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Great Britain has some beautiful countryside and bustling cities and, being an island, there is always miles of coast just a few hours drive away offering everything from long sandy beaches to picturesque cliffs. On top of this, there is the rest of Europe just over the English Channel offering a diverse selection of cultures waiting to be explored. What better way is there to explore these countries than from the comfort and freedom of a motorhome?
Most seasoned motorhome drivers will know the basics about the different rules and regulations of driving in European countries, but if you don't, you'll need to know them. Ignorance is not an excuse and certainly not one that will sit with a foreign policeman who may end up pulling you over.
There are a few rules that apply when it comes to driving in Europe that you will need to be aware of. The majority of Western Europe countries drive on the right hand side of the road and give way to traffic coming from the left on roundabouts. I know this may sound a little patronizing, but this must always be in your conscious mind. This also means you should leave extra room when over taking to make sure you can see if anything's coming.
If you're driving your own right hand drive motorhome in Europe, most European countries specify you must have headlight beam deflectors. Because vehicles in the UK drive on the left, the headlights automatically point towards the left slightly (so you don't blind on coming traffic), since oncoming traffic on the continent is going to be on your left, you're required to have deflectors on your motorhome to stop your headlights going straight into the eyes of oncoming drivers.
Although drinking and driving is a serious offence in the UK, there an even lower tolerance in Europe, with most western Europe countries, being over 0.5mg/ml (the UK limit is 0.8mg/ml) can results in on the spot fines, confiscation of your licence and/or motorhome or imprisonment.
Although most responsible motorhome drivers will always carry warning triangles, high visibility jackets and spare bulbs when driving in Europe, it is actually a legal requirement in most European countries. Spain for example specifies you carry two warning triangles, as well as a spare pair of glasses if the driver's eyesight is impaired. Your motorhome should also display identification it's from the UK too, most modern vehicles will have this on the number plate anyway, but if you're motorhome doesn't, you'll need a GB sticker on the back of it. Again, failure to comply with any of these can results in serious repercussions,
Speed cameras and speed traps tend to be a little stricter than in the UK too, the speed limits are displayed as km/h rather than mph, if caught speeding you can again be subject to on the spot fines or even imprisonment. Different countries will have different rules regarding speeding on their roads, in France; speed camera detectors are illegal even if they're turned off. The German Autobahns may have no speed limit as such, but many stretches of it do.
Be aware of individual regulations in different countries, many cities in Germany have low emission zones for which your motorhome may require a permit to travel through. In Spain, not indicating correctly on motorways when you're over taking, pulling back in or pulling on or off the motorway can result in a fine. In order to use the motorways in Switzerland and some other European roads, you must have a Vignette, this can be purchased either in advance or at border control, this is a toll tax and must be displayed in your motorhome window.
Every county is different, and they all have something different and unique to offer. Make sure you know about any laws and driving regulations that can affect you (even if it's just an hour or two with Google one afternoon). Make sure all your documentation is up to date and take it with you (ensure it's always kept somewhere safe). Don't forget to have fun and be safe.
