We also have lots of essential equipment, available in-store and online.

Most European nations recommend carrying a spare bulb kit which will allow you to change your headlamps in the event of a problem. If you're heading to Spain or France you must carry this spare bulb kit by law.

When driving on European roads, motorists must use headlamp converters by law. This is due to the fact vehicles travel on the right-hand-side - the opposite side of the road to Ireland and the UK - meaning motorists could dazzle oncoming traffic with cars designed for Irish and British roads. Fitting headlamp converters will reposition the angle of your beam, ensuring the safety of other road users and giving you the right visibility of the road ahead.

A GB or Euro sticker or GB Euroflag number plate may appear to be quite a small car accessory to be worrying about, but it is compulsory to have this displayed on your vehicle when traveling on the continent.

When you're planning and packing for your trip, don't forget a high visibility jacket. Compulsory in a number of nations, including Belgium, Spain, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Poland, this piece of kit will help to keep you safe in the event of an accident. This could be especially important on rural roads and highways. If you're traveling with family, remember to get one for each of you.

Other car accessories which will be needed for those driving abroad include warning triangles to alert other drivers to the fact you are stationary - the number required or recommended depends on which country you will be traveling in. A warning triangle is required in most European nations, except the Netherlands and Germany, where it is recommended. When driving in Spain, the law states motorists should use two warning triangles.

European Law requires every driver to stop and assist if they encounter an accident if it is safe to do so. Therefore it is vital that you carry essential items, such as a fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

Car accessories and spare parts can help ensure you are not only safe when driving on foreign roads, but also that you are on the right side of the law. A Halfords Driving Abroad Kit contains all the essentials you will need to ensure your continental trip goes smoothly.

To help plan your trip, we've put together a table for what is compulsory, and what is recommended, when you are driving abroad:

	Compulsory	*	Should conform to DIN13 164 standard.
R	Recommended	**	Two warning triangles are recommended.
		***	One for each person in the car.
		****	French Road Safety Department strongly advise carrying 2 hi-vis vests

Country Requirements	Driving in France	Driving in Belgium	Driving in Netherlands	Driving in Germany	Driving in Spain	Driving in Italy	Driving in Austria	Driving in Switzerland	Driving in Poland
Spare Bulbs		R	R	R		R	R	R	R
GB Sticker or GB Euroflag Number Plate
High Visibility Jacket	****		R	R	***			R	R
Headlamp Converter
First Aid Kit	R	R	R	R*	R	R		R	R
Warning Triangle			R	R	**
Fire Extinguisher	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R