The AA has put together a list of things you should have organised before you go abroad with your vehicle. We know you will find this useful and will also help to make your summer holiday as stress-free as possible!
Be Prepared!
Traffic & Speeding regulations:
Are you aware of the road and traffic regulations of the country you are visiting? Some countries use the KM speed limit rather than the MPH that we are so used to in this country, don't get caught speeding due to unawareness!
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| Example of Speed signs abroad: (This is in Km's not Mph!) |
If you do get caught speeding, in many countries the penalties can be both tough and instant. If you are actually stopped for a motoring offence by police you are likely to be required to pay an on-the-spot fine and most police will accept credit or debit cards. If you don't pay, your car could be impounded. If you have been flashed by an enforcement camera, the fine will follow you home and you will be forced to pay via a UK court. Take note that also some motorways as well as urban highways measure average speed between cameras. Speed limits can vary depending on weather too, for instance in France the speed is reduced when it is raining. Knowing this kind of information before you travel can be invaluable and can also save you a lot of money and bother.
Traffic signs and signals:
Most traffic signs and signals for different countries are very similar - or at least you can normally take a guess at what it means. However, there are some that can be quite confusing or unclear what they are asking of you, to avoid any accidents, arguments with the wife or mental breakdowns, we recommend familiarising yourself with these signs before commencing your journey.
Don't drink and drive:
Most European countries have a lower limit to what is acceptable in the UK for drinking and driving regulations. It really isn't worth the risk, our advice is to avoid all alcohol if driving.
Driving License:
Although a fairly obvious one, make sure to bring your driving license with you on holiday including the paper counterpart that is included.
Towing a Caravan?:
If you are taking a caravan with you on your holiday your caravan's insurance will need to extend to the countries you are visiting. Most do, but it is always better to check before-hand.
Breakdown Cover:
Make sure you bring your European Breakdown Cover documents with you, if you don't have these before you start your journey, you might be left high and dry if anything happens to your vehicle - it could cost you over the earth to get your vehicle fixed and back up and running without these documents.
Vehicle Registration Document:
Take your vehicle registration document with you so that you can prove that you are the owner of the vehicle in your possession.
Health Insurance:
It is always better to go to Europe with your health in mind, including the thought that if anything goes wrong, you are covered. The health insurance card used to be called the E111 card, however this has recently changed to the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Please note, that EHIC is not a replacement for travel insurance and it does not necessarily mean that treatment will be free. More info on the EHIC card can be found here.
Travel Insurance:
You will certainly need travel insurance if you do not have it already. If your home insurance covers your personal property outside the home anywhere in the world: you won't need baggage cover on your travel insurance - ask for this to be excluded and for the premium to be reduced accordingly. The AA offers travel insurance which can be found here.
Passport and tickets please!:
Don't forget your passport and ticket before travelling. It is amazing how many people get to the ferry/Eurotunnel and find they have left them behind.
EU Driving Kits:
Depending on the country you are visiting, will depend on what car equipment you need to take with you. Some countries require you to have high-vis jackets, warning triangles, first aid kits and wheel jacks. Most countries will require you to purchase a set of headlight beam convertors and a magnetic GB plate - this is a legal requirement.
You can double check any items that you may have missed as a requirement by purchasing a very useful European Driver's Handbook which will contain all of the information that you need to know and any documents it recommends for you to take. You can also pick up Atlas' and road maps to help you get to where you need to go (or buy a European Sat Nav!).
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