Apart from getting your vehicle in good shape for a European banger rally, there’s a lot more to think about before heading off on your adventure. Here’s the Sterling checklist of everything you’ll need to take with you when you drive in a European banger rally, from travel documents to extra equipment and spares.
Important travel documents
When driving in Europe you may be asked to produce a variety of documents to prove you are eligible to drive, you own the vehicle and that you have the correct insurance. Remember if you intend to share the driving, everyone must be covered by documentation.
Here is a list of what you should take.
Full valid driving licence
A full valid driving licence will be accepted in all countries in the EU and the European Economic Area (EEA). Even though Switzerland isn’t in the EU or EEA, you can still use your UK driving licence as long as you are 18 or over.
Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) replaced the old European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and it will give you access to “emergency and medically necessary healthcare needs” when a UK resident is in the EU. The GHIC will not cover you in Iceland, Liechtenstein and Switzerland.
GHICs can be obtained through the NHS website and are free of charge.
The GHIC is not intended as a replacement for regular travel insurance, which you should take out for your best protection against illness, injury, loss or accident.
Green Card International Motor Insurance Certificate
While no longer a legal requirement, a Green Card is clear and obvious proof that you hold the necessary third-party motor insurance cover required for the country or countries you will be visiting on your banger rally. To find out how to get Green Card insurance, contact Sterling on 0344 381 9990.
International Driving Permit
An International Driving Permit (IDP) will allow you to drive in countries where a UK licence alone is insufficient. An IDP can be obtained over the counter from the Post Office for £5.50. There are three types of IDP, each allowing you to drive in different countries, so if your banger rally takes you through a number of countries, you may need more than one.
You can use the Post Office IDP checker tool to find out if you will need a permit, which permit you will need, and what supporting documentation you will need to supply with your application.
Holiday documentation
You may be asked by border security or local police to show your return ferry or Channel crossing tickets, and your accommodation booking confirmation. Carry them with you and keep them to hand, keeping printouts of online bookings and confirmations to minimise inconvenience.
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
Vehicle Log Book (V5C)
You must take the vehicle log book (V5C) and you may have to show it if you’re stopped at a port or while driving in Europe. The V5C tracks the registration and taxation history of a specific vehicle and confirms your ownership of it.
European breakdown cover
Sterling breakdown cover is available from £42 a year and is highly recommended if you are taking part in a banger rally.
Emissions stickers
Some countries you will be driving through have tough regulations that require you to buy and display an emissions sticker showing how much pollution your vehicle generates.
Most banger rallies tend to avoid cities but it is worth remembering that some have low emissions zones and prohibit cars at certain times. Some ban older vehicles completely.
You can find out where you will need an emissions sticker and which sticker you will need online.
Checklist of equipment needed for driving in Europe
In many countries, it’s compulsory to have certain extra equipment in the car. Exactly what you need varies from country to country and depends on the time of year, but it usually includes some or all of the following.
Check your satnav
If you’re driving in Europe It is illegal in France and several other EU countries to use a satnav or other electronic equipment that alerts you of speed enforcement cameras.
Reflective jackets
You must carry reflective jackets for the driver and each passenger.
Warning triangle
A warning triangle is compulsory in most countries. Many countries require you to have two: one for in front and one for behind your vehicle.
Two breathalysers
In most European countries it is compulsory to carry a breathalyser in your car, but it makes sense to carry two. This is because if you only have one and are stopped by police and ordered to take a breath test, you will not have one to use in the event you are stopped again.
Headlamp beam deflectors
Deflectors are needed to prevent dazzling oncoming drivers. You can buy deflector stickers from most car shops and, more expensively, at ferry ports and the Eurostar terminal. You may also be able to adjust the beam manually. (Remember to remove the sticker or readjust your headlamp on your return to the UK).
GB car sticker
You will need a GB sticker unless you have a GB Euro number plate.
First aid kit
This is compulsory in Austria, France and Germany and advised in all other European countries.
Bulbs, basic tools and other spares
Replacement bulbs, belts, wiper blades, oil, water and other lubricants, along with the tools to fit replacement parts or top-up lubricant levels, are also advisable.
Research before you travel
Equipment needs for driving in Europe banger rallies vary from country to country, so research what you need in the country of destination and the countries you will have to drive through.
Fines for non-compliance with local driving laws can be expensive and often payment is required on the spot.