Motoring Abroad

European driving advice, in association with
The AA - peace of mind when driving on the Continent.

Your vehicle

GB Sticker

A GB sticker must be displayed on the back of your vehicle. Failure to comply could result in an on-the-spot fine. Euro-Plates (Number plates that include the GB Euro-symbol) have been legal since March 2001 and make display of a conventional sticker unnecessary when driving within the EU. The authorities in some countries outside the EU may still expect to see a conventional sticker even if you have a Euro-plate, so it is always safer to display one.

Headlights

If you are driving to the Continent then you must adjust the headlamp beam pattern to suit driving on the right so that the dipped beam doesn't dazzle oncoming drivers. Don't be tempted to go without adjusting the headlamp pattern as it is a compulsory requirement in most countries. Headlamp beam converter kits are widely available but don't leave headlamp conversion to the last-minute, as a dealer may need to make the adjustment.

• Modern high-intensity discharge (HID) or xenon headlights
  These can't be adapted by applying an external mask. Fortunately, many feature an internal 'shutter' that can be moved into place by a screw or lever adjustment at the back of the headlamp unit. But some designs are less convenient and the dealer will need to make the adjustment.
• Modern halogen type headlamps
  Some now require external masks of such complex design that motorists struggle to follow the instructions and work out exactly how and where the mask should be applied.
  Check with the dealer or the car's handbook for advice – especially if your car has HID or XENON headlamps.

Remember to remove the converters as soon as you return to the UK.

Leaded petrol is no longer generally available in northern European countries and Lead Replacement Petrol (LRP) is getting more difficult to find. If LRP is not on sale, an anti-wear additive (for treating unleaded petrol) can be bought from the filling station shop.

If your vehicle is not equipped with a door or wing mirror on the left-hand side we recommend that you get one fitted to aid driving on the right.

Service your car well in advance to reduce the chance of expensive breakdowns when abroad.

Like the UK, most countries require a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm over the central three-quarters of the tread and around the whole circumference. The AA recommend a minimum of 2mm but consider changing tyres if the tread's down to 3mm before you go. Tyres wear out quickly when they get down to 3mm.

Important for any winter motoring and compulsory in some countries even when using winter tyres.