The Ultimate Driving in France Kit

Updated for 2024

Here we show you the best driving kit to have in your vehicle when driving in France. 

This is based upon the most complete and up-to-date checklist of legal requirements for driving in France. If you haven't seen that checklist yet, be sure to check it out before you leave our website.
Full Driving in France Kit

Full Driving in France Kit

All the items you need, inside a handy zip up bag and with FREE UK Delivery
Just £32.95

Hi Viz Vest

A High visibility vest is required to be worn by each occupant of your vehicle, when you are stood on the side of a major road or motorway - whether you have broken down or stopped for any other reason.

So if you are the typical, Mom, Dad & 2 kids, you'll need 4 in the car.

Having these not only helps you to comply with the law and save a pretty hefty on-the-spot fine, but can also help to keep you safe - so it's a no-brainer really!
Hi Viz Vest France

Warning Triangle

At least one warning triangle is required to be carried in your vehicle, in case you break down or have an accident (Not needed for mopeds and motorcycles).

If you are also driving into Spain and some other EU countries, you actually need two warning triangles and not just one.
Warning Triangle for France

Headlamp Beam Deflectors

Most UK vehicles - when driven in France and the rest of the EU - must have their headlamp dipped beams deflected or otherwise adapted, so that they don't dazzle oncoming motorists.

Some later vehicles have an adjustment lever or dipped beam that shines straight ahead, but most still need these converters.
Headlamp Beam Converters France

Spare Bulb Kit

It is an offence to drive on the roads in France with an important bulb gone, and the only practical way to rectify this yourself is to have some spares for the most common bulb fittings.

So, most motorists driving in France tend to carry a spare bulb kit with them. 
Spare Bulb Kit France

First Aid Kit

This is another case where it isn't a legal requirement, but for practical reasons many motorists choose to take a first aid kit with them when they drive abroad.

They usually contain a range of plasters, bandage and some tape - just so that you can protect minor cuts and grazes that don't require medical attention.
First Aid Kit for France

UK Stickers/Plates

It has been the law for many years that all cars driving throughout Europe when outside the cars country of registration, must display a "Country Identifier". This is so the local police can easily see where any foreign car is from. Post Brexit we now need to use a UK not an old GB country identifier. 

There are three main options for this. We include all of them inside our ultimate kit so you can use whichever one will suit your needs best.

UK Magnetic Plate
UK Sticker (Adhesive)
UK Number Plate Stickers (Adhesive)

Magnetic UK Plate

If your vehicle is made of fibre glass you'll need an adhesive sticker, but for most cars a magnetic one is best because you can remove it safely without damaging the paintwork after every trip.

UK Sticker

No driving in France kit could be complete without a standard UK adhesive sticker. If you don't want to put it on the paintwork, (It can cause problems if you ever try to peel them off), then we suggest putting them on the glass of the rear window if it is suitable. 

Number Plate Stickers

If you'd prefer not to show the large UK sticker then this is a great alternative.

Also if you have a car with the old style GB number plates rather than ordering new number plates you can simply use these to cover them. 

Although a legal requirement since September 2021, many vehicles still have the old GB sticker or GB/EU symbol on their number plates.

These Number plate stickers are perfectly legal for France and I prefer them as they are less intrusive. If you are driving in Spain then the number plate stickers are not enough. You must have a full size UK sticker - whether you have the UK letters on your number plates or not.

UK Car Stickers
So that's what the ultimate driving in France kit looks like. You can order travel kits or any of the individual items that you need from our friends over at Euro Motoring - but don't forget to comply with the other legal requirements for driving in France and quirky laws mentioned in our checklist.
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