Doing The Continental: How To Use A Minibus In Europe

EU legislation has opened the roads of Europe to all manner of vehicles

. Anyone can take their vehicle aboard a ferry or through the Eurotunnel with a minimum of fuss and emerge across the water, ready to drive merrily away on the 'wrong' side of the road. However, when taking a minibus to Europe, there are some more legal requirements to meet, as well as specific items to acquire. Let's take a look at what's needed.

The first requirement is essential for any vehicle with more than eight passenger seats. A minibus travelling for a profit-making organisation must carry a waybill. Which is - what? A waybill is a document that comes in one of two forms. An EU Journey Form covers travelling in EU member states. The alternative, an ASOR waybill, is for use outside the EU and must be accompanied by a set of translated versions.

What if the minibus is being run for a non profit-making organisation? It still needs a 'control document' but here, the waybill's place is taken by an 'Own Account Certificate', a.k.a an OAC. This costs nothing and will allow a minibus to be used in the EU for up to five years. These control documents can be sourced from the International Road Freight Office (tel. 0191 2014090).

Now for - more documents. The minibus driver will also need an insurance certificate, a European accident form, the vehicle's registration document and his or her full passport and driving licence. In addition, unless the registered keeper of the vehicle, he or she will need a formal 'permission to drive' letter from the vehicle's owner. It's also worth taking a Green Card, which the minibus insurance provider can supply. Nowadays, an International Driving Permit, or IDP, isn't necessary in EU and EEA countries. However, travelling beyond the member states makes one a necessity.

Minibus documents done? Not quite but the final 'document' is a little unusual. International journeys that begin in the UK must be monitored by a tachograph and the card on which the 'spy in the cab' records constitutes the last of the necessary documents. It also shows that the driver is complying with EU driver's hours regulations.

Now for the more tangible additions to the minibus itself. UK minibuses can wear their GB sticker or EU-style GB number plates with pride, and they must. A reflective warning triangle and waistcoat or jacket are legal requirements; the latter must be carried in the cab. Finally, most European countries insist on a spare set of vehicle bulbs being carried on board.

Apart from the obvious matters of making sure that the minibus has been serviced, has good tyres and is fighting fit to travel far, the above is what's needed to venture onto foreign soil. All that remains is to add an imprecation - remember to drive on the right - and say 'Bon Voyage'. The latter is easy to achieve and as for the former, getting used to the European Southpaw routine is much easier than it sounds!

by: Louise Slee

POST COMMENT

Netherlands – The European Wonder-land 10% Of Ethylene Capacity In Europe Face Off Eastern Europe Statistics And Forecasts 2004-2013 Explaining Europe Through Its Parks And Squares Traces back of European jewelries Historical Places In Europe - Pompeii, Italy And Berlin. The Best Places To Live In Europe The Forecast For The Next Year Is Rosy For America But Cloudy For European Union Istanbul - Europe's Cultural Capital The importance of having European breakdown cover Weekend Breaks Europe The European Union The most famous WSOP Europe 2010