Welcome
If you are visiting Europe and wish to hire a car then you need to be aware of several possible pitfalls before you arrive. If you intend to stay within a single country during a visit to Europe then these problems are not so prolific, whichever car rental firms use choose to use to supply your hire car will be able to preview upon local driving laws and regulations as well as provide local knowledge. However, if you intend to cross national boundaries during your touring holiday then you need to consider that many countries in Europe require a valid international driving licence before you may operate a motor vehicle within their borders. Additionally, some countries insist upon specific safety equipment being carried in the vehicle at all times, failure to carry such equipment can result in hefty fines.
It is important that you warn your hire company in advance if you intend to take their vehicle across national boundaries, this will allow them to obtain a vehicle and make sure all of the relevant equipment is available and that the documentation is in order to enable quick and simple border crossings. Some of the larger hire companies will allow you to pick up your vehicle in one country and drop it off in another at the end of your vacation. Touring Europe in your own hire car can be a rewarding experience, as long as you make sure that your way of local laws and legislation in each of the countries you intend to visit. |