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Driving in Europe
February 13, 2025
Whether it’s the promise of sunshine, scenic routes, or the lure of local cuisine, there’s no shortage of reasons to hit the road in Europe. But before you set off, a little preparation can make all the difference. Some of it is common sense – making sure your vehicle is in good shape, mapping out your route, and allowing plenty of time for the journey.
But it’s worth remembering that rules and regulations vary from country to country. Our guide isn’t exhaustive but covers the essentials you’ll need to know.
The paperwork you can’t leave home without
Before you head off, double-check you have these documents:
- Driving licence (including the paper counterpart, if applicable)
- Vehicle registration document (V5)
- Motor insurance certificate – don’t assume your cover extends to Europe
- European breakdown number – for ETA customers, it’s 0044 870 77 44 565
Emergencies: who to call and what to do
If you need emergency assistance anywhere in Europe, dial 112. It connects you to local emergency services.
If you’re an ETA customer, check your policy covers European breakdowns. If it doesn’t, you can buy cover from one day to one year by calling 0800 212 810.
Breaking down in France: know the rules
Break down on a French motorway and you can’t just call your usual breakdown provider. French law requires you to use the emergency roadside phones to contact the police-operated recovery service – no one else is allowed to assist on motorways. You’ll be charged a fee, but you can request to be towed to the nearest exit, where your breakdown provider can then help you.
Speed limits and new drivers: be aware
In France, different speed limits apply to those who’ve held their driving licence for less than two years:
- Motorways – 110kph (instead of 130kph)
- Dual carriageways – 100kph (instead of 110kph)
- Open roads – 80kph (instead of 90kph)
Alcohol limits: zero tolerance is safest
Drink-driving laws vary across Europe, and some countries have stricter limits for new drivers. The safest advice? Avoid alcohol altogether if you’re driving.
In France, it’s compulsory to carry a breathalyzer in your car. Although there isn't a fine for non-compliance, the law still requires you to have one.
Insurance: Don’t get caught out
Many UK car insurance policies include basic third-party cover for Europe, but that might not be enough. Check your policy details or contact your provider before you go.
Medical cover: Don’t forget your GHIC
The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is no more, but its replacement, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), lets you get basic state healthcare in the European Economic Area (EEA), and some other countries, on the same basis as a resident of that country. This may be free or it may require a payment equivalent to that which a local resident would pay. They’re free through the NHS website, so beware of third-party websites that charge for them. For comprehensive medical cover, invest in a good travel insurance policy.
Child seats: To take or not to take?
If you’re travelling with young children and hiring a car, consider bringing your own child seat. While it’s an extra piece of luggage, rental seats are often well-used and staff are sometimes prevented from helping with installation.
The GB sticker is now UK
In a somewhat baffling move, the GB sticker has been replaced with UK. If your number plate doesn’t include the UK identifier, you’ll need to display the new sticker or risk an on-the-spot fine.
Safety kit: What you must carry in your car
Different countries require different safety equipment, but to cover the basics, make sure you have:
- Reflective jackets – required in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Austria, and Croatia
- Warning triangle – mandatory across Europe
- Spare bulbs, a first aid kit, and reflective tabards (for every passenger) – required in France
You’ll find these items on the ferry, but at a premium price – better to buy them at home for a fraction of the cost.
Headlights: Don’t dazzle other drivers
When driving on the right, you must adjust your headlamps to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. Headlamp beam converter kits are easy to find, but if your car has Halogen or Xenon headlights, check if they need adjusting by a dealer.
Emissions stickers
The Crit’Air sticker is required in 11 low-emission cities in France, including Paris and Lyon. It shows your vehicle’s pollution rating and costs just a few pounds, but if you don’t have one, you’re looking at a €68 on-the-spot fine.
Quick checklist for a hassle-free trip:
- Get your paperwork in order – You’ll need your driving licence, insurance documents, and vehicle registration papers.
- Carry the right kit – Check local laws: For example, in France you need to carry a hi-vis jacket for every passenger.
- Don’t skimp on breakdown cover – With ETA’s short-term European breakdown cover, you’re covered for any mishaps, so you can enjoy the journey without worry.
The ethical choice
The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.
The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.
Information correct at time of publication.
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