Key products for driving abroad

03rd April 2009

If you’re going to Europe for your holidays this year, odds are you’ll end up in one of the top five most popular destinations: France, Spain, Italy, Austria or Germany. Each has its own set of driving rules and regulations, although these are very similar in key respects.

However, a little forward thinking could save you a lot of hassle. It pays to research all aspects of the countries you intend to visit – there are various books and websites to help. We’ve put together some top tips to get you on your way...

Documents
Even in the EU, you must always take your passport. You’ll also need both parts of your driving licence, your insurance documents and your vehicle’s V5. The cost of repatriating a car and its occupants after a malfunction or accident is substantial, so specific breakdown cover is advisable as your UK policy won’t extend to mainland Europe – and remember to take the certificate with you.

Once across the Channel, your car must show ‘GB’ lettering at the rear. Since March 2001 it’s been optional to have this printed on the number plate, but the easiest option is an aftermarket badge; prices range from £2 to £5 for sticky plastic and magnetic versions.

Lights
UK headlamps dip to the left, which dazzles oncoming traffic when driving on the right, so unless you have easily changed xenon headlamps you must fit converters to the dipped-beam lenses. The stick-on converters cost around £8, but installing these can be harder than it looks and you may need your local garage to help. Remember, too, that the use of headlamps in tunnels is required.

Speed
Our EU neighbours claim that too many Brits treat their roads like race tracks. Fixed speed cameras aren’t as common, but radar/laser guns are! Limits are shown in kph so adjust your sat-nav accordingly to get a digital readout or stick markers on your speedo at the important points. Limits vary with country, road type, day, holiday periods and weather; check which ones apply with your motoring organisation.

Many countries have banned radar detectors, and you’ll be fined €1,500 (£1,400) in France and €2,834 (£2,650) in Italy simply for having one in the car. Germany also forbids GPS locators, including those on sat-navs – disable these where appropriate.

General
the law dictates you have at least one hi-vis reflective vest in the cabin – not the boot – for all our top five countries, apart from Germany, as well as in others such as Belgium, Portugal and Norway. Motorway (autoroute) tolls are common, so you’ll require cash or a credit/debit card. In Austria, nearby fuel stations sell a special tax sticker.

Regarding alcohol, it’s best not to drink and drive at all. The blood-alcohol limit is lower virtually everywhere than the UK (where it’s 0.08 per cent), and in our five countries it’s only 0.05 per cent. Severe penalties include hefty fines, confiscation of your licence and even imprisonment. It’s a good idea to take your spare car keys with you. Having a flat fob battery or losing a set could be a disaster in a foreign land – and very expensive.

And don’t forget...
The major European countries apply on-the-spot fines for most offences; if you don’t have the cash to hand, it doesn’t mean you’re let off with a warning – instead, you’ll usually be taken to the nearest ATM. Always make sure you get a receipt for any monies paid.

Contacts
AA, 0800 085 7253, www.theaa.com
Britannia Rescue, 0800 591593, www.britanniarescue.com
Direct Line Breakdown, 0845 246 8702, www.directline.com
Green Flag, 0845 246 1557, www.greenflag.com
Halfords, 0845 762 6625, www.halfords.com
Haynes, 01963 442030, www.haynes.co.uk
RAC, 0870 572 2722, www.rac.co.uk
Roofbox Company, 01539 621884, www.roofbox.co.uk
Speeding, 0345 230 7071, www.speeding.co.uk

On the road at-a-glance guide to the essential regulations in the top five touring destinations

Country / GPS trap locators / Radar detector / Triangle / Min M-way speed* / Hi-vis vest** / Snow chains^ / First aid kit / Bulb kit^^   

France / OK / BAN / REQ / 80 / REQ / REQ / ADV / ADV
Spain / OK / BAN / REQ / 60 / REQ / REQ / ADV / REQ
Italy / OK / BAN / REQ / N/A / REQ / REQ / ADV / ADV
Austria / OK / BAN / REQ / 60 / REQ / REQ / REQ / ADV
Germany / BAN / BAN / ADV / 60 / ADV / REQ / ADV / ADV

(REQ = Required ADV = Advisable)

* - Minimum speed quoted in mph.
** - Where vehicle is immobilised on motorways or main/busy roads.
^ - In snowy areas or specific locations. Includes use of winter tyres if appropriate.
^^ - As well as a bulb kit, you are required to carry the tools to fit them.