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[Boiler Man]

Hi Guys

Wondered if someone could help.

I'm hoping to have a day trip to France with the Omega when I visit my Daughter who is living in Weymouth at the mo. I'd like to visit the Normandy Beaches.

What will I need to do to the Omega to make it road worthy in France?

I seem to remember someone saying that you can alter the head lights beam on the xeons.

Also will I need to alter insurance?

Sorry I'm a complete dummy regarding taking the car abroad. We don't get many opertunities in sunny Manchester. Other than when we cross the Manchester Ship Canal

O forgot to mention I have an 03 Facelift Estate

[FRE07962128]

Hi Boilerman!

I recommend you read through the following thread on HL adjustment:
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1217844685

You do need to phone your insurance company to ensure you have cover for driving abroad, you require a GB sticker if your car has NOT got  GB / EU number plates, you also require a fire extinguisher, spare light bulbs and a first aid kit the last time I went to France / Belgum.  Oh, and a warning triangle!  

I also believe that you must have all your main documents with you; driving licence, insurance certificate, MOT certificate and registration VO5 document.

................and of course don't forget they drive on the wrong side of the road!!

All above a legal requirement in most western European countries I believe, and I would advise you to check up on France's "Highway Code", especially the rule of giving way to traffic on the right even when you THINK you have 'right of way'¬

[amba]

You will need to notify your insurance company,also it would be very wise to purchase continental breakdown cover from either RAC or AA if you are a member as a tow back from France is very pricey.
Legal requiremnents in France are: Hi Vis jacket/waiscoats for driver and wise for all passengers/First aid kit/Spare bulbs/Fire Extinguisher(but that is not a legal requirement).Warning Triangle/ you must also carry your drivers licence and cars registration documents.
Also beware that the French Police have the power to fine you on the spot for speeding so drive carefully.
Other than that have a great time and don,t forget...drive on the correct side of their roads.

[damon80]

We've just got back from a trip round Europe in our Omega.

Ours also has Xenon's, so you can't use the usual "beam benders" on the headlamp lenses - but there's a lever at the back of each headlamp (behind the rubber cover) that alters the beam pattern.  I can't remember which way you adjust them, but it tells you in the owners handbook (or else someone more knowledgeable than me will be able to point you in the right direction!)

You'll also need a hi-vis vest for each passenger in the car, as well as a warning triangle, incase of a breakdown.  Plus a set of spare bulbs.

I'd also give your motor a good check-over too, like checking it's oil and water levels, tyres, brakes, etc etc.

As for insurance - you need to inform your insurers that you're taking the car abroad.  Chances are if you're fully comp, that they'll not charge you any extra.  They don't tend to send you out an insurance Green Card these days.

You'll need to take your driving licence, V5, MOT Cert, and Insurance Certificate too.

I'd also highly recommend getting the AA's European Breakdown cover for the trip too - I've had to use them a couple of times now, and cannot fault them at all.  In fact, the service they provide is 110%!  For the sake of 60-odd quid, it's total piece of mind.

Have fun!  

[FRE07962128]

further to my earlier post you will find this AA summary useful:

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_tips/compulsory_equipment.pdf  

[Boiler Man]

Thanks Guys and Girls

Lizzy can I find the giving way bit on the net? In English?

[Kevin Wood]

I believe you now need a high vis. jacket for each person in the car, too.

Kevin

[ians]

Thanks Guys and Girls

Lizzy can I find the giving way bit on the net? In English?

You have to give way to all traffic coming from the right (including on roundabouts ) , except on roads where there are regular yellow diamond road signs (main roads).    Not as difficult as it sounds when you get used to it.

One other thing I had no idea about on my first trip driving in France is that when enterring a village you'll see a white sign with the name of the village and a picture of some buildings.  That is also the start of the 50km/h zone, but it doesn't say so.  When leaving the village you'll see the same sign with a red cross through it - that's the end of the 50 zone.

Easy peasy if you know about it.  Potentially expensive if not.

[Weds]

Spare crankshaft sensor...

[damon80]

Spare crankshaft sensor...

Funny you should say that - guess what packed in when we were over in France?    

AA got us recovered to the Opel dealership.  They had no crankshaft sensors in stock, nor did any other garages in the area.  So they ordered one from Russelheim, which took a few days to get there (AA sorted us out with hire car and hotel in the mean time).  But all sorted now.  Hence my strong recommendation for using AA's European Breakdown Service!  

[v6coop]

Most insurance policies cover you for the legal minimum (ie 3rd party cover) in the EU without extending your policy or paying extra but this is obviously risky. You still have to let them know your going though. Some will give you a free extension to your fully comp cover as mentioned.

Watch out for folks flashing their headlights at you. Usually means there is a speed trap down the road. Favourite spot for speed traps on autoroutes is just before the toll booths where everyone has to stop ie end of motorway sections. Usually marked on the Michellin maps by a  black line. As speed limit is 80mph in the dry (70 in the wet iirc) than you make good progress any way. Well worth the money as there is virtually no traffic.  

Correction - dry speed limit changed to 80, a little too enthusiastic sorry!

[Varche]

Don't forget to visit one or more of the war cemetries, very moving.

A practical tip is to ask the passenger to be prepared to remind you "driving on the right!". It is very easy to let your concentration lapse particularly if there are no other vehicles to follow.

Hope you have a great trip.

varche

[FRE07962128]

Thanks Guys and Girls

Lizzy can I find the giving way bit on the net? In English?

You have to give way to all traffic coming from the right (including on roundabouts ) , except on roads where there are regular yellow diamond road signs (main roads).    Not as difficult as it sounds when you get used to it.

One other thing I had no idea about on my first trip driving in France is that when enterring a village you'll see a white sign with the name of the village and a picture of some buildings.  That is also the start of the 50km/h zone, but it doesn't say so.  When leaving the village you'll see the same sign with a red cross through it - that's the end of the 50 zone.

Easy peasy if you know about it.  Potentially expensive if not.

In addition to Ians excellent explanation Boilerman I have found the following explanation with pictures (page 2) of the give way to right rule:

http://www.wotmeworry.org.uk/cbc2008/French%20Highway%20code%20-%20Progress%20May%202006.pdf

.....also the following web site gives a good simple summary of everything stated, and more, so far on this thread:

http://france.oe-car-hire.co.uk/information/driving-in-france/licence_requirements.htm

I tried the French web address given on the above site, but there does not appear to be an English version of the French "Highway Code", and no one appears to be giving one away on line , but it can be purchased from Amazon and others.

[Boiler Man]

A BIG THANKS to everyone for the advice and best wishes for my trip.

The help from you all is overwelming.

Don't forget to visit one or more of the war cemetries, very moving.

Hope you have a great trip.

varche

And to Varche
Thanks for the above recommend. I do intend to visit a war cemetry. Apart from my interest in the war. My Dad who has just celabrated his 84th Birthday was off the coast of normandy 3 to 4 days after D Day. Off loading his ship with supplies for the follow on. He was a DEMS Gunner on the Merchant Ships. He was lucky and came back from the War. I've always wanted to pay my respect to the guys who didn't.

Now I have a chance

Thanks Again