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DRIVING ABROAD a MAUVE DOOR MOTORING page

GENERAL KEY POINTS
BEWARE you are more likely to have an accident when driving in a foreign country so extra concentration is essential. In fact you are twice as likely to die in a road accident in most of Europe and three times as likely in Greece or Portugal. See the table at the foot of the page for annual road death statistics- SCARY!
SPEED
As a foreign driver you will not get any favours from the police so observe the speed limits if you wish to avoid hefty on the spot fines. For instance in Europe the limit in built-up areas is normally only 25mph (40kph). Motorway limits vary - Spain 74mph (120kph), France 81mph (kph) but on wet roads go down to 68mph (110kph)
DRIVING ON THE RIGHT
Concentrate/Concentrate/Concentrate especially when you drive out of a petrol station, when you are tired or when you have just had a refreshment stop. It is a good idea to tape a message to yourself in the middle of your steering wheel - something like "Remember to drive on right you idiot".
CAR HIRE
Full details on our Buying CAR HIRE page
DRINKING ALCOHOL
The advice is DON'T because the limits are lower in most of Europe than the UK. More than one glass of wine or beer and you could test positive and in Scandinavia just forget even that.
SAFETY KIT
It varies from country to country but most expect you to carry as a minimum a reflective safety triangle and spare bulbs. You will also need to ensure that headlights dip in the right direction - you can buy adapters to stick on the headlight glass or change your bulbs.
ACCIDENTS
As a foreigner there is a likelihood that they will try to stick the blame on you. It is therefore especially crucial that you never admit liability or apologise. If it looks in any way serious call the Police and try to get the names and addresses of any witnesses. Of course take driver details - registration plate, driving licence, insurance etc. Also take any photos that may come in useful as evidence.
SLEEP
It is crazy to drive in the UK when tired - it is absolute madness in Europe when you are two or three times more likely to kill yourself. Take regular breaks and share the driving if possible.
INSURANCE and OTHER DOCUMENTATION
Check with your Insurer beforehand. You should be automatically covered for third-party liability but it may be a condition of your policy that you inform your Insurance Company. Take your insurance policy with you and your insurer may be able to supply translations into foreign languages. Also remember to take your driving licence and car registration documents. Also see our Buying CAR INSURANCE page.
CON TRICKS
Beware of road bandits - other motorist who try to get you to get you to stop by pointing and signalling that something is wrong with your car - don't stop because if you do you will be mugged. When parked watch out for "friendly" motorists who distract you by say showing you a map, because meanwhile an accomplice may be stealing gear off your back seat or boot. Be especially careful when driving out of an airport because thieves know you are driving an unfamiliar car loaded with luggage and money.
DRIVER ETIQUETTE
There are cultural variations by country. For instance in the USA undertaking on motorways (passing on an inside lane) is perfectly legal - at least it removes the menace of centre lane huggers! In the UK we flash our lights as a polite "after you Claude" let you through signal, however in France it is an aggressive "get out of my way" indication.
INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMITS
Not required for most of Europe. Check with the AA site for other countries. See MORE INFORMATION below.
MORE INFORMATION
Loads and loads and loads of detailed information from the AA site.