: 3 stars Contact: www.halfords.co.uk

You get the very basics for most of Europe in this Halfords set, although you’ll need to buy breathalysers separately to stay strictly legal in France

It’s too pricey for such a basic group of items but the contents and bag are good quality, and it has the most comprehensive first aid kit in this test. The pack is relatively compact too, making it easier to store in the luggage compartment or under a seat.

Buy now from Halfords

Make sure you’re fully prepared

You need more than just a travel kit to get ready for a European driving trip. Make sure your car is properly insured, and be prepared to get an International Driving Permit if you plan to travel after 31 October, in case of a ‘no deal’ Brexit.

What you need to carry in the car varies from country to country, but as a basic minimum you’ll need a GB sticker (although this isn’t needed if your number plate has the blue EU strip), a warning triangle and headlamp converters to prevent you dazzling traffic with lights that are designed for driving in the UK, on the left side of the road.

Hi-vis vests are a legal requirement in most countries and you should ideally have one for each person in the car. They need to be instantly accessible, so in the glovebox or under a seat, rather than in the boot. Spare bulbs are a good idea but only recommended, while a first aid kit is compulsory in Austria. 

Breathalysers are only required in France, although most French drivers don’t bother, because the fine isn’t enforced.

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AA Euro Travel Kit AA6318 - for Driving in France/Europe - Includes Zipped Storage Bag and UK Identifier, Multicolour

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Euro Travel Kit AA6318 - for Driving in France/Europe - Includes Zipped Storage Bag and UK Identifier, Multicolour

AA France Travel Kit + Breathalysers

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About this item.

  • ESSENTIAL items for safe and enjoyable driving in Europe
  • FOR EMERGENCIES first aid kit, warning triangle, hi-vis vest, bulb kit
  • FOR SAFETY headlight beam benders and a UK plate
  • FOR CONVENIENCE maps and the AA European Driver’s Handbook
  • AA BRAND products in a compact and convenient kit with zipped storage bag

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AA Euro Travel Kit AA6318 - for Driving in France/Europe - Includes Zipped Storage Bag and UK Identifier, Multicolour

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Product Description

WHAT IS IT? A kit that prepares you for driving in France and the EU. It combines several important accessories in a single convenient pack. WHY DO YOU NEED IT? You must adapt your headlights for driving on the opposite side of the road. You need to be seen by other motorists if your vehicle breaks down or has a puncture. Your country of origin must be on display. You need to be able to cope with minor health emergencies. Replacing a bulb is an urgent task. It is useful to have a refence guide and maps to assist your journey. CAUTION Additional travel items may be required to drive in some EU countries. We recommend that you check the regulations of each country prior to travelling.

Set Contains:

1 x Hazard Warning Triangle (ECE R27) 1 x Reflective Emergency Jacket (BS EN ISO 20471:2013) 1 x Self-Adhesive GB Plate (Complies to 1949 Road Traffic Convention, Annexe 4) 1 x First Aid Kit 1 x Universal Bulb Kit 2 x Headlamp Beam Converters 1 x AA European Driver's Handbook 1 x AA M20 and Kent Road Map 1 x Zipped Canvas-Style Carry Bag

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Driving in Europe Checklist

Dolomites road trip

Planning a Europe road trip? Wondering what you need to be able to drive in Europe? What kit to carry and paperwork to take? Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Europe, whether you’re travelling by car, motorhome, campervan, caravan, bike or anything else!

Don’t forget to grab your FREE Driving in Europe checklist to help keep you organised .

*We work hard to make this the best motorhome travel blog and road trip website possible, full of helpful content for you. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own .

If you find this post useful, you can also treat us to a coffee – we promise to enjoy it while creating more useful content like this- we might even indulge in a biscuit (or two!)

JUMP AHEAD TO...

What do you need to drive in Europe?

When you’re planning a European road trip , it can all feel a bit overwhelming. There are questions over what documents you need to take, do you need a green card, what gear do you need in your vehicle and are breathalysers STILL a thing?

