Drivers without three documents in their glovebox this summer face £640 fine
Drivers without three documents in their glovebox this summer face £640 fine
A new holiday warning has been issued to motorists over the massive fines you could get while driving abroad
A holiday warning has been issued to road users and motorists over massive fines you could get while driving abroad this summer
(Image: Getty )
Motorists are being cautioned that they could face fines of up to £640 this summer if their vehicles lack three essential documents. A holiday warning has been issued to drivers over the hefty fines they could incur while driving abroad.
British drivers venturing overseas need to ensure they are fully equipped with the necessary items when motoring in Europe. Essentials such as a warning triangle, a high-visibility jacket, and a first aid kit should not be overlooked.
Also included on the checklist is a magnetic UK sticker. Brits must clearly display a UK sticker on their vehicle if the number plate features a GB identifier with the Union Flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales, or simply numbers and letters – without any flag or identifier.
In Europe, Brits who fail to display the correct sticker could face a fine of €140 or £120 whilst on the continent. It's crucial for every driver to thoroughly check their paperwork before setting off overseas.
A valid driving licence, car insurance details, and vehicle registration documents must be carried at all times. Failing to have any of these could significantly disrupt your travel plans and result in fines up to €750, which equates to around £640.
Motorists are being urged to ensure they're fully prepared to avoid any setbacks, with vehicle experts BigWantsYourCar stating: "As of April 1, 2024, the DVLA requires that anyone seeking an International Driving Permit must visit a participating PayPoint location, equipped with their full valid photo-card licence, a standard passport photograph, and possibly a valid passport if they have an older paper version licence.
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"This new procedure is a departure from the past and underscores the need for drivers to be thoroughly prepared before heading to their PayPoint location.
"Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but for over 140 countries that do, including key destinations like Turkey, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, being prepared with the correct type of IDP is crucial for lawful and hassle-free driving."
Moreover, when using sat-navs abroad, drivers should be aware of local restrictions. For instance, in France and Cyprus, the use of sat-navs that alert drivers to speed cameras is illegal and can result in fines up to €1,500, reports Birmingham Live.
Drivers are advised to check if they can disable the speed camera detection feature on their devices.
It's also essential to note that speed limits vary widely across European nations and are rigorously enforced.
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Being knowledgeable about and compliant with these speed limits is critical, as penalties for speeding can be quite severe.
It's important for drivers to do their homework and adhere to the traffic laws of each country they drive in.
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