When planning to drive abroad, there are a number of things you must take into consideration. You can’t simply turn up in another country and rent a car, and hope that your insurance back home will cover you. It simply doesn’t work like that!
As well as insurance cover, you also need to make sure you are up to date on the driving laws for the country that you are travelling to. Although the basics are likely to be the same, you don’t want to get caught on something small that you never knew about.
When driving in another country, you are expected to know as much as the local drivers do. Just because you are not a native doesn’t mean that they will be lax when it comes to upholding their road laws.
The most obvious thing to familiarise yourself with is which side of the road they drive on. If you don’t feel comfortable driving on a different side, then it may be wise to let someone else take the wheel. The second most important thing is the speed limit. Make sure you know what the speed is measured in as well, so that you don’t find yourself driving 50mph when the speed limit is only 50kph!
If you have a provisional driving licence, it is only valid in the country that you acquired it. This means that you cannot drive anywhere else unless you have a full licence – it is against the law. You will also need to check whether you need an international driving permit, or whether your own licence will be accepted.
Check up on your insurance, and make sure that you are fully covered to drive abroad. Not all insurers offer like-for-like cover when you’re driving abroad. Additionally, there can be differences in foreign use cover between insurers and you should check what comes as standard with your provider. This includes medical expenses that may be incurred after an accident, as well as breakdown cover. If this is not already provided as part of your insurance, then you will need to pay extra to add it on. You will also need to check with the country you are visiting whether you need a Green Card to prove your insurance.
If you are taking your own car abroad, then make sure you give it a full service beforehand. Also, look into whether your vehicle complies with the requirements for the countries you are visiting. Some countries, such as Germany, require you to have winter tyres during the winter season. This is likely to be the same for any other country you visit in which you might come up against ice and snow.
Although in the UK you are advised not to carry your V5 log book (proof of vehicle ownership) in your car, if you are caught without it in Europe you may be fined. Always double check which documents you are required to carry with you.
Below are some tips for a number of countries:
USA
In the USA, you could be in trouble if you leave your vehicle when you’ve been pulled over by the police. The same goes for getting your licence out before the officer arrives, or reaching to get it without telling him. Even undoing your seat belt could result in a fine. Each state has their own set of bylaws, some common sense and some ridiculous, so it is important to look into these before you travel.
Australia
In Australia, it is illegal to be driving with any part of your body sticking out of the car window. The only time this is acceptable is when you are indicating.
France
In France, it is against the law to use a Satnav that warns you of speed cameras. You will also face an immediate fine for not having a breathalyser in your car.
Saudi Arabia
If you are visiting Saudi Arabia, it is important to note that it is illegal for women to drive.
Thailand
In Thailand, it is illegal for a man to drive topless.
Bulgaria
Drivers in Bulgaria must carry a fire extinguisher with them at all times.
Cyprus
If you are hungry or thirsty in Cyprus, then pull over. It is against the law to eat or drink whilst driving, even if it is just a swig of water.
As you can see, there are many laws out there that you may not even think of. It is always best to look them up before you leave home.
Alex is a freelance writer and driving enthusiast based in Oxford, writing on behalf of MORE TH>N car insurance. These are her own thoughts and do not represent the views of MORE TH>N.
