An Introduction to Driving Abroad

Driving abroad in Europe can be a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially when you are on holiday and taking in some of the breath taking scenery that this wonderful continent has to offer.

Taking your own 4 wheels can unlock a number of different activities and experiences whilst being abroad, however taking two wheels can be just as fun and, in some cases, can be a new experience for the everyday tourist.

Driving abroad is only enjoyable when approached in the correct way and careful planning is extremely important for your own safety and to make sure that everything goes smoothly. MotorQuoteDirect have created this guide to help you plan your trip aboard and to explain exactly what you need before driving abroad and what to expect from the European roads.

Is your vehicle ready for a vacation?
Ideally you should get your vehicle serviced before you go away; but if not, at least make sure that water and oil levels are topped up and that all tyres including your spare are in good legal condition to drive on.

If you car does not have the new style European number plate then you will have to display a ‘GB’ sticker. When visiting non-EU countries, a GB sticker must be displayed at all times no matter what number plate your car is fitted with. Most ferry ports sell GB stickers so be sure to purchase one before you leave for your destination.

Lights on cars in the UK are set up for left-hand drive by default and can dazzle drivers in the oncoming lane when driving on the right. To prevent this from happening, stick adhesive anti-dazzle deflectors to your cars headlights. If you have the latest modern xenon lights, then you will need to either flick a switch or turn a screw. If you are not sure about this process then please contact your car manufacturer for more information.

Drivers in Europe all carry a red warning triangle, a high-visibility vest, a first aid kit and a set of spare bulbs along with the equipment needed to fit them. European laws vary by the country that you are in as in some countries these items are mandatory so it is extremely wise to carry them on board with you.

Be Ready
You must carry your full driving license, vehicle registration and insurance documents with you at all times when driving abroad. If you are driving a company car then you will need to carry with you a signed document confirming that you are authorised to drive that vehicle. The police in some countries will actually impound your vehicle if you do not have the correct documents available to them if they decide to stop you for any reason. Make sure that important documents are kept on you at all times to prevent them from getting stolen or you misplacing them.

Make sure that you have breakdown cover that covers you when driving abroad. The best breakdown policies will include the cost of getting your car home and other expenses that you may be charged such as hotel accommodation, in the event of a breakdown. Travel insurance is also something that you should invest in whenever you go abroad.

When travelling in the EU or Switzerland, every passenger should have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) on them at all times. This card covers medical costs and has been brought in to replace the E11 forms. You can obtain these cards for free at any Post Office, by calling 0845 606 2030 or by visiting www.ehic.org.uk.

Motor insurance is another aspect that should be carefully looked at before driving abroad. You must check that your insurance covers you for accidental damage, fire and theft. Some policies will allow you to drive abroad but only cover you with the legal minimum insurance that is required. This cover will give you third-party cover but does not cover you for theft or any legal fees that you may incur. If you are not sure about your motor insurance and what it covers then contact your insurer for more details or upgrade to comprehensive cover during your time abroad.

Green Cards are evidence that the car you are driving has the legal insurance requirement to be driven within the EU. These cards are slowly being removed from the EU system but are still required in countries such as Poland, Andorra and Romania. You should check with your insurer if a Green Card is needed in the destination that you are travelling to.

You & European Laws
Nearly all European countries have stricter drink-drive laws and legislation than the UK. Just one alcoholic drink can put you over the limit so it is best to completely avoid alcohol when driving.

Police in European countries have the power to issue fines to drivers on the spot, so make sure that you are carrying enough spare cash to cover yourself for if this happens. If you stick to the laws of the country that you are travelling in you will have nothing to worry about but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Speed cameras in the UK are clearly made visible and signs are put up to make you aware that there are cameras in the area that you are driving in. Abroad, however this is not the case at all. Speed traps abroad are often hidden and will try to catch you out so make sure you always stick to the speed limits.

If you get flashed by a speed camera and leave the country a couple of days after, do not think that you have got away with committing the offence. A new European agreement now allows police to chase offenders into other EU countries, so if you get caught speeding be prepared to pay the fine when you arrive back in the UK.

Driving on the Right
Most European countries drive on the right-hand side of the road, unless you are driving in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus or Malta who all drive on the left. Driving a right-hand drive car on the left-hand side of the road is not an easy task. Overtaking can be very dangerous so be sure to use your passengers to warn of potentials threats.

Tiredness can kill on the roads and is the cause of the majority of accidents on the road. Be sure to take breaks at regular intervals to refresh yourself. Always ensure that you do not stray back into the left-hand lane when joining a road and take extra care when departing from service stations and crossing traffic.

Pay attention to your fuel gauge as in remote areas there can be huge distances between petrol stations. Some petrol stations abroad may not recognise UK credit cards so be sure that you have the correct amount of cash with you just in case. Fuel is normally cheaper abroad than in the UK so feel free to fill your tank up before returning home.

Car crime in some European cities is extremely high with foreign cars being seen as prime targets. Be extremely careful where parking your car at night. Be sure to find a busy area with adequate street lightening to reduce the risk of your car being stolen. Secure car parks would be an ideal location. Make sure that no valuables or important documents are left within the vehicle when it is unattended.

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