With thousands of holidaymakers expected to break free from staycations and head over the channel into Europe this summer, many for the first time since pandemic travel restrictions were lifted, it’s easy to forget there’s important equipment you must carry on board your vehicle whilst on the continent.

Different countries have different requirements on what must be taken, but when driving in Europe there are several items legally required that aren’t needed in the UK, which can catch some drivers out – who may expect hefty fines from local traffic enforcement.

PartsInMotion.co.uk stocks all the vital equipment legally required on the continent for UK motorists making trips abroad, such as high-vis jackets, spare bulbs, warning triangles, UK stickers, and more.

Matt Gates, director of PartsInMotion.co.uk, said: “We’ve heard lots of stories of drivers, whether haulers or holidaymakers, being stopped by police to ensure they comply with the regional traffic laws.

“It’s a great idea to stop by PartsInMotion.co.uk before you start your journey abroad to get all the important equipment needed for total peace of mind that you’ve satisfied the traffic laws when on the continent.”

All passengers must have a high-visibility jacket available in the car, and in order to prevent dazzling oncoming traffic, UK vehicles must be fitted with beam deflectors. Cars from the UK will have the beams set for driving on the left-hand side of the road; therefore, when on the right-hand side of the road throughout any mainland European country, there’s a risk of dazzling oncoming drivers with misaligned lights.

Spare bulbs must be carried while driving in Europe – to find the correct bulbs to fit your car, enter your registration number on PartsInMotion.co.uk. Another continental requirement is a warning triangle – if the worst happens on the road abroad and you suffer a breakdown, you’ll need to display this behind the car to warn oncoming drivers of the hazard.

Post-Brexit legislation now means drivers making journeys onto the European continent must display a UK sticker, rather than the old GB stickers.

If you’re travelling into a French city, you may need to purchase a pollution sticker to comply with clean air zones. Don’t forget to take insurance documents and your driving license – and with all the right equipment and documentation on board, you can relax and enjoy the view on your way to your destination.