Mandatory Safety Equipment For Your Vehicle in Europe

If you’re planning on travelling in Europe with your own vehicle, it's important to understand that different countries have varying requirements for mandatory safety equipment you must always have in your vehicle. You need to ensure that you comply with the regulations of each country you plan on driving through, and not just your destination country.

Below is a quick-reference table for several popular countries that travellers typically visit with our European Breakdown Cover, followed by more detailed information for each country.

France

• Warning Triangle: All vehicles (except motorcycles) must carry a warning triangle
  
  
• Reflective Jackets: One reflective jacket must be in the vehicle (not in the boot) and must comply with the European EN471 standard. This does not apply to drivers of two- or three-wheeled vehicles
  
  
• Snow Chains: Must be used on snow-covered roads when indicated by road signs. With snow chains, the speed limit is reduced to 31 mph (50 km/h)

NB: If you breakdown on a French motorway, it will normally be the police that arrange for the recovery of your vehicle.

Belgium

• Warning Triangle: All vehicles (except motorcycles) must carry a warning triangle
  
  
• Reflective Jacket: Drivers stranded on a Belgian motorway, major road, or in areas where parking is prohibited must wear a reflective safety jacket as soon as they exit the vehicle

Germany

• Reflective Jackets: Vehicles must have one reflective jacket that complies with EN471
  
  
• First Aid Kit: This is a compulsory item to carry
  
  
• Winter Equipment: All vehicles must use winter tyres (marked M&S) during winter weather conditions

NB: While UK motorists visiting Germany are not required to carry a warning triangle, German residents must have one. In the event of a breakdown, all drivers must signal their vehicle.

Poland

• Warning Triangle: All vehicles (except motorcycles) must carry a warning triangle

Switzerland

• Warning Triangle: All vehicles (except motorcycles) must carry a warning triangle, which must be kept within easy reach and used in any breakdown or emergency
  
  
• Snow Chains: Snow chains are required in certain areas as indicated by road signs and must be fitted to at least two drive wheels

We recommend that you check each country you're travelling through for other requirements as these will differ from country to country. Also the points here are for informational purposes only and are subject to change; always check to see if the requirements for a country you're travelling through have changed.

If you're going abroad with your car or motorcycle it may be worth purchasing a Voyager to Europe European breakdown cover policy in case you have a breakdown or accident while away, click here for more details.