More and more British drivers are choosing to travel around Europe by car, but experts at Footman James say there are strict and little-known local traffic regulations you need to be aware of. Samantha Smith, the head of department, says it’s a good idea to check car insurance limits and cover in advance. The Express has put together a list of hidden rules in various countries, and breaking them can lead to hefty fines. For example, in France, using sat-navs with speed camera alerts can result in a fine of up to €1,500, with the possibility of the car being impounded. In Germany, you’ll get fined €30–70 for stopping on the motorway with an empty fuel tank, while in Portugal, carrying a petrol canister can incur a fine of up to €15,000. In Finland, you have to have your headlights on all the time. In Switzerland, drivers with bad eyesight have to have spares like glasses or contact lenses. In Spain, you can get fined €200 for driving in flip-flops or barefoot.
Drivers are being warned about little-known traffic rules in Europe, which could result in tourists facing hefty fines whilst travelling abroad. Express says that, with airfares going up, more and more Brits are heading to continental Europe in their own cars. At the same time, experts say that not knowing the local laws could cost drivers thousands of euros and ruin their holiday. Experts at Footman James say that travellers should make sure they know all the rules of the country they’re visiting before they go, and that they check their insurance and the terms and conditions of their policy.
Samantha Smith, Head of Specialist Leisure at Footman James, said: “Driving around Europe is a great experience, especially if you like travelling in a classic car. But, as with most things, the rules and requirements can differ quite a lot from one country to the next.
The expert said it’s important to make sure you have the right car insurance, to check whether it has a mileage limit and enough cover for the trip you’re planning to take.
“It’s worth putting in the time to learn the rules and get your car ready for a trip, because it can make a big difference to how enjoyable it is,” Smith added.
For example, in France, it’s against the law to use sat-navs that show the exact location of speed cameras. If you don’t stick to the rules, you could be fined up to €1,500 and even have your device or car confiscated.
In Germany, drivers can get fined if they stop on the motorway because their tank’s empty. If you do that in that place, it could be seen as an offence, and you’d have to pay anything from €30 to €70 in fines.
In Portugal, it’s actually against the law to carry spare petrol cans. Drivers might get fined anything from €1,500 to €15,000 for having fuel in their vehicle.
In Finland, drivers have to have their headlights on all the time – even during the day and when they’re not moving. Flashing your headlights is a way of letting other drivers know that there’s been an accident or there’s something on the road that needs to be moved out of the way.
In Switzerland, people who wear glasses or contact lenses must carry a spare pair with them. Also, the car needs to have a sticker on it showing the country it’s registered in, like ‘UK’.
In Spain, you can get fined for driving barefoot or in flip-flops if the police decide that such footwear prevents you from fully controlling the car. The fine for this can be as high as 200 euros.