About Driving in Continental Europe - General Information
There are many advantages of driving to Continental Europe. But the greatest advantage is the freedom to travel at your own pace, stop where and when you want to stop, visit places you want to visit, etc. However, to make your car trip to Continental Europe as enjoyable as possible, it is of utmost importance to make sure that your vehicle is in top condition, plan your itinerary in advance, and know the rules and requirements to comply with local laws and legislation, avoid traffic tickets (which can be very high!) and above all, stay safe.
Preparing Your Car
Needless to say, your car should be in top condition if you want to enjoy the ride on the Continent. Even if your car is relatively new or is older but has been regularly maintained, it is a good idea to have it checked before departing. Not only it will give you the peace of mind that everything is OK but it can also save you a great deal of money for eventual repairs, not to mention the stress and time you would lose to get things in order again. You are also highly recommended to contact your insurance company to make sure you are covered abroad or upgrade your policy.
Documentation
Obviously, you need a full valid driving licence and valid passport or ID card. Depending on which countries you are planning to visit, you may also need the so-called green card or proof of car insurance, and proof of ownership. Without any of the mentioned documents, you may be denied entry to some countries or fined by the police.
Some Driving Rules and Laws in Continental Europe
Driving rules and laws tend to vary from one country to another. You are therefore recommended to inform yourself very well about driving laws in the country (or countries) you are planning to visit. Listed below are some of the most interesting rules and requirements:
- In France, a breathalyser is compulsory.
- In Greece, you need to carry a fire extinguisher.
- In Spain, you are required to carry two emergency warning triangles.
- In the Czech Republic, you need to carry a spare pair of glasses or contact lenses if you need them for driving. The same law applies in Spain and Portugal.
In many European countries you are also required to carry a reflective vest/jacket and headlamp converters. And the last but not the least important, everywhere on the Continent you drive on the right side.