Driving Abroad - what do I need to take

[kwack]

So booked a holiday in France - and was wonderign what I need to carry with me from a legal perspective.

I purchased some of those yellow jackets but in terms of bulbs what do I need to take with me and is there anythign else?

Thjanks

Kwack

[bam_bam]

I don’t mean to hijack your thread but I'm holidaying in San Sebastian (Spain) very soon so I'm also very interested in this topic. Is there a way to realign the RS6 headlamps without having to resort to crappy stick-on headlamp deflectors for driving on the continent? Will Audi service centres outside of the UK lend a hand if anything goes wrong or should we just take a list of pre-selected RS friendly Audi service centres?
So far I've learned that you require (legally or otherwise) the following:
- 2 reflective jackets (one each for passenger and driver)
- 1 reflective triangle (there's one already in the '6)
- 1 GB sticker/magnet (rear only) if you do not have GB marked registration plates
- Beam converters if your car does not have an internal beam shutter (which I think the '6 has but could someone please could confirm?)
- 1 International driving permit (if applicable)
- 1 Full valid UK licence (both parts)
- 1 original vehicle registration document (V5C). If you can't get this apply for a VE103b (vehicle on hire cert)
- 1 motor insurance certificate
- 1 valid passport (duh!)
- Correct tyres/wheel chains if applicable (you should have at least 2mm of tread depth but not a legal requirement – 1.6mm over ¾ width is legal requirement)

Do not use or be caught in possession of a speed trap/radar detector (illegal in most European countries, even some GPS units with known speed trap warning locations are illegal)

[HYFR]

bam bam, your spot on there

the RS 6 beams can be adjusted with a flick of a switch on the inside of the unit....although I couldnt work out how to do it, so I drove to Munich and back with them as normal and didnt have any issues....but do a search on here and theres so photo's of the switch

although heres a tip for you, do it before you set off....trying to put your hand in the engine bay after a pan european adventure is like trying to sleep in an oven....HOT!

When I drove to Munich and back, I prepared a "folder" with all the necessary docs so if (it turned out to be when) I got pulled by the police I had everything necessary to avoid a foreign jail

[HYFR]

oh, and your Audi warranty and roadside is valid abroad, so if you get stuck they'll repair your vehicle and give you a replacement to continue your journey

[quattrokid1]

I think you also need a basic first aid kit, a tyre air compressor or repair kit or spare wheel is a good un.

[bam_bam]

I'm preparing my folder right now, I'm too pretty for jail, I'd be passed around like currency with my rear-end doing a credible impression of a clown's pocket.

I've already got the 1st aid kit and two air compressors. I've avoided the tyre slime as it destroys the rubber, is there an alternative?

[kwack]

So you dont need to carry spare bulbs?

[HYFR]

technically you do (in france I believe)....i bought any old set from halfrauds and kept em in my glove box just in case

[Daveperc]

Audi Camberley switched over my lights for free when I dropped in on the way to the port after I couldn't locate the switch.

I think it's the orange bit a towards the bottom of this photo



Dave

[Stuart6587]

With the reflective jackets they must also be in the car and not in the boot - keep mine in the glove box.

Radar detector has been mentioned and is a definte No - immediate €1,000 fine for getting caught for one even if just in the car not being used !

[MartynC]

All your Led Zepp albums and plenty of west coast scotch.

MartynC

[Mikey-S]

Everything you need to know is here:

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/to ... ipment.pdf

[Shoppinit]

With the reflective jackets they must also be in the car and not in the boot - keep mine in the glove box.

What, not hung on the seat? That's what's missing from the RS6... hi-vis jackets on the seats...

@bam bam : San Sebastian is ace. I'm salivating thinking about the tapas...

I would also add this from my recent travels: A decent 12V fridge. I bought one from John Lewis, not expecting much, but it's been absolutely ace at keep drinks and food cold. Wouldn't travel without it now

[bam_bam]

Yeah San Sebastian is ace, I believe San Seb is the home of tapas. I stayed for a week in 2000 and found the tapas truly amazing and the best way to eat... at the bar whilst drinking!
I'll give that fridge some thought, I like the idea of keeping some cold redbulls for the twisty bits.

@Mikey-S you have to explain your profile picture, if it looks like what I think it is, you need to tell the back-story

[Shoppinit]

For info, this is the fridge I use:


http://www.electricshopping.com/shop/el ... index.html

I like it because you can use it on mains or on 12V so when you've got stuff you want to keep cold overnight, just take it into your hotel and plug it in. Also, it keeps stuff properly chilled.