Summer is here, which for many Brits means it’s time to go on holiday! However, with flights becoming increasingly unaffordable – especially during school holidays – some of us may be looking at holiday hotposts we can drive to.
While there are quite a few countries that are reachable by a car and ferry journey, some have strict laws for the road, which differ to British ones. You could accidentally break the law quite easily – and spoil your holiday by receiving a hefty fine.
Luckily, an expert at car finance specialists ChooseMyCar.com, has given some failsafe steps that drivers must take to avoid getting on the wrong side of the law. From carrying a reflective jacket, to putting a sticker on your car, some of these tasks will cost less than £2, and prevent a future fine and a run-in with the local authorities.
A reflective jacket and a GB sticker on your car are examples of essential items that you must carry in the event of a possible emergency, where you may need to make your vehicle visible to other drivers or show proof of your identity. Your UK car is also a left-hand vehicle on the right-hand side of the road, and your left-sided headlight will shine forwards and dazzle local drivers if in use. For this reason, headlamp converters are required.
Nick Zapolski, automotive expert and founder of ChooseMyCar.com, said that following the appropriate driving laws for the country you are in will prevent the risk of fines and prosecution, and allow for a less stressful holiday.
“Driving to our holiday destination in our own car is a great way to save money, but it can come with some pitfalls. Many places have laws for the road that we’re not aware of, and it would only take an honest mistake to find yourself in trouble.
“When driving in a foreign country, there are many ways that you may need to make yourself visible to others, whether it’s warning items for other drivers, or proof of your identity to show the local authorities. Failure to meet these laws may see you pay a fine of hundreds of euros.
“By being aware of these regulations that are easy to follow, you will spend your time abroad facing the sun, instead of facing legal action.”
ChooseMyCar.com has prepared a simple guide to help you stay on the right side of the driving laws abroad.
France
Although France is only just under two hours away from Dover, you will be greeted with different driving laws once you step off the ferry. Before you begin your journey from Calais, make sure to fit a UK sticker in the rear windscreen of your car – since 2021, GB stickers have no longer been accepted. You also must carry a warning triangle and a reflective hi-vis jacket with you in case of a breakdown. Failure to present these may result in a €135 fine.
Spain
Although an international driving permit is not mandatory, failure to carry a drivers licence can result in a fine of up to €80. Spain also has strict laws regarding the use of reflective jackets – failure to wear one on the road or hard shoulder may result in a fine of €200 and an additional three points on your licence.
Netherlands
While the Netherlands has slightly less imposing laws on warning triangles and reflective jackets, your car must display a red reflective warning triangle when in a dimly-lit area. UK cars must also display the letter UK on their number plate (with a union jack flag), or alternatively on a sticker. An international camping card is also recommended, to provide you with third party liability insurance and discounts on tourist attractions.
Belgium
While you no longer need an insurance green card, which was once a requirement, you will still need to display a UK sign on your vehicle, either on your number plate or as a sticker. It’s also a legal requirement to carry a reflective jacket in the event of an emergency or crash – they cost as little as £1.19 in the UK, and wearing one when necessary will prevent a fine of at least €58 when on holiday.
Below is a short list of further laws you must follow in at least some of these countries:
Headlamp converters
In mainland Europe, you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road, where your lights may dazzle other drivers. To prevent a serious crash, switch on your dipped beam, before placing a diffuser sheet over the headlamp to dull the light on your vehicle. Failure to carry out this task before driving may result in an on-the-spot fine of nearly €100 in countries such as France.
Toll booths
France and Spain both have toll booths, where mandatory fees are paid based on the distance you’re driving. Rest assured though, cash and card payments are accepted, after which you can enjoy the rest of your journey.
