Driving abroad



There's a lot to be said for taking the car with you on holiday - you can take everything you need without giving yourself a hernia at the baggage carousel, and you don't have to figure out public transport when you get there. Here are some simple tips and pointers to keep you safe and legal while driving abroad

A road trip always has a romantic appeal. Driving off into the sunset through some glorious scenery is guaranteed to get the heart fluttering and the pulse racing. Common sense dictates that your car needs to be both comfortable and reliable before you embark on a road trip, but in your excitement to get on the road, it's easy to overlook some basic safety tips.

  • Contact your insurer at least one month before your trip to make sure that your vehicle is adequately covered and that you have all the necessary paperwork before you leave. Don't forget that you will need the original documentation plus all drivers will need their valid driving licence (with the paper counterpart if it's a photocard licence), an International Driving Permit (IDP), and the vehicle registration document or certificate. Some countries require a visa, so do check before travelling, even if you are just driving through to reach your destination. You can be fined or have your vehicle confiscated if you don't have the right documents, so make sure they are in order and available for inspection at any time

  • Display a GB sticker. Failure to do so can result in a fine. In 2001, new registration plates displaying the GB Euro-symbol became legal, but they must comply with the new British Standard (BS AU 145d). Remember though, these plates are only legal within the EU. If you are travelling outside the EU, you will still need to display a GB sticker

  • Equip your car with a fire extinguisher, first-aid kit, spare bulbs and a warning triangle (two, if you are towing a trailer). In many countries these are a legal requirement, but it's also common sense to be prepared

  • Reflective jackets are required by law for many European countries. Buy two before travelling, in case a passenger needs to help the driver with a breakdown, for example when changing a wheel

  • Adjust your headlights for driving on the right. On older cars, this can be done by sticking adhesive masks on to the headlight glass, but adjustments are more complicated in newer cars with high intensity discharge, xenon, or halogen headlights. Contact a recognised car dealer for your particular car to find out what you need to do before travelling

  • Service your car well in advance of the trip, so that you're not stung with a huge garage bill just before you set off. This should also reassure you about your car's reliability for the trip

  • Remember to check all the tyres carefully, including the spare. Many countries require a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm over the whole of the middle three-quarters of the tyre. If you're expecting wet weather, the grip will be markedly reduced at this depth, so consider changing the tyres if the tread is 3mm or less. Tyres wear down the tread more quickly at this depth, and you may find yourself dredging up your classroom language skills in an attempt to find a replacement

  • If you're travelling for winter sports, remember to take, and fix, wheel chains. These are compulsory in many countries, even if you have fitted winter tyres

  • If you don't already have one, fix a rear view mirror to the left external (passenger) side of your vehicle. This will improve your general vision while driving on the right. Also remember when driving abroad that traffic approaching from the right usually has right of way

  • Don't use, or even have in your car, devices that detect police radar speed traps. These are banned in most European countries, and if you are found with one, the police can confiscate the equipment, fine you and impose a driving ban. They also have the power to confiscate the car and imprison you in extreme circumstances

  • Don't use hand-held mobile phones while driving. These are banned in most countries, and can include motorbikes and bicycles

  • Don't overload your car. Apart from the obvious safety risks, you can be fined and possibly find that your insurance is invalid

  • Make sure that your breakdown cover protects you for foreign journeys. Some organisations will give you more cover for an extra fee

For your personal safety, remember

  • Don't fit a rearward facing child seat in any seat that has a frontal airbag

  • If you need glasses to drive in, remember to take a spare pair with you. This is especially important if you are the only driver. It's a good idea to carry a copy of your prescription with you, in case you do need to get another pair made

  • Never leave handbags or personal belongings unattended in your car. Remember to take all your travel documents out of the car when you park at night, but keep them handy as you may be asked to show them any time you're in the vehicle

  • Check out warnings about car crime and personal safety for the countries you are planning to visit on the Foreign Office Travel Advice website