ADVICE & INFORMATION
GB PLATES The new number plate format provides for the optional display of the Euro symbol – a circle of 12 stars with the Member State’s national identification letters (GB) below on a blue background – on the left-hand side of the plate. This permits motorists with such plates to dispense with the need for a separate national identification sticker when using their vehicles in other EU countries and Switzerland. Vehicles without such number plates are still required to have the GB sticker affixed to the rear of both car and caravan or motor caravan. Stickers are supplied free with Red Pennant Holiday Insurance.
REFLECTORISED VESTS These are compulsory in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, France, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Slovenia and Spain. In most cases it is required by law that the vests are put on before exiting your vehicle (so do not carry them the boot of your car.)You should carry a vest for each passenger in your vehicle. Vests can be purchased from the Caravan Club Shop.
WARNING TRIANGLE This is a legal requirement in most European countries. Two are required for towing in Spain.
LIGHTS Adjust your headlights so that the dipped beam does not dazzle oncoming drivers by using headlamp converters or beam benders available from most motor accessory shops, or from
www.travelspot.co.uk Even when not planning to drive at night, this will be required for tunnels or when visibility is poor. Most European Countries recommend that dipped headlights are used even during daylight hours, this requirement is compulsory in Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Hungary, Italy, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia and Sweden.
SATELLITE NAVIGATION Systems that include laser or radar detection that warn of mobile speed traps are illegal in nearly all European
countries.In France it is even illegal to carry this type of equipment in the boot of the car switched off. Satellite Navigation Systems that give a warning for fixed speed camera locations are legal in nearly all European countries as the locations of fixed speed cameras are normally available from motoring organisations and on-line route planning websites. However, the function to warn of fixed speed camera locations must be de-activated in Germany, Ireland and Switzerland.
CARRIAGE OF BICYCLES Bicycles may usually be carried on the roof of a car, providing they are attached to an adequate roof-rack and the total height does not exceed 4m. Bike racks attached to the back of vehicles must at no time obscure number plates, indicators or lights, and must be fit for purpose. Bike racks can only rest on the tow bar if the maximum weight allowed on the tow bar is not exceeded. In Spain and Italy any overhanging load must be indicated by a square marker board measuring 50cm x 50cm with reflectorised red and white diagonal stripes. This can be purchased from Fiamma stockists:
www.fiamma.com the marker boards are available in plastic and aluminium in Spain either type can be used, but in Italy the board must be made of aluminium.
Portuguese regulations stipulate that overhanging loads must not extend past the width of a vehicle, it is possible to have bikes attached to the back of a car providing your caravan is attached, however, once you have unhitched your caravan you will have to remove your bikes. Bikes can be transported on the back of caravans and motor caravans providing they do extend out more than 45cm. Cross channel operators will need to be advised in advance of your correct vehicle dimensions.
SPEED LIMITS IN FRANCE A new speed limit has been introduced in France as detailed in the table below. Gross vehicle weight – The weight of the vehicle when fully laden with luggage, passengers, etc to its maximum permitted capacity.
Gross train mass This information can normally be found in your owner’s manual, on a plate or sticker fitted to the vehicle or by contacting the manufacturer. In general terms the GTM is the gross vehicle weight plus its towing limit. (There are exceptions to this rule, if in any doubt please contact your vehicle manufacturer.)
Example Honda CR-V 2.2 i-CTDI SE Gross vehicle weight = 2160kg Towing limit
= 2000kg Gross train mass = 4160 kg
If you towed any trailer/caravan behind this car, you would need to tow at the lower speed limits regardless of how much your trailer weighs. Even if the Honda was towing a caravan weighing 1000kg (a total weight of 3160kg) the lower speed limits still would apply, because the gross train mass is over 3500kg.
The French Highway Code stipulates that 80 and 90 stickers must be displayed by vehicles required to drive at these lower limits. We asked the French Minister of Transport if UK registered outfits needed to comply with this requirement, and finally with the help of the European Commission we received the following reply:
We have checked with several Government Departments and Ministries (Interior, Gendarmerie, Industry and Transport) and we have concluded that the stickers are not mandatory but the speed limits are applicable.
Continued Please call us on 01342 316 101 or visit
www.caravanclub.co.uk 177
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