British motorists unaware of continental driving laws

Twenty-five per cent of British motorists abroad are reported to violate driving laws in foreign countries when they’re on holiday, a recent survey shows. Often drivers are unaware of laws, but the reality is that even a missing GB sticker can lead to a fine on the spot.

The survey was conducted by Economy Car Hire, and it discovered that holidaymakers often risk fines by much more conscious and serious offences, including drink driving.

Most European nations require – or at least recommend - headlamp beam converters and warning triangles, fluorescent jackets and paperwork that often various country to country.

An employee from P&O Ferries, an operator carrying 10 million passengers annually, commented that he’s seen evidence of all sorts of things being left behinds – from the couple who forgot to attach their caravan before they left home, to the holidaymaker who left his newly micro-chipped and vaccinated dog in the garden at home.

Passports are often left behind also, as many travellers believe they can go anywhere in the EU without needing one.

It’s important to carry your driving licence and having a paper copy of it with you on your trip abroad and an international driving permit if it’s necessary. Vehicle registration documents and an insurance certificate are both necessary if you’re driving your own car on your holiday.

Even if you’re planning on hiring a car, it may not come with the kit that you need, making it worthwhile checking with car hire company when you book.

If your car is missing any of the equipment required in a certain country, it’s possible that you’ll be fined up to hundreds of pounds – and your foreign registration is no longer a guarantee of escape from facing the penalty.

www.economycarhire.com