With the upcoming summer holidays, 2024 Paris Olympics and Euro 2024 in Germany there’s so much happening across the Channel this year. Here at the RAC, we’ve got you covered with some handy tips and tricks.
Remember - Don’t forget your ID (driving license, passport, V5 etc) and in an emergency, dial 112 and an operator will connect you to an emergency service of the country you’re in. We also recommend RAC European Breakdown cover.
Fuel - is it cheaper to fill up at home or once you arrive?
At the time of typing, you’re probably better off filling up before you leave the country, but as you know, fuel prices fluctuate a lot, and from region to region. This page will give you an idea of fuel prices across the UK.
We’re also keeping an eye on forecourts across Europe, and this page will give you a sense of what costs to expect when you fill up.
What do you need to know?
Whether it’s by Channel Tunnel or ferry, most likely, you’ll first enter France.
Since September 2021, our cars need to be identified with a ‘UK’ sticker, not GB. Legally, drivers in France MUST also carry a reflective jacket, warning triangle and headlamp beam deflectors.
Some regions may require you to carry snow chains, and others may require a Clean Air sticker. All this information and more is covered here, and if you need it, you can pick up a European Driving kit here.
From October 2024, biometric checks including; fingerprints and facial recognition, are expected to be introduced when crossing into most EU territories. More information can be found here.
What about other countries?
We’ve got you covered. Take a look at our tips for Germany, Italy and Spain.
Remember - Don’t forget your ID (driving license, passport, V5 etc) and in an emergency, dial 112 and an operator will connect you to an emergency service of the country you’re in. We also recommend RAC European Breakdown cover.
Fuel - is it cheaper to fill up at home or once you arrive?
At the time of typing, you’re probably better off filling up before you leave the country, but as you know, fuel prices fluctuate a lot, and from region to region. This page will give you an idea of fuel prices across the UK.
We’re also keeping an eye on forecourts across Europe, and this page will give you a sense of what costs to expect when you fill up.
What do you need to know?
Whether it’s by Channel Tunnel or ferry, most likely, you’ll first enter France.
Since September 2021, our cars need to be identified with a ‘UK’ sticker, not GB. Legally, drivers in France MUST also carry a reflective jacket, warning triangle and headlamp beam deflectors.
Some regions may require you to carry snow chains, and others may require a Clean Air sticker. All this information and more is covered here, and if you need it, you can pick up a European Driving kit here.
From October 2024, biometric checks including; fingerprints and facial recognition, are expected to be introduced when crossing into most EU territories. More information can be found here.
What about other countries?
We’ve got you covered. Take a look at our tips for Germany, Italy and Spain.
Now it’s over to you, what are your tips for driving in Europe?
Last edited by Mark07; 02-05-24 at 13:30.
Thanks,
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Mark.
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