Driving in Europe

Whether you’re at the wheel of your motorhome, got your caravan hitched to the back of your car or have just chucked your new tent in the boot. If you’re just about to drive off the ferry into France and beyond, it’s not just driving on the wrong side of the road you need to be aware of. There are a lot of regulations, requirements and social customs you to get used to in order to make your continental driving experience more comfortable.

As well as remembering your Motor Insurance Certificate, Full driving Licence (photo and counterpart) and your Vehicle Registration Document, most of Europe requires that you carry several items with you in the car at all times, and if you get stopped by the police for any reason, they are very likely to check if you have them, or fine you if you don’t! So remember to pack…

• GB sticker. If you don’t have it printed on your number plate already you’ll need one
• Warning Triangle – Compulsory through most of Europe(and let’s face it a good idea) If you break down you will be expected to have one of these to warn other road users
• Hi-Vis Vests – You need one for every person in the vehicle
• First Aid Kit – Not all, but some countries like you to have one, always handy
• Headlamp Adjustment Kit. Our headlights point the wrong way so we dazzle people. If you don’t have in built headlight adjustment in your car then you’ll need to get stickers.
• Breahalysers – Only required in France at the moment but sure to spread to other countries. If stopped by the police you’ll need to produce two unused breathalysers to avoid an on the spot fine. Also handy to test yourself before you set off if you’re worried you overdid it on the vin rouge the night before!

On the Subject of breathalysers, if you’re planning to tour through Europe a bit, it’s worth noting that each country has different drink-drive limits,most of them lower than the U.K,and some countries (Slovakia and Romania) limit you to zero blood alcohol level, others just limit younger drivers to zero. So if the little soiree in your awning turned into a late night campsite booze-up, maybe stay and enjoy the campsite facilities for another day before continuing your adventure!

Another interesting, and extremely annoying law the French have brought in concerns speed camera detection. If you have the facility to detect speed cameras on your Sat-Nav (which most do) then this needs to be disabled whilst driving in France (with other countries no doubt to follow). If you get caught using a Sat-Nav with this feature enabled then you will be liable for a fine of up to……wait for it…….1500 Euros ! You’ll have to buy a lot of Cheap wine to offset that outlay!

In France and Belgium, don’t be surprised if you’re driving along minding your own business and someone pulls out in front of you from a junction on your right hand side, then has the cheek to gesticulate and blame you for almost driving into them. This is the barmy Priorite a Droite (priority to the right) law. It dates back to the days of the horse and cart, and whilst it is not adhered to on major routes, some less busy routes and smaller towns will still obey it, it’s very confusing,not to mention dangerous. The best thing to do is to expect the unexpected, it will probably happen! When you see a yellow diamond shaped sign with a white surround, relax, Priorite a Droite does not apply. If you see the same sign with a black line through it, make up your own rules and keep your fingers crossed, and one hand on the handbrake!

Each country has slightly different laws, so however many you are intending to pass through on your travels it’s well worth checking out the Travel Advice Section of the Foreign Office Website which goes into great (lengthy but comprehensive) detail about the requirements of each country.

One fantastic thing about driving in Europe is that outside of the cities, most of the roads are far less busy than those in the UK, so set the Sat-Nav to avoid toll roads (and speed cameras!) take the scenic route,relax, pump up the driving tunes and hit the road!

Check out our blog post here featuring tips on Hooking up the mains campsite electrics