Driving aroune Europe,hints and tips

wealdroam

If you wear glasses for driving, then you need to take a spare pair with you if driving in France.

In France it is now illegal to have a device that warns of speed cameras. Check your satnav.
Details here.

From 1st November this year, you can get an on the spot fine of €11 in France if you do not have a breathalyser in your car.
Details here.

vikingaero

I've found these two sites to be helpful:

http://www.bison-fute.equipement.gouv.fr/diri/Accueil.do?langue=en

http://www.day-tripper.net/drive-in-france.html

poppasmurf_bewdley

I've not driven in France for some years.

Do the excellent F1 hotels still exist? If they do, they were always a clean and cheap way of staying overnight with a family.

Nearly_Old

gabitzul wrote: »

Also don't forget the spare wheel, very important. Forget the run flat tyres non-sense, you need a proper spare wheel.

Nor sure that this is true as one car going with us on a trip this year was not produced new with a spare wheel (of any type) nor does it have runflat tyres and it was sold throughout Europe. When new it included a can of tyre sealant, 12v compressor and some gloves so you didn't get dirty hands. Mine has got a space saver spare but I can't use it as the only place to carry the punctured wheel is the passenger seat and my wife doesn't like being left stranded by the side of the road!

GolfBravo

Some tips based on my own experience:
- take insurance and AA/RAC/ADAC contact numbers with you, just in case
- if travelling east (towards Belgium/Holland/Germany) take the ferry to Dunkerque instead of Calais: cheaper, less crowded, takes 45 minutes longer but 30 minutes less driving in France
- when using P&O or Norfolkline ferries and travelling with young children don't pay extra for priority boarding, just tell them at check in that you have a push chair and need parking next to lift (you will board straight after priority paying travellers)
- make sure your tyres are properly inflated, in good condition and well balanced (unbalanced tyre vibration is very tiring)
- check oil/coolant/windscreen washer levels, check windscreen wipers condition, clean windscreen well both inside and out, ensure engine bottom cover is fastened properly
- try to avoid "unusual" restaurants along motorways: some are very expensive and the food is awful. We mainly use McDonald's when travelling abroad by car - not the best food obviously, but you know what to expect and they are clean, cheap and consistent
- drink plenty of water, dehydration makes you feel exhausted very quickly
- take polarised sunglasses with you
- don't forget favourite music and satnav
- be aware of standard speed limits for all countries you're traveling to/through
- take € coins for toilets (eg. in Germany they are usually €0.50)
- take a break every 2-3 hours
- if travelling through Germany on speed delimited autobahns watch your rear view mirrors, and instead of looking at your speedometer look at the fuel gauge (it moves really fast )
- once you're in France you can put your passports away, most western and central EU is in the Schengen zone (no passport controls)

Trebor16

If you are going to the Scandinavian countries be aware they are very hot on speeding and the fines are prohibitive, even if you are just a few miles over the speed limit.

The vignettes for using the motorway in Austria are widely available in petrol stations and they issue them for a few days, unlike in Switzerland where the vignette is valid for a year.

Be aware that the vignette has to be displayed in the vehicle in Switzerland and the fine is quite heavy if you are stopped and it is not affixed to the vehicle. This vignette is only necessary if you are using the motorways.

In France be aware that sat navs with a speed camera database are now illegal. I understand that for Garmin sat navs there is now a update that removes the speed camera info for France only. Even if the sat nav is not being used the gendarmes can still confiscate it and fine you if it is still in the vehicle.

Trebor16

GolfBravo wrote: »

- if travelling through Germany on speed delimited autobahns watch your rear view mirrors, and instead of looking at your speedometer look at the fuel gauge (it moves really fast )

Only if you are very leadfooted and taking advantage of the autobahns that are unrestricted.:D

knightstyle

Lots of good advice, I would add take a european accident form and make sure your reflective jacket is in reach of the driver plus it must have a CE mark in France, Oh and the breathalyser must have FR mark and be in date.
The A roads in North West France are toll free motorways, but South of Nantes you pay.

agrinnall

When I did my road trip through Europe (although this was 16 years ago) you weren't allowed to carry fuel in a container in Italy.

I would say that if you strictly follow all the rules and are visiting a lot of countries then your car will be so full of reflective jackets, warning triangles, torches, spare glasses, breathalyser kits, etc., etc., that you won't have room for any luggage - so be aware of what the rules are before you leave, but then take with you what you think is sensible.

GolfBravo

Trebor16 wrote: »

Be aware that the vignette has to be displayed in the vehicle in Switzerland and the fine is quite heavy if you are stopped and it is not affixed to the vehicle. This vignette is only necessary if you are using the motorways.

Very true.

You can buy the vignette on Ebay, just be aware that a new one costs CHF40 (around £28) - some people bid up to £45! You can easily buy them at the border without even getting out of the vehicle (they accept €).