Driving
Abroad
Advice and Information for car owners wishing to drive their
car or a hire car in a foreign (European) country.
This section will contain advice for:
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Before
you leave
While travelling
Safety and legal advice
Specific country's laws regarding cars and safety
Information table
1
Before you leave…..
First of all check your and other travellers, especially children's
passports are not out of date and that your driving license is
valid for overseas driving. Provisional licences will not allow
the owner to drive while abroad. The new photocard full licence
is the one recognised in Europe. Being a foreign driver may mean
you have a maximum speed limit applied to you, which may be slightly
under that countries normal limit. Drivers must be over 18 years
old.
Get
your car serviced before you leave. Have everything checked and
tell the garage of your choice that you are driving abroad. Simple
or cheap jobs can be considerably more expensive abroad and can
seriously damage your holiday budget. Obviously, not everything
can be accounted for but our advice is to check and replace if
needed the filters, belts and all fluid levels like water, oil
and coolant levels. Check your tyres and brakes, wipers and battery.
Get this work carried out a short while before you intend to travel
to allow some time for parts to be ordered if required. Once fixed
make sure you drive the car to make sure whatever work has been
carried out was done properly. Better to discover a few problems
now than when on uncharted roads!
Before
you go, buy roadmaps and use the information on this site to familiarise
yourself with that countries road signs and various rules and
laws. Check the roads you want to take before you set off, look
out for roadworks or delays, make sure the map you use is up to
date. It is a good idea to make an estimate of how long you expect
your journey to take. This will allow you to take regular breaks
and stops for food if needed and not fall behind. Driving while
tired should not be done, especially on foreign roads.
Make
sure you plan your route properly before you set off. Understanding
maps and directions while trying to navigate your way on the opposite
side of the road and notice road signs while attempting to read
a map is not recommended.
Notify
your insurance company that you will be driving abroad and extend
or amend the policy accordingly
Take out travel insurance and breakdown insurance and remember
to take it out early enough to get the information through the
post so you can take it with you, they are no good at home when
you break down in the south of France!
You
will also need to take your full driving licence, paper and card.
Full registration documents and insurance papers. If an international
driving licence is required, take that too. Keep them all together
safe in a folder so there is no chance of misplacing any of them.
It is advisable to make copies of all the relevant aforementioned
documents and leave them with a friend or relative back home you
you can contact if need be.
A
white GB sticker must be applied if you are taking your vehicle
abroad or on holiday with you.
Differences between various countries' laws will be explained
later, but to comply with most, a warning triangle, a complete
set of bulbs and a first aid kit. Some countries require you to
have enough illouminus jackets for every person in the car in
case you break down on the motorway. More about this later.
Your
cars headlights are designed to work while driving on the left
side of the road, so when driving in a foreign roads it is thoughtful
to purchase beam deflectors so you don't dazzle oncoming motorists.
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2
While travelling
Give yourself plenty of time to get to the port tunnel or first
planned stop or rest place. Driving fast will put you in danger
and get you arrested before you have even begun your trip.
It
is vitally important to know your route. Riving on the right side
of the road in a right hand side drive car is very confusing at
first. Adjust all mirrors accordingly and ensure you are confident
enough not to make a mistake, which could be extremely costly.
You
can never allow your concentration to waver. At home driving is
automatic, and if you allow yourself to slip into your normal
routine you will almost certainly have a crash, which in a foreign
country is the last thing you want to do.
Think
in opposites. In this country, turning left in most cases only
requires you too look right, in another country it will be right
turns that are predominantly easier to take. Roundabouts will
be the opposite direction while slip roads will be on the right
side not left. Driving on a motorway will be concerning at first,
with cars whizzing past your off-side you may feel un- easy but
take some time to adjust and you should be fine.
The
most common times for concern are when leaving a petrol station
or after you have stopped for some time to refresh. We recommend
that the driver focus solely on the task of driving without distractions.
If
you still feel unsure, it may be a very good idea to tape a piece
of paper on the steering wheel or somewhere in your line of sight,
but not obstructing your view, which reminds you. Something like,
'REMEMBER, DRIVE ON THE RIGHT' should do the trick!
Use
only well lit, busy areas to stop and take a break. Carry on if
the roadside café or service area looks half closed down or people
there put you in a nervous disposition. Car crime and theft is
as common as it is on our shores, so while it may not be possible
for you to put everything in the vehicle out of sight, make sure
your car is securely locked. If you are towing or have items on
a roof rack, make sure they are secure.
Tiredness
is the biggest killer on UK roads today, so with the added difficulties
of driving in another country it should be the drivers main priority
to take regular brakes to ensure his/her safety and that of the
passengers and other road users.
