One of the most appealing things about van life is the freedom to go anywhere at any time. But if your mind is set on driving in Europe, there are a few preparations that are necessary before cruising the European roads.

Although I’ve done many road trips through Europe before without any major preparation, it seemed like a different ball game when planning to stay out on the roads for months. So, if you plan on driving in Europe, here are a few things that are worth looking into.

Vignettes and tolls

Many European countries issue a charge for driving on motorways, expressways, tunnels and passes.

While some countries use a sticker vignette or e-vignette – such as Austria, Czech Republic and Slovenia – others use toll gates – such as Croatia, France and Spain – where you pay directly on the road.

And while it might be easy to forget or overlook this kind of thing (when there are so many other fun things you could be plannning instead), not having the necessary vignette can result in some hefty fines.

Depending on your stay in the country, you can often choose between a different validity period ranging from days, months or a year.

Apart from the validity period, the price for the vignettes and tolls also depends on the size of your vehicle. Usually the distinction is made between motorcycles and vehicles up to 3.5 ton and over 3.5 ton.

If you need to buy a sticker vignette you can do this at different points of sale at border crossings or gas stations, and the e-vignette you find on various (official) websites.

Overview of price list and pay method for each European country

Emission zones

Apart from road tolls, you also need to be aware that many countries have low emission zones areas – including Germany, France and Italy.

The emission zones are mainly found in towns and cities. According to the AA, Automobile Association, more than 200 cities in 10 European countries have introduced low emission zones in order to improve air quality in urban areas.

In order to be allowed to drive in a low emission zone, you need to prove that your vehicle upholds a certain standard with regards to particle emissions.

In France, you need a sticker called Crit’Air (Certificats qualité de l’airImeans air quality certificates) in order to drive through low emission zones. You can buy the sticker on the official website for the Crit’Air sticker.

In Germany the sticker is called Feinstaubplakette or Umweltplakette, and you need it when driving in most major cities. This includes Berlin, Hamburg, Dresen and Hannover. You can buy the sticker at different motor vehicle inspection companies and vehicle registration authorities such as DEKRA, TÜV SÜD and GTÜ, as well as other authorized garages.

When driving in Europe, you’ll be crossing many borders and the language can change rapidly.

Here are a few names to be on the lookout for when trying to spot a low emission zone sign:

• Norway – Lavutslippssone
• Denmark – Miljøzone
• Sweden – Miljözon
• Germany – Umweltzonen
• Alacsony Kibocsátási Övezet – Hungary
• Netherlands – Milieuzones
• Lage-emissiezone – Belgium
• France – Zones à cirkulation restreinte
• Italy – Zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) or ZTL ambiente

If you want to get an overview of the emission zones, you can also check out the app Green-Zones.

International driver’s license and other documents

If you are an EU citizen, and have a driver’s license from an EU country, you most likely won’t need an international driver’s license when driving within the European Economic Area (EEA).

Countries included in the EEA are:
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.

If you are traveling outside of the EEA-countries, you should check the requirements for that specific country.

Note that even you if do carry an international driver’s license, it’s not a substitute for your regular driver’s license. You must always carry both, along with your passport.

List of countries where you need to carry an international driver’s license (Swedish)

Apart from driver’s license you should also make sure to have your car registration certificate with you. It is also a good idea to carry a copy.   

Download apps for parking and sleeping

Before you start driving on the European roads, you might also want to prepare for stopping and getting off them.

There are several apps out there that will guide you to campsites with all the facilities, secluded spots with nothing but nature around and everything in between.

A few popular apps are:

• Park4night
• Campercontact
• Stayfree
• Camperstop
• Stellplatz Europe

If you are traveling in France you can also check out France Passion, a network consisting of farmers and winegrowers, that acts as hosts and welcome you to stay for free at their property for up to 24 hours.

Note that this is a membership deal, and that it costs 30 euros for an annual membership.

Essentials for the car and insurance

Depending on which European country you’re driving through, you might be required to carry certain things in the car, including:

• First aid kit
• Parking disc
• Reflective vest
• Toolbox
• Warning triangle (some countries require two)
• Fire extinguisher
• Tow rope
• Snow chains
• Extra light bulbs
• Breathalyzer
• Spare tire or tire repair kit

And while both your health and your car might be in pristine condition before you set out, but anything can happen while on the road.

Make sure you have a valid insurance that covers any kind of health issue you might experience, and any kind of breakdown of your car, wherever you plan to go in Europe.

You probably also need to get a proof of insurance from your insurance company (in Sweden this is called “Gröna kortet”), so remember to order it well in time before your departure date.

And of course – make sure that road assistance is included in the insurance. 

But, maybe you want to do a road trip but haven’t got the van yet?
No worries, I got you covered.