Drivers warned over 3 documents they must have in glovebox or face £640 fine
Motorists must also have three crucial items in their car when driving abroad
Drivers planning to head overseas this summer in their cars are being warned about three pieces of paperwork they must have in the car or face a heavy penalty. And they must also be prepared with three crucial items on board too.
Anyone planning to cross the channel and drive in Europe should be aware of potentially heavy fines if they're caught unprepared as the rules are very different to driving in the UK. One thing all drivers need to have in their car is a warning triangle in case of a break down.
They should also carry a high visibility jacket and a first aid kit with them at all times.
Also, on the list is a magnetic UK sticker. Brits need to display a UK sticker clearly on their vehicle if the number plate has:
A GB identifier with the Union Flag
A Euro symbol
A national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
Numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier
Experts at BigWantsYourCar said: 'In Europe, if Brits drive without the correct sticker, they will be given a €140 or £120 fine while on the continent.'
But it's not just equipment motorists should ensure they have, they are also required to have three essential documents in the glovebox at all times.
The expert said: "Every driver should double-check their paperwork before heading overseas. A valid driving licence, car insurance details, and vehicle registration documents are needed at all times.
"Missing any of these could significantly disrupt your plans and result in fines up to €750 (£640). It's better to be over-prepared than to face any delays."
Some motorists might require an International Driving Permit to drive in certain countries too.
The expert explained: "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.
"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."
When driving in a foreign country sat navs are going to be helpful for helping holidaymakers get from A to B. But there are some places where they are illegal, drivers have been warned.
BigWantsYourCar said: "While using sat navs, drivers must be aware of restrictions. In countries like France and Cyprus, sat navs are prohibited and can lead to fines as high as €1,500 as they make drivers aware of speed cameras.
"It may be worth looking into whether you can turn the speed camera detection feature off.'
Other tips for driving abroad include adjusting your headlights and understanding speed limits at your destination.
The expert added: "UK vehicles are designed for left-hand traffic, so when driving in countries where you must drive on the right, adjusting your headlights is crucial to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
'Headlamp converters, which adjust your headlights for driving on the right side of the road, are readily available and can be easily installed. It's important to remove these converters once you return to the UK.
"If you're caught driving in France without these adjustments, you could face an immediate €90 fine.'
Speed limits can differ significantly across European countries and are strictly enforced. Understanding and adhering to these limits is vital.
The penalties for speeding can be severe, so it's important to research and respect the speed regulations of each country you visit.
Speed limits for some European countries on motorways
France: 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain)
Germany: No official limit, but a recommended speed of 130 km/h
Portugal: 120 km/h
Spain: 120 km/h
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