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Golden rules for Christmas booze cruisers

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03/12/2003

Admiral has issued the advice as the number of motorists taking a trip across the channel increases in the lead up to Christmas. It is reminding drivers that even though they will probably only be on foreign roads for a few hours, driving laws are different on the Continent and they should be aware of them.

Admiral has issued this list of tips and rules for any motorist planning a trip to France or Belgium on a booze cruise in the next few weeks:

• You must have at least third party insurance and a green card to drive in France or Belgium. Contact your insurer if in doubt.
  
• In both countries, you are legally required to display a GB badge on the back of your car, even if the symbol is on your number plate.
  
• You must also have either a warning triangle in your car or working hazard lights, which you must display in the event of an accident or break down.
  
• You must have your headlights adapted for driving on the right, this can be done with stick-on strips available from motoring shops.
  
• In France, children under the age of ten cannot travel as a front-seat passenger. In Belgium they must be older than three.
  
• On French roundabouts, a sign stating 'Cedez le passage' means traffic on the roundabout has priority; no such sign means traffic entering the roundabout has right of way. On Belgian roundabouts, you must always give way to traffic coming from the right.
  
• You must have a full UK licence, not just a provisional one.
  
• Beware of car thieves and never leave anything on display in an unattended car.
  
• Don't overload your car, not only could you damage the suspension, you could be liable for a fine.
  
• Never drink and drive, both France and Belgium have a blood alcohol limit of 0.05 per cent, and enforce severe penalties to anyone caught driving with levels above this.
• Get your car serviced before you leave the UK, if you break down abroad, it could end up costing a fortune.
• Don't forget to drive on the right!

Admiral managing director, Jane Stone, said, "About 4.5 million people will do some of their shopping abroad this Christmas. Many of them will be hitting the Hypermarkets of France and Belgium. If you are one of them, read our tips and suggestions before you leave to make sure your trip is trouble-free. You can then return safely to the UK and enjoy your bargains this Christmas."

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