Mike Waters' Blog: 3 July 2007

Date: 03 July 2007

Mike Waters is senior insight & consultancy manager at Arval, the leading vehicle leasing and fleet management company.

If your employees are in arranged contract hire agreements or plan to rent/lease vehicles upon their arrival in a foreign country, it is essential they are prepared.

• 1. Drivers travelling in Europe are required to keep their vehicle registration documents on them at all times. For rented or leased vehicles, a VE103 (vehicle/hire certificate) must be used as an alternative to the original registration document when driving in a foreign country. The consequences of not carrying this certificate can range from a significant fine to impounding the vehicle until the correct documentation is presented. A letter of authority or photocopy of the certificate CANNOT be used as a substitute.
• 2. It is also mandatory to carry your insurance details with you at all times when driving abroad. Insurance details must be obtained from your fleet manager or appropriate department prior to departure.
• 3. A full driving license is a requirement during your trip - it is necessary to take both your card and paper copy with you, ready to present if requested.

In specific countries it may also be necessary to take an up-to-date MOT certificate and vehicle log book.

As well as these documentation requirements, it is worth noting that different countries require you to carry specific equipment in the car. In Spain it is a requirement to have two warning triangles, reflective bulbs and a high visibility jacket in the vehicle.

It's also worth considering foreign legislation such as the use of mobile phones. A number of countries still allow the use of mobile phones behind the wheel, but others, including Spain, apply the same rules as the UK. On the spot fines will be issued to drivers caught using their phone without a headset.

Best practice for business drivers abroad is to be prepared. Consult your fleet manager or HR department prior to your visit and seek advice from a registered body to ensure you will be compliant with foreign regulations.

Plan ahead and avoid getting into more heat this summer!

Until next time

Mike

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