Top tips for driving in Europe
Driving in Europe will cost less this year in almost every motoring holiday destination, according to the new Motoring on the Continent report from Post Office. Despite petrol prices increasing in Europe, the strong pound means this rise is offset, giving holiday motorists more miles for their money.
Gerry Barrett, Head of Insurance at Post Office, comments: "As many head off on driving holidays to take advantage of the strong pound and its spending power abroad, motorists should ensure they have made the necessary preparations and are aware of the specific laws when driving in different countries around Europe.
"Motorists' first port of call should be to check how long their car insurance covers them for whilst driving on the continent and if their insurer automatically downgrades their policy to provide only the minimum level of cover for the country they are driving in. It's also important to make sure you are covered for any breakdowns and roadside recovery.*
"Before heading off, motorists should also familiarise themselves with the rules of the road in each country they will be driving through. For example, if you're heading to France, from 01 July 2012 it is a legal requirement to carry a portable breathalyzer in the car, and in Spain it is illegal to use a mobile phone even when pulled over at the side of the road."
Tips for driving abroad.
Post Office's top tips for driving abroad in Europe:
In mainland Europe, motorists' drive on the right hand side of the road. Make sure you're ready for this when you arrive in the continent
Ensure you have the necessary documents, including: full driving licence, driving licence paper counterpart, V5c, your motor insurance certificate with contact details of your insurer and passports
In Europe, you must display a GB sign on your car. Countries outside the EU require you to have a GB sticker, even if you have a GB Euro plate
Make sure you have the appropriate equipment. Many countries require you to carry at least two reflective jackets, (in some countries the reflective jacket must be carried inside the vehicle and not placed in the boot), hazard triangles, and from 1 July 2012 France requires motorists to carry a portable AlcoSense Single NF breathalyzer
Make appropriate modifications to your headlights - driving on the opposite side of the road means that your left-drive headlights will dazzle oncoming drivers
Ensure you have adequate breakdown cover. It is advisable that you service your car ahead of your trip to avoid the chance of a breakdown
Double check your insurance covers you for driving abroad and whether or not your policy is downgraded. It is also important to note any exclusions that may be applied to the policy when driving abroad.
Familiarise yourself with varying speed limits which are likely to change dependent on whether you're driving on a country road, in a city/ town centre, or on an expressway or highway
Don't rely on your satnav and ensure you have comprehensive maps for the countries you are driving in and spend some time planning your route ahead of your trip. Satnav requirements also change from country to country. For example, in France, it is illegal to use a Satnav that possesses radar detection indicating the location of fixed speed cameras
Many countries in Europe operate toll roads so make sure you have sufficient money to pay for the cost of tolls. It's also important to keep some spare money to cover any unexpected costs
Make sure you take frequent rest breaks and always pull over for a rest if you're feeling tired
Ensure you are aware of all the driving laws of the country that you are driving in