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Tips For Driving Abroad

Be researched

If you're planning to drive a long way to your destination or even to go on a driving holiday, work out your route in advance and make sure you have the relevant maps. If you plan to use a satnav, make sure it works wherever it is you're travelling, as some only have certain pre-loaded maps.

Be lawful

In France, for example, drivers must carry a high-visibility vest in their vehicles. In Vienna, it's illegal to use your car horn while it’s against the law to run out of fuel on an autobahn in Germany. Most European nations recommend carrying a spare bulb kit which will allow you to change your headlamps in the event of a problem. If you're heading to Spain or France you must carry this spare bulb kit by law.

Be insured

Your 123.ie insurance policy will cover you in most EU countries for up to 30 days but make sure you let us know where and when you’re going as you need to contact us to extend your cover before you take your car with you.

Be seen

When driving on European roads, motorists must use headlamp converters by law. This is due to the fact vehicles travel on the right-hand-side - the opposite side of the road to Ireland and the UK - meaning motorists could dazzle oncoming traffic with cars designed for Irish and British roads. Fitting headlamp converters will reposition the angle of your beam, ensuring the safety of other road users and giving you the right visibility of the road ahead.

Be compliant

A Euro sticker number plate may appear to be quite a small car accessory to be worrying about, but it is compulsory to have this displayed on your vehicle when traveling on the continent.

Be careful

While abroad, you will need to bring warning triangles with you to alert other drivers to the fact you are stationary - the number required or recommended depends on which country you will be traveling in. A warning triangle is required in most European nations, except the Netherlands and Germany, where it is recommended. When driving in Spain, the law states motorists should use two warning triangles.

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