NOTE: This post is updated and takes into account all changes for driving in Europe after BREXIT and new French laws. There have been some changes to both gear you need to carry in your vehicle, and to paperwork you need to carry. Details on both are below and all checklists have been updated to comply.

When we planned our first driving holiday to Europe, there wasn’t an easy resource or checklist for a car, motorhome or campervan *cough, you know, like the one you can get below* and it all felt a bit overwhelming.

So, to make your life easier, here is a list of what you need to drive in Europe . Actually, there are some things you NEED to take with you (legally) and there are some you SHOULD take (because they make life more fun!)

Europe Motorhome travel- free checklists

Want to head to Europe with your motorhome?

Grab your FREE (printable) checklist and discover 25 things you NEED to take with you when you travel in Europe. Make your life easier today.

Essential Road Trip Accessories for driving in Europe

I’m sorry to say that most of the accessories you NEED in your Europe travel kit aren’t very sexy or fun . But they are aimed at increasing your visibility and safety and the police DO check if they stop you- and they do fine if you aren’t carrying everything you should be.

Things you need to drive in Europe- safety gear

Unlike in the UK, there are some things you legally MUST carry in your vehicle when driving in Europe. These are:

  • Hi-vis reflective jackets – one per person (These MUST be accessible without getting out of the vehicle- ie, don’t keep them in the garage unless you can reach them from inside!)
  • Warning triangle
  • Headlight beam convertors – must be fitted before you drive in Europe.
  •   UK car sticker attached to the back of car or reg plates.
  • First aid kit – compulsory in many countries, including France and Germany. Find out what we carry in our European first aid kit here

AA High Visibility Vest for safety and emergencies - Yellow

TOP TIP: Buy these essentials for driving in Europe in advance. One of the cheapest places is on Amazon . If you use somewhere like Halfords or wait until you’re at the ferry, you could spend two or even THREE times as much!

Do I need a breathalyser to drive in France or Europe?

Repeat after me- you do NOT need a breathalyser to drive in Europe.

It was a law France passed a few years ago… and then quietly removed for whatever reason. Many posts ranking highly in Google still list a breathalyser in their essential Europe driving accessories list, but I promise you you don’t need one.

(Want to see what driving rules ARE compulsory in France? Check them out HERE)

How to plan a road trip- mistakes to avoid

Other recommended Europe driving kit to carry for safety

  • Spare bulbs for all lights in the vehicle
  • Fire extinguisher
  • Blanket- useful if your passengers get cold! (Did you know you can buy a 12v heated blanket? It’s amazing!)
  • Water and snacks- just in case you run into traffic or breakdown somewhere remote.

NEW LARGE 12V HEATED CAR VAN TRAVEL ELECTRIC BLANKET WARM FLEECE...

Road trip accessories you MIGHT need when driving in Europe

The following kit are things you might need to carry in your car, motorhome, caravan or campervan, depending on when and where you are planning your road trip in Europe.

  • Snow chains/ winter tyres – check the rules on the country you are visiting and pay close attention to the DATES when the snow chain/ snow tyres rules come into force. If you’re not sure, read  THIS . France passed a law in November 2021 about winter tyres and snow chains- read it in full here.
  • Clean Air tax in some French cities, called Crit’Air. Here’s what you need to know about those.
  • Blind Spot Stickers. If your motorhome is over 3.5 tonnes and you’re planning to visit built up areas in France, you’ll need to fit these Blind spot warning stickers.
  • Motorway tax/ Vignette. These are enforced in several countries across Europe, including Switzerland and Austria. You must have them fitted on your vehicle before/ as you cross the border. You can buy them in garages very easily. Remember, if you are motorhoming in Switzerland in a vehicle over 3.5t, you might need more than a normal vignette.
  • Beware of Portugal , where you need to carry a temporary toll device in order to use some of the motorways- read our guide to motorhoming in Portugal
  • Red/ white warning board sign – for bike racks or anything overhanging the end of the motorhome or campervan. These are not currently compulsory in France, but they ARE compulsory if motorhoming in Italy or Spain. Get the more expensive aluminium one – the cheaper versions are not legal in Italy.

