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Do you know the rules of the road in Europe?
Published:
31 July 2012
It's understandable that a lot of our Members might be looking overseas for some guaranteed sunshine. Not only are there some great Caravan Club approved sites to be found, the weather in the UK has hardly been stellar of late. Plus, despite the convenience and cost-effectiveness of a staycation, sometimes you just need to get away from it all by visiting a completely different country for your holiday.
Of course, there's a number of preparations that need to be made before you grab your keys and hit the road on an adventure. Drivers who are heading across to Europe simply must familiarise themselves with the motoring laws of the country that they are visiting. It's not as simple as just choosing the right side of the road to drive on!
For example, did you know that in France you have to carry at least two disposable breathalysers when you drive, even if you're just on your way to another European country? Or that in France, Germany and Italy, motorists can be fined on the spot for speeding?
These are the little details that it doesn’t take long to research but that could cost you financially (and ruin your holiday) if you don’t bother to find them out.
Remember as well that, no matter how delicious the local wine might be, the laws for driving after a tipple are different in Europe compared to the rest of the UK. Generally, the blood alcohol legal limit is much lower and in some places like the Czech Republic and Estonia, the law enforcement operates a zero tolerance policy.
Really, if you want to indulge on holiday (understandably so) then leave driving for another time and simply have a nice glass of wine during a warm evening outside of your caravan.
Also, don't forget your documents; you should be meticulous in making sure that you know what paperwork you need and that you have it all neatly organised in your car, including your drivers' licence and insurance records.