Before you even start the engine, make sure your car is equipped with all essential safety items.
Legally mandatory equipment for your vehicle:
- Working seatbelts for all passengers, both front and back.
- Car seats for children under 3 or a booster if your child is over 3 or under 1.50 m tall.
- A warning triangle and reflective vests, mandatory in the event of a breakdown or accident. Ideally, one of the vests should be kept in the front with you.
- Tyres in good condition, with appropriate pressure and sufficient tread depth to ensure good grip. Your vehicle must also be fitted with winter tyres if weather conditions require it.
It can also be useful to have the following items in your vehicle, although they are not mandatory:
- A first aid kit: gauzes, scissors, dressings, gloves.
- A fire extinguisher (recommended but not mandatory).
- A dashcam (on-board camera) to provide video evidence in the event of an accident.
- Spare bulbs and fuses, in the event of immediate need.
- A spare wheel.
- A thermal blanket.
Keep your vehicle in good working order:
- Carry out technical inspections at the intervals required by Luxembourgish law
- Regularly check the following:
- Tyre pressure and condition, especially before long journeys and when the seasons change
- Fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, screen wash, and brake fluid)
- The proper functioning of the brakes, shock absorbers, and lights (position lights, dipped beam, main beam, and indicators)
- The condition of the windscreen wipers and the quality of the windscreen
- The battery voltage, especially in winter
- Strictly follow the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule:
- Respect the recommended service intervals
- Have oil changes carried out at the specified mileage
- Replace worn parts as recommended
Safety also depends on your behaviour behind the wheel:
- Adjust your speed to weather conditions and traffic: rain, fog, snow, or traffic jams require extra caution. In bad weather, reduce your speed and increase your following distance.
- Keep a safe distance: this gives you time to react in the event of sudden braking. The two-second rule is the minimum and should be increased in poor weather or heavy traffic.
- Anticipate risky situations: watch out for intersections and roadworks and be alert to pedestrians. Check your mirrors regularly and observe the behaviour of other road users to better anticipate their actions.
- Always use your indicators: this improves communication with other road users. Signal your intentions early enough to allow others to adapt.
- Avoid any distractions: phone, touchscreen, radio, etc. Stay focused on the road.
- Maintain constant vigilance: even on familiar routes, stay alert and watch out for risky behaviour from other drivers.
- Adjust your driving position: correctly position your seat and mirrors to ensure optimal visibility and better responsiveness in an emergency.
What about the Highway Code?
Respecting the Highway Code is crucial to preventing accidents, especially regarding speed limits. In Luxembourg, excessive speed is the cause of 22% of serious accidents and 42% of fatal ones. Additionally, 52% of serious accidents occur in built-up areas, highlighting the importance of pedestrian safety on public roads.
Furthermore, if you are driving outside Luxembourg, some road safety regulations may differ. In recent years, we’ve seen the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in certain major cities, and mobile phone use while driving is increasingly penalised — another reason to stay informed about current regulations.
Don’t hesitate to check the rules before your journey to ensure full compliance with the Highway Code.
Source: 2023 Road Accident Report by the Luxembourg Police and Statec.
In the event of a road accident in Luxembourg, if there are no injuries, clear the road if possible; otherwise, put on a reflective vest, switch on your hazard lights, and mark the location of the accident with a warning triangle. You can call 113 in the event of a disagreement.
In the case of a serious accident involving injuries, only move the injured if there is danger, and immediately call 112 (the emergency services) or 113 (the police).
In the event of an accident on the motorway in Luxembourg, you must, if possible, leave the traffic lanes and park on the hard shoulder with your hazard lights on. Take shelter behind the guardrails and call 113.
A suitable insurance policy is your first line of peace of mind behind the wheel. Your car insurance should match your actual needs and daily use.
While driving, make sure you have all the necessary documents with you, including your international insurance certificate (formerly the green card).
If in doubt, don’t hesitate to contact your insurance agent to adjust your coverage as needed.
Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. As responsible drivers, make sure your vehicle is well maintained, adopt a preventative driving style, and strictly follow the Highway Code. These good practices, combined with appropriate safety equipment, go a long way in reducing the risk of accidents.