Zelsius - 2-in1 Reflective Warning Plate - Aluminium - For Spain...

What documents do you need to drive in Europe?

If you’re driving in Europe, you need to carry the following documents:

  • Passport (or identity card)
  • Driving licence (check it is in date!)
  • Vehicle Insurance documents- check you are covered for driving in Europe
  • Breakdown cover
  • Vehicle V5 logbook (which must show your correct address)
  • Vehicle must be legally taxed and MOT’d
  • Trailer certification (if required)
  • Green card (if required- usually only for trailers. Check & get from your vehicle insurer)
  • International Driving Permit if required
  • Personal travel insurance

Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Europe?

Most UK citizens do not need an IDP to drive in the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein if you have a card driving licence issued in the UK.

You might need one if you have:

  • a paper driving licence only
  • a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man

(If you do need an IDP, here’s an  in-depth guide on how to get an International Driving Permit  and which one(s) you need from a UK post office.

Planning to take your motorhome to Europe?

Europe Motorhome travel checklist- FREE

GUIDE: Stop the overwhelm with our step-by-step guide. Contains eBook, checklists and more. Complete Europe Motorhome Travel Toolkit

CHECKLIST: Don’t forget to grab your FREE Europe motorhome travel checklist HERE

GEAR – If you need any motorhome gear for touring Europe, here’s what we recommend.

Driving in Europe- Other useful things you might need

We’ve been touring Europe in our motorhome for several years. We’ve tried all sorts of kit- some useful, some not so much.

Here is a list of things we highly recommend when driving in Europe, but which are NOT essential:

  • WiFi – learn our favourite way to get internet on the road
  • Toll pass (see below)
  • TV- If you’d like TV in your motorhome or camper , here’s how to get it.
  • An awesome road trip playlist!

RELATED: Planning a winter motorhome trip? Read this to see other gear you might need

Motorhome/ Camper travel accessories for Europe

If you’re travelling Europe in a motorhome or camper, here are some extra things you might find helpful:

  • ACSI Camping card – great value if you’re travelling outside of peak season.
  • Motorhome sat-nav – get one you can enter your motorhome dimensions into, like these
  • Refillable gas bottles – here’s how we fitted ours. One of the best things upgrades we’ve done to our motorhome.
  • Motorhome security camera – this thing is GOLD for allowing us to go exploring and leave the van for a short time.
  • Solar panel- perfect if you want to wild camp in Europe
  • Inverter- a wild camping essential

Tolls in Europe

Most countries in Europe which don’t have vignettes have tolls. Normally, the tolls are automatic and take card payments, but if you can carry change you’ll find the queues for those lanes are generally shorter.

We LOVE our automatic toll pass (It used to be called Sanef, but now it’s Emovis which allows us to breeze through the tolls when touring in France , Spain & Portugal.)

It’s a little box which sticks to the windscreen and each time we go through a toll it adds itself to our bill, which is emailed to us at the end of the month. Payment is taken automatically if that’s what you prefer. They have similar systems for Scandanavia as well- we used BroBizz when we were over 3.5 tonnes on our motorhome holiday to Norway

It’s not an essential motorhome accessory , and you can happily tour Europe without it, but it really does help.

Driving in Europe- things to do before you leave

Don’t forget to do these essential vehicle checks before you leave in order to make sure you don’t have any unpleasant surprises on your journey!

Basic vehicle maintenance:

