REQUIRED EQUIPMENT FOR MOTORCYCLES AND MOTORCYCLISTS IN EUROPE: A COMPLETE GUIDE COUNTRY BY COUNTRY

Traveling through Europe by motorcycle is a dream. But each country has its own rules—and not knowing them can cost you hefty fines and problems with the authorities.
If you think a helmet and driver's license are enough to cross European borders, you're wrong. France requires reflective stickers on the helmet. Austria wants a first-aid kit. Spain demands a high-visibility vest. And the rules change constantly.
In this article, we explain everything you need to know about the mandatory equipment for motorcycles and motorcyclists in Europe, country by country, with verified data updated to 2024-2025.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT PER COUNTRY

🇮🇹 ITALY

Mandatory:
  • ECE 22.05 or 22.06 approved helmet (rider and passenger)
  • Valid driver's license
  • Vehicle registration certificate and insurance
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit
  • Certified gloves
Note: In Italy, there is (still) no obligation to wear certified gloves, but it is strongly recommended for safety.

🇫🇷 FRANCE

Mandatory:
  • ECE 22.05 or 22.06 approved helmet with reflective stickers on the front, back and sides (4 stickers total)
  • CE-certified gloves (rider and passenger) - mandatory since 2016
  • High-visibility jacket (to carry with you, not necessarily to be worn)
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Sanctions:
  • Uncertified gloves: fine up to €68
  • Failure to wear a high-visibility jacket: fine up to €135.
  • Missing reflective stickers on the helmet: fine up to €68.
Note: France has the strictest regulations in Europe. Reflective stickers must comply with the NF standard (French standard). Gloves must be CE EN 13594 certified.

🇩🇪 GERMANY

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit (mandatory only for cars, not for motorcycles)
Note: Germany is relatively permissive for motorcyclists. There are no particular requirements beyond the helmet.

🇪🇸 SPAIN

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • High-visibility jacket (to carry with you in case of emergency)
  • Spare prescription glasses (if the pilot wears glasses)
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • Certified gloves
Note: The high-visibility vest must be worn in case of emergency stop on roads outside built-up areas.

🇦🇹 AUSTRIA

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • First aid kit (compliant with DIN 13167 standard)
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
Note: Austria is one of the few countries that requires a first-aid kit for motorcycles. It must be in sealed packaging and not expired.

🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
  • Motorway toll sticker (if you are using motorways)
Not required:
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit
Note: Switzerland is not part of the EU but applies similar rules. The motorway vignette is also mandatory for motorcycles.

🇧🇪 BELGIUM

Mandatory:
  • ECE 22.05 or 22.06 approved helmet (rider and passenger)
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
  • Certified gloves
Note: Belgium has no particular requirements other than a helmet.

🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS (HOLLAND)

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory:
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit
  • Certified gloves
Note: The Netherlands has very simple rules for motorcyclists.

🇵🇹 PORTUGAL

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
  • Certified gloves
Note: Portugal does not have any specific requirements, but it is recommended to always carry a high-visibility vest.

🇬🇷 GREECE

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit
Note: Greece applies the basic European rules without additional requirements.

🇭🇷 CROATIA

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • First aid kit
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
Note: Croatia requires a first-aid kit, just like Austria.

🇸🇮 SLOVENIA

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • High-visibility vest (to bring with you)
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
  • Motorway toll sticker (if you are using motorways)
Note: Slovenia requires both the high-visibility vest and the vignette.

🇨🇿 CZECH REPUBLIC

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • First aid kit
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket

🇵🇱 POLAND

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit

🇭🇺 HUNGARY

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • First aid kit
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket

🇷🇴 ROMANIA

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • First aid kit
  • High visibility jacket
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Note: Romania is one of the strictest countries in Eastern Europe.

🇧🇬 BULGARIA

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • First aid kit
  • High visibility jacket
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.

🇸🇪 SWEDEN

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket

🇳🇴 NORWAY

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket
Note: Norway is not part of the EU but applies similar rules.

🇩🇰 DENMARK

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not required:
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit

🇫🇮 FINLAND

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory (but recommended):
  • High visibility jacket

🇮🇪 IRELAND

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Daytime running lights on.
Not mandatory:
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit

🇬🇧 UNITED KINGDOM (post-Brexit)

Mandatory:
  • Helmet approved according to ECE 22.05 or 22.06 (or British standard BS 6658)
  • Driver's license and motorcycle documents
  • Insurance valid for the United Kingdom
Not mandatory:
  • High visibility jacket
  • First aid kit
Note: Following Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the EU. Always check that your insurance covers the United Kingdom.

PRACTICAL TIPS FOR TRAVELING IN EUROPE

WHAT TO ALWAYS CARRY WITH YOU (EVEN IF NOT REQUIRED)

✅ High-visibility jacket – Mandatory in some countries, recommended everywhere
✅ First-aid kit – Mandatory in Austria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria
✅ CE-certified gloves – Mandatory only in France, but essential for safety
✅ Reflective stickers for helmets – Mandatory only in France, but increase visibility
✅ Emergency warning triangle – Not mandatory for motorcycles, but useful in case of stopping.
✅ Green Card insurance – Recommended for non-EU countries (Switzerland, Norway, Balkans)

PENALTIES AND FINES

Fines vary greatly from country to country. Here are some examples:
  • France: Up to €135 fine for missing safety vest, €68 for non-certified gloves.
  • Austria: Up to €70 fine for missing first aid kit
  • Spain: Up to €200 fine for not having a safety vest in case of emergency
  • Italy: Up to €83 fine for an unapproved or unbuckled helmet.
Important note: Fines can be paid on the spot or within a few days with a reduction. Failure to pay may result in increased penalties and problems upon returning to Italy.

CONCLUSION: GET READY BEFORE YOU LEAVE

Motorcycling across Europe is an incredible experience, but it requires preparation. Each country has its own rules, and not knowing them can turn a dream trip into a nightmare of fines and problems with the authorities.
Our advice? Even if some equipment isn't mandatory everywhere, always carry it with you :
  • High-visibility jacket – Weighs little, costs little, can save you from hefty fines.
  • First-aid kit – Mandatory in many Eastern European countries and in Austria.
  • CE-certified gloves – Mandatory only in France, but essential for your safety everywhere.
  • Reflective helmet stickers – If you're passing through France, they're mandatory.
Before you leave: ✅ Check the specific regulations of the countries you will be traveling through.
✅ Verify that your insurance covers all the countries you will be traveling to.
✅ Always carry your driver's license, vehicle registration, and insurance documents with you.
✅ Check that the helmet is ECE 22.05 or 22.06 approved and in good condition.
Remember: Rules change frequently. Always check the latest regulations before each trip by consulting the official websites of national institutions or motorcycle associations (ACI, FEMA, FMI).
Because the road is freedom, but freedom requires responsibility—and preparation.
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