Different countries, different regulations: if you explore Europe in your vehicle, you have to pay attention to a few things. The tips for traveling in the car, camper, and on the bike.
Social distancing cannot always be observed in public transport. It is also sometimes difficult to follow the rules on a plane or when traveling by coach. Those who still do not want to do without their vacation abroad in times of Corona should not infrequently travel by car.
However, if you want to turn your back on Switzerland during the holiday season, you should consider a few things. The following applies: Different countries, different regulations. Before crossing the border, all necessary precautions should be taken. Only those who stick to the regulations can avoid unpleasant surprises. You will find what you have to pay attention to where in the following tips from the TCS.
Travel by car
The CH sticker and the breakdown triangle must not be forgotten when traveling abroad. Both of them on board ensure a carefree journey across Europe.
A safety vest is also essential. It must be worn on Italian and French roads in the event of a breakdown.
First aid kits must be carried with you in Austria and Italy.
Some cities in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, Great Britain, and the Czech Republic also require an environmental sticker. This is available from TCS.
It can also be stranger: In Greece, Poland, or Latvia a fire extinguisher is compulsory.
Trips by camper or caravan
In principle, the above rules also apply to campers and caravans. Depending on the country, additional regulations must be observed when driving larger vehicles.
Anyone with a category B driver’s license is authorized to drive a camper with a weight of up to 3.5 tons. He is also allowed to sit behind the wheel of a minibus with a maximum of 9 seats and a trailer weighing 750 kg. Anyone who owns a larger vehicle needs a category C, D, or higher driver’s license.
There are also a few things to consider when it comes to accommodation. The spaces allowed for motorhomes and caravans are strictly regulated in Europe. Only in Sweden is wild camping allowed throughout the country.
Anyone driving through Italy must equip a vehicle weighing more than 3.5 tons with reflective speed vignettes. These indicate the maximum speed on the motorways (80 km / h) on the right-hand side and the maximum speed outside the city (70 km / h) on the left.
Motorcycling
A motorcycle crossing the Swiss border must have a CH sticker.
A safety vest must be worn in the event of a breakdown in Austria on the edge of a motorway or an expressway and France on all roads.
First aid kits and a safety vest according to the European standard EN 471 are mandatory for motorcyclists in Slovenia or Lithuania. In Sweden, this accessory is only recommended, in the Czech Republic only the first aid kit is compulsory.
If you are planning a family vacation or have a passenger with you for other reasons, you have to consider the age of the respective person. In several European countries, for example, children are only allowed to take them with them from the age of 5 and in a specially designed seat. A normal passenger seat is allowed for children who are the necessary size to be able to sit on it correctly. In Luxembourg, the person in the passenger seat must be at least 12 years old.
According to Touring Club Switzerland (TCS) is recommended in all cases, wearing a full-face helmet and special Motoradbekleidung with integrated protective reinforcements.
Bike rides
As in Switzerland, most other European countries recommend wearing a helmet. However, there is only an obligation to do so in Spain, Austria, and France. In the inner cities of Spain, it is compulsory for all drivers up to 16 years of age. Outside of built-up areas, helmets are compulsory in Spain for all cyclists. In Austria and France, the obligation applies to all children up to the age of 12. If you drive a faster e-bike, which must in Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, France, and Austria helmet wear.
In many countries, in addition to the usual correct lighting, reflectors are also mandatory to be able to guarantee additional protection. This applies to all drivers in Germany, Belgium, and France. In Hungary, the Netherlands, and France, a luminous vest must also be worn when visibility is poor.
E-bike riders who have a child with them are not allowed to consume alcohol (0.0 ‰).
How does the TCS assess the situation?
The Touring Club Switzerland is not yet able to give an exact forecast of how many Swiss people will travel by car. “At the moment it is still too early to take stock. What can be said for sure is that, for example, TCS campings have 50-70% more bookings from within Germany this year, ”says TCS media spokeswoman Sarah Wahlen.
Because many will spend their holidays in Switzerland, it is to be expected that there will be more local traffic congestion at excursion destinations, writes the TCS in a press release. The motorway sections Zurich-Winterthur, Flums-San Bernardino, and Morges-Lausanne are particularly affected. Due to the changed entry regulations, there could also be brief traffic jams at the Swiss borders.
The current prevailing situation preoccupied the Swiss population. “There is a tendency for more inquiries to come in during vacation times. And it is clear that the inquiries are partly shaped by the concerns of the population about Corona,” says Sarah Wahlen.
In addition to domestic holidays, trips to Germany also appear to be extremely popular this year. The ADAC evaluated the route plans of the members between January and May 2020. It was noticeable that this year 48.5 percent of the inquiries concerned routes in Germany.