  • Check tyre pressure
  • If the vehicle hasn’t been started for a while, start the engine and give it a run, just to be sure!
  • BRAKES. Check your brakes and brake fluid. Please. Halfords do a free brake check and after our horrible experience of  driving down a mountain in Switzerland without any brakes , we check ours regularly!
  • Tyre tread. If your tread is very low and you’re about to set off driving around Europe, consider doing the same. If you’re going for a couple of weeks and your tread is ok, you should be fine until you get back. If you’re not sure, ask your local garage.
  • Windscreen. Check for chips, cracks or other imperfections. You may be covered by insurance in Europe, but if it cracks completely, it’s going to eat into your holiday time. Better to get it sorted now and not have to worry about it.
  • Lights. Make sure all your lights, indicators etc are working. It’s scary how many motorhomes and caravans we’ve seen with indicators or brake lights which aren’t working correctly. Don’t give the European police an easy reason to fine you. (And those fines are on the spot!)
  • Washer fluid
  • Water levels in radiator if you have an older motorhome/ campervan.
  • Battery- if you are in any doubt about the starter battery or motorhome domestic battery (or any other battery you may have), get it checked and replace if necessary
  • Check fluid in washer fluid reservoir
  • Check windscreen wipers
  • Check anything fixed to the outside of the motorhome is secure
  • Check door locks- much easier to get it fixed now than later! We fitted an additional motorhome door lock for security.
  • Check to ensure bolts haven’t worked loose on bike rack
  • Check towbar and all electrics
  • Check straps for fraying
  • Check tread on trailer tyres
  • Check brakes if it’s a braked trailer
  • Check fixings on roof boxes/ external luggage carriers to ensure they are still properly fitted.
  • If you’re planning a motorhome, campervan, RV or caravan trip , check as many vehicle systems as possible- heating, air con, fridge, solar panel, water, toilet, batteries… if you find a problem now you still have time to fix it before you travel if you need to.

What to do if you are renting a vehicle for your European road trip?

If you are hiring a motorhome or camper in Europe , it is YOUR responsibility to make sure the vehicle has the required safety equipment. The on-the-spot fines apply to you as the driver, not the company. Check in advance with the company what kit they will provide with the vehicle and what you will need to bring.

Take a list of what is legally required with you and check it off one by one as you are given the handover. Do not drive until you are happy you comply with the local laws.

Make sure you have proof that you can take the vehicle across a border into another country if that’s what you’re planning to do.

I hope you now feel better prepared for driving in Europe.

Other Europe Travel tips you might find helpful:

  • Unmissable Europe road trip ideas
  • The best places to see the Northern Lights in Europe
  • Best cities to visit in winter in Europe
  • Warmest places in winter in Europe

For more information, visit our Europe travel section for advice, destination ideas and more.

Planning a Europe road trip? Wondering what you need to be able to drive in Europe? What kit to carry and paperwork to take? Here's everything you need to know about driving in Europe, whether you're travelling by car, motorhome, campervan, caravan, bike or anything else! Don't forget to grab your FREE driving in Europe checklist to help keep you organised.

Kat never planned to buy a motorhome. She also never planned to quit her job as an air traffic controller, go touring around Europe in said motorhome, start one of the UK’s largest motorhome travel websites… or get a cocker spaniel.

Find out how she went from stuck in the rat race to being a digital nomad and inspiring thousands of people to have their own epic adventures here.

If you’d like to connect with Kat, send her an email or follow her adventures on social media.

Last update on 2024-04-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Just read this and notice you mention using an emovis tag for France, Spain, and Portugal, this mentions vehicles under 3.5 tons, would have thought both your vans weighed more than this especially with the trailer, do they turn a blind eye to motorhomes, as we are closer to 5 tons, so it would be handy to have a tag….thanks

Hi Adrian, We’re 4.2 tonnes and we declared that when we got the tag with Sanef. I can only assume eMovis know this- we haven’t had any issues with them but you might want to call them just in case. We love the tag- it’s brilliant!

Good morning, your site is really helpful! Do you know what the situation is re French aires and coronavirus? Are they open as usual? Thank you.

Hi Jane. Yep! Right now they are open again. 🙂

Hi, Has anyone any experience of the new Carnets which appear required for those of us who carry a scooter or motorcycle either in a garage in the motorhome or hung on the back ? The cost of just the carnet is expensive just for the convenience of a scooter before you think about the bond

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Full European Car Travel Kit

One stop shop. Get all the items you need quickly and simply. This is an “all in one” driving kit for driving throughout Europe. If you are in a hurry this is a godsend, don't waste time or money ordering the items separately just buy this and it's job done!

