The summer holidays are nearly upon us and with many of our clients heading to Europe for their family break this year, we thought we’d share our top tips to make your driving in Europe as hassle free as possible.
Before you go
Preparation is everything! Rules vary from country to country so it’s worth checking up on the legalities for each country you’ll be driving through. You will definitely need the following:
- Valid full (not provisional) driving licence
- Driving licence paper counterpart – if you have a photocard licence
- An International Driving Permit (when necessary)
- Vehicle registration document (V5c) – the original not a copy
- Motor insurance certificate
- Passport(s)
Make sure you’ve checked with your insurer that you’ve got the correct cover for driving abroad.
If you’ve got a company car and/or one that is hired, borrowed or lease you’ll need the following documents:
- a letter of authorisation from the registered keeper.
- You will also need to take either the original vehicle registration document (V5c) or a Vehicle on Hire certificate (VE103b).
- The VE103b is the only legal alternative to the vehicle registration document and can be obtained from BVRLA/All fleet services on 01452 881037.
Make sure your car is serviced and the tyres are in good condition – give us a call to book your car in for a routine service if you need to.
Safety Equipment
Make sure you have hi-vis waistcoats or jackets for every member of your party. These jackets must conform to EU Standard BS EN 471: 1994 Class 1 or 2. Rob can help you get these if you need them – just pop in or give him a call.
Most countries require you to carry a warning triangle, and (although we hope you have these anyway) a first-aid kit and a fire extinguisher are also excellent pieces of kit to have on board. Check the rules for where you’re going.
Do you need a GB plate?
If you numberplate has the GB logo on it (these are known as ‘Europlates’), this means that you’re exempt from having to have a GB plate – but only in some countries. The simplest answer to this is to get one! Many holiday companies will provide you with one but if not, they’re readily available at most motoring outlets and these should meet the relevant regulatory requirements.
Headlights
You’ll need to make sure that your headlights are adjusted so they don’t dazzle other drivers. There are kits available and some cars have easily accessible ‘shutters’ that convert the beam. Make sure the kit you have is the right one for your car. If you need any guidance, just ask us! Even if you don’t think you’ll be driving at night, remember that you may still need your lights in the case of bad visibility or in tunnels.
Petrol/Diesel
Make sure that your credit card is accepted abroad! Some petrol stations do not accept UK issued cards and it’s always worth a quick call to your card provider to let them know that you’ll be overseas and possibly spending more than they’re used to seeing.
Leaded petrol is hard to find in Europe – make sure you take any additives that you usually add to your petrol.
Health
Make sure you’ve got every member of your party a European Health Card if you’re travelling within the EU or Switzerland and make sure your travel insurance is up to date. If you need glasses, take an extra pair, just in case!
Stay Safe
All cars with foreign plates attract attention so make sure you don’t leave anything of interest (not just valuable) on display in your car. It’s worth checking the Foreign Office Website to see if there is anything in particular you should be aware of.
It is illegal in most European countries to use any form of device that detect speed traps – the maximum penalty being imprisonment. Make sure you switch off the ‘speed camera’ function on your Sat-Nav and other GPS devices.
Once you’re there
The emergency number in Europe is 112
Don’t use your mobile phone while driving
Don’t drink and drive
Think Right! (especially at junctions and after leaving petrol stations etc)
Enjoy yourselves – and don’t gloat to much when you come and see us next time!
Happy Motoring.