Drivers could face fines of up to £85 for breaking little-known European traffic laws this summer. People who are holidaying in “mainland Europe” and the European Union this summer have been warned to brush up on local motoring laws – or risk major fines.
Matthew Evans, motoring expert at CarFinance 247, said: “Always check the road rules in the country you’re visiting before you travel to make sure you’re familiar with the driving laws, as they do vary between countries – and you could be at risk of a fine if you don’t.
“Always check the specific rules in the country you’re heading to to make sure you’re aware of the road rules.” Tapping the horn during a traffic jam or as a greeting to loved ones could see drivers issued a fine of up to €100 in Spain.
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In Italy, meanwhile, drivers and road users must display a special parking disc on their windscreen which will allow them to park in Blue Zones, a part of the city where parking is time restricted. Drivers can get £21 to £85 fines if they fail to.
All cars and motorbikes entering clean air zones in France need to display a sticker showing what emissions their vehicle produces, even if they’ve been driven from a different country. If you fail to do so and you’re caught, you face being fined €68 (£58). The system, called Crit’Air, was introduced by the French government as a way to reduce harmful vehicle emissions in areas where air quality is poorest, such as larger towns and cities, in 2017.
In Czech Republic, meanwhile, it has been warned it is illegal for drivers to let dirt or dust build up on the windscreen, and motorists could face a fine of 2080CZK (£70) if they break the rule.