Has anyone driven to the Continent recently? I'm intending to fit headlight convertors, and perhaps pop some spare bulbs in the glovebox. However, has anyone ever been inspected to see if they have a warning triangle, or first aid kit?

Is there anything else I should take (aside from insurance documents and V5)? A fire extinguisher would be a wicked waste of space, when you consider how cheap Pernod is over there...

Has anyone driven to the Continent recently? I'm intending to fit headlight convertors' date=' and perhaps pop some spare bulbs in the glovebox. However, has anyone ever been inspected to see if they have a warning triangle, or first aid kit?

Is there anything else I should take (aside from insurance documents and V5)? A fire extinguisher would be a wicked waste of space, when you consider how cheap Pernod is over there...[/quote']

Never been inspected, and never known of anyone ever having problems.

I wouldn't bother with headlamp convertors unless your going to be doing a lot of night driving?

The first aid kit and fire extinguisher i would recommend however. Ok so one less bottle of booze but if it could be the difference between the car or a pile of ash.

I'm not keen on the idea of fire extinguishers...I personally wouldn't want to tackle a car fire, as I'm not trained or practiced in tackling them. If I smell smoke, I'll be out of the car, over the crash barrier and off up the hill!

I will be mainly driving in the dark, so I'll make sure I sort my lights out. I guess a first aid kit would be a good thing to get: I see Skoda do a back that fits in an oddly shaped space in the boot.

Someone told me the French authorities had cracked down on UK cars, but I wondered if it was true, or tabloid scare stories.

I'm going to be driving through France, Germany, Austria, Holland and Belgium in May next year, so any tips would be appreciated...

I've got a First Aid Kit, Warning Triangle, Fire Extinguisher and I'm sure I can get some Headlight Sticker-Things and some spare bulbs...

Oh, one thing... Make sure you leave your speed camera/radar/laser detector at home before you go into France. They don't like them at all.

Top Gear has some useful info below on legal requirements.

http://www.topgear.com/content/features/stories/owning_a_car/01/modules/08_driving_abroad/02/

Remember to take an E111 for the minimal medical cover that provides. A driving licence needs to be photocard plus paper if you have the former.

I think that all adds up to:

Passport

Full driving licence

V5 vehicle registration document and letter of authority to drive the vehicle if your name and address are not shown on the V5

Insurance certificate - showing Green Card cover and bail bond cover if going to Spain

E111

Car breakdown cover*

Holiday/medical insurance*

Headlight converters

Spare bulbs and fuses

First aid Kit

Red warning triangle

GB sticker (or new Euro-plate which includes GB)

1kg fire extinguisher

I would (and do) take the following:

Torch

Free-standing hazard warning light

Hi vis coat or waistcoat

Tow rope

Decent Continental road atlas

* Added retrospectively.

You may also want to invest in some breakdown cover, in case the unexpected happens. Might also want to take a warm blanket or two as well in case you break down, but that might be covered by other luggage you're going to be carrying

Chris

Chances are, you won't get stopped and you'll get away with it.

Problems arise when you DO get stopped, particualrly in France, where plod just loves nabbing speeding Brits atm..

I got the full kit when i went to Czech in august, better to be safe than sorry.

As for the Fire Extinguisher, wouldn't you just kick yourself if a minor engine bay fire gutted your car, just because you "saved"

This reminds me:-

There used to be a headlamp-converter-HOWTO for Octavias somewhere on the old Briskoda site. It seems to have disappeared in one of the upgrades, though. Fortunately, I had a paper copy lying around, and I made up some headlamp masks & fitting templates to use on a recent Booze Cruise.

I'll have to scan them in and write up a new HOWTO some time soon.

EDIT: Some extra points:-

Hi-vis waistcoats/jackets are now compulsory for driving on Spanish motorways. If you have to stop for any reason, you can't get out of the car without wearing one. This means that (a) at least one must be carried in the passenger cabin (for the first person to get out of the car), and you must carry as many extra (can be in the boot) as you have passengers.

If you don't have a "Euro" number plate, but don't want a sticky GB badge messing up your car's paintwork, try a magnetic GB badge (e.g. from Halfords). Sticks a treat on the tailgate, but pulls off without a trace.

Why are Gb stickers compulsary?

