Planning to get away from it all this Easter? The IAM’s chief examiner, Peter Rodger, is offering advice to drivers who are considering a trip into Europe for a spring break.
- Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document, insurance certificate and breakdown cover when travelling abroad. Familiarise yourself with driving laws of the country you will be visiting – be aware of local speed and drink-drive limits.
- When driving in France you must carry a portable breathalyser, warning triangle and hi-visibility jacket. And in Spain you are required to carry two warning triangles that should be placed in front of and behind the car in the event of a breakdown. Make sure you investigate what equipment you will need to keep with you before you travel. For further advice about travelling across Europe, visit http://bit.ly/1OCIMC8.
- You must display a GB sign on your vehicle. Failure to comply could result in an on-the-spot fine. If your number plates include the GB euro-symbol, you will not need to display a GB sticker within the EU.
- If you’re taking your own car, the headlights will have to be converted for driving on the right hand side. On some cars this may involve a trip to a garage – check well in advance in case you need to book it in with a mechanic.
- If you intend on using a satellite navigation system abroad, don’t forget to programme in the destination before you set off. In some countries it is illegal to use a sat-nav system that gives you speed camera locations so be prepared to disable that function.
- In France and Germany you will find E10 petrol on sale; this contains more ethanol than petrol in the UK, which is E5. Older car models cannot use E10 as it causes damage to the petrol engines. Check beforehand which petrol your car can be filled with and be prepared to look for E5 petrol if necessary. This does not affect diesel engine vehicles.
- Reading different road signs and driving on the right-hand side can be challenging. Take breaks every two hours to combat fatigue and share the drive if possible.
- Never leave personal belongings in your car. Always park your vehicle in a well-lit area and lock it properly.
Peter said: “As ever, good preparation will ensure that any minor problem doesn’t turn into a drama. Be aware, road rules can be very different from country to country, so plan accordingly. Driving in Europe can be a great pleasure, so bon voyage!”
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