European Travel
Euro Tripper’s Check list / If you’re taking a motorbike trip to Euroland, Here’s a useful checklist of things to take, and a few basic legal requirements.
With a bit of a “French Bias” as we like it there!

Legal Requirements

Driving Licence
Must be carried with you when travelling through EU countries (UK being an exception as you have 5 days to produce it).

Insurance
May be required to produce on demand. Green card is not currently required  but check your policy and contact your insurer to obtain the necessary paperwork. (On French vehicles a certificate of insurance must be attached to the vehicle like our tax disk foreign drivers must produce certificate on demand)

Passport
Advised to carry as proof of nationality. Required for entry / exit of country. Make sure you get you passport stamped in and out of Europe, especially if you are not travelling to/from the UK.

MOT
Advised to carry although a spot check will assess the vehicle, it’s a handy backup

Log Book (V5C)
Proof that the bike belongs to you.

Bulb-Kit
French law requires vehicles to carry spare bulbs and fuses. Motorcycles don’t need a warning triangle but you are advised to wear hi-viz during road-side repairs. If bulbs fail, you could be prevented from riding until replaced.

Self-test Breathalyser Kit
Thought to be legally required, but there is no penalty for not having them (at the time of writing this).
They are available on Ferries & French Petrol Stations etc.

Breakdown Cover
Advised. It could be a long way to push it home

Headlights Always On
Not Yellow. White headlights are fine, although headlight deflectors are required. (Bit of insulation tape will do).

Crash Helmet
French law requires you to wear a crash helmet. They don’t say where but advise wearing it on your head not on your arm as that’s asking for a “tug”. The helmet must have reflectors (stickers) on all four sides.

GB Sticker
You are required to display a UK sticker on your number plate or fixed to the rear of the motorcycle (not removable luggage etc.,) .

Pollution
An increasing number of French towns require vehicles to have a Crit’Air sticker. There is a small cost for the sticker and you can apply for one, online. They have be difficult to display on a bike so take the paperwork with you.

Medical
Medical Insurance is strongly advised. As a minimum, take your Global / European Health Insurance Card with you.