Driving from the UK to France? Here’s your 2025 checklist (plus win a Euro driving kit)

If you’re planning a road trip to France or beyond, make sure you’ve packed everything the law requires. It’s not a long list, but it will help you avoid a fine, or, in the most serious cases, your vehicle being impounded.

To help you stay on the right side of the law (not just the road), here’s a 2025 checklist of items you have to carry when driving from the UK to France.

Bonne route!

Forget these items and you could face a fine, or worse:

1. UK driving licence - the old paper licence is still accepted if you're under 70.

2. Motor insurance certificate - many people will not have these as a physical certificate as most insurers provide these online portal – usually stashed somewhere in your insurer’s app, which will inevitably need two-factor authentication from inside a Pyrenean tunnel.

3. V5C vehicle registration document - or a VE103 if you're driving a hire or leased vehicle. While it’s rarely requested, not carrying it is technically a Class 4 offence in France, which could mean a €135 fine or even vehicle impoundment.

4. UK sticker - unless your number plate includes the UK identifier.

5. Warning triangle - a must in case of breakdowns (except for motorbikes).

6. High-visibility vest - one per person, and they must be easily accessible inside the car, not in the boot.

7. Headlamp beam deflectors - to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers. Some cars have a headlight “continental mode” – check your manual.

8. Snow chains or winter tyres - if you’re heading to the Alps or any of France’s snow zones in winter, you’re legally required to carry snow chains or use winter tyres. Pro tip: practise fitting them at home – it’s much easier without frozen fingers or an audience.

9. Crit’Air Emissions Sticker - required for driving in the low-emission zones of an increasing number of cities - even if you are driving a new car. Order yours well in advance – they can take a few weeks to arrive.

Not required by law, but worth taking:

1. Spare Bulb Kit
Driving with a blown bulb is illegal. If your car uses factory-installed LED headlights, you're very unlikely to experience a failure during the vehicle’s lifetime. However, if you're using aftermarket LED kits or drive in harsh conditions, it's wise to monitor for signs like flickering or dimming.

2. Spare Pair of glasses – it is a truth universally acknowledged that spectacles, like all things vital, are apt to disappear when most needed.

3. European Breakdown Cover
Without it, you could face a hefty bill if your car breaks down and needs to be towed, fixed, or repatriated. ETA single-trip Euro breakdown cover is perfect for short holidays because as well as roadside assistance & recovery it includes: cover up to 31 days, 24/7 English-speaking helplines, overnight accommodation for all passengers, car or motorbike hire (up to £60/day), repatriation if your vehicle can’t be fixed - if your vehicle is under 20 years old, you’re good to go.

Special notes for motorcyclists:

Bikers face a few extra requirements in France – Crash helmets must meet ECE 22-05 or 22-06 standards and have front, rear and side reflectors. Both rider and pillion must wear CE-approved gloves. Also, if your bike doesn't have running lights, your dipped headlight must be on at all times.

Win a European driving kit

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Want to make your pre-trip chores a little easier? We’re giving away a Euro driving kit packed with everything you need: spare bulb & fuse kit; self-adhesive UK sticker, headlamp beam deflectors, 5 high-vis vests, warning triangle and a basic first aid kit.

Just leave a comment below telling us where you’re heading on your next European road trip, and we’ll enter you into the draw.

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The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 35 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK's most ethical provider.

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