DOCUMENTS & EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR INTERNATIONAL JOURNEY

[Coffeeholic]

DOCUMENTS FOR VEHICLE & DRIVER

Vehicle Registration Document V5 Original, or VE103 if vehicle is on hire.
Full Passport. Visas are also required for certain countries outside of the EU
Driving Licence
Written authority to drive the vehicle, if the driver is not the owner.
Certified copy of the Community Authorisation. NOT the original copy which must stay in the office.
International Insurance Certificate. Green Card if issued by insurance company.
Permits, for certain countries outside the EU
Tachograph Charts should record the full 24 hours and remain set on time of country of vehicle registration.
Vehicle Nationality Plate (GB plate)

For France.
Proof of Employment, for employed drivers.

PAPERWORK FOR THE GOODS

CMR Note (for all hire and reward operations)
TIR Carnet (for certain countries outside of the EU)
T Forms or EUR Forms (for certain countries outside of the EU)
ATP Certificate (for perishable goods)
ADR Certificate (for Hazardous goods)

EQUIPMENT
A Warning Triangle (compulsory in most countries)
Snow Chains (compulsory in some countries during winter months)
Spare Light Bulbs (compulsory in some countries)
First Aid Kit (compulsory in some countries)
Wheel Chocks (compulsory in some countries)
Hi Viz vest (compulsory in some countries, Austria, Italy and Spain for example)
Fire Extinguisher (compulsory in some countries)

USEFUL ADDITIONAL PAPERWORK
Drivers' Attestation Form, to cover periods when tachograph charts are not available because of holiday or a rest day.
Tachograph Clock Setting, details the EC regulation that states Tachograph clock must be set to time of country of vehicle registration.
Incident Report Form, to assist making notes at the time of an accident.
International Phrase Book and Dictionary.
List of European Driving Restrictions.
Illegal Immigrants Check List, covers instructions to driver, vehicle security, Immigration & Asylum Code of Practice etc.
European Health Insurance Card, apply online HERE, by phone, on 0845 606 2030, or pick up the EHIC form and pre-addressed envelope from the Post Office.

[kerbut]

HI vis jacket for Spain

[Denis F]

DOCUMENTS FOR VEHICLE & DRIVER


E l l 1 Healthcare Certificate, from the Post Office

now called a European Health Insurance Card
(E111s ceased to be valid on 31/12/05)

apply online HERE

by phone, on 0845 606 2030

or pick up the EHIC form and pre-addressed envelope from the Post Office

[Coffeeholic]

Thanks kerbut, I knew I had forgotten something when I was looking at teh list of equipment, and my Hi Viz was in the door pocket beside me when I was typing up the list. I have added it to the list now.

Cheers Denis, I used out of date information and I had forgotten about the change because it is something i have never carried. The one time I needed medical attention over the water in the last 17 years, in Germany, not having the form wasn't an issue. Added the details to the list now.

[robB39]

Hazardous goods require a DGN (Dangerous Goods Note) for shipping/rail company. If you are carrying flammable it must have the flash point on also.

You also need your information in writing (TREM card) you must have copies in the language of the driver and the language of every country you are transiting.

When transiting Belgium you will need one copy French and one copy in Dutch.

You will need to place hazard warning stickers (diamonds) on trailer for shipping.

You can carry your own or the shipping company will supply them; for a fee.

I'm editing to add. ADR Europe requires that you have two flashing beacons for front and rear of vehicle, and they must work. Take appropriate batteries but do not put in lamp until needed that way they will stay fresh.

[Wheel Nut]

What is this new idea that a Hi Viz vest should be visible?, if you get my drift!

It seems that the vest must be on display to all and sundry

[newmercman]

Spain is the same with the Hi Viz thing

Had a bloke screaming at me for not wearing one the other day, he was at least 500yds away when he started giving me the Oi driver treatment, when he got closer I replied that if he could see me from that far away then I obviously didn't need one Sense of humour failure followed & I am now banned from site

[Coffeeholic]

What is this new idea that a Hi Viz vest should be visible?, if you get my drift!

It seems that the vest must be on display to all and sundry

If it's not the driver sporting it while driving its the passenger seat.

And another abomination, what's the deal with drivers wearing their Hi Viz while actually on the train or ferry?

[Wheel Nut]

What is this new idea that a Hi Viz vest should be visible?, if you get my drift!

It seems that the vest must be on display to all and sundry

If it's not the driver sporting it while driving its the passenger seat.

And another abomination, what's the deal with drivers wearing their Hi Viz while actually on the train or ferry?

When I was torpedoed, oh sorry wrong thread.

When I was on the Herald of Freeloaders and it sunk, if I had not had my spare hi-viz on the seat and they would never have found me either.