Take
along plenty of water and snacks for the journey. If you have
children, trying to keep them entertained throughout a long car
journey becomes extremely important for everyone's sanity! Plenty
of travel games are available. Take some favourite CD's and audio
stories so passengers should never get bored.
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3
Safety and Legal Advice
As a foreign driver it is essential that you obey the laws and
etequette of the country you are driving on. Police officers will
take an extreemly dim view of a foreigner driving recklessly,
over the limit or deliberately going asgainst the laws of the
road.
Always
wear your seatbelt.
As
a foreign driver, you would expect to take the blame in case of
an accident. Therefore, never admit liability or apologise. People
will throw the book at a foreign driver, behaving wrecklessly
on their roads, as youwould expect. If the accident is very serious,
call the police immediately. Take all persons' involved number
plates and car details along with names, addreses and contact
details. It is advisable to take a photograph of the scene for
future reference.
Most
countries drink driving policies are stricter than our own, so
don't risk drinking and driving. In scandanavian countries, a
glass of wine will place you over the limit, so our advice is
to just not risk it at all.When you want to drink, leave your
car at home, just like you would back in the UK. There are no
excuses.
Tiredness is the biggest killer on any roads, and as a foreign
driver, your chances of a crash are dramatically increased, and
increased again when tired, don't push yourself and if possible,
swap driving duties with someone.
Always
be aware for potential thieves. Never ever pick up hitch - hickers
and never ask people to show you directions. Ask a garage or roadside
shop, not strangers. Be wary of double acts in car parks and service
stations, while one person pretends to help you, the other may
be stealing stuff from your backseat or roof rack.
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Specific country's laws regarding cars and
safety
1 Austria
2 Belgium
3 Germany
4 Denmark
5 France
6 Italy
7 Luxembourg
8 Netherlands
9 Norway
10 Spain
11 Switzerland
1 Austria
Children
in cars: child under 12 and 1.5 metres in height cannot travel
as front or rear passenger unless they use a suitable restraint
system.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. You will be fined if the level of
alcohol in the bloodstream is between 0.05 per cent and 0.08 per
cent. Over this level and you will incur a fine and/or suspension
of driving licence.
Fines: On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official
receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine.
First-aid kit must be carried.
Fuel: All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are
available as well as lead substitute additive. It is allowed to
carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted,
although they probably won't work at automatic pumps. At many
garages in rural areas only automatic pumps are available at lunch
time, during the evening and weekend, so make sure you're topped
up. It's a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be
travelling abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if
they spot it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes
do as an anti-fraud measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp
converters are compulsory.
Lights:
dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles
must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Minimum age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence,
is 18 for a car, 18 for a motorcycle over 50cc, and 16 for a motorcycle
under 50cc.
Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A
green card is not required but your insurer should be advised
of your trip.
Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants,
if fitted.
Visibility
Vests are now compulsory in Italy, Austria and Spain (and likely
to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on
a motorway. In Spain we've been told you need a vest for every
potential occupant of the car, and that they must be carried inside
the car, rather than in the boot. Other sources have said you
don't have to carry one, but if you breakdown on the motorway
you will be breaking the law if you walk to an emergency phone
without one. We're trying to clarify the position.
Warning
triangle is compulsory.
Be especially careful when setting off from service stations or
restaurants on the left side of the road. Take care when overtaking
- allow more space between you and the car in front so you can
see further down the road ahead. Austria has strict drink driving
laws, only allowing 0.25 milligrams of alcohol per litre of blood
- stricter than the UK where the limit is 0.4. Seat belts front
and rear are obligatory everywhere. Speed limits, shown below,
are implemented rigorously. Radar traps are frequent. In Austria,
and heavy on-the-spot fines can be levied. Remember - Speeding
and other traffic offences are subject to on-the-spot fines
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2- Belgium
Children
in cars: children under 3 cannot travel as front-seat passenger
unless they use a proper child restraint system. Children under
3 in the rear must use a proper child restraint if one is available.
Children over 3 and under 12 must use appropriate restraints front
and rear.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. You will be fined up to 125€ on
the spot if the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is between
0.05 per cent and 0.08 per cent. You will also have to surrender
your licence for 3 hours. You could be prosecuted, which could
result in a fine of up to 2,500€. Over this level and fines shoot
up to 10,000€, and you could face prosecution with a maximum penalty
of 6 months in prison and a 5 year suspension of your licence.
Fines: On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official
receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine. As a foreign
motorist you could refuse to pay the fine, but if you do you must
offer a surety or run the risk of having your vehicle impounded.
First-aid kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel: All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are
available as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded is getting
hard to find. It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit and
debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably won't
work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps open out-of-hours.
