Around eight million Brits drive abroad each year and 63% don’t checking the local driving laws.
And now, motoring experts are warning drivers to be vigilant, or they could face hefty fines this summer.
Research from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office found over two-thirds of Brits who have driven abroad have faced problems. And with over two in five (42%) Brits travelling overseas this summer, motoring experts at ATS Euromaster have shared five rules to be aware of when driving abroad, including dazzling headlights and compulsory equipment, which could help to avoid a costly trip.
- Not having compulsory equipment – €1,500 fine
In most European countries, such as Portugal, Germany and Spain, it’s compulsory to carry certain pieces of equipment. Some include carrying a warning triangle, hi-visibility jacket, first aid kit, beam convertors, and, if you’re driving your own car, a magnetic UK sticker.
The sticker, if forgotten in Italy, could face drivers with a potential on-the-spot fine of €150 which can be avoided by purchasing a £5 sticker. However, in Belgium, you could face a staggering fine of up to €1,500 if caught without UK sticker, beam converters and a warning triangle.
- Not carrying the essential documents – €750 fine
When travelling there are multiple documents you need to ensure you take with you. These include:
- Full UK valid driving licence (plastic card only as the paper forms have been discontinued)
- Car insurance details and your vehicle’s V5c when taking your own car (registration document)
- Passport (and your visa if you’re in a country that needs one)
- If you’re hiring a car, you’ll need all the relevant paperwork you were given by the rental company, as well as your driving licence and you will need to have held it for at least a year. You may also be asked for a passport or your international driving permit in Norway if you only have a paper licence
- Make sure you have a valid MOT and car insurance print-outs
Without the correct documentation, drivers could face long delays across Europe, at the border or worse, risk having the vehicle impounded and receive an on-the-spot fine up to €750.
- Using a sat nav – €1,500 fine
Using a sat nav or some form of GPS will make exploring your destination much easier, however be aware that some countries, such as France and Cyprus, prohibit the use of systems that alert you to the presence of speed cameras and could result in a €1,500 fine.
- Dazzling headlights- €90 fine
It’s a legal requirement for all UK vehicles to adjust their headlights if driving on the right, as British headlights are designed for driving on the left side of the road and will dazzle oncoming drivers. Headlamp converters are widely available and can be added to adjust the alignment. Just remember to remove the converters as soon as you return to the UK.
Driving in France without having these fitted carries a €90 on-the-spot fine.
- Not obeying the speed limits – €711 fine
To avoid returning with a list of hefty fines, it’s important to understand and research the speed limits in different countries, especially on motorways, as they differ from those in the UK.
- Poland = 140km/h (86mph)
- Belgium = 120km/h (75mph)
- Italy = 130km/h (81mph)
- Spain = 120km/h (75mph)
- Norway = 110 km/h (68 mph)
- France = 130km/h (81mph)
Each country has a range of speed limit fines, starting as low as €42 in Italy, to a minimum of €711 in Norway.
