RAC Know-How

General checklist

This is a general checklist. You can select your destination country and any countries you are travelling through to see specific motoring information and advice.

European motoring kit

Before starting your journey be sure to pack a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, warning triangle, headlamp beam reflectors and spare lamp bulbs. These are required by law in many countries and are advisable in any case.

European Breakdown Cover and Travel Insurance

To give you and your family total peace of mind when you are away we also strongly advise you to take out RAC European Breakdown Cover and Travel Insurance.

Green card

We strongly recommend that you obtain an International Motor Insurance Certificate (green card), from your motor insurer. It is important to check with your motor insurer or broker what cover you have abroad as a Green Card may not always be issued. Additionally you should take RAC European Breakdown Cover to protect your journey against motoring emergencies.

EHIC form

We also recommend that you obtain form EHIC located at the back of a leaflet called Health Advice for Travellers (Ref T6) which can be obtained from main post offices in the UK or by calling freephone 0800 555777. You must produce this form if you or your family are taken ill or require treatment when you are abroad in European Economic Area Countries.

Please be aware of recent changes to the EHIC form, please see our EHIC section for more information.

GB sticker

UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) are no longer obliged to affix a GB sticker to the rear of the vehicle when driving in European Union countries. However, a GB sticker is still required on the rear of any UK registered motor vehicle, caravan or trailer when driving in non-European Union countries. One is included in your RAC European Breakdown Cover documents.

Camping Card International

If you intend to spend some of your holiday camping or caravanning we strongly recommend that you obtain a Camping Card International. Issued to RAC Members for just £6.50 the Card is valid in the year of issue and is compulsory in Denmark and accepted as ID in lieu of a passport at most European sites. It also provides Third Party Liability insurance of up to 2,500,000 Swiss Francs and entitles the holder to special discounts at sites and tourist attractions in many countries.

International Driving Permit

In addition to your current full UK Driving Licence, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to allow you to drive in certain countries. An International Driving Permit is internationally recognised and normally allows the holder to drive a private motor vehicle without additional formality. Please see our International Driving Permit section for more information.

Vehicle On Hire Certificate

Wherever you need to drive in Europe it is mandatory to carry the original Vehicle Registration Document. If you cannot obtain the original you will need a letter of authority from the owner and a Vehicle on Hire Certificate (VE103B) instead. This is especially important if you are driving a hired or leased vehicle. Vehicle on Hire Certificates can be obtained from RAC for just £6.00.

Passport or visa

Check that all members of your party have a full 10 year passport which is valid for the full period of your journey. If you are visiting Bulgaria, CIS or Romania and hold a UK passport you will also need a visa.

Special requirements for vehicles with over 9 seats

Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a full year's car driving experience. Special documents and tachographs are mandatory throughout the EU. For more information contact your local Department of Transport Area Office for details.

Customs regulations regarding cars

The vehicle must be for your personal use and not be left abroad, lent or hired to anyone else, sold or otherwise disposed of, without consent from the Customs Authority of the country you are visiting. Furthermore, the vehicle can remain in the country visited for a maximum of 6 months (12 months in some countries).

Taking boats abroad

You should obtain a Certificate of Registration when temporarily importing a boat into Europe. Available from the Small Ships register, PO Box 165, Cardiff, CF14 5SH, telephone 029 20 44 88 00. It covers vessels under 24 metres long.