Driving in Europe checklist

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Driving across European borders is straightforward once you know what to bring — but the list of legally required items is longer than most drivers expect, and it varies by country. This checklist covers everything from the paperwork in the glove box to the hi-vis vest in the boot, so you can cross borders without sweating at a police checkpoint.

Documents: what to carry at all times

Every country in Europe requires you to carry certain documents in the vehicle. The core set is:

• Valid driving licence — your national licence, ideally also accompanied by an international driving permit if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet or if you are driving outside the EU.
• Vehicle registration document — the original V5C (UK), Zulassungsbescheinigung (Germany) or equivalent. A copy is not always accepted.
• Proof of insurance — your certificate of motor insurance. The Green Card (international motor insurance certificate) is not legally compulsory in EU countries, but it is widely requested by police and border officers and strongly recommended. Obtain one free from your insurer.
• Passport or national ID card — required for border crossings and, in some countries, to be carried at all times.
• Letter of authorisation — if the vehicle is not registered in your name (e.g. a company car, a borrowed vehicle, or a car belonging to a family member), you need a letter from the owner giving you permission to drive it across borders. Some rental companies have their own form for this.

In-car kit: what the law requires

Legal requirements for in-car equipment differ by country. The safest approach is to carry everything on this list — it covers the requirements of most European countries:

• Warning triangle — compulsory in most countries. In Spain and France you need one; in some Eastern European countries you need two. Stow it somewhere accessible, not buried under luggage.
• Hi-vis vest or jacket — compulsory in France, Spain, Italy, Austria and others. It must be inside the passenger compartment (not just in the boot) so you can put it on before stepping out of the vehicle after a breakdown. Carry one per occupant in Spain.
• First-aid kit — required in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and several others. A basic kit is cheap and takes up little space.
• Fire extinguisher — required in Turkey, Greece and a few others; not required in most Western European countries but no bad idea to carry.
• Spare bulb kit — required in Spain and France (though modern LED headlights make this requirement awkward — check your car manufacturer's guidance).
• GB/country identifier sticker or plate — required whenever the destination country is not part of your vehicle's number-plate identifier system. EU-format plates with the country code oval are usually sufficient within the EU; outside or when in doubt, carry a separate sticker.

Motorway tolls and vignettes

Several European countries require payment to use the motorway network, either through:

• Toll booths: France, Italy, Portugal and Spain all use traditional toll plazas, where you pay per section driven. Read more in the motorway tolls explained guide.
• Vignettes: Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia and others require you to purchase a sticker (or e-vignette) before using the motorway — you cannot pay at a barrier because there is none. Driving without one can result in a heavy fine. Full details are in the vignettes in Europe guide.

Low-emission zones

An increasing number of European cities restrict access for older or more polluting vehicles. Paris, Berlin, Madrid, Amsterdam and many others have some form of low-emission zone (LEZ or ZFE), and foreign-registered cars are not automatically exempt. In some cases you need to register your vehicle or obtain a sticker before entry. See the low-emission zones in Europe guide for the main cities and what to do.

Country-specific rules to know

Beyond the core list, some country-specific rules catch drivers out:

• France: Using a handheld radar-detector or GPS displaying fixed camera locations is illegal (this includes some sat-nav settings). Speed cameras cannot be displayed. Motorway speed limits in rain drop to 110 km/h from the usual 130 km/h.
• Germany: No general motorway speed limit on most autobahns, though advisory limits (130 km/h) apply. Winter tyres are compulsory when conditions warrant them.
• Italy: You must use headlights on motorways at all times, even in daylight. Children under 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat.
• Spain: Mobile phones in hand are prohibited. The rear-view mirror must always be clear — stickers on the windscreen are controlled. Alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l (stricter than the UK's 0.8 g/l).
• Switzerland and Austria: Winter tyres are required in wintry conditions. Switzerland bans some fuel additives; check if you use an ad-blue supplement.

Before you leave: a pre-trip check

1. Documents — licence, V5C/registration, insurance/Green Card, authorisation letter if needed, passports.
2. Kit — warning triangle(s), hi-vis vest(s), first-aid kit, bulb kit, headlamp adapters (right-hand-drive in France).
3. Tolls and vignettes — check which countries you pass through and whether a vignette is needed.
4. Low-emission zones — check if any cities on your route require pre-registration.
5. Sat-nav — turn off any fixed camera alerts if driving in France; update maps.
6. Tyres — tread depth and pressure; winter tyres if driving in alpine areas.
7. Breakdown cover — does your existing policy cover European breakdown assistance?

Frequently asked questions

Is car insurance valid across Europe automatically?

Most UK and EU policies include third-party cover across the EU as a minimum, but the level of cover varies. Check your policy before you go and ask your insurer for a Green Card, which serves as proof of at least third-party insurance across Europe.

Do I need a vignette if I am just passing through a country?

Generally yes, if you use the motorway network. In Switzerland and Austria, for example, you need a vignette even for a short motorway transit. You can often plan a route via non-motorway roads to avoid this, but it will add time.

Can I use my mobile phone for sat-nav in France?

You can use it for navigation if it is mounted in a holder and you do not touch it while moving — the same as in most European countries. What is specifically illegal in France is showing fixed speed-camera locations.

What if I break down?

Put on your hi-vis vest before leaving the vehicle, place your warning triangle on the road behind you (at the required distance — typically 30–100 m depending on the country), and call your breakdown provider. If you have no cover abroad, national motoring clubs often assist on the spot for a fee.