highway code for nederlands and germany

after watching something like Watchdog on tv about people going over the channel and driving, I thought I might swot up on the highway code for the countries I will be driving through. But do I really need to? is it much different. I cannot find Netherlands highway code online. any ideas

Having just driven through Germany for several hours, the only thing I would watch out for is the lunatic drivers in the big german cars. The speed some of them drive at is incredible, and they seem to appear in your rear view mirror from nowhere. Keep your wits about you, and you'll be fine!

maybe try the AA?

My best information is that the highway code really only exists in the UK and in other countries there's not a single document like that. I don't know if other countries do a written or theory test and if there's a book for that for example but living in three European countries over the years I've asked for something like the highway code and they've no idea what I'm talking about.

brilliant question though!

I must have picked so much up over the years it's hard to know where to start :?:

put your headlights on it tunnels is a good one.
priority right if there's no marking to the contrary, or better still slow down, get eye contact before proceeding

You shouldnt need to swat up on anything, as long as you are a decent enough driver. If people stick the V's up at you in the UK, expect the same on the continent.

Many people drive with main lights on all day now anyway in many countries, especially as you near the mountains anyway.

Driving on the right is quite useful, too.

Watch out at roundabouts, especially in France as the French have no idea how to use them.

If you see a Radar sign, stick to the limit, as they really do have speed cameras up when they warn you.

Oh, and in Germany they have no speed limit on many Autobahns, but you can get done for dangerous or discurteous driving, so if someone comes flying up behind you, move over and let them pass, or stick to 170kmh and join in!!!!

Its actually nicer driving abroad than it is over here, you'll be fine.

Tony_H wrote:You shouldnt need to swat up on anything, as long as you are a decent enough driver. If people stick the V's up at you in the UK, expect the same on the continent.

that's not a good idea, rules in European countries are often very different from the UK and large numbers of people get fined or worse each year as they find out the hard way they ought to have swotted up a little before leaving. Switzerland recently published figures for number of motorists fined and/or prosecuted and I see the UK made a great contribution although, IIRC, Croatia "won" which surprised me.

For example, did you know it was an offence to run out of petrol in Germany? Or that you mustn't move vehicles after an accident until after the police arrived? Or that you can get an on the spot fine for not having headlights on in a tunnel? Or using your car horn at some times? Or in some places it's compulsory to turn your engine off when waiting at lights or level crossings? Or that sticking the V's or using abusive language in Germany was an offence?

For example, did you know it was an offence to run out of petrol in Germany?

People with brains dont run out of petrol anywhere.

Or that you mustn't move vehicles after an accident until after the police arrived?

Yes, pretty much standard these days in most countries

Or that you can get an on the spot fine for not having headlights on in a tunnel?

Yes. Thats why they have signs at the entrance to tunnels with pictures of headlights on, and why many people drive with lights on all day

Or using your car horn at some times?

Same in the UK at certain times as well, you know. I wonder how many people have seen the old school horn with the red line through it and thought it meant Zebra Crossing

Or in some places it's compulsory to turn your engine off when waiting at lights or level crossings?

Common sense and an environmental awareness tell you to do the same

Or that sticking the V's or using abusive language in Germany was an offence?

That ones new to me, and needs kicking into touch. This is England v Germany we are talking about, Ise )

All you need is common sense. German drivers are more polite than most in Europe, including the UK. Keep out of the fast lane on the German Autobahns unless you can keep up with big Audis, Mercs and BMWs - if they flash you it's to let you know they are there rather than being annoyed with you. Worth keeping your headlights on at all times anyway.

G

some good advice there. Thanks.

I think hubby will be doing most of the driving as he "doesnt like the way I drive" unless he has had a drink (as alcohol doesnt really interest me) in which case I am allowed to drive!! Hubby has driven in France before. It was ok most places except the arc de triumph!! :shock:

The main things I wanted to know were

Is it compulsory for the kids to have booster seats?
Are the speed limits the same or are they properly signed what speed you can go? (we are taking our own car btw)
What about signage? I know on the programme I watched they went round a ferry load of people with different road signs and noone had a clue what they were (including me!)
How do I find out what I need to cover the headlights or what I need in the boot. I remember reading a while back saying I needed a high vis jacket and triangle and something else but I cant remember. with regard to the high vis jacket, do I need to have 1 for each passenger?

Karen