Almost 6.5 million Brits are expected to take their cars abroad over the next 12 months yet many risk breaking foreign laws by not amending their behaviour, new research has suggested.
According to Sainsbury’s Finance, 30% of motorists won't carry proof of ownership in their car despite it being compulsory in many countries, including Austria, Belgium and Italy, while spectacle-wearing motorists need to carry a spare pair of glasses in Spain, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
France is by far the most popular country for Brits planning to drive their cars abroad, with 4.3 million planning to hop the channel. However, 32% won't carry a reflective jacket in their car, 15% won't carry a warning triangle, and 2% will use a speed trap warning radar detector; all illegal acts in France.
In total, one in 20 drivers planning to take their car abroad will illegally try to detect speed traps with their radar detectors; merely having one of these devices in your car is illegal in several other European countries such as Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.
"Drivers taking their cars abroad need to prepare, not just because they'll be driving on the other side of the road, but because laws differ from country to country. For example, in Spain, drivers must carry a spare wheel, a full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them, and if you use a radar detecting device in France, your car and device could be seized and you could be fined, even if the device is switched off," warned Ben Tyte, Sainsbury’s Car Insurance Manager.
Sean Joyce, a motoring offences Partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP, said: “To avoid legal pitfalls when driving along foreign highways, motorists should undertake a series of checks before heading abroad.
“Of paramount importance is the need to check a nation’s motoring laws. If you are going to be driving in several countries across Europe make a note of the different rules that apply in each country and take this with you. Always make sure you refer to the notes before you cross the border.”
Motorists should also double check their insurance is up-to-date as more than 1.5 million are expected to have an accident abroad this year.