The end of the year is marked by holiday and family expeditions to foreign mountains. Experienced drivers already know how to prepare their car for a good deal of miles and frosty days, but it is also good to be aware of the differences in road traffic rules in the countries visited. Some rules are not used by the Czech…
In Slovakia, as in the Czech Republic, it is mandatory to use winter tires if the conditions require (a continuous layer of snow, ice or frost is on the road). Reflective clothing must be worn by anyone outside the village on the road due to vehicle failure, tire defect or traffic accident. Obligation also applies to motorcyclists. Otherwise, a fine of 150 Euros (more than 4,000 crowns) is threatened. Daily lighting is mandatory all year round.
In Slovenia, it is better to go on winter tires (local drivers will probably also use the possibilities to ride in the summer, but in this case, they have to have snow chains in the luggage compartment and use them in the winter conditions). The reflective jacket must be worn by anyone who comes out of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or a traffic accident. The required number of vests must be carried in the cabin, not in the luggage compartment of the car. Daily lighting is mandatory all year round.
Snow chains necessities
In Switzerland, it should be borne in mind that some roads may only be permitted to enter the snow chains. The use of reflective vests is not required; on the contrary, daytime lighting is mandatory all year round. Outside of the village, the audible warning signs must be used in front of sharp corners in places with impaired visibility, and in the dark, the lights are blinking briefly. Attention to pedestrians, they are accustomed to a high degree of courtesy and tolerance on the part of the drivers, they can, without proper oversight, enter the road and in places where we do not normally expect it. Drivers who have prescriptions for glasses must have one replacement pair with them.
In Italy, the use of winter tires is not obligatory, but some roads may be allowed only with snow chains. It is not only for the driver, but also for every passenger, to carry a reflective vest for its eventual use. If a vehicle on the rear carrier exceeds its dimensions carries any cargo, it must be marked with a reflective, red and white diagonally striped square measuring 50×50 centimeters. Daily lighting is mandatory throughout the year when driving out of the inhabited area and also in rain, snow or otherwise diminished visibility. Rear fog lamps can only be used in visibility, reduced to a maximum of 50 meters, under heavy rain or heavy snow.
In France, the use of winter tires is not obligatory, but some sections of the road can only be admitted with them, respectively. Reflective jackets for both driver and passenger must be transported in the vehicle cabin. Daily lighting is not mandated, but recommended. In general, outside the village, you can drive up to 90 km / h on highways up to 130 km / h. This restriction also applies to persons holding a driving license for a maximum of three years. It definitely does not pay to carry or even use a radar detector. Otherwise, a fine of 1500 Euros (over 40 thousand crowns) and the seizure of the respective device, in the extreme case also of the vehicle, will be imposed. Beware of overtaking cyclists. Inside the village, a lateral distance of at least one meter is required, outside the community of at least 1.5 meters. Since the beginning of October, the French police has been very hard, is ubiquitous and uncompromising.