[Simon]

What is this new idea that a Hi Viz vest should be visible?, if you get my drift!

It seems that the vest must be on display to all and sundry

As I understand it, your vest doesn't have to be on display. But if it isn't, you are likely to be stopped, so they can check you've got one (for each person in the vehicle). Once you've been stopped, they will of course check everything else

[gb1]

Furthermore to the hi-viz subject, am I right in thinking that its orange for some countries but yellow for others?
It's also recommended to carry an International Driving Permit - available at main Post Offices or AA Dover.

[dieseldave]

Sorry to correct you robB39, but some of what you've put is possibly a little misleading.

Hazardous goods require a DGN (Dangerous Goods Note) for shipping/rail company. If you are carrying flammable it must have the flash point on also.

IMDG requires the flashpoint to be declared only if the flashpoint is below 60 deg. C.
The flashpoint isn't required by the rail Regs (RID.)
IMDG and RID are completely separate sets of Regs, and lumping them together can only lead to confusion IMHO.
Eg. neither IMDG nor RID have a requirement for Tremcards, whereas ADR does, but only once there's more than a certain amount of dangerous goods on board.

You also need your information in writing (TREM card) you must have copies in the language of the driver and the language of every country you are transiting.

But only if the load exceeds the relevant ADR threshold limit.
If it does then the info you gave is correct, but you'd also need IIWs for the languages of the country of origin and the country of destination.

When transiting Belgium you will need one copy French and one copy in Dutch.

ADR clearly allows for this to be the case, but I've no idea as to whether the Belgian Competent Authority requires it.

You will need to place hazard warning stickers (diamonds) on trailer for shipping.

You can carry your own or the shipping company will supply them; for a fee.

That might be problematic sometimes, since you'd also need a UN number on or next to the placards for shipments of the same "stuff" in excess of 4,000kgs under the IMDG Code. That's not a bad idea though, because you'd only have to buy the "half height" panels with UN numbers on when you exceed 4,000kgs, which probably wouldn't be every trip.

Here's a powerpoint slide from my IMDG stuff: (No copyright issues here. )

I'm editing to add. ADR Europe requires that you have two flashing beacons for front and rear of vehicle, and they must work. Take appropriate batteries but do not put in lamp until needed that way they will stay fresh.

Taking this as you've worded it, it would leave drivers thinking that they need flashing beacons when carrying an ADR regulated load,
which isn't quite true as they're only an OPTION.....
What ADR actually requires is "two self-standing warning signs" which may be reflective cones or triangles OR flashing amber lights. IMHO, two triangles is the easiest option by far, because they take only a little space and don't rely on batteries. BTW, if the orange flashing lights option is used, the lights MUST be independant of the vehicle's electrical system.

Since we're on the subject of ADR, we shouldn't forget our wheel chocks (2 for an artic or wag and drag, and 1 for a rigid) which must be suitable for the weight of the vehicle and the diameter of the wheels. There's also a requirement for a pocket lamp and a hi-viz for each member of the vehicle crew. In some cases, a respiratory protective device is also required.

To develop this list a little further:
As from 01/01/08, the requirements for fire extinguishers are:
=============================================================
Carriage in Limited Quantities. (Per individual package)
IF you're carrying Limited Quantities (LQs) you don't need any extinguishers.
IF you carry LQs with extinguishers on board, then that's OK, since you'd have more than the minimum of nil.
=============================================================

Carriage below threshold. (= total weight/literage of all packages on vehicle not exempted by LQs)
IF you're carrying a load that's NOT packaged in LQs, but below the threshold, then you'll need:
1 X 2kg (usually) dry powder extinguisher suitable for fighting a fire in the engine or the cab of the vehicle.
Something like this:
or this
In larger vehicles than those shown in the pics, the 2kg extinguisher can be mounted on the framework below the driver's seat.
=============================================================

Carriage in excess of ADR threshold ( ie, when ADR applies in full)

You'll need the 2kg extinguisher as above, PLUS one more extinguisher depending on the permitted G.V.W. of your vehicle as follows:
(The actual weight of goods that you're carrying is irrelevant here )

Permitted G.V.W. less than 3,500 kgs needs ANOTHER 2kg extinguisher as above, making a total of 4kgs.

Permitted G.V.W. between 3,500kgs and less than 7,500kgs needs ANOTHER 6kg extinguisher making a total of 8kgs

Permitted G.V.W over 7,500kgs ie ANY LGV needs ANOTHER 10kg extinguisher making a total of 12kgs
Once the vehicle is an LGV, it doesn't matter whether it's a rigid, wag and drag or an artic

My suggestion for ADR compliance for LGVs is to consider having extinguishers of the following sizes: 2kg + 6kg + 6kg = 14kg. With the minimum requirement being 12kgs for an LGV, there's no problem in being 2 kg to the good. The 6kg extinguishers are quite plentiful and 2 of them might work out cheaper than a single 10kg extinguisher.
Remember, 12kg is a minimum, not a maximum.

