| DOCUMENTS TO TAKE WITH YOU | | | | A suitable GB sticker must be displayed at the rear |
| It’s important to make sure you have the | | | | of your motorcycle. Since 2001, if you have a |
| correct documentation for you and your motorcycle | | | | number plate displaying the blue GB euro-symbol, a |
| when travelling abroad. You must ensure you carry | | | | conventional sticker is no longer necessary. |
| the following documents when riding. | | | | For many motorcycles, headlamp deflectors or |
| 1. Passport – Non-European Union citizens may | | | | readjustment is not necessary (the headlamp beam |
| also require a Visa. | | | | pattern is different to that of cars). If in doubt, ask |
| 2. Driving Licence - Full UK Licence with paper | | | | your local MOT station to check. |
| counterpart if a photo licence. (An International | | | | Riding with dipped headlights is compulsory at all |
| Driving Permit is not necessary). | | | | times in most European countries. |
| 3. MOT Certificate - If your motorcycle is more than | | | | GOOD IDEAS |
| 3 years old. | | | | Although not a legal requirement, the following will |
| 4. Registration Document (V5) – Sometimes | | | | give you peace of mind and could be essential should |
| referred to as a Log Book. | | | | the worst happen. |
| 5. Insurance Certificate for your motorcycle - In line | | | | 1. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) - In order |
| with European Union directives your vehicle insurance | | | | to receive health care treatment in any other EU |
| will automatically cover you to the minimum | | | | country you will need a European Health Insurance |
| requirement of third party only while in other EU | | | | Card. As from 1st January 2006 this card replaced |
| countries (a green card is not necessary). If you | | | | the E111 and entitles the holder to state-medical |
| want to maintain the same level of cover you have | | | | treatment for injuries and illnesses. You can apply for |
| in the UK you will need to contact your insurance | | | | a EHIC by picking up a form at your local post office, |
| company or broker before your departure. Your | | | | there’s no charge. The EHIC may not cover all |
| insurance company will normally make a small charge | | | | the services you might expect in the UK, so it’s |
| to extend your existing cover to other EU | | | | a good idea to take out a suitable Personal Travel |
| countries. | | | | Insurance. |
| Make sure all your documents are up to date and will | | | | 2. Personal Travel Insurance – Make sure the |
| cover you for the length of time you spend abroad. | | | | policy covers motorcyclists. Some insurance |
| Also ensure your motorcycle has a current Road | | | | companies consider motorcycling a dangerous pass |
| Tax, and is otherwise road legal. | | | | time. As always, if in doubt, ask. |
| OTHER REQUIREMENTS | | | | 3. European Breakdown Insurance – None of us |
| Ride on the right-hand side of the road (except in | | | | expect to breakdown, but a suitable insurance could |
| Malta and Cyprus). If you don’t have a rear-view | | | | save a lot of hassle and money should you have the |
| mirror on the left-hand side of your motorcycle, have | | | | misfortune to suffer mechanical problems. |
| one fitted to aid in riding on the right. | | | | It’s also a good idea to carry a spare set of |
| The wearing of a suitable crash helmet is compulsory | | | | bulbs and fuses, a basic tool kit, a puncture repair kit, |
| throughout all European Union countries. | | | | chain lube (if applicable) and a spare set of keys. |