The Kit Contains

Twin Pack of Breathalysers An EU Approved Warning Triangle A Pair of Headlight Beam Converters Spare Bulb and Fuses Kit The Bulb Kit contains brake lights, indicator bulbs etc, and also 3 different types of headlight bulb Adult Size High Visibility Vest GB Sticker

Special Price £ 32.95

European travel kit.

I have carried out extensive research on this  European Travel Kit  and have posted my findings here. Personally I travel to France on a regular basis and have built up my own "kit" over the years. However if you are looking to drive in France and you don't know exactly what you need, and why, then this kit offers a great "one stop shop".

This review covers;

What is contained within the kit. Full specifications.

Comments/reviews from people who have actually bought and used it.

European Travel Kit, What It Contains

OK so it comes to you in one parcel and will easily store away in the car (or van) without any problem.

A universal pair of  Headlamp Beam Converters . These will fit any UK Make and Model of car or van from 1980 onwards and most of the ones before that date. These are suitable for standard halogen headlights and also the new style Xenon ones also. Full fitting instructions are supplied with them.

A universal  Spare Bulb & Fuse Kit , our kit contains  3 different headlight bulbs . It has a H1 (448), H4 (472), and a H7 (499), plus brake light, indicator, side light and rear light bulb and a selection of spare fuses. It is illegal to drive in France without these even if all your lights are in perfect working order.

A  Hazard Warning Triangle  - I really hope you will not need this but in the event of a breakdown or accident then this will prove invaluable. It's easy to put up and is very reflective, conforming to European Standard ECE R27.

Also within the European Travel Kit is a  Hi Visibility Vest  for the driver to wear (Ex-large fits all) in the event of getting out of the car on the hard shoulder etc. Do not stow these in the boot they must be in the car with you to be legal.

GB Plate  which is a stick on version, so don't worry about it blowing off with the wind or having it stolen off your car which is what often happens with the magnetic ones.

Breathalysers , you must have 2 in the vehicle at all times.

European Travel Kit, Customer Reviews and Comments.

One customer comment was "What I liked was that it all comes together so much easier that buying separately".

Another said "so much cheaper than the same thing at Halfords, really pleased"

So all in all I think this is a very good product for the first time traveller to France as it gives you all you legally require without the hassle of shopping around to by all the items separately.

  European Travel Kit  don't drive in Europe without it!

Euro_Travel_Kit.JPG

Full Driving in France Kit

Only £ 32.95.

Twin Pack  Breathalysers  £ 8.95  

GB Car Sticker £ 3.95

Warning Triangle £ 12.95

Headlight Converters £ 6.95

Spare Fuses & Bulbs £ 14.95

Hi Viz Vest £ 6.95

Postage & Packing £ 5.95

----------------------------------------  Total Value £ 60.65 ----------------------------------------- 

ALL FOR ONLY £ 32.95

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Many Other Roads

The Best Kit For Driving In France 2024 (By A European)

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Want to know what you need to drive in France? You are in the right place!

France is one of my favourite places to drive . There are so many amazing places to see and the roads are pretty easy to navigate. I have driven to France multiple times from the UK and other places around Europe . I actually now have to drive through France every time I visit the UK because I now live in the Netherlands!

But no matter if you are using a rental car or using your own vehicle like me-there are a few driving requirements you need to follow when in France!

To help you drive in France safely and confidently , this guide explores everything you may need for driving and navigating the roads in France.

This includes the best driving in France kit , documents you may need and other useful information .

So let’s jump in and start looking at everything you need to drive in France for your next road trip!

using a kit to drive through France is essential

Short On Time?

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Do I need anything for driving in France?

Yes, there are a few things you will need for driving in France as they have strict driving rules and regulations!

This includes a breathalyser kit, as well as any other required documents such as your driver’s licence and passport.

You should also ensure that all lights and indicators on your car are functioning properly and that your tyres have adequate tread depth – this is particularly important for driving in winter .

It is also a good idea to take a basic first aid kit and a warning triangle with you, as these are compulsory for driving in France.

what do i need to drive on French Roads?

