Continental Motoring Checklist

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