In the face of crowds in domestic resorts, the prospect of going abroad is tempting for many Poles. What should you take with you in the car when you enter a foreign country? You need to take into account not only road law, but also pandemic regulations.
General rules
Since the opening of the borders, we can make trips outside Poland without having to undergo quarantine on the spot or after returning. This applies to almost all EU countries. However, due to the threat posed by SARS-CoV-2, most people will go on vacation by car. What to bring with you, considering the pandemic's mandatory equipment and extra baggage?
When it comes to the latter category, you will need masks or scarves or scarves with which you can cover your mouth and nose. These may be required in public places, on public transport, at a store, or a gas station. You should also have a disinfectant with you. You should also bear in mind the restrictions in force in some countries regarding the travelers themselves.
And how to deal with the equipment valid abroad? In this respect, each European state regulates its law. This does not mean, however, that a Pole traveling abroad must have every element listed in the regulations of the country to which we are entering. In countries that have ratified the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, i.e. throughout the EU, it is enough to have such equipment as is mandatory in the country of registration of the vehicle in which we are driving. For a car registered in Poland, it will be a warning triangle or a fire extinguisher.
In practice, some drivers are preventively equipped with elements that are not necessary for Poland but required abroad. These motorists fear that in the event of an inspection it will be difficult to explain this issue to the officer. It is also worth equipping yourself with a reflective vest. It is true that even if it is required abroad, formally we do not have to have it, but in some countries the law requires it to be installed in the event of a car repair - e.g. wheel replacement - on the road. Then explaining its absence by the Vienna Convention may not help much. However, let's move on to the specific provisions.
Austria
Coronavirus related laws:
In public places, non-family members must keep a distance of at least 1 m. Covering the mouth and nose is compulsory in public transport and taxis where it is impossible to keep a distance of at least one meter.
Mandatory car equipment:
A warning triangle, reflective vest.
Belgium
Coronavirus related laws:
People over 12 years of age must cover their mouth and nose in public transport (from the moment of entering the station or station until leaving it), and in other closed public places, it is recommended. In public places, a distance of 1.5 m is recommended. A maximum of two people can travel in a car unless it is a family member.
Mandatory car equipment:
A warning triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit.
Bulgaria
Coronavirus related laws:
Covering the mouth and nose is compulsory in confined public places and on public transport, a distance of 1.5 m is required.
Mandatory car equipment:
A warning triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit, fire extinguisher.
Croatia
Coronavirus related laws:
Covering the mouth and nose is compulsory on public transport, a distance of 1.5 m is required.
Mandatory car equipment:
A warning triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit, spare bulbs (except for cars with xenon, neon, or LED lights).
2024 ©