Suggestions if you drive your auto in Europe – Component 1

It sounds ideal doesn’t it? Pootling through the glorious French countryside or whizzing across Spain on near-empty motorways in the comfort of your own car…

So significantly much more hassle-free and civilised than a low-cost flight and the crush in the queue for car rental when you arrive.

And, of course, you are in familiar surroundings. No creeping back to the hire office to ask which mixture of buttons and pedals you use to actually start off the engine, and no attempting to alter gear with the door manage.

Unblissful ignorance

But your idyllic motoring vacation could go badly wrong if you do not know the guidelines of the foreign roads – and numerous of us do not.

Almost half of British nationals who drive abroad don’t study the local road laws just before they set off, according to study by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Carrentals.co.uk.

Rules of the road

Worryingly, more than a quarter are unsure of the drink-driving regulations in every nation they drive in, and 20% don’t know what security equipment they should carry in their vehicle.

If that weren’t undesirable adequate, 40% would have no concept of the appropriate process if they were involved in a road targeted traffic accident.

[embedded content]

Know your limits

Take particular care with alcohol limits, which are often reduce than in the UK. The legal limit for alcohol in the blood in numerous European countries is 50 mg per 100 ml, compared with 80 mg in the UK.

If you are caught breaking the law, the cost can be higher – a 750 euros fine in France.

Drivers in France are also anticipated to carry a breath test kit or danger an 11 euro fine.

Kit and caboodle

Higher visibility jackets are compulsory for drivers and passengers in a lot of EU nations.

Warning triangles are yet another frequent requirement (in Spain you need to have 2 triangles).

Also in Spain, if you need to have spectacles to drive you should carry a spare pair in your automobile.

Avoiding trouble

Richard Chapman, the UK’s director of consular services for Germany, says: “Every year British Consulates about Europe offer help to British nationals involved in road site visitors accidents or incidents.

“Researching the local driving guidelines and situations can support you to have a difficulty-free of charge trip.”

Papers in order?

So what do you want to know when driving abroad in your personal automobile?

Every single UK-registered automobile should display a GB sticker or Euro flag badge on the quantity plate.

You must also constantly carry the appropriate documents in the auto – and you must verify they will be up to date for the duration of your trip.

In most countries in Europe, a UK driving licence is sufficient. Even so, if you are travelling further afield, you may possibly need to have an International Driving Permit. Check with the AA or the RAC for specifics of countries that call for a permit.

You need to also take the automobile registration document and your motor insurance certificate.

Emergency number

And finally… the number for the emergency solutions in Europe is 112. Hopefully you won’t want it, but it’s a excellent notion to store this number in your telephone, just in case.

The Foreign Workplace has released a video to raise awareness of the primary variations in driving regulations and situations. For more information, go to the internet site at www.gov.uk

You can uncover out much more about breakdown cover through our specialist channel – and you can go right here for the best deals on auto insurance coverage.

Check back tomorrow for Element 2

Suggestions if you drive your auto in Europe – Component 1