Tourists planning to take their car abroad this year have been reminded that rules surrounding vehicles can vary from country to country – making it easy for holidaymakers to be caught out
Experts have issued a stark warning to holidaymakers planning to drive abroad – urging them to brush up on local driving laws to avoid hefty fines.
As families gear up for holidays, many opt to take their own car or hire one to explore new destinations at their leisure. But Matthew Evans, the motoring expert at CarFinance 247, has highlighted that vehicle regulations can differ significantly across borders, potentially leading to unwary tourists being penalised.
He stressed: “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.”
In Spain, for instance, CarFinance 247 points out that drivers should refrain from honking their horns unless absolutely necessary, reports the Express. Spanish law dictates that the horn should only be used in real emergencies where there’s an immediate threat to another road user’s life.
A casual beep in a traffic jam or to say hello could land motorists with fines up to €100 (£85). Meanwhile, in various Italian cities, it’s mandatory for drivers to display a special parking disc on their windscreen, a regulation that might catch some foreign drivers off guard.
These discs allow them to park in Blue Zones, a part of the city where parking is time restricted, and can lead to fines of between €25 (£21) to €100 (£85) if it is not in place. Similarly, many French cities require drivers to put a Crit’Air sticker in a window of their car, which states the overall emissions class of the vehicle.
Finally, with more families holidaying in the Czech Republic due to the country’s beautiful surroundings and affordable prices, CarFinance 247 suggested those choosing to drive should keep all car windows clean. In the Czech Republic, it is illegal for drivers to let dirt or dust build up on the windscreen, meaning drivers should wipe down the windows regularly and make sure there is enough washer fluid under the bonnet.
Drivers who break this law, and therefore have a restricted view of the road that could put them at higher risk of accidents, could face a fine of 2080CZK (£70).