Notorious said:
Hi all,
I need your stories lads. I am planning on having a trip along France coast-line up until Monaco with my Legacy. My friends in Lithuania are telling me that I will be more than likely stopped by Police more frequently than I would driving a non Irish car (because of the steering wheel position).
Most common thing Police could fine for is head lights... but... I hope it's not that bad?
Any stories you have from your experience?
I don't know about Lithuania itself, but generally I see no problem. I was travelling with my Impreza from Ireland to the very south of Spain, also from there to Poland, through France, Germany, Switzerland - I don't really know why you should be controlled more often - or generally why you should be controller, if you drive in a reasonable manner. Of course be careful about speeding - I noticed quite a lot of speedtraps in France, especially on country roads. However on motorways you also have to be careful, most of people drive slightly over limit very often - like about 20km/h more. But still careful - sections going through or around bigger cities. You can sometimes see also Gendarmerie with speedtrap gun on the side of motorways waiting for those less careful
Of course it's required, and strongly suggested, to get stickers for your headlights so you don't blind the other drivers going the opposit way with light - but apart from that, I see not much problem.
If you have valid EU style number plates you don't even need separate country code sticker.
What's worth to have is a set of spare bulbs, some fuses in case. Generally you have to have in your car what's required by Irish law, but to make life easier and avoid stupid chats with police, it's the best
to have also first aid kit, safety vest. In France they want also cars to be equipped with alcotests (what a bullshit) - you should be able to buy those in some farmacies and petrol stations.
Of course - even if not required by Irish law, it's basically good to have some things on the longer trip - for your own safety at least (like safety vest in case of problems on the side of the road).
One thing worth to remember is also - that unless you're really in rush and you have no time to waste - it's much cheaper to go out of the motorways in France and Germany to top up fuel - difference in prices maybe as high as 20-25c per liter sometimes, depends on the station (95ron in service zones on motorways in September was quite often around 1.7-1.8, while on some smaller stations a bit off the motorway you could buy it for around 1.5-1.6)
Actually the only real pain for me were tall gates on motorways
With steering wheel on the right side
In our country is kind'of a 'rule' that if there is a way to get some 'extra' money for Police - they will sure try and stop you to get that extra... :]]] I am sure (I hope) it's not like that in normal countries like France, Germany and etc... :]