It's a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling
abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot
it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as
an anti-fraud measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp
converters are compulsory.
Lights:
dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles
must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Minimum age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence,
is 18 for a car and motorcycle.
Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A
green card is not required but your insurer should be advised
of your trip.
Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants,
if fitted.
Visibility
Vests are now compulsory in Italy, Austria and Spain (and likely
to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on
a motorway. In Spain we've been told you need a vest for every
potential occupant of the car, and that they must be carried inside
the car, rather than in the boot. Other sources have said you
don't have to carry one, but if you breakdown on the motorway
you will be breaking the law if you walk to an emergency phone
without one. We're trying to clarify the position.
Warning
triangle is compulsory.
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to countries
3 Germany
Bulb
replacement set is advised, but not compulsory.
Children
in cars: children under 12 or 1.5 metres tall are not allowed
to travel unless using an appropriate restraint.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could
face fines, endorsement or even imprisonment, depending on the
severity of the offence.
Fines: On the spot fines are issued. Just about every possible
driving offence can be subject to a fine, even running out of
fuel on the Autobahn! Ensure an official receipt is issued by
the officer collecting the fine.
First-aid
kit is compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available
as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded no longer exists.
It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards
are widely accepted, although they probably won't work at automatic
pumps, which are often the only pumps open out-of-hours. It's
a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling
abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot
it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as
an anti-fraud measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp
converters are compulsory.
Lights:
dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility. Motorcycles
must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Minimum
age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 17 for
a car and motorcycle.
Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A
green card is not required but your insurer should be advised
of your trip.
Seat
belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted.
Visibility
Vests are now compulsory in Italy, Austria and Spain (and likely
to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on
a motorway. In Spain we've been told you need a vest for every
potential occupant of the car, and that they must be carried inside
the car, rather than in the boot. Other sources have said you
don't have to carry one, but if you breakdown on the motorway
you will be breaking the law if you walk to an emergency phone
without one. We're trying to clarify the position.
Warning triangle is compulsory
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to countries
4
Denmark
Children
in cars: children under 3 cannot travel unless they use a
proper child restraint system. Children under 3 in the rear must
use a proper child restraint if one is available. Children over
3 must use appropriate restraints front and rear.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Anything over 0.05 per cent and
you could face anything up to imprisonment. Fines: On the spot
fines are issued for the infringement of all traffic regulations.
Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting
the fine.
Fire
extinguisher is advised, but not compulsory.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available as
well as lead substitute additive. No leaded. It is allowed to
carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted,
although they probably won't work at automatic pumps, which are
often the only pumps open out-of-hours. It's a good idea to let
your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad. This ensures
they don't suspend your card if they spot it being used in unfamiliar
places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp
converters are compulsory.
Lights:
as in the rest of Scandinavia cars and motorcycles must use dipped
headlights during the day.
Minimum
age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 18 for
a car and motorcycle.
Motorcycle
drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if
fitted.
Visibility
Vests are now compulsory in Italy, Austria and Spain (and likely
to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on
a motorway. In Spain we've been told you need a vest for every
potential occupant of the car, and that they must be carried inside
the car, rather than in the boot. Other sources have said you
don't have to carry one, but if you breakdown on the motorway
you will be breaking the law if you walk to an emergency phone
without one. We're trying to clarify the position.
Warning
triangle is compulsory.
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to countries
5
France
Children
in cars: children under 10 are not allowed in the front. In
the rear they must use a proper restraint system appropriate to
their weight, which means a child seat if they weigh between 9
and 15 kg. Over this weight they can use seat belts with a booster
cushion.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could
face anything up to imprisonment. Fines: On the spot fines are
issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting
the fine.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available
as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded no longer exists.
It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards
are widely accepted, although they probably won't work at automatic
pumps, which are often the only pumps in rural areas open out-of-hours,
which also means lunch-time form noon to 3pm. It's a good idea
to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad. This
ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot it being used
in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud
measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp converters are compulsory. Lights: dipped headlights
must be used in poor daytime visibility.
Motorcycles
over 125cc must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Minimum
age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 18 for
a car and a motorcycle over 125cc and 15 for a motorcycle under
125cc.
Motorcycle
drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Road signs in France. Seat belts are compulsory for front and
rear seat occupants, if fitted.
Visibility
Vests are now compulsory in Italy, Austria and Spain (and likely
to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on
a motorway. In Spain we've been told you need a vest for every
potential occupant of the car, and that they must be carried inside
the car, rather than in the boot. Other sources have said you
don't have to carry one, but if you breakdown on the motorway
you will be breaking the law if you walk to an emergency phone
without one. We're trying to clarify the position.
