European Regulatory requirements for visitors

[Quickmarch]

I've started this thread because the previous one is wandering off topic. The previous thread was Artago Disk Lock - 22586 and was originally posted with theft security as the underlying purpose.

The post that prompted this one was a suggestion that France requires a system of reflective decals (stickers) applied to helmets. My helmet doesn't have these and it looks like I'd better find some and apply them before heading into France.

That's just one aspect. My helmet is a North American Spec: DOT - FMVSS No 218. Obviously, there will be different regulations applied for helmets manufactured for use in the EU. I understand that spec is: ECE 22.05. I haven't found any references to cross-compliance and I'm wondering if my wife and I will need to budget for new helmets for our European motorcycle trip. This trip will not be a simple two-week thing. We will be in Europe off and on for some time.

I'm thinking that I should contact one or two of the Motorcycle Tour Companies and get their take on the question. They must have visitors coming from the US and Canada with their own helmets on a regular basis.

Other suggestions remarked on the need to research insurance company regs about lock and chain combos and reflective vest requirements.

 

[Dogdaze]

Ok, let me start with the helmet thing, you are a visitor in transit, so not all parts of the law apply to you, the DOT / EC you can forget, nobody cares about that, it's all to do with countries wanting manufacturers to adhere to 'their' spec. The Stickers, you can probably get the from ebay, so don't sweat it. But if you really want to get some EU helmets, buy them in the EU, most larger towns have MC stores.The hi-viz gear, you can just make do with what you have been using or pop into any autopart store or gas station on this side of the pond (mainland EU at least) and get a couple of emergency hi-viz vests that is mandatory for car users, about $5 each.
The insurance, you would have to consult with your provider, some UK insurers limit you to 30 days at any one time with a max of 90 days for the year, so depending where or who your insurer, check their T&C's.

 

[sjh]

By the book you'll want to have spare bulbs, hi-vis in reach, breathalyser tubes, a non-speed-camera-warning GPS (although tomtom think 'danger zone' is ok...).

The reflective stickers is only for new helmets sold in france to my understanding (http://www.worldmotorcycletours.co.uk/travel-information/french-advise).

I was worried about 'priorite a droite' before my first time in France, I didn't realise how extensively it's non-application is signposted! Other things like weather-dependent speed limits are pretty self-explanatory on roadsigns.

 

[Boris]

Carrying spare bulbs is not compulsory in a car or on a bike in France or anywhere else is Europe.

::021:: You're over thinking this trip, just go. Your crash helmets are fine, Austria requires you to carry a first aid kit.

https://www.theaa.com/~/media/the-aa/pdf/touring-tips/compulsory-equipment.pdf?la=en

That link takes you to facts, not opinions.

 

[nondairycreamer]

You're overthinking this. You are a visitor. Just travel as you do here and enjoy the trip. As for the insurance, when I rode all over Europe I was only asked for my insurance card once when returning to Italy from Greece. In Sardinia with a friend from Germany we parked wherever we liked, as Alois said, 'what are they going to do, give us a ticket?" Traffic jams in Italy? Hit the sidewalks, just be careful with the ones on foot. Stalled traffic? Lay down on the horn and don't let up until they move. You have more rights all over Europe on a moto than we do here and a lot more respect. Drivers there are more attentive, much better in general. And engage people, everyone but the Islamists love 'muricuns.

When you return here you will feel less safe regardless of the slower speeds and revenue collectors in blue.

[Modified by mod. We get enough political commentary in the daily news. - CW]

 

[Squibb]

We find the best advice on European travel can be found here ..... https://www.theaa.com/driving-advice/driving-abroad/general-advice

Just check out the right hand column & drop down to the area of interest. The regs, country by country are helpful & whilst advice is aimed at car drivers primarily, there is usually a separate section where the rules are different for bikes, so read them right through. Best to check these now & a few days before you travel as rules can change on a whim, particularly in France (hence your mention of their helmet regs). Their latest is Crit D'air emissions stickers for central Paris & some other cities for instance, including motorcycles.

Each Nation seems to have driving habits that might surprise the newcomer. For instance Italians, not so fast these days, still like to jump red lights. Germany & you will get pressed/tailgated on the Autobahn & drivers will sometimes actively block you to stop you filtering in jams. The list goes on, but everywhere, the advent of the mobile phone has created a culture of attention deficit whilst driving disorder, despite heavy penalties, sometimes at quite reckless speeds - I am thinking of texting on the Autobahn at 130 mph. Unbelievable if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, so use your mirrors & stay alert.

Speeding - despite what some will say, sometimes tales of the most amazing bravado, it's best avoided, particularly in Switzerland who brook no 'stupid foreigner' type excuses. Speed & they will fine you, no messing. Parking, much the same. Yes some guys just pull up & park where ever they fancy, but equally I have seen bikes towed in Cities in Belgium, Germany, Holland, France & Italy - the common thread seems to be when they are preparing for an event, say a cycle race or weekly market & the parking guys will just pile in with a truck/crane & clear the decks. Just be reasonable & you will be OK. Take care at roundabouts - no polite 4-way stops here - so observe the approach lane directions & watch for anyone approaching too fast, who may not be observing the local roundabout rules (see AA guide).

Insurance rquirements will be dictated by whoever writes your cover. Just don't park on the street overnight if you can avoid it - bike thieves operate in most Cities & will whisk your precious bike away in seconds if given an open goal opportunity (BMWs seem to be targeted the most currently, mainly 1200 GS/GSA).

Most importantly, once prepared, enjoy the trip. Have a great time ......................... KEN

 

[Quickmarch]

Got it!
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this thread. I'm starting to get the idea = ::021::

The wife and I are studying the British AA website as we speak.

 

[Checkswrecks]

I take my gear on work trips to Europe to rent, which includes a light colored Klim and white helmet. I've been asked for my international driver's license a couple of times but when they hear my American speech the police have been pretty engaging and never given me any flak about my gear. Just do like the locals and you'll have a good time.

 

[Jarvy]

A bit late to the party but has already been said don't over think it! Insurance and log book (title) a must and if its not your bike a letter from the owner saying you have their permission.
Hi vis vest for rider and pillion needed in most countries, small first aid kit advisable if only for yourself.
Most important is to check what countries require road tax to be paid as that is the biggest reason you will be stopped in some countries.
Here in Switzerland its 40 ChFr if you want to use the motorways and the fines are high. Austria also has road tax for bikes.
Speed cameras all over France, I should know been done 3 times now in the car! Yes the fines found me in Switzerland! Here the fines are high but no
points on your licence so the local rich just speed and pay!
Was stopped by local police a few months ok. Had no paperwork on me except my ID, the policeman was very polite and spoke perfect English. Used his iPhone
to take a picture of my ID and my number plate (Swiss) then waited till all my info came up on his iPhone. Wished me a safe ride and stopped the traffic on the road
so I could rejoin!

 

[WJBertrand]

The hi-viz gear, you can just make do with what you have been using or pop into any autopart store or gas station on this side of the pond (mainland EU at least) and get a couple of emergency hi-viz vests that is mandatory for car users, about $5 each.

Curious why car drivers are required to use high visibility gear?

 

[Boris]

Curious why car drivers are required to use high visibility gear?

Only for emergency. The vests are to be kept in the cabin of the car to put on should you need to stand on/near the hard shoulder.