Ensure that your are prepared for driving in France with our car checklist. Our list of equipment below has been collated from frequent France day trippers. Many of these items are required by law when driving in certain European countries, so we recommend you ensure you are equipped with all these items.

From checking your oil before you depart to ensuring you have a spare headlight bulbs, you'll be sure to find some car equipment you require here.

1. Check your oil and water levels before your trip, and ensure you carry spare supplies.
2. When driving on the right abroad, you must adapt your headlights to ensure that you do not dazzle oncoming drivers. These should be fitted as soon as you arrive on the Continent, and taken off as soon as you return to England. These can be more expensive when purchased on the Ferry or at the Eurotunnel terminal, but are great value at £7.99 at Halfords. These adaptors are suitable for most vehicles and come with an easy guide on how to fit them to your specific car.
3. Reflective jackets are now required by law when driving in France (and other European countries) in case of breakdown. Common sense would suggest that you take one for each occupant in your vehicle. These must also be carried in your car rather than in the boot, as you must wear one as soon as exiting the car in emergency situations. Halfords offer a high visibility jacket made with thick durable material, complete with EN471 approved reflective strips, for just £4.98 each. A vital piece of equipment to keep you and your family safe in emergency situations.
4. France also requires by law that you carry a hazard warning triangle in your car. In case of emergencies this can be placed further down the road to warn other drivers of your presence. If you are travelling further abroad - to Spain - two warning triangles are compulsory. Halford's offer a warning triangle for just £22.99. Buy now
5. Spare bulbs should be carried in case of headlight failure. To find the correct bulb kit for your vehicle, refer to your owner's handbook. Halfords sell a range of different kits depending on the make and model of your car. Bulb kits start from just £6.99
6. A first aid kit is recommended to be carried whilst driving abroad.
7. A small fire extinguisher is also of benefit for use in emergency situations. However, remember not to put yourself at risk whilst attempting to extinguish any road side fire, and always call the emergency services.
8. Check your tyre pressure levels before travelling to the Continent. Also ensure your spare tyre is in good condition and that you have a tyre pressure guage and car jack with you.
9. Do NOT take a radar or speed trap detector with you. Being in posession of one in your car, even when deactivated, is a criminal offence in France.
10. Remember to take all your car documents, including your breakdown cover details, registration details, and insurance policy.
11. UK registered vehicles displaying European plates (the E.U flag above the national identifier) do not require a GB sticker. Otherwise you must fix a GB sticker to the rear of your vehicle. If you are worried about adhesive stickers damaging your vehicle, Halfords offer a magnetic GB sticker, which is easy to install and remove, for just £4.99.