If your car is fitted with headlights that can be switched between left-hand and right-hand drive, make sure they are set correctly – failure to do so could result in a fine.

Most Kits for driving in France include all of these items so you do not have to pay for them separately.

It also works out a lot cheaper as I painfully found out!

🥇 If You Are Looking For The Best Kit For Driving In France & Europe, The GADLANE driving kit is the #1 Option!

It has hundreds of good reviews and can be used all over Europe, not just in France!

☝️However, It is so popular that sometimes it’s out of stock, the AA Euro Kit is a fantastic alternative!

Finally, make sure you have enough petrol to get you from A to B too!

Having all of these for hitting the roads in France should help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable journey!

What kit do I need to drive in France?

using a kit to drive through France is essential

There are so many driving kits for France on the market, that it can be impossible to know which one to pick!

But If you are looking for the overall best kit for driving in France , you should check out the GADLANE European Driving Kit .

The GADLANE European Car Travel Kit

It is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an affordable and easy way to make sure their car is roadworthy when travelling in Europe.

It also has a budget-friendly price tag that is a lot cheaper than stores like Halfords!

This is one of the most popular kits to buy because of its amazing value for money.

There are also hundreds of positive reviews from customers vouching for its quality and effectiveness!

Not only is it cheaper than other options, but it also makes sure you have all the necessary safety equipment to comply with the driving laws in France and Europe .

✅ Check Out Prices For The GADLANE European Driving Kit Here!

✅ The kit contains a reflective warning triangle for when your car breaks down on an unlit road, which is really useful!

✅ You will also find a set of headlight beam converters so you can use your headlights without dazzling other drivers.

✅ It also comes with a UK sticker and a breathalyser to make sure you are not in violation of any local laws.

So if you’re looking for an affordable and comprehensive car travel kit for France that has everything you need to comply with European driving laws, this complete kit is worth considering.

For a safe trip and a full guarantee you won’t be fined , this is the best kit for driving in France!

What is the mandatory kit for driving in France?

You will notice if you go to some shops or online stores that the French driving kits have EVERYTHING you may need for every single situation you may run into.

However, if you don’t have much luggage space or just want to make sure you have all the legally required items, your kit needs to have the following items:

  • Reflective Vest
  • UK Car Sticker
  • Headlamp Beam Reflector
  • Warning Triangles
  • Breathalyser

✅ For a kit that has the mandatory items driving in France, I always use The GADLANE driving kit

Is a breathalyser kit required in France?

As I mentioned above, a breathalyser kit is essential if you plan to drive a car in France and you should have a breathalyser kit with you .

This applies to all drivers from outside of the country, including British citizens and residents.

This is a requirement for driving in France and the rest of Europe.

These kits are relatively inexpensive, usually costing no more than ten euros. They can be bought from any half-decent auto parts store or most petrol stations.

They are usually available at supermarkets and pharmacies too!

To avoid any fines , you need to buy these kits in advance so make sure you do before you set off.

👉 Click Here for the best Breathalyser kit for driving in France and Europe.

Most driving in France kits do include them, but a lot of them don’t. So it’s always a good idea to buy a separate breathalyser kit just in case.

It is important to note, however, that the breathalyser kit must be compliant with French standards – which means it must have a National Approval Number (NAN) printed on it.

Without this number, you may run into some trouble and be fined.

Driving in France checklist and requirements

Driving through France in your own car or rental can be overwhelming if you don’t know the regulations.

The last thing you will want is to be stressed when driving in an unfamiliar country.

Every country across Europe has different driving requirements so if you are driving from France to another Country, you must be up to date on them all.

However, France has one of the most strict driving requirements so if you have got these covered, you should be all set to go!

