As thousands of British motorists prepare to drive across mainland Europe this summer, experts have warned of three common mistakes that could result in costly fines.
It comes after a national survey by The Motor Ombudsman revealed over 70 per cent of UK drivers are unaware of some mandatory road requirements when driving to Spain and France.
The research shows over two thirds of motorists aged 17 to 28 will be driving on the right side of the road for the first time – and almost one in three admit they don’t feel confident doing so.
Ranking as the least self-assured region is Scotland, with over half of first-time drivers confessing they don’t feel ready to drive on the right-hand side, while a whopping 79 per cent of Londoners maintain a more positive stance.
The data highlighted some costly gaps in knowledge, as 59 per cent of drivers admitted they did not know it’s mandatory in many European countries to carry emergency equipment, such as high-vis jackets and warning triangles, while driving.
In France, drivers who cannot produce these items on request can incur a fine of up to €750.
Additionally, 30 per cent of respondents said they were unaware of sat-navs, speed camera detectors and similar apps are illegal in some European countries.
In Spain, drivers risk a fine of up to €6,000 if they’re caught with such apps installed on their devices, and in France, their vehicles could potentially get confiscated.
A national survey by The Motor Ombudsman revealed over 70 per cent of UK drivers are unaware of some mandatory road requirements when driving to Spain (pictured) and France
Meanwhile, 70 per cent of survey participants admitted being either unsure or uninformed of environment rules regarding pre-purchased windscreen stickers for low-emission zones.
In Germany, this can result in a fine of up to €80, and in France, a fine of up to €135.
One Leeds-based driver, Will, found out the hard way after driving abroad with a pre-purchased sticker while driving abroad.
He said: ‘The signage was a bit unfamiliar, and I didn’t know the routes well. On one occasion, I forgot to display the correct low-emission zone sticker on the windscreen when driving through a city.
‘Not long after, I received a fine for that oversight – a mistake that could have been avoided with a bit more preparation.
Will admitted that had he taken a ‘few minutes’ to familiarise himself with some of the routes he would be travelling on, he would have avoided the fine.
To help Brits stay one step ahead and avoid unnecessary fines on European roads this summer, The Motor Ombudsman, which recently launched an online hub packed with advice, has issued some essential tips.
They urge British drivers to pack their UK identifier sticker, as GB stickers are no longer accepted in Europe.
In France, drivers who cannot produce emergency items such as hi-vis vests on request can incur a fine of up to €750
Many European cities also require motorists to display an official low-emission sticker, so it’s best to order these well in advance.
Finally, motorists are advised to double-check tyre pressure units as most air machines on the continent use BAR instead of PSI – a car’s manual or door frame should always show recommended levels.
Will Fennell, Chief Ombudsman and Managing Director at The Motor Ombudsman, said: ‘Driving in Europe offers real freedom and flexibility, but it’s clear from the research that some drivers are setting off unprepared.’
Will added: ‘From speed limits to mandatory equipment and emission zone rules, there’s a lot to consider – and ignoring the details can quickly turn a relaxing break into an expensive headache.’
