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Additional hefty fines also apply for not having a GB sticker, warning triangle or headlamp deflectors. Other countries have more rules, such as compulsory Fire Extinguishers and the requirement to carry a First Aid Kit.
Car Parts Direct provides a complete European travel Kit that has been developed to include the motorist legal requirements when travelling to any European country and would bring added safety to motorists driving in the UK.
The Travel Kit includes a warning triangle, spare bulb and fuse kit, yellow jacket, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, plus a headlamp deflector kit and a GB sticker which is essential for European motorists. A tyre fix aerosol that can seal a flat is also included, due to the fact that nearly 10pc of all vehicle breakdowns are due to a puncture.
The kit is supplied in a compact carry case with Velcro backing to secure it in the boot of any vehicle, ready for immediate use. The European Travel Kit costs £69 plus P&P. To order online go to www.carparts-direct.co.uk or call 0871 918 1800.
Brits must brace themselves for European motor laws as more opt for cheaper driving holidays, according to Aon Private Clients.
Fines for swearing in Germany, illegal cruise control in Belgium and parking according to the time of the month in France could lead to an increase in motor penalties this summer for those who are unfamiliar with foreign driving laws.
The number of driving holidays to Europe is on the increase thanks to rising airfares and strained budgets. Carl Smith, senior technical client manager at Aon Private Clients, said, “As the credit crunch hits home, more people are choosing to travel overseas by car. We are even seeing an increase in the number of drivers of prestige vehicles going caravanning.
“The cost and inconvenience of having a vehicle either repatriated or repaired whilst overseas can ruin what is meant to be an idyllic vacation. But there’s no need to slam the breaks on your holiday just yet. If you plan on touring through Europe, research your itinerary ahead of time and take on board some different laws you may encounter on your travels.”
Unusual European motor legislation includes:
* In France and Spain, you can park on one side of the street from the 1st to 15th of each month, then on the other side for the rest of the month. Check the calendar - odd and even days mean different parking arrangements in some areas of Spain.
* Cruise control is illegal on Belgian motorways and the speed limits are lower on the motorways compared to France and Germany.
* Sticking your fingers up and making gestures at other motorists in Germany means you could pay an on the spot fine.
* Should you need to get out of your vehicle on the Italian motorway, you need to wear a reflective jacket or you could be paying a police fine if they spot you without one.
* No speed limits in Germany on the autobahn? Wrong. Since April 2008, there is now a speed limit of 79.5mph in Bremen.
* You can be fined for running out of fuel in Germany on the autobahns.
* LPG cars are not allowed on the Channel Tunnel trains and LPG gas stations can be hard to locate in Spain, Switzerland and Italy.
* GB boot stickers are not applicable now in most European countries if you have the 12 star European flag logo on your number plate, however the sticker will still apply if you go though Switzerland.
* It is compulsory to have an attachment for the headlights of your car to stop light shining in to oncoming vehicles. Most cars are able to have a sticker placed on the light to correct this and others have the ability to alter the lights to European use automatically.
* If travelling in the Republic of Ireland, distances and speed are measured now in metric so signs are in kilometres not miles.
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