Holidaymakers warned of European driving rules that could land them with £20K fine
Drivers should be cautious when driving on foreign roads as rules can vary from country to country.
Brits heading abroad this summer are being warned of driving rules that could land them in trouble. Breaking several laws whilst driving on foreign roads could could put a dampener on your holidays as police could legally fine motorists as much as 25,000 euros.
Ahead of the holiday season, experts are now urging drivers to check local laws and regulations before getting behind the wheel whilst on their travels. Tourists driving in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria should be aware that you are not allowed to use a dash cam when driving as this can be seen as invading someone's privacy.
Also, if you're heading to Cyprus and plan to rent a car, make sure you do not eat or drink whilst driving as you could be fined 85 euros.
James Harding, a tyre specialist with over 15 years of experience at Blackcircles, said: "Taking your own car, or renting a car abroad, can give holiday makers a sense of freedom; allowing them to explore their destination themselves.
"However, it is important to ensure that you have all the right documents and understand any motoring laws before travelling to your destination.'
'For example, drivers may not operate a dashcam in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria as they are deemed an invasion of privacy.
"Repeat offenders can be fined up to €25,000 in Austria. If you are found eating or drinking behind the wheel in Cyprus, you can be fined €85. This includes water, so it is best to pull over if you feel thirsty or peckish.
"In Germany, road rage can cost you a hefty sum. Shouting insults or making offensive gestures to police or members of the public, can cost you up to €4,000 in fines.'
Important documents to remember when driving in Europe
Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number
Proof of vehicle insurance
Proof of ID (passport)
V5C certificate (the 'log book')
Travel insurance documents
European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents
Before you travel, ensure your vehicle's tax and MOT are valid and up-to-date
Crit'air sticker if driving in France
You may also need to carry other documents with you, including:
One or more international driving permits
a UK sticker (if you don't have a UK identifier with the Union flag on your number plate)
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
James added: 'It is also important to check that you take time to research road signs, and carry the right documents with you when driving.'
Drivers were also previously warned to think twice about taking their business car on personal holidays.
Before planning a European road trip in a company vehicle urged employees to check a number of regulations before setting off on their travels.
Drivers can only take their company car on holiday with them if they ensure they have one thing - and this is permission.
Employees must get written permission from your lease provider before taking your vehicle abroad.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
3 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a former check-in agent and the worst time to travel is not during summer'
The busiest month to travel isn't during the summer despite many craving the sunshine - you'll more likely be delayed at a completely different time of year By the middle of the year, most Brits have some form of travel plans in place - especially those about to fly away to a tropical destination. But there's no denying that security queues are bustling, families with a trail of luggage trying to navigate through the terminal are plenty, and the roads leading to the airports themselves are traffic-ridden. The more flights landing and taking off from airports can also lead to the common misconception that delays are more likely during this time period. According to former check-in agent Ashley Bautista, now a Mirror journalist, this is not the case. "Believe it or not, the most chaotic period is during the Christmas holidays," she said. "This is because compared to peak travel days, there are fewer flights on Christmas Day." Christmas is the time when everyone's flying out to spend time with their friends and family. If you live hundreds or even thousands of miles away from home, the most convenient method of travel is by plane. But just as you're trying to reunite with your loved ones, hundreds of thousands of people are also trying to do the same thing. During this festive period, it's common to see a lot of flights getting delayed or cancelled, whether for weather or maintenance reasons. It's a frustrating feeling especially during such an important time, but it's inevitable. Remember, ground-crews also have to de-ice the aircraft in sub-zero temperatures before it takes off which can often lead to a delayed take-off. According to Heathrow Media Center, London's Heathrow Airport welcomed more than seven million passengers alone. It turned it into the busiest period ever, exceeding the pre-pandemic numbers in 2019 by three million. The UK also saw a total of 11 million passengers jetting off from all UK airports, as reported by the UK CAA. Ashley continued: "As a former check-in agent, I've been in situations where flights were overbooked because the airline oversold their seats or because passengers had been moved from one airline to another due to cancellations. Still, that didn't guarantee them a seat. "It wasn't the best news to deliver, especially during that time of the year, as families were travelling to reunite with their loved ones." She even recalled instances where passengers would have to wait for days until they got to board the flight. In the worst case scenario, the airline would offer financial compensation for those who volunteered to be pulled out of the flight, if needed. "So, the myth that summer is the busiest season to go abroad has been debunked - at least for now," she continued. "If you plan to book a holiday this summer or in the upcoming months, it's good to be aware of it. Just like Tuesday's are known to be the cheapest day to fly out, it's also good to learn some other travel hacks."
