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Continental Motoring Checklist

Image depicting Cars embarking the mv Bretagne Image depicting A member of Brittany Ferries staff giving directions to a customer

Ensure you comply with European Motoring Requirements by carrying the following essential items of accident, emergency and breakdown equipment.

Motoring in Europe Summary

France Spain
Minimum age at which UK driving Licence accepted 18 18
National Driving Licence required YES YES
International Driving Permit required NO NO
Vehicle Registration document required YES YES
Motor Vehicle Insurance required YES YES
Bail Bond required NO R
GB Sticker/ Europlates C C
Warning Triangle required C C
Reflectorised jacket/ waistcoast C C
Spare Headlamp bulbs required R R
Headlamp adjustment needed C C
Seatbelts required front and rear R R
Minimum age of children allowed in front seat 10 12
Wide acceptance of credit cards for petrol YES YES
Wide availability of unleaded petrol YES YES
Motorway Tolls payable YES YES
Maximum Motorway Speed Limit 130kph/ 81mph 120kph/ 74mph
On the spot Fines YES YES
R = Recommended. C = Compulsory.

All compulsory items are available from the onboard shop (subject to availability) check our list of Motoring Equipment for more information and prices.

Failure to Comply

In the event of prosecution and conviction for failure to comply with the legal requirements, the courts in all EEC countries have wide powers to impose stringent penalties, and the arresting officers have extensive powers to impose "on the spot fines".

On the Spot Fines

The moment these are demanded, they have to be paid in cash, in the local currency, to the arresting officer. Credit cards or travellers cheques are not accepted.

Radar detectors are illegal in France whether in use or not. If you are caught with such equipment in your vehicle, you are liable to a fine, confiscation of the device and the vehicle.

For motoring abroad, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website is a useful source of additional information http://www.fco.gov.uk