France Driving Kit - Everything UK Drivers Need to Buy 2026

Here is everything you need to buy before driving to France. The legally required items cost under £30 total. A pre-made European kit is the easiest option.

The all-in-one option

The easiest approach is a pre-made European motoring kit. These typically include:

• 2x hi-vis jackets
• Warning triangle
• Headlamp beam deflectors
• Spare bulb kit

Pre-made kits cost approximately £20–30 from AA, RAC, Halfords, or Amazon. This is cheaper than buying each item separately and you know everything is included.

Individual items

If you prefer to buy items separately or already have some of the kit:

Headlamp deflectors - check before buying

UK car headlamps dip to the left, which dazzles oncoming traffic when driving on the right in France. You need to correct this. Three options:

1. Adhesive deflector stickers (~£3–5) - stick over part of the lens to redirect the beam. Cheapest option, one-time use
2. Clip-on magnetic deflectors (~£8–15) - reusable, clip onto the headlamp housing
3. Car settings menu - many modern cars (especially LEDs) have a “continental driving” or “beam direction” setting. Check your owner’s manual before buying deflectors

Important: On some modern LED headlamp units, adhesive stickers can damage the lens coating. Check your manual first.

Where to buy

All of these items are available from:

• Halfords - in-store or online. Often has European kit bundles
• Amazon - widest selection, next-day delivery available
• AA/RAC shops - branded kits with everything included
• Your local motor factors - Eurocar Parts, GSF, etc.

What about breakdown cover?

This is not something you buy from a shop - it is a policy. But it is the most important “item” on this list. Your UK breakdown cover almost certainly does not cover France.

Add European breakdown cover to your existing RAC, AA, or Green Flag membership, or buy a standalone European policy. Cost: £30–50/year or £10–15 for a single trip.

See our breakdown guide for full details on what to look for in a policy.