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Driving a Motorhome to Mainland Europe Post-Brexit

A hired motorhome parked in a mountain valley on a mainland Europe road trip

A mainland European motorhome adventure is an amazing and unique way to explore the continent, driving through the vineyards of Bordeaux, waking up beside a Spanish coastline, or meandering along Portugal's Algarve. Driving a hired motorhome to mainland Europe post-Brexit comes with additional steps that are worth knowing before you set off.

At Just Go, we want your trip to be as smooth so here's everything you need to know about driving a hired motorhome in mainland Europe post-Brexit.

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Can I Take a Hired Motorhome Abroad?

The short answer is yes, but you do need our permission first. Taking a hired vehicle overseas without informing your rental company is a breach of your agreement and could invalidate your insurance. At Just Go, we try to make the process simple, just let us know your travel plans when booking or as early as possible, and we'll provide you with the documentation you need to cross the Channel legally.

Step-by-Step: What You Need Before You Go

Getting your paperwork in order is the most important part of planning a European motorhome trip. Here's what to sort ahead of departure:

  1. VE103 Hire Certificate
    This is one of the most critical documents for anyone taking a hired vehicle abroad. The VE103 is an official certificate issued by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) that confirms you have permission from the vehicle owner (Just Go) to drive the motorhome overseas. Without it, you may be stopped at borders or by local police, and your insurance could be void. Just Go will arrange this for you, you can simply request it when you inform us of your travel plans.
  2. Valid Driving Licence
    Your full UK driving licence remains valid for driving in EU countries, however, you may wish to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you're travelling beyond the EU, such as to Switzerland or Turkey.
  3. Motor Insurance
    Your Just Go hire agreement includes insurance, but it's important to confirm that European cover is included for your trip, we recommend double checking this at the time of booking.
  4. Passport & Travel Documents
    Post-Brexit, UK nationals are no longer EU citizens, so ensure your passport has at least six months' validity from your date of entry into Europe.

Crit'Air Stickers: Do You Need One for France?

If you're planning to drive through French cities like Paris, Lyon, Strasbourg and others, the answer is almost certainly yes. France's Crit'Air (ZFE) scheme requires all vehicles to display a colour coded air quality sticker (vignette) on the windscreen when entering low emission zones. Driving without one can result in an on the spot fine.

You can order your Crit'Air sticker directly through the official French government website. It typically costs around €3.70 and should be ordered well in advance of travel, as postal delivery can take several weeks.

Essential Continental Driving Kit

European law requires drivers to carry certain safety items on board. Make sure your motorhome is equipped with:

  • Warning triangles – compulsory in most European countries
  • High visibility jackets – one for every passenger in several countries, including France & Spain
  • Breathalyser kit – recommended in France, though no longer legally mandatory
  • Headlamp beam deflectors – to adjust your UK right hand headlights & avoid dazzling oncoming drivers
  • First aid kit – required in several countries including Germany & Austria

Ready to Explore Europe?

With the right paperwork in place and your continental kit packed, there's nothing stopping you from embarking on your European motorhome adventure. At Just Go, we hire out premium motorhomes across the UK that are fully set up to help you take your vehicle overseas with total peace of mind.

Get in touch with us today to browse our motorhome hire options and book your European adventure today at Just Go.