It is possible that you may be asked to produce your documents at any time. Please make sure that all your documents are in order and readily available for inspection.

Documents you should take with you

• A full driving licence (a provisional licence is not acceptable), with paper counterpart if you have a photo card licence
• An International Driving Permit when necessary
• The original vehicle registration document
• Your motor insurance certificate
• Your passport

For some countries a visa may be required.
It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all documentation needed to comply with the requirements of immigration, customs, health and other relevant regulations.
If you're travelling in a vehicle other than a motor car or motorcycle or taking a boat, make sure you have any additional documentation that may be required.

Borrowed, hired or leased

If your vehicle is hired or leased (including company vehicles) ensure that you have written authorization from the owner. Where possible take the V5 document.

If you can't get hold of the V5 then we would recommend that you obtain a document called a Vehicle on Hire Certificate also known as the VE103b.
This document is available from BVRLA/All fleet services on 01452 887686 and is the only legal alternative to the vehicle registration document.
The Vehicle on Hire certificate must be carried in addition to a letter of authorisation from the registered keeper.

Child restraints

Never fit a rear-facing child restraint in a seat with a front airbag.

GB sticker

Compulsory, and failure to comply could result in an on-the-spot fine.
Euro-plates - number plates that include the GB euro-symbol - have been legal since March 2001 and make display of a conventional sticker unnecessary within the EU.

In some countries outside the EU a conventional sticker is required even if you have euro-plates, so it is always safer to display one.

High Visibility Vests
It is now compulsory in many European countries for visiting motorists to carry/wear hi-vis vests.
In addition, as they are compulsory for residents in Norway and Portugal we would recommend that they are carried by visitors too.
The AA recommends that each vehicle carries at least two vests in the passenger compartment - one for the driver and one for a passenger. The vests must conform to EU Standard BS EN 471: 1994 Class 1 or 2.

If you intend hiring a car in one of the countries that require hi-vis vests it's important to be aware that not all suppliers provide hi-vis vests as standard with their cars. We advise checking with the hire company concerned before you travel.

Headlights
If you're driving to the Continent and using headlights then you must adjust the headlamp beam pattern to suit driving on the right so that the dipped beam doesn't dazzle oncoming drivers.

The legal requirement is to 'not cause dazzle to oncoming drivers' rather than specifically to adjust/convert headlamp beam pattern so if it's only a short trip and you know you won't have to drive with lights on then conversion is not necessary. You can be delayed however or the weather can change suddenly so the AA recommends that you always adapt your headlights or at the very least take the means with you to do so.

Headlamp beam converter kits are widely available but don't leave headlamp conversion to the last minute, as a dealer may need to make the adjustment.

Modern high-intensity discharge (HID) or xenon headlights
These can't be adapted by applying an external mask. Fortunately, many feature an internal 'shutter' that can be moved into place by a screw or lever adjustment at the back of the headlamp unit. But some designs are less convenient and the dealer will need to make the adjustment.

Modern halogen-type headlamps
Some of these now require external masks of such complex design that motorists struggle to follow the instructions and work out exactly how and where the mask should be applied.
Check with the dealer or the car's handbook for advice – especially if your car has HID or XENON headlamps. Remember to remove the converters as soon as you return to the UK.

Warning Triangle

It is compulsory in many European countries for visiting motorists to carry a warning triangle.

Overloading

Don't overload the car as, safety risks apart, this can incur fines and possibly invalidate insurance.

Rear-view mirrors

If your vehicle is not equipped with a door or wing-mirror on the left-hand side we recommend that you get one fitted to aid driving on the right.

Servicing

Service your car well in advance to reduce the chance of expensive breakdowns when abroad.

Speed-trap detection devices

The use or possession of devices to detect police radar is illegal in most European countries. Penalties can include fine, driving ban, and even imprisonment.
Some countries now also prohibit the use of GPS based navigation systems which have maps indicating the location of fixed speed cameras meaning that you must deactivate the 'fixed speed camera PoI (Points of Interest)' function.

Tyres

Like the UK, most countries require a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm over the central three-quarters of the tread and around the whole circumference.

We recommend a minimum of 2mm but consider changing tyres if the tread is down to 3mm before you go. Tyres wear out quickly after they get down to 3mm.

Wheel chains

Important for any winter motoring and compulsory in some countries even when using winter tyres.

Breakdown cover
Make sure that you have adequate cover

Emergency contact

112 is a European emergency call number you can dial in the 27 Member States of the European Union in case of accident, assault or in any other distress situation.

Car crime

Never leave handbags and other attractive items in obvious view even when you are in the car, and never leave anything in an unattended car.

For advice on car crime or personal safety in specific countries, contact the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit on 0845 850 2829 or visit the Foreign Office web site at
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/ .

Drinking and driving

There is only one safe rule – if you drink, don't drive. Laws are strict and the penalties are severe.

Insurance

Contact your insurer for advice at least a month before taking a vehicle overseas. Ensure that you're adequately covered and have the necessary documents to prove it.

Medical treatment

Generally you can get urgent medical treatment at reduced cost, from the health-care schemes of those countries with which the UK has health-care arrangements. You'll find details in the Department of Health booklet 'Health Advice for Travellers', available from any main post office. Don't rely exclusively on these arrangements, as the cover provided under the respective national schemes is not always comprehensive – and the cost of bringing a person back to the UK in the event of illness or death is never covered. Make sure you have adequate travel insurance.

Credit Cards

Occasionally UK issued credit cards not being accepted at stores or petrol stations in other countries.

If you're going to rely on a particular credit card whilst away we recommend checking with the card company to confirm that it can be used in the country you're visiting.

Mobile phones

The use of hand-held mobile phones while driving is prohibited in many countries.

Pets

Contact the PETS Helpline on 0870 241 1710 or visit the PETS website at www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/pets/index.htm.

Show your card

If you're a Personal AA member your AA membership card includes the 'show your card' symbol on the reverse - this gives you access to hundreds of discounts in Europe and the USA.
In most cases you simply show your AA membership card to get the discount. For more information visit ARC Europe

Spectacles

Take a spare pair of spectacles if you wear them – especially if you are the sole driver.

Think right

It's easy to forget to drive on the right, particularly after doing something familiar, such as leaving a petrol station or car park.