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Motor vehicle drivers

Unusual Driving Laws to Watch Out for in Europe This Summer

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Millions of UK holidaymakers will drive abroad this summer, but while many driving rules are the same in Europe as they are in the UK, there are some key differences to be aware of. Drivers need to be aware that while cross-border enforcement of traffic fines between the UK and EU countries has largely ended, some fines may still be issued under specific circumstances. Experts warn that failing to pay a fine promptly can lead to significant increases, so it's essential to be informed.

Key Takeaways:

  • In Spain, drivers must be aware of blue and red signs marked 1-15 and 16-31, which indicate when it is and isn't legal to park on one-way streets, with fines between €100 to €600 (£85 to £515).
  • In Scandinavia, drivers must keep their headlights switched on at all times, with on-the-spot fines starting at €100 (£85).
  • In Macedonia, drivers under the influence of alcohol must sit in the back seat to avoid fines upwards of €45 (£38).
  • In Germany, drivers must keep their fuel topped up on motorways to avoid fines of at least €50 (£40).
  • In Portugal, Luxembourg, and Austria, operating dashcams is prohibited and can result in fines up to €25,000 (£21,300).
  • In Eastern Europe, drivers must carry reflective jackets, warning triangles, and replacement headlight bulbs in their car.
  • In France and Spain, using headphones or in-ear Bluetooth devices while driving is banned, with fines of €135 (£115) and €200 (£171) respectively.
  • In Austria, drivers must beware of 'IG-L' signs indicating controlled emission zones, where speeding fines can be several times higher than normal.
  • In Germany, drivers must keep calm and avoid road rage to avoid fines up to €4,000 (£3,418).
  • In Italy, drivers must avoid city centres marked as ZTL zones, with fines of around €100 (£85) per entry and exit.
  • In Portugal, drivers must use roof racks to transport bicycles to avoid fines between €60 and €300 (£51 and £256).

Statistics:

  • €100 fine for not keeping headlights on in Scandinavia
  • €600 fine for not following parking regulations in Spain
  • €25,000 fine for operating dashcams in Portugal, Luxembourg, and Austria (repeated offenders)
  • €50 minimum fine for running out of fuel on German motorways
  • €135 fine for using headphones in France
  • €200 fine for using headphones in Spain
  • €100 per entry and exit fine for entering and exiting ZTL zones in Italy
  • €60 to €300 fine for transporting bicycles without roof racks in Portugal

Sources:

  • Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint
  • Rui Vieira/PA Wire
  • Motorpoint
  • Various European driving authorities

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