Are they specially made so they dont have rip off when removed?

Why are Gb stickers compulsary?

Are they specially made so they dont have rip off when removed?

Get a magnetic one, i guarantee they stay firmly attached up to 140 mph

They are compulsory, except in EU countries when you have the correct "Euro" plate.

Normal Plates in EU country = GB sticker needed

"Euro" Plates in EU countries =No Sticker needed.

Any Plate in non-EU country = Sticker needed.

HTH

When you get the headlamp convertors, try and get some that are re-usable if you are planning on returning. I bought some from halfrauds that worked fine, but wouldn't come off without leaving the sticky bit behind which was then a night mare to get off, and of course means that you can't reuse them. My parents have a set they have been using for donkeys, they peel off just fine.

This reminds me:-

There used to be a headlamp-converter-HOWTO for Octavias somewhere on the old Briskoda site. It seems to have disappeared in one of the upgrades' date=' though. [/quote']

Yes, Mike, I know which one you mean but can't find it either.

Meanwhile, this one will be of interest too:

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/t10227-euro-driving---bad-news.html

I've bought a set of headlamp protectors, so I can stick the convertors to them, then take the protectors off...looks like a good option if I go to the continent regularly.

I've bought a set of headlamp protectors, so I can stick the convertors to them, then take the protectors off...looks like a good option if I go to the continent regularly.

Was just going to suggest that Or get two sets of protectors and put the convertors on one and use the other ones while you're here ... much cheaper than a new headlight

Chris

You can buy the protectors with the stickers already on. As the design of the headlamps does not allow for the std buy deflectors to align correctly, you need to buy these or contact Skoda customer services for a template of the correct shape.

Headlamp convertors? - just unscrew the front indicators and move the leaver, ten min job.

Geoff are you going back to Checkoslovokia, if you are give me a shout.

.

Geoff are you going back to Checkoslovokia' date=' if you are give me a shout. [/quote']

Possibly before xmas, if i get the next stint of night shifts confirmed in the next week or so.

If not, i'm off from Dec 24th to Jan 10, so plenty of time there.

Will definitely be going next year too

Possibly before xmas' date=' if i get the next stint of night shifts confirmed in the next week or so.

If not, i'm off from Dec 24th to Jan 10, so plenty of time there.

Will definitely be going next year too [/quote']

Bugger - I was thinking next year, I have a Spanish wedding on the 5th December and Christmas party booked for the 24th, then back to Nigeria on the 28th - Give me a shout if you are going back next year and I will work out my rota, would love to go with 66, as I am thinking of selling her end of next year, need a left hand drive now.

GAZ...

Gaz,

Easter is very likely for a trip next year, and then again in the Summer.

Gaz' date='

Easter is very likely for a trip next year, and then again in the Summer. [/quote']

just talking to the missus, she is up for it will get back to with dates

Gaz' date='

Easter is very likely for a trip next year, and then again in the Summer. [/quote']

Total of 1479 miles, thats 384 miles to the French Border, the 607 miles to the German border, then 351 miles to the Cezch border then 137 to Prague

4 days driving (taken in the sites) 7 days there and 4 days back, nice holiday.

Total of 1479 miles' date=' thats 384 miles to the French Border, the 607 miles to the German border, then 351 miles to the Cezch border then 137 to Prague

4 days driving (taken in the sites) 7 days there and 4 days back, nice holiday.

[/quote']

Aye, it's just over 1000 miles from here to the border if i go via Dover.

Ferry to Amsterdam cuts a fair few miles off though, so that's the preferred option from now on

It's a really nice place, i never thought it would be my cup of tea but i love it

I'm sure Mrs Gaz will love the shopping too, stay out of Prague & the tourist areas like Karlovy Vary and there's some bargains to be had

Will get back to you on dates

Could this be a group holiday - :nono: No caravans :nono: - You just never know

Will get back to you on dates

Could this be a group holiday - :nono: No caravans :nono: - You just never know

No probs on dates, summer hol is any time i like, and Easter can be moved to suit as i can work the days i should be off and take them later

Group hol...why not, if anyone else fancies it.

Drop me a PM me you have an idea of dates

Headlamp convertors? - just unscrew the front indicators and move the leaver, ten min job.

Does this relate to a Fabia without Xenons?