To help you enjoy driving in France, here is a checklist of essential items you need:

✅Valid driver’s licence and passport

✅ Insurance documents

✅ Up-to-date map or GPS device

✅ Breathalyser kit

✅ First aid kit ( this is the one I always take to Europe) and warning triangle

✅Spare tyre with an adequate tread depth

✅ Adequate fuel to get from A to B

✅Lights and indicators functioning properly

✅ Headlights set correctly for left or right-hand drive (if necessary)

To help you drive the roads in France confidently, here are some key driving rules you should know before your trip:

Driving in France rules and regulations

Driving to France from the UK

Driving from the UK to France is not only pretty easy, but it is also a great and cheap way to reach the rest of Europe!

However, before setting off for your trip to France, there are a few things you should know.

✅ You can either get the ferry across or use the channel tunnel . The prices can range for both so keep an eye out for deals and discount codes.

✅ The driver must be at least 18 years old .

✅ You must carry your valid driver’s licence , as well as your passport and insurance documents .

✅ GB stickers and no longer valid so your car must have a UK sticker .

✅ If you are driving a vehicle that is not from Europe, make sure you have fitted your head beam adapters .

✅ Familiarise yourself with local driving laws and regulations. If you are going to get fined anywhere in Europe, it will probably be here !

What documents do I need to drive in France from the UK?

When driving your own car to France, there are a few documents you will need to make sure you comply with French driving regulations.

Here is a rundown of the documents you need for driving in France:

✅ Your Valid driver’s license and passport

✅ Travel insurance, car insurance and breakdown cover

✅ For certain parts of France you will need a clean air sticker. However, not all cars are allowed this sticker due to their age and emissions. So it’s a good idea to check here if you need one so you can plan your route.

UK sticker for driving in France

If you are driving from the UK to France, you will need to display a UK sticker on your vehicle.

The sticker should be clearly visible on your car’s rear bumper or window and must be at least 10 cm² in size.

The old sticker before Brexit was GB so if you are buying a kit for driving in France, make sure it has the updated UK one in it.

It is really important to put this on before you enter France and start driving. And I recommend you take 2 sets, just in case one falls off the car.

Driving In France Final Thoughts:

Now that you know a bit more about what to expect when driving in France, as well as the best driving kit for French roads, you should be all set to have a great time on your next getaway.

French roads can be a lot different from what you’re used to, so it’s important to be prepared before driving there. So make sure you use this guide and checklist so you have everything you need to enjoy your French road trip !

I hope you found this article useful! Here are some more posts to help you plan your trip:

✔️ Eating In Europe Cheaply: The Ultimate Foodies Guide to Europe on a Shoe String

✔️ What Countries In Europe Speak English?

✔️ What To Wear In Europe (+ What You Should Avoid Wearing): The Guide For All Seasons

✔️ The Most Romantic Places In Europe For Your Next Trip

✔️ The Best Wizz Air Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight

Lowri Thomas

Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.

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Travel Abroad Euro Car Kit – Your Essential Companion for Driving in France

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Shipping & return, equipment for driving in france.

Embark on your European adventure with the utmost confidence by equipping yourself with the vGroup EU Travel Kit France. Our French Gold Kit is meticulously curated to comply with driving regulations in France, ensuring you're fully prepared for a seamless and secure journey across the Channel.

Full Kit Includes:

2x Warning Triangles: Double up on safety with two foldable and easy-to-set-up warning triangles, a legal requirement in France for any roadside emergency.

1x Pair Beam Deflectors and UK Sticker: Navigate French roads legally with our beam deflectors to prevent headlight glare affecting oncoming traffic.

2x Hi-Visibility Vests: Ensure you and your passenger are visible to others, day or night, with our high-visibility vests – mandatory to carry in all vehicles when driving in France.

1x Bulb Kit: A complete set of car bulbs to ensure you can replace any faulty lights and stay compliant with French traffic laws.

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1x Black Sling Bag: Keep all your travel essentials organised and within easy reach with our durable and stylish black sling bag.

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Travel Tips:

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Get Your Kit Today and set off on your French road trip with peace of mind. The vGroup EU Travel Kit France is the discerning traveller's choice for meeting the legal requirements and staying safe on the roads. Whether it's a family holiday or a business trip, our French Gold Kit is an indispensable part of your travel checklist

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