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Little-known airport rule could see Brits slapped with £1,000 fine
Many Brits enjoy vaping as well as a pre-flight pint - but doing so in the wrong area at the airport could see your holiday come to an abrupt end Brits jetting off on holiday have been warned that vaping in the wrong area at the airport could land them a £1,000 fine and see them denied boarding. For many holidaymakers heading off somewhere sunny, a pre-takeoff pint is as much a part of the travel ritual as checking your passport 15 times and buying a small tube of toothpaste from Boots. As night follows day, for those who enjoy nicotine, a drink often leads to a desire to smoke or vape - something that can prove difficult in an airport. Having a puff outside of designated smoking areas could bring their holiday to an abrupt end. UK airports have banned smoking and vaping inside terminal buildings, and a recent crackdown means passengers can no longer assume they can vape freely while waiting to board. Fines for vaping or smoking in prohibited areas can be up to £1,000, with penalties starting at £50 for smoking in non-designated areas. While smoking and vaping bans are widespread, there are limited exceptions at some airports where smokers and vapers can access designated outdoor areas, past security: Heathrow: No vaping allowed inside terminal buildings. Gatwick: Designated outdoor smoking areas only. Manchester: No vaping in terminals; outdoor smoking zone available. Stansted / Luton / Edinburgh / Glasgow / London City: Vaping prohibited indoors. Birmingham: Outdoor smoking and vaping areas beyond security. Liverpool: Heated outdoor space accessible after Outdoor area available for smoking and vaping after security. Mike Byers, who works at vape company WickdUp, said: "We've all been there - the pre-flight pint with a craving for a cigarette or a quick vape. But with the tightening of smoking and vaping rules at airports across the UK, travellers need to know that indulging in these habits could result in serious fines or even missed flights. "With long waits, delays, and already expensive airports, the last thing you need is a penalty that could ruin your trip." Mike urges people to check the rules at the airport they're flying from. "I can't stress the importance of checking each airport's specific smoking and vaping policies before heading to your gate. For many passengers, not knowing where you can legally vape or smoke could mean an unexpected fine - or missing your flight," he said. 'If you're flying from a busy terminal like Heathrow or Gatwick, it's even more important to be aware of the specific zones where smoking or vaping is allowed. Some airports have invested in dedicated areas after security, but the rules differ from terminal to terminal. Never assume you can just light up anywhere — it could cost you more than your holiday.'
Daily Mirror
5 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Key passport checks Brits need to make before Spain, France and Greece holidays
Brits heading on holidays to hotspots in Spain, France, Greece, Portugal, Italy and other European hotspots need to make 4 key checks now ahead of summer Brits planning their summer holidays abroad will want to check their passports now - or risk being turned away at the airport. In recent years there have been plenty of changes to travel rules, most notably regarding what is considered a valid UK passport when flying to hotspots such as France, Greece, Spain, Portugal and more EU destinations. If a passport is deemed invalid, you won't be able to fly - not to mention that in most cases this can invalidate your travel insurance, meaning you could be left significantly out of pocket. While most people will check the expiry date on their travel document, since leaving Brexit the issue date also plays a part - and it's left plenty of UK travellers getting caught out at the airport. Now the insurance experts at have shared seven of the key passport checks you'll want to make now ahead of summer, to give yourself time to apply for a new passport if you need to. Check out the four top checks below... 1. Blank pages READ MORE: Boarding pass 4 letter codes explained including one all travellers want to get This little-known passport rule could easily be missed, but it's an important one. The insiders explain: "With Brits now getting stamped every time they travel through the EU, travel enthusiasts and those who travel for work may potentially run out of blank pages in their passports. All passport holders must have at least two blank passport pages when they travel, otherwise the document could be seen as invalid. Those travelling more frequently can opt for a jumbo passport that has 54 pages instead of a normal one with 34 pages." 2. The expiry date - and issue date Since Brexit, passport rules have changed for Brits heading to EU countries. Airlines including easyJet, Ryanair, Jet2 and British Airways have been issuing reminders for their passengers, but ultimately it's on the traveller to make sure their document is up to date. Now, passports must be valid for at least three months beyond the date of departure and must have been issued less than 10 years ago. The insurance experts add: "This is an important detail to remember as previously, British passports could be valid for 10 years and nine months, however with the new EU rules, they're only valid for 10 years from the issue date." The rules also apply if you're travelling to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican City or Switzerland. 3. Damage There are various ways a passport could be seen as damaged, so make sure to check your document thoroughly. Some of the common issues include water damage. The Tiger team added: "While minor exposure to water such as slightly crinkled page edges shouldn't be an issue, further damage like smudged ink or discolouration can lead to delays or refusals at the border." Meanwhile, tears or rips on any of the pages could mean your document is deemed invalid. Missing pages will also mean it's not accepted at border control, especially if it affects personal details pages or any visa stamps. Keep an eye out on laminate peeling or lifting too, as this could render your passport invalid because it could be flagged as at risk of tampering. The experts advised: "If the laminate over the personal details page is lifting or peeling, it could raise suspicions of tampering. This is a common reason for passports being flagged or rejected so even if all the information is readable, it's best to get your passport replaced to prevent any issues." 4. Check your child's passport As well as checking all of the above on your own passport, check children's passports too. Oh, and don't forget that a child's passport is only valid for five years. It's easy to forget this detail, but you'll want to make sure to check the expiry date and leave plenty of time to avoid delays!
