If you're driving in the Czech Republic your checklist requirements are:

• A valid UK driving licence - both the photo and paper parts. If you don't have a photo card licence, you'll need an International Driving Permit - you can get this from the Post Office
• A GB sticker on the back of your car - unless your car has 'Euro-plates' (number-plates that show a circle of 12 stars on a blue background)
• Your motor insurance certificate
• A warning triangle inside the car in case you break down
• Headlamp converters (stickers you put on your headlights when you're driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)
• A motorway sticker if you're driving on the motorway ' you can buy this at the border and at larger petrol stations
• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
• A fire extinguisher
• A first aid kit
• A reflective jacket within reach inside the car. You'll need to wear this if you stop for any reason outside built-up areas, even if you're just setting up a warning triangle
• Winter tyres or snow chains, if you're driving between November and April

If you usually wear glasses or contact lenses, you must carry a spare pair with you in the car.

You must also:

• Be 18 or over
• Wear your seatbelt at all times (this applies to everyone in the car)
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle

It's a good idea to have:

• A Green Card - it's a useful back-up to your motor insurance documents and shows you've got the minimum legal level of cover. If you'd like to find out more, contact your insurance company

Other things you should know:

• Petrol, diesel and LPG are readily available. Leaded petrol contains a lead-replacement additive. You can also get Super Leaded (98 Octane) and Special (91 Octane)
• The speed limit is 50kph in built-up areas, 90kph on open roads and 130kph on motorways
• If you're caught committing a driving offence, whilst driving through the Czech Republic, you'll be given an on-the-spot fine
• The drink driving limit is zero - so there must be no alcohol in your blood when driving
• You must use dipped headlights at all times
• Children under 12 or less than 1.5m tall can't sit in the front unless they have an appropriate seat restraint
• It's illegal to carry any radar detection equipment, whether or not it's switched on
• If you have a GPS navigation system that shows you where any fixed speed cameras are, you must deactivate this function

Useful guides and maps

Michelin Motoring Atlas: Europe

What RAC can do for you

RAC offers great-value, flexible RAC European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. We also offer comprehensive travel insurance, including cover for medical expenses, baggage, personal money and belongings.

Sources Foreign & Commonwealth Office, www.nationaldrivesafe.co.uk.

Disclaimer: RAC are not responsible for the content of external websites. The information provided is correct as of August 2009 to the best of our knowledge and should be referred to for information purposes only - it should not be relied upon as formal advice. Please always check the current requirements of the country you are visiting before you leave.