Warning
triangle is highly recommended, although hazard flashers can be
used. One or the other is compulsory
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to countries
6
Italy
Children
in cars: children under four cannot travel unless they use
a suitable restraint system. Children between four and 12 cannot
travel in the front unless using a suitable restraint system.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could
face anything up to imprisonment.
Fines:
On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued
by the officer collecting the fine.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol (benzina), diesel (gasolio) and
LPG are available as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded
no longer exists. It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit
and debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably won't
work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps open out-of-hours
and at lunch-time (from noon to 3pm) away from the Autoroutes.
It's a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling
abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot
it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as
an anti-fraud measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp converters are compulsory. Horns are widely used to warn
other vehicles of your approach, although they are officially
banned in built-up areas.
Lights:
dipped headlights must be used in poor daytime visibility,
and in all tunnels at all times. They must also be used when on
motorways, and (we believe) dual carriageways, and (again we believe)
on all out of town roads as from August 2004.
Motorcycles
must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Minimum
age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 18 for
a car and for a motorcycle over 125cc. If you've got an old-style
all-green licence you might find the police will not understand
them, so either get them up-dated or take an International Driving
Permit as well.
Motorcycle
drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if
fitted.
Speed
limits: From 1 January 2003 some three-lane motorways with
emergency lanes may have a speed limit of 93mph (150km/h). Visibility
Vests are now compulsory in Italy, Austria and Spain (and likely
to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on
a motorway.
Warning
triangle is compulsory.
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to countries
7
luxembourg
Children
in cars: children under 12 or 1.5 metres tall cannot travel
in the front unless they use a proper child restraint system.
Children under 3 in the rear must use a proper child restraint.
Children over 3 can use appropriate restraints in the rear, but
can only use the lap part of a full seat belt..
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Anything over 0.08 per cent and
you could face anything up to imprisonment.
Fines:
On the spot fines are issued for the infringement of all traffic
regulations. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer
collecting the fine. Fire extinguisher is advised, but not compulsory.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available as
well as lead substitute additive. No Leaded. It is allowed to
carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted,
although they probably won't work at automatic pumps, which are
often the only pumps open out-of-hours. It's a good idea to let
your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad. This ensures
they don't suspend your card if they spot it being used in unfamiliar
places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp converters are compulsory. Lights: flash your headlights
when overtaking during the night. Minimum age for driving, provided
you hold a full UK licence, is 17 for a car and motorcycle.
Motorcycle
drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Children
under 12 are not allowed on motorbikes.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Seat
belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted.
Netherlands
Speed
limits: visiting motorists holding a licence for less than
2 years cannot exceed 75 km/h.
Warning triangle is recommended as its use is compulsory Netherlands
Children
in cars: children under 12 and 1.5 metres tall cannot travel
in the front unless they use a proper child restraint system.
Children under 3 in the rear must use a proper child restraint
if one is available. Children over 3 must use appropriate restraints
in the rear.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Anything over 0.05 per cent and
you could face anything up to imprisonment. Fines: On the spot
fines are issued for the infringement of all traffic regulations.
Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting
the fine.
Fire
extinguisher is advised, but not compulsory.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available as
well as lead substitute additive. No leaded. It is allowed to
carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted,
although they probably won't work at automatic pumps. It's a good
idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad.
This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot it being
used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud
measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Headlamp converters are compulsory. Lights: There is no obligation
but a recommendation to use dipped headlights on open roads and
during poor visibility.
Motorcycles
must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Minimum
age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 18 for
a car and motorcycle. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear
crash helmets.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if
fitted.
Warning
triangle is advised, as its use is compulsory.
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to countries
Norway
Children
in cars: children under 4 cannot travel unless they use a
rear-facing child seat.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. The limit is very low (equivalent
to a small glass of wine or half a pint of weak beer). Anything
over 0.02 per cent and you could face anything up to imprisonment.
Fines:
On the spot fines are issued for the infringement of minor traffic
regulations. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer
collecting the fine.
Fire extinguisher is advised, but not compulsory.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and some LPG are available
as well as lead substitute additive. No leaded. It is allowed
to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted,
although they probably won't work at automatic pumps. It's a good
idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad.
This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot it being
used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud
measure.
GB
Sticker is compulsory.
Headlamp
converters are compulsory.
Lights:
You must use dipped headlights during the day. Minimum age for
driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 17 for a car
and motorcycle.
Motorcycle
drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Replacement bulb kit is advised, but not compulsory. Seat belts
are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted.
Warning
triangle is compulsory.
