Whether you’re following the Basque coastline or stocking your cellar at the ancient wine towns of the Loire Valley, a European road trip has never felt so appealing. At Windrush Car Storage, your vehicle will always be ready to roll when wanderlust strikes, with mechanics primed and paperwork up to date.
But nobody is immune to Brexit legislation, and driving on the continent now demands more than a passport in the glovebox (although you’ll need that too). Here’s your essential checklist of documents and safety kit.
Essential Documents
Travelling with a full and valid driving licence goes without saying, but that doesn’t necessarily give you carte blanche. Depending on the countries you visit, the length of your stay – and whether you hold a photocard or paper licence – you might also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). It’s an unwelcome but painless bit of admin, easily picked up from the Post Office.
Your V5C logbook certificate, plus travel and vehicle insurance documents, should all be to hand, along with a green card to prove you’re insured to drive abroad. Keep a wallet of personal documents, too, including passport, National Insurance details and healthcare paperwork. Obviously, road tax, MOT and European breakdown cover are all essential: just ask Windrush if you’d like us to maintain these as part of our long term car storage service.
Finally, don’t overlook the little things. The trusty GB sticker is still mandatory unless it appears on your numberplate, while the Crit’Air windscreen badge demanded in certain French cities only costs around 3 Euros – but carries an on-the-spot fine of £117 if the gendarmerie catch you without one.
Essential Equipment
Your paperwork might be present and correct, but you’ll also need to travel with the required safety equipment. To stay regulations-compliant, bring one reflective jacket per car occupant: this should be stowed within the vehicle’s cabin (not the boot) and worn before you leave the vehicle on a motorway, to avoid a fine of up to 750 Euros. A warning triangle is compulsory, too, as are beam deflectors and a first aid kit (in France, Germany and Austria).
While not required by law, you’d be well-advised to arm yourself for the unexpected, bringing a portable fire extinguisher, spare bulbs, engine oil and washer fluid – plus a petrol can for that long walk to the station d’essence.
Come home to Windrush Car Storage
When you return from your European road trip – having scratched your itch for adventure and stocked your boot with vintage Bordeaux – Windrush will be ready to welcome you home. Sit back with friends and tell your stories from the road, as the Windrush team puts your vehicle through our renowned twelve-step induction programme and into our long term car storage.
To discover more about Windrush’s secure car storage, get in touch.
