Driving in Europe 2016

Today's cars are more reliable than those a generation ago, but the extended high-speed driving of a trip to continental Europe works an engine hard. Most drivers hoping to avoid the inconvenience of a breakdown will treat their car to a full service before setting off, but at the very least it's prudent to check fluid levels and tyre condition.

Make your breakdown someone else's problem

A roadside repair is always worth a go, and tremendously rewarding if you pull it off, but most of us on holiday are likely to be short on tools- if not technical expertise. Buying a good breakdown policy in advance of the trip is a wise investment. Prices vary wildly between providers so do your research. Provided your car or motorbike is less than 20 years old, and your trip is no longer than 31 days in total, then you’re eligible for cover from the ETA. Every policy includes motorcycle hire for up to 14 days to a maximum of £60 per day and if your bike cannot be repaired within 72 hours it is repatriated to your home. Get an instant quote for euro breakdown cover

Breakdown in Europe - French motorways

If you breakdown on a motorway in France you are obliged to use the emergency phones at the side of the road to call out a recovery service operated by the French police – nobody else is permitted to attend broken down vehicles on this type of road. The fee they charge is usually covered by your breakdown provider (a typical charge for coming out to top you up with fuel around 150 Euros). While on the subject of motorways, it’s worth noting that in France lower speed limits apply to visiting drivers who have held a driving licence for less than two years (motorways 110 kph rather than 130 kph, open roads 80 kph rather than 90 kph and dual carriageways 100 kph rather than 110 kph)

Breathalyser law in France

Disposable breathalyzer kits for drivers are required by French law, but there is no fine for not having a breathalyzer in your car. In January 2013, the French government said the fine for not having an unused breathalyzer with you (which was to have been €11) has been postponed indefinitely. In other words, you are supposed to take one but there is no fine imposed for non-compliance.

Documents you should take with you:

• Driving licence
• Vehicle registration document (V5)
• Motor insurance certificate
• Passport
• European breakdown call-out number – 0044 870 77 44 565 for those with ETA European cover

ETA breakdown cover

As well as being 100% carbon neutral, breakdown cover from the ETA offers an unparallelled level of service.

Established over 24 years ago, and with over 5,000 recovery trucks on call 24/7, we have a proven track record of providing efficient, reliable breakdown cover.

We handpick only the best local mechanics and garages to send out if you break down. We believe this way of working is efficient, environmentally friendly and helps supports local communities and economies, too.

Find out more and get a quote