Documents For Driving In Europe
It is important to have all necessary documents to hand should you be stopped
by police. Failure to show these papers could result in a fine or your vehicle
being impounded. Documents you require are:
-
full valid driving licence
-
original vehicle registration papers
-
motor insurance certificate
-
passport
-
international driving permit (in certain cases)
For those drivers travelling on foreign passports issued outside Europe or on a
UK passport issued outside of the UK, visas may be required for entry into
certain countries.
Safety Measures For Driving In Europe
Generally, insurers offer third party cover as standard on most policies.
Additional cover to upgrade to fully comprehensive can be arranged for the
period that you plan to be driving abroad. Alternatively, separate cover can be
taken out with a different insurer. Shop around for the best deal.
Don't drink and drive. Authorities do not take kindly to this misdemeanour and
this is reflected in the laws and penalties if you are caught. Similarly, the
use of hand-held mobiles while driving is prohibited. Use of
speed-trap detection devices is also illegal and stiff penalties apply.
For peace of mind, purchasing European breakdown cover is advisable. There are
many car
insurance
companies offering this additional type of cover.
It is best not to leave anything in view when you leave your car unattended.
Take all valuables with you also see, -
car theft prevention.
Taking out travel insurance is a sensible precaution. Whilst medical treatment
is subsidised according to reciprocal health-care agreements between the UK and
various European countries, this cover is not necessarily all inclusive. For
example, returning someone to the their home country for treatment, should this
be required, is generally not covered. However, travel insurance policies will
provide for this and other potentialities.
Remember which side of the road you are meant to be driving on. In Europe drive
on the right.
Compulsory Kit For Driving In Europe
Displaying a GB sticker on the rear of you vehicle is compulsory. On the spot
fines are given to those failing to comply. Alternatively you can purchase
number plates with the GB logo on them.
As you will be travelling on the right, adjusting the headlamp pattern on your
vehicle is an essential pre-requisite for driving in Europe. This is so that
the headlight beam does not dazzle oncoming drivers.
Headlamp beam converter kits are available from many motoring outlets. They are
inexpensive and easy to fit.
For those motorists driving cars with xenon or halogen type headlights,
reference to the owner's handbook or contacting the dealer may be required.
If driving in Switzerland, Belgium, Austria, Spain and Italy a warning triangle
is a requirement. Though not compulsory in France, Germany, the Netherlands and
Portugal, it is recommended by authorities in these countries.
It may be tempting to load your car up with a few extra cases of alcohol and
other duty-free items. However, overloading your vehicle can result in damage
to its suspension, clutch and tyres. Additionally, many breakdown callouts at
holiday times of the year are to assist drivers of broken down cars on their
return journeys from these shopping sprees. Having adequate breakdown cover
makes good sense.
Optional Extras For Driving In Europe
SatNav -
Satellite Car Navigation Systems - love them or hate them, they sure do
come in handy when driving in Europe. Most makes offer some models which
include extra features of European maps and destinations as well. Getting
driving directions in Europe need no longer be a concern. Your maps can stay
firmly tucked away in the glove compartment. Anyone with a query about driving
distance in Europe can easily tap the screen and let GPS technology do all the
thinking for you. For convenience nothing beats Sat Nav for calculating driving
distances in Europe.
