Mycompanyfleet offers tips for driving abroad

With the summer holidays upon us, fleet software specialist Mycompanyfleet is offering advice to drivers taking their company vehicles abroad and also warning of the potential pitfalls.

Mycompanyfleet offers tips for driving abroad

With the summer holidays upon us, fleet software specialist Mycompanyfleet is offering advice to drivers taking their company vehicles abroad and also warning of the potential pitfalls.

Peter Lawson, Mycompanyfleet Business Director, said: “More and more of us are taking our cars abroad and this summer looks likely to be no different.

“But there are some definite do’s and don’ts to driving abroad and we thought now would be a great time to remind drivers of some of them.”

Mycompanyfleet tips on safe driving abroad this summer:

1. Get the car checked, especially the filters, belts, fluid levels, wipers, tyres and oil.
Don’t wait until the last minute. It may take time to get an appointment at the garage and parts may need to be ordered. You also want some time to drive around before you go and make sure that whatever they fixed stays fixed.

2. Research the roads you’ll take.
 You will especially want to know if you’ll be travelling through areas of major road construction. Ensure the navigation software/maps you are using are up-to-date. Check the roads before you go! You may also want to find out ahead of time, which routes are heavily frequented (especially, when school holidays start or end). Good sources here are the local automobile clubs.

3. Carry a warning triangle, a complete set of spare bulbs, first aid kit and safety jacket. 
This should comply with most European laws. In some countries a fire extinguisher must be carried in the vehicle. Also be aware that radar detection devices may be prohibited in some countries.

4. In most European countries it is compulsory to carry a reflective jacket.
This should be worn if the driver or passenger has to exit the car onto a motorway or main road. Please note that in some countries, such as France, the jacket has to be carried in the cabin rather than the boot of a car, and to not do so can result in a fine.

5. Almost all European countries have a blood alcohol limit 
 The best advice, if you’re driving, is don’t drink any alcohol – at all!

6. Seat belts front and rear are obligatory everywhere 
 Belt up at all times, applies to the kids as well!

7. Check your plates, registration and insurance information.
Be sure to place your insurance company’s emergency contact number in your car. Make sure the green insurance card is valid (if issued).

8. Check your driving licence is up to date.
You may use your EU licence for driving in other European Community member states. The member states are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Before you head off on your holiday make sure, you have in your possession:

• A spare set of keys.
• A country identifier sticker
• First aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs, warning triangle, safety jacket and (in some countries) a fire distinguisher. Generally, a torch might be helpful in case of breakdowns at night. 
• Registration document, driving licence, passport or ID card.
• Your motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers.

If you are using a leased or rented vehicle the registration certificate will normally be held by the company that supplied the vehicle. When travelling abroad it is important that drivers are able to produce documentation to show they are authorised to be in possession of the vehicle. The vehicle on-hire certificate (VE 103) has been developed to satisfy this requirement. The certificate, which is normally subject to a small administrative fee, is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

The VE103 form can be obtained by contacting your supplying leasing company. The form will be completed over the phone. You will be asked to provide the following information:
• Exact dates the car will be out of the country
• Countries to be visited
• Any additional drivers.

Upon completion, the relevant documentation will be sent to you by post. To make sure you receive this in time for your trip, please allow at least two week’s notice.

Also note that not all lease cars may come with European roadside support as a standard. Please check this either directly with your leasing company. Where additional cover is required, you may be responsible for organising its provision and the associated cost.

 “By following this simple advice and sticking to the rules there is no reason why driving abroad should be any trickier than here in the UK,” added Peter Lawson.
 

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