Travelling abroad by car: what should you take along?

Pack your cases and set off – it’s hard to imagine a more flexible way of travelling than by car. Comparis explains what you need to take along on holiday in different European countries.

Lara Surber Foto
Lara Surber

20.10.2023

A black car is fully packed and ready to drive abroad.

iStock.com / fstop123

1.Equipment in the car: what rules apply in Switzerland?
2.Is the CH sticker mandatory abroad?
3.Equipment abroad: what belongs in the car?
4.Car insurance on holiday
5.Where do I need an environmental passport or an emissions sticker?

1. Equipment in the car: what rules apply in Switzerland?

If you go on holiday by car, make sure to check the equipment in the vehicle beforehand. The driving licence and vehicle registration document must always be present in the car or on the motorcycle. Otherwise, there is a risk of fines. In Switzerland, you must also have the following:

  • Breakdown triangle

  • Swiss motorway vignette when driving on the motorway (clearly visible on the windshield)

  • Emissions document (for vehicles without an on-board diagnostic system or OBD)

High-visibility vest and fire extinguisher are not mandatory. However, they are recommended as part of the equipment in the car. The same applies to the first-aid kit. In some European countries, these are mandatory pieces of equipment.

2. Is the CH sticker mandatory abroad?

If you cross the border by car or motorcycle, you must have a clearly visible CH sticker at the rear of the vehicle. The sticker must also be attached to any trailers. 

You can buy the CH sticker at fuel stations or in DIY stores, for example. Alternatively, you can use a magnetic version. You can easily remove the magnet from the vehicle after your holiday.

The dimensions for the CH sticker are prescribed by law and standardised: It must have an elliptical shape measuring 11.5 × 17.5 cm with 8 × 4 cm letters and a line thickness of 1 cm.

3. Equipment abroad: what belongs in the car?

Before your holiday, find out about the regulations at your destination. The table below provides an overview of the mandatory equipment in selected European countries:

Country Mandatory equipment
Germany CH sticker, breakdown triangle, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit, emissions sticker for some city centres
France CH sticker, breakdown triangle, high-visibility vest, spare bulbs for the headlights (recommended)
Italy CH sticker, breakdown triangle, high-visibility vest, environmental passport for “zone a traffico limitato” in some cities
Croatia CH sticker, breakdown triangle, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit, spare bulbs (except for xenon, neon or LED lights)
Austria CH sticker, breakdown triangle, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit (an airtight box)
Serbia CH sticker, breakdown triangle, high-visibility vest, first-aid kit, tow rope

There are other regulations that differ from those in Switzerland. For example, in Italy during the summer, no winter or all-season tyres are permitted. Exception: the speed index of the tyres corresponds with the information in the vehicle registration document. You can read more about the topic of winter tyres in Italy here. Find out more about vehicle regulations in Europe at TCS.

4. Car insurance on holiday

When traveling abroad by car, you must meet the insurance requirements of the country of travel. In most European countries, the number plate is sufficient as proof of existing liability insurance. In some countries, however, you need an international insurance card (previously “green card”) to prove sufficient insurance.

You can obtain the insurance card from your insurance company. It is often sent at the same time as the policy. Before travelling abroad, check whether the card is still valid. If necessary, order a new one. Don’t forget: since 2020, the “green card” may also be white.

If you travel to Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iran, Morocco, North Macedonia, Moldova, Russia, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine or Belarus, it is mandatory to carry a valid green insurance card.

Check your car insurance in good time. This way, you are well protected in the event of breakdowns or accidents on your journey. When traveling abroad, it is recommended to take out car assistance and legal expenses insurance.

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5. Where do I need an environmental passport or an emissions sticker?

Some larger cities have a major problem with exhaust particulates. That is why there are now numerous environmental zones in Europe. They have a wide range of different regulations. 

Restricted traffic zones in Italy

In Milan and Bologna, for example, there are restricted traffic zones which motorized vehicles may only enter during the day with an environmental passport. The environmental passport is available locally for a few francs, such as at the transport services or via the official websites of the cities.

Low emission zones in Germany

In Germany, over 50 cities have already set up environmental zones. You can only drive in these zones with an environmental sticker. This rule also applies to foreign vehicles. The sticker is available from TCS, for example.

Regulations in other countries

Elsewhere, different categories of tickets and stickers are often available, depending on the pollutant emissions of the car. Swiss motor clubs or the web portals of the respective countries provide detailed information.

Tip: travel insurance also ensures a relaxing holiday. But be sure to check which benefits are already covered by home contents insurance, credit cards, etc.

This article was first published on 31.07.2020

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