Newly qualified driver in Europe

Stonker

Iceweasel wrote: »

Stonker - as you're heading for Austria, not only do you need to have winter tyres - but they need to have at least 4mm of tread on them.

The Polizei do check - they cruise around in Autobahn services and car-parks in towns. They can spot a non winter tyre very easily.

Unlike in Germany the fact that there might not be any snow at the time they check is of no importance.

"The law you have broken and pay you must.

Googling around, it looks as though that may only applie in 'winter conditions'....maybe we'll play is safe though and go to Italy or Andorra

Iceweasel

Stonker wrote: »

Googling around, it looks as though that may only applie in 'winter conditions'....maybe we'll play is safe though and go to Italy or Andorra

The 'winter conditions' bit applies to Germany. So in theory you can cross germany without winter tyres - but if it snows when you're in Germany and you have no winter tyres then you are in big trouble. Park up and wait for the roads to be clear.

In Austria you need to have winter tyres from 1st November till 15th April even if not one snowflake was to fall for the entire winter.

For Andorra and Italy you do not need to have winter tyres - but you need to have 'winter equipment' as an alternative.

Best bet is a set of tyre-chains from Lidl - they have 3 sizes on sale at the moment at a price of £19.99 a pair in a natty little plastic box.

I carry a set as well as having winter tyres. I've never had to compulsorily fit them yet - but I've been asked if I have them in the boot.

Ultrasonic

Presumably if you're heading to a ski resort you would be driving in 'winter conditions' though? Judging by Iceweasel's earlier link this could also pose a problem for you in Italy.

scragend

victor2 wrote: »

That and trying to change gear with the door handle.

If they're going in their own car I wouldn't think the gear lever would suddenly move positions when they cross the Channel

Iceweasel wrote: »

I think that you'll discover that it's not true.

https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/driving-abroad

What they must provide is the minimum level of cover for all EU countries.

Hopefully your ins co is one of those who extend your fully comp policy to the EU.

Just as an aside - check the validity of your EHIC as well - I've found several folks who didn't realize that theirs had expired.

Probably because it lasts 10 years they forget about it.

Even if they only give third party cover, it should still extend to all the named drivers on the policy. So if the son is named on the UK policy he will be covered to drive the car abroad, either fully comp or third party depending on the policy.

nobbysn*ts

If you can find them, how about a set of allseason tyres, following from your other thread. Dunlop Grandtek, 255/60/17 on mytyres, £136, all season, with the snowflake symbol. Mytyres don't seem to list it on all, as the vredstein Quatrac is marked, but not listed as marked, it's £158 though. None on the 65 profile are listed as marked, doesn't always mean you can't get a set of allseasons marked with the symbol though.

spiro

Couple of general points about driving in France:
1) You need to carry 2 breathalysers, with French stamp.
2) Satnav must have French speed camers deleted, not just truned off.
3) You must clear cyclists by 1mtr in towns and 1.5mtrs outside town.

Ultrasonic

spiro wrote: »

1) You need to carry 2 breathalysers, with French stamp.

I don't think I'd be spending money on buying breathalysers:

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/driving-abroad-whats-new-2012.html

Iceweasel

What a mess the French have made of that breathalyser law.

First delaying the introduction of it and then permanently suspending any penalty for not having any kits in the car.

Waste of time buying any.

More important is to have reflective vests inside the vehicle - not in the boot, or rear compartment - they must be accessible before stepping out of the vehicle.

There seems to be some confusion between different countries about how many vests are actually needed - but it's sensible to have one for every occupant.

They are cheap as chips anyway.

But the list goes on - instead of looking at each individual country I just carry everything.

Reflective Vests
Warning Triangle
Spare Bulbs
Fire Extinguisher
First Aid Kit
V5C
Insurance Certificate
Driving Licence - both parts
Winter Tyres & Snow Chains (Nov to Apr)

I also carry a 'Motorist's Interpreter' - a great little book that lists vehicle components in 6 languages.

I have a check list of other useful bits such as a torch, gloves etc.

dacouch

spiro wrote: »

Couple of general points about driving in France:
1) You need to carry 2 breathalysers, with French stamp.
2) Satnav must have French speed camers deleted, not just truned off.
3) You must clear cyclists by 1mtr in towns and 1.5mtrs outside town.

Although last time I checked the French police are not allowed to inspect the Sat Nav unless you volunteer it to them.

(Please check up on this before taking it as gospel as they may have closed this loophole)

Iceweasel

dacouch wrote: »

Although last time I checked the French police are not allowed to inspect the Sat Nav unless you volunteer it to them.

(Please check up on this before taking it as gospel as they may have closed this loophole)

The French police not being allowed to actually handle your sat-nav is a 'grey area' - there doesn't seem to be any definitive source for the rumour.

However - Garmin at least have got around this problem by re-designating several locations as 'danger areas' which of course are where the 'safety' cameras just happen to be mostly located. They also include level crossings and such - just to prove that it is not solely a loop-hole dodge.

A few years ago when camera locations and radar detectors were declared illegal Garmin removed all the info when the device was updated with the latest maps.

Current updates for France maps and POIs should have these 'danger areas' installed automatically.

This is a very contentious topic in France and I think the French government may do a U-turn or at least an amendment to the law soon - but don't hold your breath