Be prepared
Before starting your holiday, 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 useful in any case.
Just in case
To give you and your family total peace of mind when you are away it's advisable you to take out European breakdown cover and travel insurance.
It is also recommended 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.
As well as this, you should take out cover to protect your journey against motoring emergencies.
EHIC form
Ensure 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.
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 you should obtain a Camping Card International.
The card costs approximately £6.50 and is valid in the year of issue. It is compulsory in Denmark and is 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.
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 for around £6.
Customs regulations
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 six months (12 months in some countries.)
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