What to Pack the Best Road Trip Kit

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.

Its all in the bag

The neatest and cheapest way to ensure you’re prepared is with a pre-packaged travel kit to store in your boot. The list that we have provided below takes into consideration if you are driving abroad.

• Eurolites Headlight Adaptors
• Self-Adhesive GB Sticker
• Warning Triangle
• First Aid Kit
• Bulb kit
• Hi-Visibility Vest
• Fire extinguisher
• Emergency foil blanket
• Additional high vis jacket for a passenger
• Twin Pack Breathalsyers
• Jump leads
• Gloves
• Torch

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.

If you have any questions about getting your car ready for driving abroad, please contact Barrowford MOT and we will be happy to assist you.