If you’re planning to pick up a rental car to embark on a European road trip this year, it’s crucial to make sure it’s properly equipped with essential items for the country you’re travelling in before setting off.
Each European country has its own legal requirements for what drivers must carry in their vehicles, and failing to meet them could land you with an unexpected fine or even make your vehicle unroadworthy.
With this in mind, Ed Sharp, Head of Car Hire at TravelSupermarket, has shared a checklist of essential items your hire car should have included. It’s important to double-check the vehicle so equipped with these items when picking it up, so you don’t get caught short once you’re on the road.
Reflective Safety Vests
Countries where it’s mandatory: Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Czechia, Turkey, Sweden, and Switzerland.
When driving in Europe, many countries now require you to carry a reflective safety vest in your vehicle in case of an emergency or breakdown.
The driver and all occupants of the car must wear a vest as soon as they exit the vehicle. This means there needs to be a safety vest for not only the driver but for all passengers as well.
Failure to have safety vests in countries where they are required by law can result in a hefty fine. In France, this could be up to €38 during a roadside check or anywhere between €135-750 if you fail to produce them during an emergency. Therefore, it’s better to be well-prepared by ensuring these are in your car before setting off on your travels.
Warning Triangle
Countries where it’s mandatory: Most European countries; in some countries, two warning triangles are recommended or mandatory.
It is also a legal requirement in most European countries to carry a warning triangle in your car.
You typically place these on the road when your vehicle breaks down or you’re involved in a collision, to alert other drivers.
Generally, they must be placed 30 metres behind the vehicle and 100 metres on motorways to give approaching drivers more warning. In some countries, such as Spain, you are required to place a warning triangle on both sides of your vehicle if you’re on a dual carriageway or motorway.
First-Aid Kit
Countries where it is required: Germany, Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Greece.
Carrying a first aid kit is not only a practical idea when road-tripping in unfamiliar territory, but it is also a legal requirement in several European countries.
In some countries, such as Germany, the requirement is strictly enforced, and your first aid kit must meet the DIN 13164 standard, a regulation specific to Germany.
You can usually purchase pre-packed kits, which typically include assorted bandages, sterile gauze pads, elastic support bandages, disposable gloves, an emergency blanket, a first aid instruction leaflet, scissors and adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes, and a face shield for mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
It’s also important to ensure your kit is sealed and in date.
Spare glasses
Countries where it is required: France, Spain (no longer mandatory), and Switzerland.
Surprisingly, if you wear prescription glasses, some countries, such as France, Spain, and Switzerland, require or strongly advise that you carry a spare pair with you at all times.
In France, for example, drivers who use corrective lenses and fail to carry a second pair may face a €135 fine and three points on their licence.
Vignette
Countries where it is required: Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Czechia, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova.
A vignette is a road toll system used in several European countries. It requires drivers to pay for access to specific roads, typically motorways.
They are available for different durations, such as 10 days or two months, and can come as physical stickers on your windscreen or electronic versions linked to your vehicle’s number plate. They must be purchased before using toll roads and are usually available at border crossings, petrol stations, or online.
Driving on a motorway without a valid vignette can result in fines ranging from €60 to an eye-watering €3,000, depending on the country.
Some car hire companies include certain vignette costs in the rental agreement, particularly for popular cross-border routes. However, this is not always the case, so it’s essential to confirm with your provider before you drive off. Make sure you’re shown proof of any included vignettes or electronic registration to avoid unexpected fines during your journey.