On most vehicles, the larger of the extinguishers is carried outside the vehicle in some kind of protective covering,
something like this:


=============================================================
Other requirements:

1. Extinguishers must be of an approved type ie. bear the CE mark.
2. Extinguishers must be periodically inspected and bear a label / sticker showing the next due date of inspection
3. Extinguishers must be fitted with a seal AND pin
Something like this:


4. Extinguishers must be protected from the effects of the weather.
5. Extinguishers must be easily accessible.

In the event that 1 and 2 and 3 above aren't complied with, you'll be done for not having an extinguisher.

If that little lot weren't enough, there's ALSO an ADR requirement that all items of PPE and intervention equipment as specified on the IIWs are on board the vehicle.

As usual, quotes are available upon request.

[dieseldave]

Furthermore to the hi-viz subject, am I right in thinking that its orange for some countries but yellow for others?

Hi gb1, I'd guess that the colour of hi-viz might be a matter for each country to decide, but I've got no info on that one way or the other.

There is a requirement for a Europe Standard EN471 hi-viz to be carried on an ADR regulated journey, but there is no colour specified in ADR either.

[brit pete]

dieseldave, you do need both FRENCH & DUTCH
cards for Belgian, as depending in which part of
the country you are one half speaks french the other half
speaks dutch, andthose nearest to germany speak
german as well, the offical languages are French,
and Dutch,,
----
IMDG loads only,(not--adr---haz )
for the sign posting of IMDG loads, when we load in
germany , the loader supplies the relevant signs
which you need for the docks, also up to now
when i have required extra signs then the dock
staff have supplied these at no costs,
---------------

[dieseldave]

dieseldave, you do need both FRENCH & DUTCH
cards for Belgian, as depending in which part of
the country you are one half speaks french the other half
speaks dutch, andthose nearest to germany speak
german as well, the offical languages are French,
and Dutch,,

As I said above, it's perfectly possible that the Belgians require both languages. ADR says that this is possible, but I have no ** quotable facts** one way or the other on that point.
The Belgian Competent Authority will be the ultimate arbiter on that point, but the suggestion of needing both languages sounds very logical IMHO.
----

IMDG loads only,(not--adr---haz )
for the sign posting of IMDG loads, when we load in
germany , the loader supplies the relevant signs
which you need for the docks, also up to now
when i have required extra signs then the dock
staff have supplied these at no costs,
---------------

This will depend on which shipping line is involved Pete. IMDG says when and which type of placards are required, but it says nothing about who should supply them. Some ferry companies do make a charge, whilst others don't. In any case, it's perfectly possible that you're nowhere near needing orange boards under ADR, but when you get to the docks you might find that you need placards, because IMDG works very differently to ADR.

[welshboyinspain]

think it's 2 warning triangles in spain
boss gave me 2 said always show 2 to guardia civil

[Chicken George the 2nd]

Are fire extingushers[sp] compulsary in Belguim, I've got a "Phillips European Map Book" and in the front is list of compulsary/recommended equipment that needs to be carried. Now I know its for cars but a fire extinguisher is compulsary in Belguim, had a chat with our T/M and euro planner and they are not sure. We don't do ADR, we're a reefer only company.

Can anybody help please.

Thanx

CG2

[brit pete]

If you do not carry HAZERDOUS--ADR goods then a 6 kilo
extingquisher in the cabin for small fires, is all that you
need. There is a list some where ,and it shows I belive that mainly
the scandinavian countrys and eastern block countrys require that
a fire extingquisher,for small brands is carried,
IT makes sense to carry one
of the 6kilo size as you may find it will one day
save you haveing problems when a fire does occur

[Inselaffe]

Not really applicable to UK based guys, as they will, by default , be carrying their passports, but for us based over here in Germany.
A valid passport or identity card must now be carried at all times to provide police with proof of identity if stopped whilst driving a truck in Germany.
This is to combat the black economy in the transport sector.
Previously, a Sozialversicherungsnachweis (social insurance statement) would suffice.

[brit pete]

@inseltaffe, sorry mate but this is not new,you have all ways
had to carry your passport with you as a non german ,along with
your Aufenthaltsgenehmigung (residence-permit); the social-
versicherungs karte is also to be carried when working,fines for not haveing this with you were around €90 last time we had this question on the german site.

The other point for all those who are resideing in germany as
gastarbeiter , you have to have a PASSPORT that is in date,
other wise you can find yourself in deep trouble, i

[bazfrombenidorm]

Hazardous goods require a DGN (Dangerous Goods Note) for shipping/rail company. If you are carrying flammable it must have the flash point on also.

