Mycompanyfleet, the fleet software specialist, is offering advice to drivers taking their company vehicles abroad during the summer holiday period.
Andrew Leech, Mycompanyfleet business manager, said: “More and more of us are taking are cars abroad and this summer, with its promise of good weather, looks likely to be no different.But there are some definite do’s and don’ts to driving abroad and we thought now would be a great time to remind drivers of some of them.”
1. Get the car checked especially the filters, belts, fluid levels, wipers, tyres and oil. Don’t wait until the last minute. It may take time to get an appointment at the garage and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around before you go and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.
2. Research the roads you’ll take. You will especially want to know if you’ll be travelling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the navigation software/maps you are using are up-to-date. Check the roads before you go! You may also want to find out ahead of time, which routes are heavily frequented (especially, when school holidays start or end). Good sources here are the local automobile clubs.
3. Carry a warning triangle, a complete set of spare bulbs, first aid kit and safety jacket. This should comply with most European laws. In some countries a fire extinguisher must be carried in the vehicle. Also be aware that radar detection devices may be prohibited in some countries.
4. In most European countries it is compulsory to carry a reflective jacket. This should be worn if the driver or passenger has to exit the car onto a motorway or main road. Please note that in some countries, such as France, the jacket has to be carried in the cabin rather than the boot of a car, and to not do so can result in a fine.
5. Almost all European countries have a blood alcohol limit. The best advice, if you’re driving, is don’t drink any alcohol – at all!
6. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere. Belt up at all times, applies to the kids as well!
7. Check your plates, registration and insurance information. Be sure to place your insurance company’s emergency contact number in your car. Make sure the green insurance card is valid (if issued).
8. Check your driving licence is up to date. You may use your EU licence for driving in other European Community member states. The member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
It is also pertinent to make sure, you have in your possession: A spare set of keys, a country identifier sticker, a first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs, warning triangle, safety jacket, a fire distinguisher, a torch, registration document, driving licence, passport or ID card, motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers.
If you are using a leased or rented vehicle the registration certificate will normally be held by the company that supplied the vehicle. When travelling abroad it is important that drivers using a leased or rented vehicle are able to produce a VE103 documentation, which shows they are authorised to be in possession of the vehicle. The VE103 form can be obtained by contacting your supplying leasing company and is normally subject to a small administrative fee. The form can be completed over the phone by providing the following information: exact dates the car will be out of the country, countries to be visited and any additional drivers. You should allow two weeks notice for the completed document to be sent to you via the post.
Please note that not all lease cars may come with European roadside support as a standard. Please check this either directly with your leasing company. Where additional cover is required, you may be responsible for organising its provision and the associated cost.
“By following this simple advice and sticking to the rules there is no reason why driving abroad should be any trickier than here in the UK,” added Andrew Leech.