Drink Driving The UK is the most lenient regarding the limits for drink driving. Most EU countries have stricter limits and some, notably the Eastern European members, have zero tolerance to this issue meaning that ANY drinking within 12 hours of driving can be too much! Emergency Numbers Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Parking In most EU countries it is illegal to park facing the oncoming traffic. GB sticker UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries. A GB sticker is still required outside the EU. Documentation Photo ID driving licence (including counterpart) or passport Insurance Vehicle registration docs (V5). If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive. Lights Many countries legally require dipped headlights to be used in poor weather/visibility; some require dipped headlights to be on at all times. Headlamp beam converter kits are widely available but don't leave headlamp conversion to the last minute, as a dealer may need to make the adjustment. Modern high-intensity discharge (HID) or xenon headlights These can't be adapted by applying an external mask. Fortunately, many feature an internal 'shutter' that can be moved into place by a screw or lever adjustment at the back of the headlamp unit. But some designs are less convenient and the dealer will need to make the adjustment. Modern halogen-type headlamps Some of these now require external masks of such complex design that motorists struggle to follow the instructions and work out exactly how and where the mask should be applied. Check with the dealer or the car's handbook for advice – especially if your car has HID or XENON headlamps. Remember to remove the converters as soon as you return to the UK. Rear-view Mirrors If your vehicle is not equipped with a door or wing-mirror on the left-hand side we recommend that you get one fitted to aid driving on the right. Reflective vests The need for anyone outside a vehicle on a motorway to be wearing a reflective vest is increasingly becoming a legal requirement in many countries. Mobile Phones Most countries outlaw or actively discourage the use of mobile phones in moving vehicles some, however, tolerate the use of a hands free system. Fines Many countries now collect fines ‘on-the-spot’ and in some cases either a deposit or the whole fine is collected, in cash, by the officer at the roadside. Ensure that you carry sufficient cash to pay a fine. Insist on a receipt for any monies paid over on-the-spot. If the fine is not paid on-the-spot the case can be brought to court and must then be paid within three days. The court will confiscate your passport until the fine is paid and will impose a 30 day prison sentence if the fine is not paid within the 3 days. If you park illegally and your vehicle is causing an obstruction it may be towed away and impounded. Speed-trap Detection Devices The use or possession of devices to detect police radar is illegal in most European countries. Penalties can include fines, driving ban, confiscation of device, impounding of vehicle and even imprisonment. Hire Cars When hiring a car abroad ensure that you have the essential safety equipment for that country supplied with the vehicle. Remember it is the driver of the vehicle who will be fined NOT the hire company. Accidents In the unfortunate event that you are involved in an accident it is advisable that you collect information for yourself such as length of skid marks, speed limits in force etc. A disposable camera is very useful for this purpose. Do NOT be tempted to sign anything at the scene unless you are fluent in the language and you understand exactly what it is that you are signing. Euros the following countries have Euros as their currency: Belgium, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Austria, Portugal, Finland, Slovenia, Slovakia, Malta and Cyprus (southern). Before you go Aside from routine servicing, regular inspection and a few simple checks before departing will lessen the chances of a breakdown. Although pan-European cover with motoring organisations such as the AA and RAC in Great Britain do provide a safeguard against major mechanical failures and breakdowns, preventative maintenance is way better than a road-side repair. The vast majority of breakdowns occur through problems with batteries, ignition, fuel and cooling systems. A summary of what to look out for is given below: Cooling System - regardless of the time of year you drive to Europe, it's important to make sure your vehicle's cooling system is operating efficiently. This is especially true during the hot summer months when temperatures in Europe can reach 97°F. First check the radiator for leaks and signs of excessive corrosion and remove debris such as leaves, paper and insects. Coolant hoses (top and bottom) should be inspected for cracks/bulges and replaced if necessary. The security of hose clips should also be checked and adjusted if required (being careful not to over tighten). While fluid loss in a sealed unit often signifies a leak, top up only with an anti-freeze solution recommended by your vehicle manufacturer. Also check the tension/condition of fan belts and replace if necessary (keeping a spare just in case of failure). Other common problems include faulty thermostat sensors, which usually cause cooling fans to only work intermittently resulting in increased engine temperatures. Battery - ensure the battery electrolyte level of cells covers the top of each plate, topping up using distilled water if necessary. Also, check the electrical connections to each battery terminal, removing any green residue which may have collected* (as this can stop power reaching the starter motor). When clean, smear petroleum jelly onto the battery terminals both before and after reconnecting. Also ensure that the earthing strip has a good connection to the body/chassis of the vehicle. *disconnect according to instructions in your owners handbook. Tyres - normally tyre pressures should be checked at weekly intervals. However, on a long to journey it's prudent to check them once a day, preferably when cold. If your vehicle is fully loaded i.e. 4/5 occupants plus luggage, adjust pressures accordingly (referring back to the manufacturers handbook). Also consider buying a good quality tyre pressure gauge - those at filling stations are notoriously unreliable. Tread depth (which must appear in a continuous band over at least three quarters of the tyre) should be above the legal minimum of 1.6mm. Cam belt (Timing belt) - special attention is drawn to vehicle cam belts. Inspection (and replacement if necessary) is usually carried at intervals ranging from 40,000-60,000 miles. If your journey coincides with an inspection, make sure it is carried out before you go. A failed belt will invariably result in engine damage to both valves and cylinder head. For Golf/Focus sized vehicles this can cost upwards of £800 to repair.

