It's not just safe and sensible, in some European countries it’s the law to carry certain items when driving. To avoid the risk of receiving an on the spot fine when driving in popular European destinations, make sure you have all the compulsory or recommended equipment (detailed in the table below), many of which are already contained in the AA Emergency Breakdown and Touring Kit.
How to use this checklist
Choose a country on the left, then look across the row to see what equipment you need. Here's what the symbols mean:
Compulsory
Recommended by the AA or the respective country
Click to view tips and guidelines
| Country |
GB Sticker |
Headlamp Beam Converters |
Warning Triangle |
High Visibility Jacket |
First Aid Kit |
Fire Extinguisher |
On the spot fines issued |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austria | |
|
|
|
|
YES | |
| Belgium | |
|
|
|
|
|
YES |
| France | |
|
|
|
YES | ||
| Germany | |
|
|
|
YES | ||
| Ireland | |
|
YES |
||||
| Italy | |
|
|
|
YES |
||
| Netherlands | |
|
|
YES | |||
| Portugal | |
|
|
|
YES | ||
| Switzerland | |
|
|
YES | |||
| Spain | |
|
|
|
YES |
» Compulsory equipment tips and guidelines
All-in-one-kits
The AA has bundled the key essentials for driving abroad into handy all in-one-kits. The Emergency Breakdown and Touring Kit is our most comprehensive kit containing many of the breakdown essentials for driving in the UK and abroad.
Emergency Breakdown and Touring Kit now including"NF" Approved Breathalyser Twin Pack†
£44.99 (RRP £49.99) Includes "NF" approved breathalyser twin pack!
- Hazard warning triangle
- 4 x High Visibility Vests
- Reflective hi visibility armbands
- Magnetic GB badge for Europe (Height: 135mm, Width:180mm)
- Headlamp beam converters for Europe
- Emergency glass hammer
- Fire extinguisher 950g and BSi approved
- 9 LED Torch
- Note pad and pen
- Tow Rope 3.5m, 2-tonne - new flat design
- Disposable emergency camera
- Quality carry bag with velcro non-slip pads
- First aid kit Soft Pouch incl. reflective blanket, dressings, plasters
- Tyre Safety Kit
- Twin Pack AlcoSense "NF" Approved Breathalysers†
"AA Emergency Breakdown and Touring Kit" is contained within a quality carry bag with velcro strips and non slip pads and includes all of the following essentials:
†From 1st July 2012 all vehicles travelling in France must carry a breathalyser "NF" (Norme Française) approved. The AA recommend that two are carried and this handy twin pack fulfils our recommendation. This product carries the “NF” French certification mark and is therefore designed to meet the obligation under French law that anyone driving in France carries a NF standard breathalyser from 1st July 2012. It is important that you read and comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. AA Media Limited and Associated Companies cannot accept liability for any losses suffered or caused by you or any third party arising from use or reliance on this product where such losses are not foreseeable at the time of your purchase and are not a direct result of a breach of a legal duty of care owed by us or a direct result of a breach by us of the terms and conditions of sale. Nothing set out above reduces your statutory rights regarding defective or mis-described goods or limits liability for death/personal injury caused by negligence.
Driving in France Kit including "NF" Approved Breathalyser Twin Pack†
£ 39.99 (RRP £49.99) Worth £71.89 (RRP) if purchased individually!
Will you be driving in France this summer? The AA's handy and comprehensive Driving in France Kit contains many of the essential driving requirements, including an "NF" approved breathalyser twin pack†, together with a handy French Phrasebook, Glovebox atlas and Travel Guide, all packaged in a convenient travel bag. This invaluable kit is specifically designed for the British motorist in France.
Contents include:
Car Essentials
- 2 High Visibility Vests
- Warning Triangle
- GB Sticker
- Beam Converters
- Pack of 2 Sunblinds
- Micro Travel First Aid Kit
- Twin Pack AlcoSense "NF" Approved Breathalysers†
Atlas and Guides
†From 1st July 2012 all vehicles travelling in France must carry a breathalyser "NF" (Norme Française) approved. The AA recommend that two are carried and this handy twin pack fulfils our recommendation. This product carries the “NF” French certification mark and is therefore designed to meet the obligation under French law that anyone driving in France carries a NF standard breathalyser from 1st July 2012. It is important that you read and comply with the manufacturer’s instructions. AA Media Limited and Associated Companies cannot accept liability for any losses suffered or caused by you or any third party arising from use or reliance on this product where such losses are not foreseeable at the time of your purchase and are not a direct result of a breach of a legal duty of care owed by us or a direct result of a breach by us of the terms and conditions of sale. Nothing set out above reduces your statutory rights regarding defective or mis-described goods or limits liability for death/personal injury caused by negligence.
Advice on Driving in France
Click here for further advice and information on what you will need to drive in Europe
European Travel Kit: European Driver's Handbook Edition
£29.99 (RRP £40.00)
- Set of Beam Converters
- Hazard Warning Triangle
- Magnetic GB Plate (Height: 135mm, Width:180mm)
- Reflective Emergency Jacket (Meets EN 471 Standard)
- First Aid Kit
- AA European Driver's Handbook
- Universal Bulb Kit (compact). Contains All 3 halogens 1 X H1, 1 x H4 (472), H7 (499). Includes selection of bulbs and fuses.
This European Breakdown Kit is packaged in a sturdy canvas style storage bag with zip. The European Driver's Handbook is a must-have guide for anyone driving in Europe, with detailed motoring information for each European country and guidance on the different rules of the road in each country including road signs and legal requirements.
View our alternative European Travel Kit: Atlas Edition
» Click here to find out how to recycle your old electrical items
» Browse individual items in our Driving in Europe department
A The list above is not an exhaustive list of compulsory items. Compulsory or required items could vary or change and fines may be imposed for failure to carry compulsory items. Please do check the latest motoring laws in the countries you are visiting before you visit.
B The AA recommends that each vehicle carries at least two high visibility jackets in the passenger compartment. Requirements vary from country to country.
