Question of the week: Do I need to carry spare bulbs when driving in France?

David Ross, Editor
Fri, 04 Apr 2025

Dear Honest John,

"I'm planning a trip to France in the summer but I'm having some trouble finding out what equipment I need to carry in my car. I can't seem to find advice on whether I need spare bulbs or not and I remember having to carry a breathalyser on previous trips, is this still the case?"

- JR

Dear JR,

Driving abroad is a great way to enjoy a holiday with the freedom to travel around as much as you like, as well as a reminder of how well European roads compare to the UK, although navigating the legal requirements can be something of a challenge.

In respect of spare bulbs, there is no legal requirement to carry a set with you when driving in France, but you may be liable to pay a fine if you are stopped by the police with a failed bulb. While we wouldn't condone driving around with a bulb out, the attitude of the French authorities is that it should be repaired on the spot, so you may wish to carry a set with you just in case.

If your car is equipped with LED lights this is potentially more problematic. LED lights tend to be more reliable than traditional filament bulbs, but that doesn't rule out the possibility of a failure. It is possible to buy replacement LEDs for some vehicles at a cost, but that might still be cheaper than a fine.

As for carrying breathalysers, this law was repealed in 2020 so this is no longer a requirement. However, it's worth bearing in mind that the legal alcohol limit is lower in France than in England, Wales and Northern Ireland at 0.05% blood alcohol content, so having one to hand is not a bad idea if you plan to sample some of the local liquid produce.

Ask HJ

Is it possible to get repatriation cover while in Europe?

We are taking delivery of a brand new VW campervan and planning on taking it to Europe in September. The VW warranty provides breakdown cover in Europe for 3 years but I don't believe it extends to repatriation of the vehicle in the event of an accident and I don't believe repatriation would be covered by a standard holiday insurance policy. Is there a product available to cover this potential gap in cover?

We would suggest reviewing the terms and conditions for your warranty and your insurance policy to determine what would happen in the event of an accident abroad where the vehicle cannot be repaired. If your insurance policy requires additional cover for driving in Europe we would expect this to be either included as standard or available as an add on.

Answered by David Ross

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