 | | | |  General Driving Directions
Restrictions and
Rules, Safety, Maps and Forums
| | The first thing you may notice when driving in a foreign country is that the roadway signs are different. In many countries, the speed limit is posted in kilometers, and warnings will be written in the country's native language. Sometimes, speed limits are not posted at all, and drivers will travel much faster than the driver is accustomed to traveling. Depending on what part of the world you are driving in, you may find that travellers drive on the left-hand side of the road and that the steering wheel is located on the right-hand side of the car.
Check to see if the country where you will be driving requires mandatory equipment in the vehicle. Frequent mandatory items include: first aid kit, reflective warning triangle, reflective vest, spare fuses and light bulbs, fire extinguisher.
It may be wise to practice driving in a less populated area before you try to drive in a foreign city at rush hour.
Know your route of travel.
Chart your course of travel before you take to the road, and keep a good map with you.
Always have at least one-half tank of gas.
Make sure that the lights, signals, horn, and brakes work properly.
Avoid driving after dark, especially in rural areas.
Always park in places that have good lighting.
Always use safety belts. Some countries have penalties for violation of seat belt laws.
After exiting or entering the car, lock the doors.
In many countries, driving while under the influence is a very serious crime that could result in severe criminal penalties. Never drink and drive.
Avoid riding motorcycles. If you do ride a motorcycle, make sure you wear a helmet.
Obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry your IDP and your both, the National and the International, driver's license with you at all times.
Look at maps and plan your route thoroughly. Check for online maps and route planning systems.
Research the roads you値l take. You値l especially want to know if you値l be traveling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the maps you are using are up-to-date. Check the roads before you go!Make estimates of travel times along the route, so you値l have an idea when you値l be at certain points on your trip. This will help you to plan rest and meal stops. It will also help you plan to avoid traveling through a major city or area of road construction during rush hour.Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels and have the oil changed. Don稚 wait until the last minute, it may take time to get an appointment and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around town and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.Check the condition of your wiper blades.
Check the operation of your turn signals, brake lights as well as the high and low beams.
Examine the tread on your tires.
Make sure your car is prepared for the weather it will encounter on your trip.
Today, many cars have alloy wheels instead of hubcaps. These wheels usually have a lock to prevent them from being stolen. If you have a car with wheel locks, make sure you know where the key is stored (often with the jack). Otherwise, a flat tire will become a major problem since you won't be able to get the wheel off the car.
Get your car cleaned. You値l feel better in a clean car.Pack an emergency kit in your car. Include motion sickness medication if anyone in your group suffers from it. Remove any items from the car that you won稚 need on your trip.Prepare some on road entertainment for your trip. Include games and CDs of music and/or audio books.
Check your plates, registration and insurance information to make sure they are all valid. Be sure to place your insurance company痴 emergency contact number in your car.Check your insurance for expiration dates and coverage for your automobile.
Safety First
Seat Belts: No matter where you are driving, it is imperative that you wear your seat belt. Almost all countries this is a strict law, but aside from that seatbelts are there to save your life, so make use of them.
Avoid the temptation of road rage. Honking and yelling at the drivers around you is probably more likely to make someone get out their tire iron than to help get traffic moving. Be patient.
Drive carefully and slowly in wet and windy weather. If possible, stop and wait for the weather to settle down.
Fully service your car before leaving and ensure everything is running correctly. Local Regulations
It is wise to learn in advance the rules and regulations of the country to which you are traveling. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than they are at home. Exercise good judgment and remember that some countries have a "zero tolerance" policy with severe penalties for those driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs. Drug violations, firearms possession, photography of government or military installations, and antiques purchases are frequent cause of detention by local authorities. |
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| | Country | In Built-Up Areas | Outside Built-Up Areas | On Motorways | | Austria | 50 | 100 | 130 | | Belgium | 50 | 90 or 120 | 120 | | Cyprus | 50 | 80 | 100 | | Czech Republic | 50 | 90 | 130 | | Germany * | 50 | 100 | 130 (*) | | Denmark | 50 | 80 | 110 | | Spain | 50 | 90 or 100 | 120 | | Estonia | 50 | 90 or 110 | - | | France | 50 | 90 or 110 | 130 | | Finland | 50 | 80 or 100 | 120 | | United Kingdom | 48
(30 miles) | 96 or 112
(60 or 70 miles) | 112
(70 miles) | | Greece | 50 | 90 or 110 | 120 | | Hungary | 50 | 90 or 110 | 130 | | Italy | 50 | 90 or 110 | 130 | | Ireland ** | 50 | 80 or 100 | 120 | | Luxembourg | 50 | 90 | 130 | | Lithuania | 50 | 90 or 100 | 110 or 130 | | Latvia | 50 | 90 or 100 | - | | Malta | 50 | 80 | - | | The Netherlands | 50 | 80 or 100 | 120 | | Poland | 50 or 60 | 90 | 130 | | Portugal | 50 | 90 or 100 | 120 | | Sweden | 50 | 70 or 90 | 110 | | Slovakia | 60 | 90 | 130 | | Slovenia | 50 | 90 or 100 | 130 | | * In Germany 130 km/h is a recommended maximum.
** The measurement of speed limits on Irish roads changed to kilometres per hour from miles per hour in January 2005. | | There are toll roads in many countries including Austria, the Czech Republic, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and the United Kingdom. Visitors using Austrian motorways and "A" roads must possess and display a toll label or vignette on their vehicle. These can be bought at all major border crossings into Austria and at larger petrol stations. The Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia have a similar system of a sticker affixed to the windscreen. | |
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