Sealand Travel Club Travel Tips, Driving In A Foreign Country
January 20, 2010
Driving Tips in Foreign Countries
There are many people willing to give you advice on travel from what to bring and when to go, to what’s going on and what to do. Travel tips and advice are everywhere. When preparing for a trip abroad it is good to check the government websites for things people may have missed. Sealand Travel Club wants you to have the best vacation possible, so here is some valuable information on travel abroad.
Though not everyone plans to drive while they are in a foreign country, some people traveling prefer the independence afforded to them by having their own car. Sealand Travel Club is here to provide you with some information on driving in countries other than the U.S. The excuse “I didn’t know that” won’t always do when you get stopped in another country. Be prepared, know what to bring, understand the rules on travel in the country you are visiting and obey all laws and you should have a safe and wonderful time on your vacation.
General Driving Laws In Foreign Countries
- Sealand Travel Club wants you to be prepared, so here is a list of general laws for driving in Europe.
- Don’t bring a radar detector, they are illegal in Europe.
- If you have GPS in your vehicle, check to make sure it does not include maps that indicate the location of fixed speed cameras as they are illegal in some countries.
- Check the rules in the area of travel to see if you are required to have and International Driving Permit (IDP). Most countries do require an IDP.
- Have some currency available to you during travel as many countries have toll roads. Check your route before you leave.
- Book your rental from the U.S. before you travel as it will generally save you money.
- Don’t go cheap, go reliable. Speed limits in many European countries is quite fast, a clunker might not work.
- Ask questions before you leave. What are the age restrictions, what is involved in your rental agreement, and are all the necessary items for the area in the car that are required by law?
Those are just the basics, Sealand Travel Club encourages you to spend time really looking into the rules and regulations in your country of travel before you leave. Many countries in Europe have laws that may seem quite odd to us. Here are some of the laws by country that you may not be aware of.
Laws For Driving By Country, Some Examples From Sealand Travel Club
Bosnia Herzegovina (South East Europe)
Use of dipped headlights during the day is mandatory
No child under 12 can be in the front seat
A person under the influence may not ride in the front seat
Green Card is mandatory
Czech Republic (Central Europe)
No alcohol may be found at all in system, it is considered a criminal offense
Use of dipped headlights during the day is mandatory
Police may confiscate your license on the spot for serious traffic offenses
Ukraine (Eastern Europe)
No alcohol may be found in your system
An IDP is compulsory
Must have a 3rd party insurance
Must carry a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and a warning triangle in your vehicle.
You must call the police in case of an accident if you are from out of country.
Sealand Travel Club would like you to enjoy your vacation, so be prepared and know the signs and rules of the road in your destination. Be aware of and follow the rules and you should have a great vacation.