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[horsecow]

I've been asked to drive a van to malta and back and was wondering what is required for driving a vehicle from the uk in france and italy. I know there are members on here who have experience of this, I have driven in both countries before but this was in cars hired in  these countries. All help greatly appreciated.

[Varche]

Bit of info here http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/compulsory_equipment.html

My advise would be to abide by the speed limits.

[05omegav6]

Original docs...
V5, insurance certificate, MoT certificate, both parts of your licence. Passport.

Extras...
High vis jackets for all occupants, two French approved Breathalyzer kits, Spare bulbs for every exterior light, warning triangle or two, first aid kit.

If the van has a gross weight of more than 3.5t, then you will need a minimum of a C1 licence, along with suitable tachographs for the entire trip including previous 28 days, driver cpc card. All relevant customs paperwork including copies.

If towing a trailer then you will need at least a C1+E licence as well as the above.

[horsecow]

The original reg docs could be a prob as its a hire van!! Will have to look into that one guys. The rest of the stuff is ok I was pretty sure of that, just wanted a second opinion from someone who'd done it before basically.

[05omegav6]

They need to know it's being taken abroad as it might not be insured for it.

Also as said if over 3.5t, you'll need to comply with all the commercial stuff. Also as van is a rental, you'll need proof of an operators licence for it as well if it's over 3.5t.

Depends on whether you are being paid or not and what is being carried as to exactly what applies. Even if you're just driving to help a friend move, you should have a fully itemised manifest for the load.

The shipper, the driver and the vehicle owner are all responsible, but don't forget, as the driver, your head hits the crap first

[horsecow]

I'm not organising the hire but I've told them that they need to be told that its going to malta and that there might be a mileage limit in the hire. It will be under 3.5t gross and there is no pay involved for it, basically doing a favour for a friend who is moving there but they are covering all my costs/expenses and I've always fancied driving down through Italy so why not do it on someone else's ticket. Might take an extra few days coming back 

[tunnie]

Remember some of the basic stuff like high-vis vests, needs to be within the drivers reach and inside the cabin. Some stuff you can't tuck away in the boot.

Go with the flow, watch out on some of the ticketed toll sections, they often time speed between them.

If you are going soon, make sure you have strong mix of decent screenwash. In Austria in Jan when I drove down, -10 a lot of the way!  -18 over night, even pure, the halfrauds screenwash here won't cut it.

[05omegav6]

I'm not organising the hire but I've told them that they need to be told that its going to malta and that there might be a mileage limit in the hire. It will be under 3.5t gross and there is no pay involved for it, basically doing a favour for a friend who is moving there but they are covering all my costs/expenses and I've always fancied driving down through Italy so why not do it on someone else's ticket. Might take an extra few days coming back 

Sounds like fun

Are they travelling with you? Possibly a good idea to have a detailed list of the contents along with written consent from your friend detailing names/addresses/contact numbers just in case. If travelling in convoy, stick together with the slowest vehicle in front. That way, if any problems you all stop

[Selseybill]

The original reg docs could be a prob as its a hire van!! Will have to look into that one guys. The rest of the stuff is ok I was pretty sure of that, just wanted a second opinion from someone who'd done it before basically.

The hire company will be able to give you a certified copy(photocopy) of the V5. Signed and stamped with their company stamp.
Breathalyser law has been dropped but it is still advised to carry 2 with you. You may need light benders for the headlights.
If the number plates hasn't the GB euro flag on them you will need a GB sticker. Make sure the hire companies break down service and insurance covers you for the countries your driving in.
As the goods in the van are not yours, you will need a full list of the contains.

[horsecow]

I'll be travelling alone both down and up which I dont mind at all, neither of them drive and they dont fancy sitting in a cramped van for 3/4 days so they'll be flying to Malta and I'll meet them down there with all their gear.

What are and where would I get light benders? Is this something to do with the headlight settings being different over there?

They are looking into ferry prices etc at the minute but looks like I'll be heading off round the 20th april if all goes to plan.

[Andy B]

....
Is this something to do with the headlight settings being different over there?

 ......

It's the bit in between where they have different settings  Malta drives on the same side of the road as us, so your headlights will be OK when you get there. Obviously France etc between us drive on the other side. It depends on the vehicle as to what you need to do, some cars like the Omega have a lever inside the headlight to cut off the upward/left sweep of a RHD car's lights to give a symmetrical beam pattern (  ____ instead of \____  ) Others you need to faff about with bits of tape stuck to the headlight. 

[Taxi_Driver]

It seems to be a requirement that the number plate on the front has to be different to number plate on the rear!!

I kid you not!......i drive on the m4 4 hours a day at the moment....and you tend to notice things...

You pick on any foreign lorry and check its number plate on its trailer.....drive past and look at the plate on the front of the tractor unit.....99% of the time not only will it be different but they wont even be from the same country 

If i were in charge, it would be an automatic 100 Euro or £100 on the spot fine if your trailer number plate didnt match your tractor unit plate......with the potential of 100'000's of foreign lorries getting fined......might help the UK economy a tad 

[Entwood]

It seems to be a requirement that the number plate on the front has to be different to number plate on the rear!!

I kid you not!......i drive on the m4 4 hours a day at the moment....and you tend to notice things...

You pick on any foreign lorry and check its number plate on its trailer.....drive past and look at the plate on the front of the tractor unit.....99% of the time not only will it be different but they wont even be from the same country 

If i were in charge, it would be an automatic 100 Euro or £100 on the spot fine if your trailer number plate didnt match your tractor unit plate......with the potential of 100'000's of foreign lorries getting fined......might help the UK economy a tad 

Actually quite legal for continentals .. look at foreign caravans .. same applies .... :

Simple reason is, ALL trailers are individually licensed and taxed .. so the trailer has its "own" registration plate 

If the trailer and tractor are the same .. then they are illegal !!!    

Nice try at revenue raising however

[Sir Tigger KC]

It seems to be a requirement that the number plate on the front has to be different to number plate on the rear!!

I kid you not!......i drive on the m4 4 hours a day at the moment....and you tend to notice things...

You pick on any foreign lorry and check its number plate on its trailer.....drive past and look at the plate on the front of the tractor unit.....99% of the time not only will it be different but they wont even be from the same country 

If i were in charge, it would be an automatic 100 Euro or £100 on the spot fine if your trailer number plate didnt match your tractor unit plate......with the potential of 100'000's of foreign lorries getting fined......might help the UK economy a tad 

Actually quite legal for continentals .. look at foreign caravans .. same applies .... :

Simple reason is, ALL trailers are individually licensed and taxed .. so the trailer has its "own" registration plate 

If the trailer and tractor are the same .. then they are illegal !!!    

Nice try at revenue raising however

All foreign vehicles and drivers should be made to comply with UK law!!    So all trailers should have to display the registration plate of the towing vehicle with appropriate fines for non - compliance!!   

We're too damn soft!!! 

[Lazydocker]

There are hire companies that are quite happy for continental hire... The one I tend to use are great fore it

Generally you have all the info... For route options it's up to you but I would go through Belgium and Switzerland over straight across France for both speed/time and comfort. Toll roads are worth using, especially in Italy. You'll need to buy a Vignette for the Swiss motorways