Driving in Europe
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010
When driving in Europe, there are numerous rules and regulations that differ from country to country. To help you stay safe and legal on the roads this summer, Mobilise Motoring Editor Jim Rawlings has put together his top tips for motoring in Europe.
Before driving abroad you should always familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country you are visiting, check your breakdown and medical cover and check your insurance. The following advice is intended to flag up some of the most common ‘pitfalls’ that await the unwary driver, but it is not comprehensive; if you are traveling abroad we would strongly suggest undertaking some further research on the exact legal requirements of the countries you intend to visit. Happy holidays – and don’t forget to cancel the milk!
Germany
Some German Autobahns have no speed limit. However, where speed limits are displayed they are rigorously enforced. Hidden speed cameras in residential and suburban areas are common (limit 50km/h) and the minimum speed on a motorway is 37 mph (60 km/h).
A warning triangle is essential equipment and headlights are compulsory during daylight hours if the visibility is poor. At night traffic lights are often switched off or flash amber.
Some city centres restrict cars depending on their emissions and these areas are indicated by a sign showing green, yellow or red. To enter you must display a sign available from approved garages on production of your car registration document and a small fee.
Italy
Most motorways are toll roads. Older green driving licences are not always accepted so it is recommended you update to a photocard licence. It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket in the vehicle.
France
All drivers in France must have one warning triangle and one reflective jacket in the interior of their vehicle (not just in the boot!) This regulation is enforced with on-the-spot fines of between €90 and €135.
In built up areas the use of the horn is prohibited except in cases of “immediate danger”. Overtaking stationary trams is prohibited when passengers are boarding/alighting.
Spain
If it is daylight and you aren’t in a built-up area you must sound your horn to indicate your intention to overtake someone. At night you should flash your headlights instead.
If you wear spectacles you must carry a spare pair with you.
You must wear a reflective jacket if you exit the vehicle on motorways or busy roads.
Cars towing a caravan must display a yellow triangle on a blue background at the front of the vehicle.
Advice for Motability Customers
If you drive a Motability vehicle and are visiting any EU country, Croatia, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein or Switzerland you do not need to contact RSA Motability before you travel. You will however need to contact RSA Motability if your total travel to an EU country or those additional countries detailed will exceed 90 days in any 12 month period.
You do not require a Green Card for these countries but you should take your Certificate of Motor Insurance with you as proof of cover. For other countries not listed you should contact RSA Motability at least three weeks in advance of your journey. Motability Operations advise that you obtain European breakdown cover before you take your car abroad.
Satnav / Radar Detectors
In most European countries it is strictly prohibited to use equipment that detects radar / speed cameras; many satnavs available in the UK have this feature built in.
In some countries you may be prosecuted for carrying a radar-detecting device even if the device is switched off, so check before you travel and if in doubt, stick to a map!
The following organisations offer useful advice:
Enquiries +44 161 495 8945
Minicom for hearing impaired members
0800 328 2810 (Mon–Fri 8am–7pm, weekends 9am–5pm)
Institute of Advanced Motoring (IAM)
In all countries featured, the following are compulsory:
Original Registration Document
Motor vehicle insurance
Headlamp adjustment
GB Sticker/ Euro-symbol on your number plate
Useful items:
A spare set of car keys
Fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs
Your driving licence and passport – check if you’ll need an International Driving Permit
Your UK motor insurance certificate & Green Card (if issued)
Breakdown policy and contact numbers
Travel insurance documents
Emergency helpline numbers
This article first appeared in the June 2009 issue of Mobilise magazine, which goes out to all our members and includes reviews of adapted cars and mobility equipment, features on accessible travel and leisure, campaign updates, news, competitions and real-life stories.
Membership of our charity costs just £16 per year and includes your monthly subscription to Mobilise.
Tags: information, travel