4Driving Abroad4Whilst every effort is made to ensure that theinformation in this guide is accurate and up-to-date, the responsibility for compliance withregulations for driving abroad remains with thedriver at all times.In many countries, the rules of the road aredifferent from the UK and we ask you to take extracare. And, most importantly, remember to drive onthe right side of the road.Documents you will need:. Certificate of motor insurance.. Original vehicle registration document or log book.. UK Driving Licence - If you possess a photocardlicence you should take the paper counterpart aswell. If your licence does not incorporate aphotograph ensure you carry your passport tovalidate the licence.. Irish Driving Licence - standard Irish pink licence.. Minimum age for driving in France provided youhold a full UK or Irish driving licence is 18 for a car. . Company car owners may need proof ofauthorisation to use the vehicle.Please check with Reservations or your car hirecompany for details of any age restrictions that mayapply when driving a hire car in Europe. Mandatory Items: . Warning triangle. Spare bulbs. Fire extinguisher. First aid kit. Headlight Converters. GB or IRL sticker . Luminous jackets (Italy, France, Spain & Portugal)Safety & Security:As in the UK or Ireland you should take all sensibleprecautions when driving and leaving your car. Please also note the following:. Seat belts are compulsory for front and rear seatoccupants if fitted.. Drink driving regulations vary by country.. Motoring Holiday Insurance.. Accidents must be reported to the police beforeleaving the scene.. Driving rules and regulations differ from country tocountry.Safety Belts:Like the UK or Ireland, it is compulsory for front andrear seat passengers to wear seat belts in cars andminibuses if fitted. Children under 10 (12 in Spain andHolland) cannot travel as front-seat passengers withthe exception of a baby up to nine months and lessthan 9kg. A rear facing restraint should not be used ina front seat with an airbag. Italy: Infants up to 9 months must be seated in ababy seat. Children who are aged over 9 months butunder 4 years must travel in secured child seats onthe back passenger seat. Accidents:If you are involved in an accident, you should alwaysstop, turn on your hazard warning lights and place awarning triangle behind your car.You must get medical help if anyone is injured andreport the accident to the police. You have to notifyyour insurer within 24 hours.Lights:You should plan before you set off on your holiday toalter your headlights ready for driving abroad. This isso you do not dazzle oncoming drivers.You can do this by fitting headlamp beam converterswhich are available at car spares shops.Warning Triangles:If you don't have a warning triangle, it is essential youpurchase one for travelling abroad, as it is compulsoryin most countries to warn of an obstruction ahead. Please note that warning Hazard lights should not beused instead of a warning triangle.Driving Offences:Fines for traffic offences may be payable on the spot.Make sure the police give you a receipt for the amountof the fine paid. Ensure you have your driving licencewith you at all times.Many European countries now adopt a 'zero-tolerance'policy on drinking and driving, therefore it is advisablenot to have any alcohol before driving. If the offence isserious enough you could face imprisonment.In France, anyone caught travelling at more than25km/h above the speed limit can have their licenceconfiscated on the spot. Radar traps are frequent.Check the latest driving information inEuropeonline at:France: www.autoroutes.frSpain: www.driving.drive-alive.co.ukItaly: www.autostrade.itPortugal: www.drivingabroad.co.ukHolland: www.alltravelholland.com/Croatia: www.autoeurope.com/guides/croatiaMotorways:France has over 8,000km of motorways of which mostare toll roads - autoroutes des péages. To join amotorway you just need to follow signs with 'parAutoroute'. Signs which say péage or par péage willlead to toll roads. Most motorways charge tolls exceptfor certain sections near large towns and cities.Spain & Portugal has a great network of motorways(most are toll) and fast dual carriageways (autovias).Italy has an excellent network of motorways(autostrada), where tolls are payable on nearly allmotorways. The middle lane of three-lane roads isforpassing. Passing on the right is permitted whenthe driver ahead has signalled a left turn and hasmoved to the centre of the road or when multiplelanes are travelling in your direction. Motorway signsare always green.Motorways in Hollandare toll free. Tolls may becharged at some bridges and tunnels.There is currently about 1060km of motorway inCroatia. Tolls are only present on the E59 and E70that lead out of Zagreb.Driving in Darkness:When you drive in the hours of darkness/dusk, youmust drive with your headlights on. If you are caughtwith just your side lights on this could lead to an on-the-spot fine.Petrol Stations:France: Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane) isavailable everywhere. Lead replacement petrol 'SuperARS' is available as is diesel 'Gasoil' and GPL. Paymentcards (credit/charge/debit) are accepted at most fillingstations, but automatic pumps/automatic fueldispensers currently only accept domestic cards. Spain & Portugal: Some fuel stations accept creditcards, but not the automatic pumps. Regular leadedpetrol has an octane rating of 98, the octane rating ofsuper is 97. Unleaded petrol is called gasolina sinplomo, Diesel is called Gasóleo. Unleaded super petrolhas an octane rating of 95 or 98.Italy:You will find most petrol stations on themotorway are open 24 hours a day, seven days aweek. On Sundays and on Italian public holidays youwill find limited petrol stations open on normal roads(probably just one in each area). Unleaded (95 and 98octane) and lead replacement petrol (benzina)available, as is diesel (gasolio) and LPG. Paymentcards (credit/charge/debit) are accepted at most fillingstations along most major towns, but automaticpumps only accept Euro notes (5, 10 and 20).Holland: Credit cards are accepted at most fillingstations. Regular unleaded is called loodvrije benzene(octane 95 or 98). No leaded petrol available.As a general rule: Petrol stations are generally closedon Sunday with the exception of credit card