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driving in Europe

Information and advice on road safety equipment and the European requirements for driving on the Continent.

Please note that, depending on which countries you plan to visit or travel through, you will require some or all of the following motoring equipment to ensure you remain legal. There may also be other legal requirements which are not listed below. Please check with the relevant traffic authority of the countries you are travelling through. All of the equipment listed below and more is available in the shop onboard your P&O ferry

Visit www.motoring-into-europe.co.uk for more information on specific country requirements

Headlamp adaptors
Your vehicle’s headlamps are specifically designed for driving in the UK on the left hand side of the road. Consequently, when driving in Europe on the right, you will dazzle oncoming drivers, which is dangerous and illegal. When driving at any time, day or night – this must be prevented by adapting your headlamps.

GB Plate
UK Drivers must display a GB plate on the rear of their vehicle, trailer, or caravan in order to indicate the ‘Country of Registration’.

New breathalyser law for driving in France
Drivers heading to or through France this summer should note the new requirement to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicles from 1 July.

Warning Triangle & Reflective Vests
Motoring Law in France and many other European Countries now requires All vehicles to carry a Warning Triangle and a Reflective Vest. It is strongly recommended by the SPR* in France to carry vests for All vehicle occupants, as is Law in Spain - where 2 Triangles are also required. (* SPR: Societe Prevention Routiere).

Spare Bulb Kit
European Law states that it is illegal to continue driving with a blown exterior bulb, so a spare bulb kit should be carried at all times to avoid the risk of ‘spot’ fines.

First Aid Kit & Fire Extinguisher
The European Good Samaritan Law requires every driver to stop and provide assistance in the event of an accident, so it is strongly advisable to carry these items.

Be Safe, Be Legal