Travelling Abroad with Your Motorhome; Things You Must Know

Country-Specific Road Rules
The single most important thing to remember is that the rules of the road tend to be very different from one European country to the next. Given the fact that you may be crossing any number of borders within the same day, this means taking into account the relevant changes in road law each time. In accordance with where you plan to travel, it is therefore crucially important to check the specifics of the driving laws in every country you will pass through, before your trip begins.

Speed Limits
Speed restrictions must also be carefully considered – specifically those that apply to motorhomes. The reason being that while the motorway speed limit for a 3.5-tonne motorhome in Portugal is 110kmh, it is just 50kmh in Gibraltar. Likewise, the standard motorway speed limit in Belgium is 120kmh, though upon crossing the border into neighbouring nations it immediately plummets to 80kmh.

Documentation
In terms of documentation, it is compulsory to carry your driving license with you at all times along with your current Motorhome Insurance policy. It is of extreme importance to check with your insurance provider before setting off that you are in fact covered for driving in Europe. You might also want to consider additional insurance options, such as international recovery and roadside assistance.

Taxation
In certain countries, it is necessary to buy a permit either to use its motorways or to drive through the country in general – one example being Austria. Double check the specifics of the country you intend to travel to, in order to ensure you have all necessary permits upon your arrival.

Essential Equipment
Many European countries are very specific when it comes to the kind of equipment you are required by law to carry during your trip. Once again, the rules change from one country to the next, but it is nonetheless a good idea to ensure you have the following:

• Warning Triangle – Mandatory in most countries, though if you drive in Spain or Croatia, it is necessary to carry at least two.
• First Aid Kit – Common sense in all countries, but a legal requirement in Greece, Germany, France, Croatia and Austria.
• Reflective Jacket – Also important for safety, but must be carried by law in Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Croatia, Belgium and Austria.
• Fire Extinguisher – You must have a working fire extinguisher in your motorhome when travelling through Switzerland, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Italy.
• Spare Bulbs – In the vast majority of countries across Europe, it is either a legal requirement or highly recommended that spare bulbs be carried at all times.
• Spare Tyres – For obvious reasons, it should be considered mandatory to carry at least one spare tyre throughout your trip.
• Nationality Sticker – A nationality sticker is also mandatory when driving in Europe.

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