What you need to cross a Euro border in your car

30/09/11

Regardless of the time of year, there's nothing like a road trip across Europe for diversity; however before you embark upon your epic journey, the Motors.co.uk team have compiled a list of the top five essentials you need for crossing Euro borders in your car.

Is your driving license valid?

It may seem like an obvious question, but your driving license may not be honoured in all of the countries you plan to visit in Europe. While it's unlikely you'll encounter any problems, an International Driving Permit (IDP), which acts as a translation of your license into 10 languages, is a great way to avoid any bother.

Safety Pack

Fire extinguishers, basic first aid kits, high visibility jackets, replacement bulbs and fuses are among the things you should have tucked away in your safety pack. For all our snow bunnies reading, snow chains are also an absolute essential for mountain trips this winter.

Green Card

A 'Green Card' acts as proof that the minimum legal requirements for third party liability insurance for certain European countries is covered by the motorist's own insurance policy. While not essential for most countries in the EU, if you're planning to travel through Albania, Turkey or Morocco in your motor, it is advisable to have this to hand. You can find out more information here, however you can get hold of one in the UK through the Motor Insurance Bureau.

Warning Triangles

A little cumbersome perhaps, but having two of these in your car these really is essential if you have a breakdown or accident in the majority of European countries. It’s one to check as it is a legal requirement in a number of countries to have this in the boot!

Car Paperwork

Many European countries are more fastidious than the British with their vehicle checks when crossing borders, so making sure that your car's paperwork is as available as your passport will save you a great deal of time and effort.