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Driving abroad

by motoring expert Charlotte Blight

Driving abroad any time soon? Here’s our quick and easy introduction to a smooth crossing. First of all, before driving anywhere, your car must be in fully roadworthy condition. Make sure that:

• All the fluids are topped up
• All the bulbs are working
• The tyres are in good condition and at the correct pressure
• The windscreen’s free of chips and the wiper blades are perfect
• The paperwork (tax, MoT etc) is up to date
• Your insurer has been informed and you’re covered
• You have Europe-wide mechanical breakdown cover
• You have a GB sticker or an EU or GB symbol on your registration plate
• You pack your car’s logbook, V5 and insurance documents
• Your maps are up to date, or your sat-nav covers where you’re going
• If you take your mobile, you’re following local regulations on use (and works throughout Europe!)
• You convert the headlamp beam
• You remove any radar-detecting equipment
• Put aside some lose change in euros for tolls

Legal requirements

If you're driving abroad it’s also important to check the legal requirements of every country you’re travelling through.

Laws about what equipment to have on board varies between borders, so look them up before you leave. Packing a warning triangle, a full set of spare light bulbs, a torch, headlamp reflectors and a first-aid kit is a good start. Some also require a high-visibility vest on board – and even a spare pair of glasses.

Preparation is the key to driving abroad, however, so research what’s required before you start to pack! That includes knowing what’s expected of motorists. Pat yourself on the back if you:

• Familiarise yourself with the meanings of road signs and markings
• Learn about rights of way, overtaking, headlamp use and similar local rules
• Are aware of local speed limits and their variations depending on the weather
• Know the minimum driving age for the country you’re visiting
• Check the rules for carrying children and use of seatbelts
• Note emergency numbers – 112 is Europe-wide.

Useful sites:

www.drive-alive.co.uk
www.drivingabroad.co.uk
www.rac.co.uk
www.theaa.com

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