In this post we’ll outline all the essential things you need to know before you drive an HGV in Europe. We’ll focus on the documentation you’ll need while also touching upon some of the different rules and regulations that may exist on the continent.
If you’re going to be driving an HGV in Europe, our friendly commercial motor experts are always on hand to help you ensure you have the right level of cover in place. To discuss your insurance needs for HGV driving in Europe, call us on 020 8290 9099, or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
Are You Covered to Drive an HGV in Europe?
Does your current commercial motor insurance policy cover you for driving overseas? If you’re going to be driving an HGV in Europe, you’ll need adequate insurance to cover you for anything that might happen to you, your truck, or the goods you’re carrying while you’re driving on the continent.
You’ll need cover for your truck and your goods in transit. This should include breakdown cover that extends to overseas incidents. But you’ll also need to manage the risks you might face as a driver. Personal accident insurance, or travel insurance, will help you ensure you can get all the treatment and support you need if you’re involved in an accident while driving in Europe.
It’s also important to consider repatriation insurance. A shocking story made the news some years ago: an HGV driver passed away in Italy. His employers had cover for his truck, but not for him. So they went to Italy to collect the vehicle while leaving his body behind. His family was then forced to raise money for his repatriation.
This sort of situation is thankfully rare. But it’s the sort of nightmare scenario that can arise when you don’t have sufficient insurance in place to cover all possible losses.
Documents for HGV Driving in Europe
All commercial vehicles carrying goods between countries must carry certain documents. Here’s what you’ll need to bring whether you’re driving the HGV, or you’re simply a passenger in the cab:
- Valid UK driving licence and passport.
- Valid Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) card.
- Healthcare documents – such as a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC).
You do not need a visa unless you’ll be spending more than 90 days in the EU within a 180-day period. But you may need a visa to pass through certain non-EU countries. For more information, check the “entry requirements” for whichever countries you’ll be driving through.
You’ll also need certain documents relating to your HGV and trailer. These include:
- Vehicle and trailer registration documents.
- A goods vehicle operator licence disc.
- A UK sticker (previously you needed a GB sticker).
- Any dedicated licences or permits you need for the journey.
- Certificates for any specialist approvals your vehicle has.
You can read a full guide to the vehicle documents you’ll need on the government’s dedicated information hub.
Will I Need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
You may need an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. This isn’t necessary to drive in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, or Switzerland. But you may have to get an IDP to drive in certain countries if you have a paper driving licence, or if your licence was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersy, or the Isle of Man.
Check the official government guidance for more information. You could also consult the embassy of whichever country you’ll be driving in.
Will I Need a Green Card?
You may also need a green card to drive in certain countries, including Russia, Tunisia, and Turkey. This green card acts as proof that you have adequate commercial motor insurance in place. If necessary, your employer can obtain a green card from their insurance provider before your trip. But if you’re a self-employed owner operator, you’ll have to contact your insurer yourself.
Finally, some countries may still impose certain COVID-19 testing requirements. Check the latest foreign travel advice for more information.
Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs in Europe
If you drive an HGV that weighs 3.5 tonnes or more, you’ll have to follow the rules on drivers’ hours and tachograph use while you’re driving overseas.
This means you’ll have to bring whichever tachograph charts or manual records you’re legally required to maintain. You’ll also have to bring your digital smart card if you have one.
Read our full guide to drivers’ hours and tachograph use.
Be Aware of the Different Rules of the Road When Driving Through Europe
There may be different rules for driving an HGV in Europe depending on which countries you pass through. Be aware that the rules regarding the following can vary from country to country:
- Speed limits.
- Vehicle stickers.
- Breakdown kits.
- Restricted driving zones.
- Days on which HGV driving is banned, such as Sundays or public holidays.
We’ll cover these different rules in more detail in a future post.
We Can Help You Get The Cover You Need For Driving Your HGV in Europe
Our friendly team of commercial motor experts are always on hand to help you ensure you have the right level of cover in place. To discuss your insurance needs for HGV driving in Europe, call us on 020 8290 9099, or email commercial.motor@anthonyjones.com.
