Britons planning to drive abroad this summer should be aware of the rules and regulations in different countries, as fines can be severe and cost you money.
Britons planning a road trip abroad over the summer are being warned they could face fines of more than £1,000.
Drivers who are unaware of the different driving rules in Europe can find themselves on the wrong side of the law and losing money. Fortunately, the experts at Motor Match have broken down some of the most common mistakes drivers make. Many of the fines handed out are due to simple errors that are easy to overlook. Therefore, it’s crucial that you brush up on the rules before you head out on your trip abroad.
Bring mandatory equipment
Motor Match recommended: “British drivers abroad should ensure they are fully prepared with the necessary equipment when driving in Europe. Items such as a warning triangle, high-visibility vest and first aid kit are essential.”
Additionally, a UK magnetic sticker is included in the checklist, Bristol Live reports. Britons must display a UK sticker clearly on their vehicle if the number plate has:
- A GB badge with the Union flag
- A euro symbol
- A national flag of England, Scotland or Wales.
- Only numbers and letters, no flag or identifier
“In Europe, if Britons drive without the correct sticker, they will be fined 140 euros or 120 pounds while on the continent.”
Essential documents
“All drivers should check their papers before travelling abroad,” says Motor Match. “You should always carry a valid driving licence, car insurance details and vehicle registration documents. Failure to carry any of these can seriously affect your plans and lead to fines of up to €750. It’s better to be well prepared than to face delays.”
“From 1 April 2024, the DVLA requires anyone seeking an International Driving Permit to visit a participating pay point, equipped with their full, valid photo licence, a standard passport photograph and possibly a valid passport if they have an older paper licence. This new procedure is a change from the past and underlines the need for drivers to be fully prepared before heading to their pay point.
“Not all countries require an International Driving Permit, but in the more than 140 countries that do, including key destinations such as Turkey, Mexico, Canada and Australia, being prepared with the right type of IDP is crucial to driving legally and without complications.”
Using satellite navigators
“When using sat navs, drivers should be aware of the restrictions,” a spokesperson said. “In countries such as France and Cyprus, sat navs are banned and can lead to fines of up to €1,500 as they alert drivers to the presence of speed cameras. It may be worth investigating whether the speed camera detection function can be disabled.”
“UK vehicles are designed to drive on the left, so when driving in countries where you must drive on the right, adjusting your headlights is essential to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
“Headlight converters, which adjust your headlights to drive on the right-hand side of the road, are widely available and can be easily fitted. It is important to remove these converters once you return to the UK. If you are caught driving in France without these adjustments, you could face an immediate fine of €90.”
Speed limits
Speed limits can vary significantly in different European countries and are strictly enforced. It is essential to understand and respect them.
Penalties for speeding can be severe, so it’s important to research and respect the speed laws in each country you visit. Below are the speed limits on motorways in some European countries:
- France: 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain)
- Germany: There is no official limit, but a speed of 130 km/h is recommended
- Italy: 130 km/h (110 km/h in adverse weather conditions)
- Portugal: 120 km/h
- Spain: 120 km/h