Essential Safety Equipment Warning triangle Headlamp converters GB plate (see note 1) Mud flaps fitted to the rear of the vehicle Recommended Safety Equipment (by Poland and/or EUroadlegal.co.uk) Fire extinguisher First aid kit Reflective vest Spare bulbs (see note 2) Torch Seatbelt Requirements The wearing of front and rear seatbelts is compulsory when fitted. Children Passengers No children under 10 may occupy the front seat unless using an appropriate restraint. Drink Driving Limits 20mg/100ml (UK 80mg/100ml) Minimum Driving Age The minimum driving age using a full UK licence is 18 Speed Limits   Urban kph (mph) Open Road kph (mph) Motorway kph (mph) Car 60 (37) 90-110 (56-68) 130 (81) Towing 60 (37) 80 (50) 80 (50) Apart from built-up areas there are residential zones-marked by entry/exit signs-where the speed limit is 20 kph (12 mph). Lights From October to February dipped headlights must be used at all times. When visibility is poor (fog, rain or generally in other adverse conditions) the driver must: switch on the sidelights or fog lights or both; give short horn signals outside built-up areas while passing or overtaking other vehicles; Rear fog lights may be used if visibility is reduced to 50 m. These lights should be turned off as soon as visibility improves. Fuel On the highways, fuel stations are located roughly every 22miles/35km and are open from 6am to 10pm. Tolls In Poland there are two toll roads: The A2 between Wrzesnia and Konin The A4 between Katowice and Kraków Parking Small cars can park half-on and half-off the pavement. Parking is illegal within 5.5 metres of a pedestrian crossing Fines The police are empowered to issue on-the-spot fines. Mobile Phones The use of a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving is illegal, use of a hands free system is tolerated. Emergency Numbers Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services. Local numbers: Police – 997 Fire – 998 Ambulance – 999 Other Useful Information Traffic approaching from the right has priority. Poland is a major east-west transit route for heavy vehicles. If you plan to hire a car, you should note that driving on Polish roads can be hazardous. There are few dual carriageways and even main roads between major towns and cities can be narrow and are often poorly surfaced. Streetlights, even in major cities, are weak. Local driving standards are poor: speed limits, traffic lights and road signs are often ignored and drivers rarely indicate before manoeuvring. Horse drawn and slow moving agricultural vehicles are common in rural areas, even on main roads. If you can, avoid driving a right hand drive vehicle alone for long distances or to drive long distances at night. Trams may be passed on the right; but when a tram stops and there is no island to accept disembarking passengers, drivers must give priority to passengers crossing to the pavement. Useful Words and Phrases Car Hire Agencja wynajmu samochodow Diesel olej napędowy Diversion objazd Embassy ambasada Entrance wjazd Exit zjazd Highway droga glowna Hospital szpital Motor Oil olej silnikowy Motorway autostrada No parking zakaz parkowania Parking parking Petrol station stacja benzynowa Police policja Police station posterunek policji Toll oplata Toll road droga platna Unleaded Petrol benzyna bezolowiowa Embassy Details Address: British Embassy ul. Kawalerii 12 00-648 Warsaw Poland

Passing When you pass other drivers, be bold but careful. On winding, narrow roads, the slower car ahead of you may use turn-signal sign language to indicate when it's OK to pass. This is used inconsistently — and don't rely on it blindly. Be sure you understand the lane markings — in France a single, solid, white line in the middle of the road means no passing in either direction; in Germany it's a double white line. After a few minutes on the autobahn, you'll learn that you don't linger in the passing lane. For passing, use the left-hand lane on the Continent and the right-hand lane when driving in Britain and Ireland. In some countries (such as France, Germany, and the Netherlands), it's illegal to use the slower lane for passing. In Greece, slower drivers don't pull over, but drift as far right as possible to let cars pass. Roundabouts In roundabouts, traffic continually flows in a circle around a center island. While you'll see them sporadically throughout continental Europe (where vehicles move counterclockwise), roundabouts are everywhere in the British Isles (where traffic flows clockwise). These work wonderfully if you follow the golden rule: Traffic in a roundabout always has the right-of-way, while entering vehicles yield. For many, roundabouts are high-pressure circles that require a snap decision about something you don't completely understand: your exit. To replace the stress with giggles, make it standard operating procedure to take a 360-degree case-out-your-options exploratory circuit. Discuss the exits with your navigator, go around again if necessary, then confidently wing off to the exit of your choice. (Don't worry. No other cars will know you've been in there enough times to get dizzy.) When approaching an especially complex roundabout, you'll first pass a diagram showing the layout and the various exits. And in many cases, the pavement is painted with the name of the road or town to which the lane leads. No Right on Red Across Europe, it's illegal to turn right on a red light, unless a sign or signal specifically authorizes it (most common in Germany). Speeding In many countries, traffic is monitored by automatic cameras that check car speed, click photos, and send speeders tickets by mail. It's smart to know — and follow — the area speed limit. Driving with Children Most countries require safety seats for children under age three, and a few — including Ireland and Germany — require booster seats for older kids. In nearly all countries, children under 12 aren't allowed to ride in the front seat without a booster seat; a few ban kids from the front seat no matter what, and some have front-seat rules for kids up to age 18. Drinking and Driving The legal blood-alcohol limit is lower across the Continent and in Ireland than in the US, and punishment ranges from steep fines to imprisonment. In France, all cars need to have an unused Breathalyzer on board (supplied if your rental starts in France, but ask about this if you're picking up the car elsewhere). Europe takes its DUI laws seriously, and so should you. Safety Regulations Nearly all countries forbid using a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Many European countries require you to have your headlights on anytime the car is running, even in broad daylight. And many require each car to carry a reflective safety vest or kit with a reflecting triangle (typically supplied by the rental company). Your car-rental company should be aware of these rules — just ask. Or you can research them on the US State Department's travel website (search for your country in the "Learn about your destination" box, then click "Travel and Transportation"). Planning for Traffic Online mapping apps are a huge help for drivers looking to avoid backups, and at least occasional data use can be worth it for traffic updates. But even with up-to-the-minute road info, alternate routes aren't always an option — especially on rural routes, where construction work can leave you sitting still for long stretches. In summer — prime time for roadwork in Europe — I budget in at least an extra half hour for construction delays for any long-distance drive. Note that Europeans have the same rush hours we do, especially in the north. Mediterranean resort areas are extremely congested on summer weekends. Tolls and Expressways The shortest distance between any two European points is the Autobahn/strada/route/cesta. Some prefer the more scenic national highway systems. These small roads can be a breeze, or they can be dreadfully jammed up. It's free to drive on expressways in some countries, such as nearly all highways in Great Britain and Germany's famous autobahn. But on major expressways in much of Mediterranean Europe — including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Croatia — you'll encounter toll booths; fees are based on the distance you drive (about 12 cents/mile). Some countries are introducing automatic, cashless toll systems (such as Portugal) — but there is typically a toll-booth option to pay with cash or a card. Other countries require drivers who are using expressways to buy a permit sticker (called a "vignette") to display in their windshields (Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Slovenia). You'll pay about $40 for the decal in Switzerland (good for a year); everyplace else offers a short-term permit (7–10 days) for $10–20. Your rental car may already have an unexpired sticker; if not, you can usually buy one at border crossings, gas stations, and post offices. If you don't have a sticker, you'll soon meet your first local…in uniform. Fines start at around $150. Although tolls can add up (for example, it's about $70 to get from Paris to the French Riviera, and about $20 from Rome to Naples), the fuel and time saved on European expressways justifies the expense. Note that in any country, if you're skipping the expressways and sticking to secondary roads, you don't need to buy a toll sticker or otherwise pay for road use. Urban Areas If visiting big cities, it's best to park your car on the outskirts and use public transportation or taxis. Cities across Europe have taken measures to discourage urban driving. For example, to drive anywhere in downtown London or Stockholm, you'll pay a "congestion charge." You'll pay a toll to drive into Oslo and Bergen — but because of their automated systems, you may not know it until you get a bill two months later. And keep in mind that in many cities, cars must meet a certain emission standard to enter the city limits (unlikely to be a problem with your rental car). Car traffic is banned altogether in many Italian city centers, including Rome, Naples, Florence, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, San Gimignano, Orvieto, and Verona. Don't drive or park anywhere you see signs reading Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL; often shown above a red circle). If you do, even briefly by accident, your license plate will be photographed, usually without your knowledge, and a hefty ticket — or tickets, if you did it multiple times — will be waiting for you at home. Attitude Adjustment Driving in Europe tends to be more aggressive than in the US, and some Europeans, particularly Italians and Greeks, seem to make up their own rules of the road. In Rome, for instance, red lights are considered discretionary. On one trip, my cabbie went through three red lights. White-knuckled, I asked, "Scusi, do you see red lights?" He said, "When I come to light, I look. If no cars come, red light stupido, I go through. If policeman sees no cars — no problema. He agree — red light stupido." Once you're behind the wheel, you may curse the traffic jams, narrow roads, and macho habits, but it's all part of the experience. Driving at home is mundane; driving in Europe is memorable

http://www.adcidl.com/pdf/Poland-Road-Traffic-Signs.pdf   Learn the various Polish traffic signs.