Driving in Europe - requirement for spare bulbs ?
Discussion
Not sure if this is the correct forum, so apologies if it’s not, and Mods please move.
I’m planning a European driving holiday for this summer, and am aware that at least some countries require that you carry a set of replacement bulbs. My car, however, has LED lights all round, and I therefore can’t buy a “spares” kit for it (at least not at a sensible price !)
I’ve travelled through Europe many times before and have never been stopped, never mind asked to prove that I have spare bulbs, but I am interested in where I stand legally here ?
Could I be hauled over the coals for not having a spare set of bulbs for bulbs that (at least theoretically) won’t ever need replacing ?
Thanks in advance.
I’m planning a European driving holiday for this summer, and am aware that at least some countries require that you carry a set of replacement bulbs. My car, however, has LED lights all round, and I therefore can’t buy a “spares” kit for it (at least not at a sensible price !)
I’ve travelled through Europe many times before and have never been stopped, never mind asked to prove that I have spare bulbs, but I am interested in where I stand legally here ?
Could I be hauled over the coals for not having a spare set of bulbs for bulbs that (at least theoretically) won’t ever need replacing ?
Thanks in advance.
I always took a spare bulb kit even though the bulbs didn't fit the car. I'd guess in the days of LEDs this is now surplus to requirements?
I was never sure which countries (if any) actually required it.
RAC check list
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-abroad/...
I never thought about NI number before.
I was never sure which countries (if any) actually required it.
RAC check list
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/driving-abroad/...
I never thought about NI number before.
Spare bulbs - by law you’re also mandated to carry a spare bulb kit for your vehicle, as the French police deem it necessary to replace it there and then on the grounds of safety. For a few pounds to buy a kit, you could avoid unwanted attention and a fine
So says the check list. I guess the answer is check them before you go & if one fails on the trip get it fixed!
So says the check list. I guess the answer is check them before you go & if one fails on the trip get it fixed!
Edited by 2 sMoKiN bArReLs on Monday 17th June 18:37
The difficulty of changing bulbs is a pet hate of mine.
It is beyond stupid on many cars.
It should be part of type approval for vehicles in Europe/UK that a headlight, tail light or indicator bulb can be changed by a driver within 5 minutes with no tools other than those supplied with the car.
It is beyond stupid on many cars.
It should be part of type approval for vehicles in Europe/UK that a headlight, tail light or indicator bulb can be changed by a driver within 5 minutes with no tools other than those supplied with the car.
I believe you're supposed to have a spare set in France, but I don't know about the rest of Europe.
I had a spare set for my E46 Compact so took those when I went to France in my 57 plate 123d. What I didn't realise was that the 123d had LED rear number plate bulbs, and I didn't have spares for those but thankfully neither of them failed while I was over there. But in over 6 years and 80K miles of ownership the only 2 bulbs that ever failed were both of the LED rear number plate lamps. Progress, or what...…!
Earlier this year I bought an E90 with Bi-Xenon headlights and the nearside Angel Eye blew - I had to remove the air filter box to get to it.
But at least it helps if you have a car that will tell you when a light is out.
And maybe having some spares may show some good intent!
I had a spare set for my E46 Compact so took those when I went to France in my 57 plate 123d. What I didn't realise was that the 123d had LED rear number plate bulbs, and I didn't have spares for those but thankfully neither of them failed while I was over there. But in over 6 years and 80K miles of ownership the only 2 bulbs that ever failed were both of the LED rear number plate lamps. Progress, or what...…!
Earlier this year I bought an E90 with Bi-Xenon headlights and the nearside Angel Eye blew - I had to remove the air filter box to get to it.
But at least it helps if you have a car that will tell you when a light is out.
And maybe having some spares may show some good intent!
Just buy a Euro kit from amazon/ebay for about 20 quid. This will give you spare bulbs, headlight conversion, triangle, first aid kit, hi-vis jackets and breathalysers (you must carry 2). Keep it inside the car (not boot) as it must be accessible at all times.
I've had my car checked several times when abroad and passed inspection every time. It doesn't seem to matter the bulbs don't fit your car.
I've had my car checked several times when abroad and passed inspection every time. It doesn't seem to matter the bulbs don't fit your car.
Zilla said:
Just buy a Euro kit from amazon/ebay for about 20 quid. This will give you spare bulbs, headlight conversion, triangle, first aid kit, hi-vis jackets and breathalysers (you must carry 2). Keep it inside the car (not boot) as it must be accessible at all times.
I think only hi vis must be in the body of the car AND you must have one for each person in the car.To be fair, it's a pretty sensible rule and of all the many regulations for driver/passenger safety... it would make sense to have it in the UK as well.
You must carry breathalysers in France by the letter of the law - BUT there is no penalty for not carrying them... it is a long story and very French.
https://www.drive-france.com/checklist/
I think both the bulb and breathalyser requirements aren't quite as stated.
My understanding is that if you have a blown bulb, you cannot (and they won't let you) drive it until you've fixed it. Thus it makes a lot of sense to carry spare bulbs. No requirement to carry any though.
Same concept with the breathalyser, you're required to be able to breathalyze yourself with it when asked by the police. Clearly if you do that, and you only had one, you can't and won't drive on as you couldn't do it again.
So in both instances no need to have a spare until you actually use it. Subtle but same net effect.
Of course the police in France may simplify things to mean you do need them, but I don't believe the law states it as such.
My understanding is that if you have a blown bulb, you cannot (and they won't let you) drive it until you've fixed it. Thus it makes a lot of sense to carry spare bulbs. No requirement to carry any though.
Same concept with the breathalyser, you're required to be able to breathalyze yourself with it when asked by the police. Clearly if you do that, and you only had one, you can't and won't drive on as you couldn't do it again.
So in both instances no need to have a spare until you actually use it. Subtle but same net effect.
Of course the police in France may simplify things to mean you do need them, but I don't believe the law states it as such.
Pica-Pica said:
Yes, but if you have the one, and then use that, you are still required to have one!
I’ve heard that old chestnut before. It’s marketing from retailers trying to sell the things and it’s academic as there’s no penalty for not carrying one. My advice is don’t waste your money. phil4 said:
I think both the bulb and breathalyser requirements aren't quite as stated.
My understanding is that if you have a blown bulb, you cannot (and they won't let you) drive it until you've fixed it. Thus it makes a lot of sense to carry spare bulbs. No requirement to carry any though.
Same concept with the breathalyser, you're required to be able to breathalyze yourself with it when asked by the police. Clearly if you do that, and you only had one, you can't and won't drive on as you couldn't do it again.
So in both instances no need to have a spare until you actually use it. Subtle but same net effect.
Of course the police in France may simplify things to mean you do need them, but I don't believe the law states it as such.
Interesting theory but the French police use proper breathalysers.My understanding is that if you have a blown bulb, you cannot (and they won't let you) drive it until you've fixed it. Thus it makes a lot of sense to carry spare bulbs. No requirement to carry any though.
Same concept with the breathalyser, you're required to be able to breathalyze yourself with it when asked by the police. Clearly if you do that, and you only had one, you can't and won't drive on as you couldn't do it again.
So in both instances no need to have a spare until you actually use it. Subtle but same net effect.
Of course the police in France may simplify things to mean you do need them, but I don't believe the law states it as such.
Batfink said:
I have family that live in France. None of them carry a breathaliser. Its a law thats never been implemented so no-one bothers.
Good way to make a bit of money by retailers though with a bit of scaremongering
The law has been implemented.Good way to make a bit of money by retailers though with a bit of scaremongering
What has not been implemented is any fine or penalty if you are not compliant with the law.
A nuance..
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