The splitter van will need to have the following equipment:

• A ‘UK’ sticker
• Reflective jackets (for use in a breakdown)
• A warning triangle (for use in a breakdown)
• Headlight beam deflectors (these can be purchased on the ferry crossing or fuel stations near the border)
• A First aid kit (mandatory in Austria, France and Germany)
• Winter tyres are a legal requirement for vehicles traveling in Austria (1 Nov – 15 Apr), Finland (1 Dec – 28 Feb), Sweden (1 Dec – 31 Mar) and Germany (when conditions dictate)

Some pointers to remember when driving a splitter van on tour in Europe:

• If you are not used to driving a right-hand drive vehicle on the right side of the road it will take some time for you to adjust. Your brain will get used to it but it is really important that you take extra care when first driving on the continent to allow you to do this safely. It is very common to drift over towards the left (toward the centre of the road) when driving a right-hand drive vehicle on the right side of the road so take care to avoid this!
• Speed limits vary from country to country in Europe (between 90 – 130 km/h for vehicles up to 3500kgs MAM on most motorways) so make sure you check your routes in advance
• A Crit’air sticker is required for driving in some cities in France (more information on this can be found here - https://www.france.fr/en/article/crit-air-anti-pollution-vehicle-sticker/)
• Be aware that countries have varying toll payment requirements for using their motorways – for example, Austria requires a vignette to be purchased and displayed in the window. Check the requirements when planning your routes
• If you are transporting musical instruments and equipment into Europe then you will more than likely need an ATA Carnet (more info can be found on these here: https://www.ism.org/advice/musicians-guide-to-ata-carnets/)
• When travelling with an ATA Carnet you may also be asked for a GMR number (Goods Movement Reference Number). Check with your ferry carrier before leaving if this is needed and if necessary apply for one here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/get-a-goods-movement-reference
• If you are carrying merchandise across borders you will need to declare this. John Helps has written a really useful guide to dealing with this here: https://www.johnhel.ps/blog/touring-merchandise-in-europe-post-brexit
• Be aware that you cannot take meat, milk or dairy products into the EU. You also can’t take vegetables, plants, plant products or fresh fruit (apart from bananas, coconuts, dates, pineapples and durians) into the EU unless you pay to have them inspected before you enter and get a ‘phytosanitary certificate’
• For travelling in Europe UK passports should have a minimum of 6 months validity left and be less than 10 years old
• Also, be mindful of the 90 in 180 day rule. Non-EU nationals need a visa to enter the Schengen area for a visit of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. When someone enters a country in the Schengen area, the 180-day period starts. They can enter Schengen area countries as many times as they want, but only stay for a total of 90 days, every 180 days. If touring in France, Spain or Italy you may also be asked to produce an A1 form, which is a document used to confirm the country in which an employee currently pays their social security costs (your promoters will confirm if this is necessary). If you need to apply for an A1 form this can be done here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-or-document-if-self-employed-in-the-eu-eea-or-switzerland-ca3837 
• In the event of a road traffic accident happening while you are driving in the EU the first port of call should be your insurer (the van instruction guide that comes with Vans For Bands splitter vans has a comprehensive set of instructions to follow in the event of an accident)
• Get a free European Health Insurance Card before travelling (https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/)
• Splitter vans are sometimes targeted by thieves in certain countries – be very careful where you park them and try to take sensible precautions wherever possible (such as parking with the load bay doors against a wall)