Blog: European Driving: Your Vehicle Check

All you need to know about driving in Europe: From breakdown cover + security- to speed detection traps.

In every country, the motoring advice, laws and regulations vary, they are subject to ongoing review, alterations and varying interpretations. Before taking leave on a journey abroad, you must double check you're in line with their laws and regulations.

We have a link here sourced from Arval, with the most recent details about this:

www.theaa.com/european-breakdown-cover/driving-in-europe

Laws must be enforced for the protection of drivers and vehicles, they can be stricter in other countries, compared to the UK. For example, a fine issued on the spot can be a heavy amount. To avoid this, ensure you know the speed limit specifications, which are signposted. An essential rule all drivers and passengers must remember and enforce: is that each passenger wears a seat belt.

Before Taking your Vehicle Abroad, Follow these Steps:

You Need:

Documents are essential to be able to display, on tap. So to avoid fines, or a confiscation of vehicle, get them on-hand for analysis.

·      Full valid driving licence [not a provisional]

·      VE103: vehicle on hire certificate

·      Green card [ to be sufficiently covered and save yourself time to receive your green card or any more needed certification documents- call your insurer a month beforehand at least.

·      Passport

·      GB sticker- You do not need a sticker if your number plate features a union flag and GB.

International driving licence if necessary, you can double- check if you require one here:

www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit

Getting your Arval VE103:

You need a VE103 if Arval is the official registered keeper, if your car is leased from Arval also. To take your car outside the UK, you need to have the recognised legal alternative to the document for registration.

The Vehicle:

Make sure when you're journeying in Europe, you are in line with European regulations for motoring, to do this, carry this law required equipment, as lots of countries require it by law, its sound advice that you take it.

Risk of Overloading:

This can do damage to your car, cause fines, and sometimes risk your insurance becoming invalid. There are safety hazards at risk too. Damage to tyres, clutch, punctures and suspension is possible.

Items for Safety:

These depend on which country you are journeying to, and what they require by law, so check these out first.

France's Crit'Air Sticker:

Low emission zones are being brought into play in certain places in France, stopping some vehicles driving there. To access these areas with no fines or penalties, get a Vignette display sticker for your car.

The Headlights:

Move the pattern headlight beam to suit driving on the right side, therefore no blinding light from a dipped beam lamp will blind a driver. It's set as compulsory as a requirement in the majority of countries. Failure to do so may cause your insurance to become invalid.

The Tyres:

The majority of countries need a tread depth minimum of 1.6mm over the central three quarters of the tread, plus around the entire tyre circumference. Its recommended by Arval a 2mm minimum, however think of swapping your tyres if the tread is 3mm low.

Vision:

Bring spare contact lenses, or glasses if you need them or occasionally wear them- most importantly if you are the only driver.

Phone Use [Mobile]:

Prohibited in most countries- hand held mobile phones used when driving a car.

Children and Cars:

Check this before any trip at all, regulations and rules concerning the height and age of children allowed to be front seat passengers change by the country you're in.

No Drinking:

Don't drink and drive. Just a no-go. No exceptions. The laws are very strict, and the consequences high.

Think Clearly + On The Right:

Driving out of the UK can be distracting, there are a million new things to observe and take note of, but make sure you drive on the right side, before exiting anywhere, and on the road.

Warning Triangle:

This gives a warning in advance of a safety hazard, which is required in most countries on their roads. Hazard warning lights are not the only requirement, or not enough in most European countries when travelling.

Speed Trap Detection:

Penalties for this may consist of driving bans, imprisonment at heaviest, and fines- for the possession or usage of devices that detect a police radar in many European countries.

Your Security:

Do not leave any valuables in your car, simple as that. They can be stolen. Especially if you are not in the car.

Breakdown Cover:

You should ensure you obtain sufficient cover for travelling in European countries.