Going on vacation by car: What equipment is mandatory?
Before setting off on your summer vacation, it is important to equip your vehicle in accordance with the legal requirements in the individual European countries. To make travel preparations easier, the TCS provides a range of tips and information on the necessary equipment required in each country.
In countries such as France and Italy, longer waiting times can also be expected this summer in the event of a breakdown. To reduce the risk of breakdowns, the vehicle should be checked before setting off on vacation. With the European Football Championship starting today in Germany and the Olympic Games taking place in Paris in July and August, an increased volume of traffic can be expected over the next few weeks, particularly in these countries.
Traffic regulations can vary greatly from country to country. It is therefore important to ensure that the prescribed equipment is in the vehicle before departure. TCS provides a map of the most popular destinations in Europe to help you prepare for your vacation. A list on the TCS website also contains the equipment required in the various countries as well as a wealth of useful information on preparing for your trip.
Warning triangle and safety vest are mandatory almost everywhere
Outside Switzerland, the most important mandatory item of equipment for cars and motorhomes is the CH sticker. It is also essential to take a warning triangle, which is the only mandatory equipment in Switzerland and is also mandatory or recommended in most European countries. A safety vest that complies with the European standard EN 471 must also be taken on the trip, as it is mandatory almost everywhere.
Child seat and environmental badge
In Switzerland, as in Europe, babies and children must be transported in appropriate child seats. These seats are mandatory for children up to a height of 150 cm or up to 12 years of age. There are specific regulations depending on the country. For the safety of children, however, the TCS recommends that you comply with the Swiss regulations if those of the country you are visiting are less strict. With regard to environmental badges, it is important to enquire before visiting certain cities in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Spain, France, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom or the Czech Republic, as traffic is sometimes restricted there. The applicable environmental protection measures can be found on the TCS website before starting your journey. The TCS would also like to remind you that daylight/dipped headlights are mandatory or recommended in almost all European countries.
New: Warning sign for bicycle transportation in Italy
Travelers who wish to take their bicycle with them to Italy at the rear of the car must now mark the longitudinal projection of the load with a square red and white hatched warning sign made of retroreflective sheet metal. If the load protrudes to the rear across the entire width of the vehicle, two warning signs must be affixed to the left and right at the side of the load. Violations of the labeling requirement will be fined at least 80 euros.
Check the vehicle before the journey
Breakdown services are expected to be very busy again this summer, especially in France and Italy, which is why longer waiting times are to be expected in the event of a breakdown. To reduce the risk of a breakdown, the vehicle should definitely be checked before departure. If the next service is imminent, it makes sense to have it carried out before the vacation. Otherwise, the levels of engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering and windshield wiper system should be checked in any case. The tire pressure should also be checked and the tread depth of the tires must be more than 1.6 mm (the TCS recommends a tread of 3 mm). The windshield wiper system and lights should also be checked. It is also useful to check that the air conditioning system is working properly so that the vehicle interior can be cooled sufficiently even in very hot weather. These checks can be carried out either at your trusted garage or at a TCS Technical Center.
What to do in the event of a breakdown abroad
If you have an ETI cover letter, you can also count on breakdown assistance abroad. Should problems arise during a vacation trip, the TCS Assistance service is available around the clock to find the best possible solution, even outside Switzerland. In the event of a breakdown, the vehicle should be moved out of the danger zone as quickly as possible. The hazard warning lights should then be switched on and the warning triangle set up at least 50 meters before the breakdown (or 100 meters on motorways). On highways, the breakdown service can be contacted via the emergency call pillars. You should then get to safety behind the crash barrier and wait for help. When reporting a breakdown, the personal TCS reference number, license plate, color and make of the vehicle as well as its exact location must be stated. It is also important to state your cell phone number in case of queries and the type of breakdown so that the appropriate breakdown service can be called out.
European Football Championship and Olympic Games
With the European Football Championship starting today, increased traffic volumes can be expected throughout Germany until the final match on July 14. The Olympic Games will also be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11. Here, too, more traffic can be expected around the metropolitan area of the French capital. It is therefore recommended that you plan your trip to these two countries carefully and allow sufficient travel time, or otherwise use public transport.
Source: TCS
