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How to Avoid Hefty Fines when Driving Abroad: 9 Important Things to Consider

November 14, 2022 by Sand and Snow Author

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Travelers have been urged to prepare properly when driving abroad to avoid dangerous situations and hefty fines.The holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have told drivers the nine most important things to consider before getting behind the wheel in another country. Here’s the scoop on how to drive safely abroad

How to Avoid Hefty Fines when Driving Abroad- 9 Important Things to Consider - red sports car

How to Avoid Hefty Fines when Driving Abroad: 9 Important Things to Consider

Every country has a unique set of driving laws and regulations that visitors may be unaware of from the equipment you should be carrying to the way the car’s headlights work.

So, drivers must ensure that they have done their research and are prepared to provide the necessary documentation and have insurance that covers them abroad in case something goes wrong on the road.A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Driving abroad can be daunting, so a bit of preparation can go a long way toward providing some peace of mind.

“People shouldn’t just jump behind the wheel without basic understanding of the local traffic rules in the place they’re travelling to.

“Along with making sure you’re complying with the driving laws, you must also ensure that your vehicle is correctly equipped and check to see whether you need an international driving permit or emissions sticker.”

“If you manage to tick these boxes, then driving on holiday is a great option for sightseeing, as its budget friendly and gives you more freedom.”

Here’s a great checklist for getting prepared to drive abroad:

Research local traffic rules 

Drivers should get familiar with international driving regulations to prevent unintentionally disobeying the law overseas.

In some countries people can have a few drinks before getting behind the wheel, whereas some have zero tolerance when it comes to drink driving. Motorists may have to get ready to drive on the opposite side of the road or keep their headlights on at all times. The speed limits also vary a lot from country to country.

Make sure you have insurance

It’s important to ensure that the vehicle, whether it’s hired or your own, is covered by insurance in case you get into an accident on the road. Having a good breakdown cover guarantees a stress-free trip and makes sure that car issues won’t ruin the trip.

Motorists can upgrade their existing cover so it’s valid abroad or it’s also possible to take out a short breakdown policy for just a single trip.

How to Avoid Hefty Fines when Driving Abroad- 9 Important Things to Consider - Compact car
A European compact car

Check if you need an international driving permit

You may need to apply for an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. IDP contains an authorized translation of your domestic license. The document allows you to drive in more than 140 non-EU countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan.

Bring the required documents 

Other documents that drivers should carry are a valid driving licence, passport, vehicle registration documents, car rental paperwork, documentation of motor and travel insurance and a visa if required.

Make sure your car is correctly equipped 

In many European countries it’s compulsory to have a safety equipment kit in the car. The kit generally contains a reflective vest, a safety triangle, first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

It’s also important to check if you need specific tires in the country that you’re traveling to. For example, during colder months some countries legally require drivers to use winter tires.

How to Avoid Hefty Fines when Driving Abroad- 9 Important Things to Consider - sports car

Check if you need an emissions sticker 

Some European countries have put in place an emissions sticker scheme to curb pollution by only allowing vehicles that pollute the environment at a minimum rate to enter larger cities. The stickers identify the car’s emission levels and in their absence drivers’ risk of getting a hefty fine.

Get headlight converters

When using a personal car to travel to a country where people drive on the opposite side of the road, drivers must get headlight converters. They’re stickers that regulate the dipped beam of headlights and keep oncoming drivers from being dazzled.

Use a GPS

A map app on your phone or vehicle navigation system comes in very handy when driving in an unfamiliar place. It enables people to focus on driving instead of having to find their way around in a new environment.

Service your vehicle

When using their own vehicle for a road trip, drivers should ensure that it’s in good condition before setting off. Drivers will have that extra peace of mind knowing that it’s highly unlikely that the car will break down on the journey by having it serviced at the local garage before the trip.

Filed Under: On the Go, Travel Tagged With: driving abroad

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