Holiday warning: European driving laws UK holidaymakers need to be aware of in likes of Spain, Germany, France to avoid fines up to £4k

With the official start of summer around the corner, many Brits will be busy prepping for their holidays abroad.  However, for anyone who plans to drive in Europe over the coming months, it's worth brushing up on the latest driving laws to avoid being landed with expensive fines and penalty points.

To make sure there are no nasty surprises for holidaymakers, car rental firm Lotus Car Rental has created a guide which highlights the most unusual and lesser-known European driving laws to be aware of.

Listed below are seven laws holidaymakers should bear in mind before heading abroad this year.

High-vis jackets and warning triangles

In France, all cars must now be kitted out with high-vis jackets for every passenger as well as a warning triangle in case of emergencies. Before you set off on holiday, remember to purchase these items in time and store them somewhere memorable over the course of your trip. 

If you plan to rent a car, set yourself a reminder to check that these items are included in the vehicle before driving away, otherwise you are looking at a fine of up to £643. The French also expect drivers to carry a breathalyser kit - or éthylotest - at all times. This was introduced in 2012 in an effort to combat drunk-driving and means that motorists can check their alcohol levels are safe and legal before getting behind the wheel.

International Driving Permit

In some cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed. This permit is required to drive in 27 EU countries, as well as Iceland, Switzerland, Norway and Liechtenstein. 

The penalty for being caught without one can range anywhere from a fine, to being sent to court or having your car confiscated. If you are travelling in one of these groups, the Government's advice is to check with the embassy of the country you are planning to drive in to see if you will need an IDP. 

Spare glasses

If you wear prescription glasses then it’s important to keep a spare set with you in your rental car, otherwise you could be landed with a fine - especially if you are road tripping in Spain, Germany, France or Switzerland. This requirement is in place to ensure that all drivers can maintain clear and adequate vision in case their primary eyewear gets damaged, lost on one of your beach days, or any other unexpected issues arise on your trip.

Drive a vehicle that is equipped for the climate

Always check whether any regulations are in place that require changes to be made to your vehicle in order to drive safely on the roads during more severe weather periods.  Alexander Haraldsson, CEO at Lotus Car Rental, adds: “In Iceland for instance, weather conditions can be extremely unpredictable even during the summer months. Heavy rain, strong winds and even snow can make driving conditions difficult for locals, let alone unsuspecting tourists.

“For this reason, it’s mandatory for all motorists to use winter tyres from November to April in certain parts of the country. These tyres add extra traction on icy roads and are essential for anyone who plans to head out of Reykjavik and explore the open road. If caught without, drivers could face hefty fines anywhere up to £114.”

Overtaking 

One factor Brits don’t often consider when driving abroad are the rules for overtaking, as this isn’t closely policed in the UK. However in Spain, overtaking rules and regulations are strictly enforced and can result in a fine of up to £514, licence points and even licence suspension. For the sake of sitting behind a slower driver for an extra mile or so, stick to any designated passing zones and look out for the specified road signs that signal whether it’s safe to overtake or not.

Headlight usage

To improve road safety and reduce the likelihood of accidents, some countries in Europe, such as Poland, Bulgaria and Iceland, require drivers to use headlights at all times, even during daylight hours. Typically in the countries where this regulation is implemented, the natural lighting conditions can make it difficult to identify other vehicles on the road without illuminated headlights and failure to do so can result in fines.

Driving laws vary a lot between European countries and many new laws have been introduced since Brexit. As part of your holiday prep, make time to research and familiarise yourself with the specific regulations for the countries you plan to visit.

Drink driving

When on holiday and most likely enjoying yourself a bit more than usual, drink driving rules are something to bear in mind at all times. Penalties can include anything from fines to driving bans, and in severe cases, imprisonment.

Each European country has its own legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for driving. Norway has one of the lowest BAC limits in Europe, with a general limit of 0.02%. Therefore even the smallest amount of alcohol in your bloodstream could be considered an offence, resulting in a fine ranging from NOK 10,000 (£736.23) to NOK 20,000 (£1,458.86). At the opposite end of the spectrum, Malta is one of the most lenient countries when it comes to drink driving with a limit of 0.08%, which is the same as the UK.