‘If you’re planning to drive in Europe, you’ll need to make sure your car is fit for long-distance travel as well as meeting the legal requirements of the countries you are visiting,’ says Jonathan Newall, one of our automotive specialists. For example, from July 2012 drivers in France must carry a breathalyser. Call our experts if you would like to source accessories such as snow chains, to book your vehicle in for a service – or even to book a car ferry or Eurotunnel Shuttle ticket. Follow these points to make sure your experience driving on the continent is as carefree as possible.
- Make sure your documents are in order. You will need with you:
- your full driving licence (not provisional), with paper counterpart if you have a photocard licence (apply for an International Driving Permit when necessary)
- your vehicle registration log book
- your motor insurance certificate (contact your insurer to check if you are covered to drive in Europe)
- your passport
- a visa, if the country you are visiting requires it
- Adjust your headlamps with the appropriate stickers, so that the dipped beam does not dazzle oncoming drivers. Some modern headlamps have an internal shutter – check in your car manual.
- Display a GB sticker. They are compulsory within the EU, and failure to comply could result in an on-the-spot fine. If your car has Europlates (number plates that carry the GB Euro-symbol), however, you do not need a conventional GB sticker within the EU.
- Store at least one reflective jacket and a warning triangle in your boot. ‘It is now compulsory in many European countries for visiting motorists to carry reflective jackets and a warning triangle. Check the specific requirements for the country you are visiting,’ says Jon, ‘but don’t forget to also check the requirements for ones you will be driving through.’
- It is always a good idea to have a set of replacement bulbs and some heavy duty jump leads on board (make sure you know how to use the latter safely).
- It is illegal in most European countries to use speed-trap detection devices, with stiff penalties if you’re caught. Some countries also ban GPS systems that tell you where speed cameras are located. Check before you leave, and turn off the speed camera function on your sat-nav.
- If you are driving in snowy conditions, such as on a ski trip to the Alps, invest in snow chains before you go.
- For any long trip, check your tyre pressure and all fluid levels in advance. Don’t let your tyre treads wear down lower than 1.6mm, the legal minimum (the AA recommends changing tyres if they’ve reached 3mm).
- Plan your journey in advance. Getting to know the route you are taking will make for a far more relaxed experience, even if you are planning to rely on sat-nav. Leave plenty of time to reach ferry ports or the Eurotunnel terminus.
- Make a note of the phone number 112: the European emergency call number which you can dial in all 27 EU countries.
- Think ‘right’: you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road.
- Identify the correct fuel for your vehicle when stopping at service stations. ‘Horror stories of diesel being poured into tanks designed for unleaded petrol are all too common,’ says Jonathan. ‘If you’re worried about locating petrol in a remote area of an unfamiliar country, call us – our travel experts will be happy to research the area you’re going to so that you have a list of places to stop.’
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