You also need your information in writing (TREM card) you must have copies in the language of the driver and the language of every country you are transiting.

When transiting Belgium you will need one copy French and one copy in Dutch.

You will need to place hazard warning stickers (diamonds) on trailer for shipping.

You can carry your own or the shipping company will supply them; for a fee.

I'm editing to add. ADR Europe requires that you have two flashing beacons for front and rear of vehicle, and they must work. Take appropriate batteries but do not put in lamp until needed that way they will stay fresh.

Roof mounted amber beacons are also required for Austria, details of which can be found by using this link: http://www.unece.org/trans/danger/publi/adr/1.9/Austria2005e.pdf

[orys]

IF you're carrying Limited Quantities (LQs) you don't need any extinguishers.

I have to note, as it's international thread:
In Poland all vehicles (including cars) should carry fire extinguishers. And it has to be before it "use before" date. And it has to have european homologation (whatever that means).

Now:
- IMHO it's stupid, but they don't want to listen to me .
- From the other hand, there is some law that your vehicle must have be up to specifications of country of registration. So some people claim that it's not required when you drive foreign plated car
- But it's some grey area and common practice of Police is to issue a ticket. For lack of fire extinguisher it can be between 50 and 200 zł (~10 to 40 pounds). The problem is that if you are a foreigner you have to pay on the spot and if you don't have polish money, police car will escort you to the bank or money-exchange place, which is a huge waste of time (or, more propably, you will have to park up your lorry and they'll drive you there in the police car). Then if you don't agree you can fight you money back in court. So as you can buy a fire extinguisher for few quids, that may be worth to do as it may save a lot of hassle.

So just to let you know, as not too much people is aware of that.

Btw: Also in Poland there is mandatory first aid kit if the car is carrying people for hire or reward (so Taxis, small vans, buses etc.) and correction stickers on the headlamps for RHD cars are also mandatory.

And it's illegal to carry the radar-warning device in "ready to use" state.

[andy164]

Ive recently been told by another driver that a friend of his got stopped by the red caps and was hit with a fine for 4000euros as he had a copy of the european authorisation. Whether this is urban myth or not i dont know, but if its true, its a absolute disgrace, once again shows that the rad caps are a law unto themselves. (it was a genuine copy of the authorisation not a photocopy) Any 1 else had a problem similar?

[brit pete]

@ Andy164 you must have the ORIGINAL permit and no copy
the same goes for all your documents that you require with you.

[Coffeeholic]

Ive recently been told by another driver that a friend of his got stopped by the red caps and was hit with a fine for 4000euros as he had a copy of the european authorisation. Whether this is urban myth or not i dont know, but if its true, its a absolute disgrace, once again shows that the rad caps are a law unto themselves. (it was a genuine copy of the authorisation not a photocopy) Any 1 else had a problem similar?

It does smack of urban myth to me and I have heard it before although it was about the French and not the Spanish, and it was €1000 fine when I heard it.

If it is true that fine was wrong and it should be appealed. If he had the original with him he could have been fined as that one must stay in the office and an certified copy carried on the vehicle. I guy I used to work with received a big fine in Germany for having the original with him instead of a copy, he was also fined and parked up in France a couple of months later for having an out of date copy. He had gone home after being fined in Germany and swapped the original for an old one without noticing.

[Coffeeholic]

@ Andy164 you must have the ORIGINAL permit and no copy
the same goes for all your documents that you require with you.

Not true Pete. You must carry a certified copy of the permit and not the original, the original must remain in the office. Note. An certified copy is not a photocopy but one of the copies which comes with the permit when it is issued.

[andy164]

thanx for the Brit Pete & Coffeeholic, i suspect that fine that i was told (4000 euros) was a little white lie, ya know how some drivers like nothing more than stretching the truth.

[david1686]

level of fines is not urban myth.

I was recently stopped at Irun by redcaps and fined € 4600 for the certified copy of authorisation being laminated.

The fine was the minimum for not having Community Authorisation. Maximum fine is apparently 6000.

I am going through the appeal process.

[Wheel Nut]

I wonder if the Basque police wondered why the CE authorisation was laminated and if it was a crude attempt at forgery, an inkjet printer, a pack of blue pastel paper from Staples and a PC.

Maybe they should be embossed like an old MOT certificate used to be.

Not suggesting this was the case this time you understand

[david1686]

Authorisation , a genuine Certified Copy,was laminated when it was issued 7 years ago for protection.

It has been inspected many times by authorities all over Europe, including Spain , never any problems or questions until last month's incident at Irun.

The Spanish, IMHO, are simply on a revenue raising exercise, imposing massive fines for seemingly trivial offences.

Apparently the fine for having a copy of an authorisation in Germany is less than € 500