operatedfuel pumps. Motorway service stations are usuallyopen 7 days a week.Croatia: Most are open from 6am to 8pm with someopen 24 hours. Make sure to keep an eye on your fuelgauge as fuel stations can be few and far between inthe countryside.We strongly recommend that you obtain an International Motor Insurance Certificate (green card), from your motor insurer. Itis important tocheck what cover you have abroad as a Green Card may not always be issued.Useful Numbers:France:. Fire.........................................................................Tel. 18. Police.....................................................................Tel. 17. Ambulance..........................................................Tel. 15 *Or dial the number given in the nearest callbox, or if no number is given call the police.. European Emergency....................................Tel. 112Spain:. Fire.........................................................................Tel. 080 . Police.....................................................................Tel. 091. Ambulance..........................................................Tel. 061. European Emergency....................................Tel. 112Portugal:. Fire.........................................................................Tel. 112. Police.....................................................................Tel. 112. Ambulance..........................................................Tel. 112. European Emergency....................................Tel. 112Italy:. Fire.........................................................................Tel. 115. Police.....................................................................Tel. 113. Ambulance..........................................................Tel. 118. European Emergency ...................................Tel. 112Holland:. Fire.........................................................................Tel. 112. Police.....................................................................Tel. 112. Ambulance..........................................................Tel. 112. National number police,no emergency......................................Tel. 0900 8844Croatia:. Fire.........................................................................Tel. 93. Police.....................................................................Tel. 92. Ambulance..........................................................Tel. 94. European Emergency....................................Tel. 112Speed Limits:France:Motorways.......................................130kph80mphDual Carriageways.......................110kph68mphUrban Stretches............................110kph68mphParis ring road..................................80kph49mphIn built up areas..............................50kph31mphOutside built-up areas..................90kph55mphSpain:Motorways.......................................120kph74mphOutside built-up areas..................90kph55mphBuilt-up areas...................................50kph31mphItaly:Motorways - vehicles up to 1099cc.............110kph 68mph- vehicles over 1099cc................130kph80mphUrban Stretches..............................90kph55mphDual Carriageways.......................110kph68mphBuilt-up Areas...................................50kph31mphPortugal:Built-up (Urban) areas:............50 km/h 30 mphOther (Rural) roads:..................90 km/h54 mphMotorways: ................................120 km/h72 mph(minimum 50 km/h = 30 mph)Holland:On Motorway:................................120kph74mphIn Towns:..............................................50kph31mphOn Major roads:...............................80kph50mphCroatia:Motorways.......................................130kph80mphOutside built-up areas...............100kph62mphBuilt-up areas...................................60kph37mphthomsonalfresco.co.uk

Before You GoInternational Road SignsHere is a quick checklist to help you prepare for your holiday. We hope it helps you to ensure those vital things are packed so yourholiday runs smoothly.PassportsMake sure your passport is valid. Ifyou need to apply for a new one,allow at least four weeks for it to beprocessed. For more details contact:UK Passport Service:Tel: 08705 210 410www.passport.gov.ukIrish Passport Service:www.foreignaffairs.gov.ieVisasVisas are not usually required forUK/Irish Passport holders travelling toEurope. If in doubt, check with therelevant Consulate or Embassy atleast 6 weeks before travel.Travel referenceMost airlines and ferry operators donot issue tickets anymore but rather aunique reference number. Yourreference number is on your itinerarywhich you will need to take with youto the departure airport or ferry port.Holiday insurance detailsUK & foreign currencyEuros for the road tollsTraveller's cheques and/or credit cardsBooking confirmationTravelling in your carCar breakdown insuranceDriving licenceGB or IRL stickerCar manual or handbookTravel guides and mapsLocal mapsPocket dictionaryPhrase book Fire extinguisherHeadlight convertersSpare bulbsFirst aid kitLuminous jacketWarning triangleRefreshmentsCoffeeTeaSugarPowdered milkPacket soupWaterToiletriesBeddingCrystal Al Fresco provide pillows andblankets, however you will need:pillow cases and sheets (bring yourown duvets or extra blankets if you wish)NecessitiesAlarm clockCamera and filmSunglassesPenNote bookMatchesSun creamTowelsTea towelsFirst-aid kitPlastersBandagesAntiseptic ointmentInsect bite creamInsect repellentCotton woolThermometerTweezersScissorsTravel sickness tabletsParacetamolSafety pinsSunburn lotionStomach settlerN.B: Tweezers, scissors and any othersharp items are not allowed in handluggage on flightsKeep the children amusedMagazines, comics, booksPuzzles booksToys, games, jigsawsTravel gamesColouring books, notebook andpens/felt-tips, pencil crayonsJust before you goMake copies of your passport,insurance policy plus 24-houremergency number, and travel details- leave copies with family and friends. Leave a copy of your itinerary and away of contacting you with friendsand family.List all Credit Card numbers and storeseparately.Check your mobile phone is usableabroad.Cancel newspapers.Cancel milk.Turn off, or set your heating low.Water plants.Make sure your windows are locked.Holiday Check List and International Road Signs55thomsonalfresco.co.uk