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Spain
Children
in cars: Children under 12 cannot travel in the front unless
using a suitable restraint system.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Over 0.05 per cent and you could
face anything from a severe fine, withdrawal of your licence,
up to imprisonment.
Fines:
On the spot fines are issued. Ensure an official receipt is issued
by the officer collecting the fine.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol (benzin), diesel (gasoleo 'A') and
LPG are available as well as lead substitute additive. Leaded
no longer exists. It is allowed to carry petrol in a can. Credit
and debit cards are widely accepted, although they probably won't
work at automatic pumps, which are often the only pumps open out-of-hours
and at lunch-time (from noon to 3pm) away from the Autoroutes.
It's a good idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling
abroad. This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot
it being used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as
an anti-fraud measure.
GB
sticker: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle
of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background)
no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.
Glasses
(Spectacles): wearers must carry a spare pair in the car at all
times.
Headlamp
converters are compulsory.
Lights:
dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility.
Motorcycles
must use dipped headlights during the day at all times.
Minimum
age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 18 for
a car and for a motorcycle over 75cc. If you've got an old-style
all-green licence you might find the police will not understand
them, so either get them up-dated or take an International Driving
Permit as well.
Motorcycle
drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Replacement bulb set is compulsory. Seat belts are compulsory
for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted.
Warning
triangle is compulsory. One only is required for non-Spanish
registered vehicles. Two required for Spanish vehicles, but to
avoid difficulties with the police we recommend two triangles
should be carried.
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Switzerland
Autobahn
tolls: In Switzerland you pay an annual motorway tax, even
if you're only using the motorways for an hour or two. A vehicle
sticker, or vignette, (in 2003 costing CHF40 for vehicles up to
3.5 tonnes maximum total weight) must be displayed on the windscreen
by all vehicles. Of course, if you don't need to use a motorway
you don't need to pay, although it's difficult to cross the country
without doing so. If you don't display a vignette you'll be liable
to a fine of CHF100 plus the cost of the vignette.You can buy
the stickers in the UK from the Swiss Centre. Call them on freephone
00800 100 20030 for information. You can also buy them in Switzerland
from customs offices at the frontier or service stations, garages
and post offices
Children
in cars: children under 7 cannot travel in the front unless
they use a proper child restraint. Children between 7 and 12 must
use seat belts or child restraints which are appropriate to their
size and age.
Documentation:
always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document
(V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence does
not incorporate a photograph ensure you carry your passport to
validate the licence. If the vehicle is not registered in your
name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission
to drive.
Drinking
and driving: Don't do it. Anything over 0.08 per cent and
you could face anything up to imprisonment.
Fines:
On the spot fines for infringing some traffic regulations. Ensure
an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine.
Fire
extinguisher is advised, but not compulsory.
First-aid
kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Fuel:
All grades of unleaded petrol, diesel and some LPG are available
as well as lead substitute additive. No leaded. It is allowed
to carry petrol in a can. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted,
although they probably won't work at automatic pumps. It's a good
idea to let your card issuer know you will be travelling abroad.
This ensures they don't suspend your card if they spot it being
used in unfamiliar places, which they sometimes do as an anti-fraud
measure.
GB
Sticker is compulsory.
Headlamp
converters are compulsory.
Lights:
You are required to use dipped headlights during the day. Minimum
age for driving, provided you hold a full UK licence, is 18 for
a car and motorcycle over 125cc, and 16 for a motorcycle under
125cc.
Motorcycle
drivers and passengers must wear crash helmets.
Motor
insurance: third-party insurance is compulsory. A green card
is not required but your insurer should be advised of your trip.
Replacement
bulb kit is advised, but not compulsory.
Seat
belts are compulsory for front and rear seat occupants, if fitted.
Spectacles: if you wear spectacles for driving, you must carry
a spare pair in the car.
Warning
triangle is compulsory.
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to countries
Information Table
| Country |
Motorway |
Open Road |
Town |
Alcohol mg/litre |
| Austria |
130 km/h |
100 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.25 |
| Belgium |
120 km/h |
90 km/h |
50km/h |
0.25 |
| Denmark |
130 km/h |
80 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.25 |
| France |
130 km/h(110 when
wet) |
90 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.25 |
| Germany |
none unless shown |
100 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.25 |
| Italy |
130 km/h |
90 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.4 |
| Luxembourg |
120 km/h |
90 km/h |
60 km/h |
0.4 |
| Netherlands |
120/110 km/h |
80 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.25 |
| Norway |
90 km/h |
80 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.1 |
| Spain |
120 km/h |
100 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.25 (0.1 for
new drivers) |
| Switzerland |
120 km/h |
80 km/h |
50 km/h |
0.4 |
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|
