Common Driving Offences Abroad

Driving abroad without learning the rules of the road of foreign countries can often land UK drivers in hot water. UK motorists should always research the driving rules of any country abroad to avoid being fined or penalised once back in the UK.

Researching the Rules of the Road Abroad

Driving abroad isn’t just a case of driving on the right hand side of the road. Many foreign countries have their own driving rules that UK motorists are not generally familiar with. One example is the difference in drink driving limits abroad; many European countries have a much lower limit than the UK. In Belgium it is against the law to use cruise control. These are just a few examples of motoring offences abroad that can leave UK motorists paying the price abroad or when back home.

UK Motorists Fined in the UK for Offences Abroad

UK motorists who do break foreign motoring laws can still be chased for penalties and fines once back in Britain. Many motorists driving abroad who have committed offences such as parking or speeding violations assume they are free and clear once they are back in the UK. But the DVLA will pass on the UK driver’s details to any foreign country that requests it to follow up on motoring offences. Some countries also use hefty on the spot fines for motorists who violate their road laws. France is seen as the number one country for pursuing foreign motorists who commit motoring offences in their country.

Options Open to Foreign Countries Pursuing UK Motorists

The UK DVLA will be the first point of call when foreign governments decide to pursue UK motorists for driving offences. The DVLA are able to send out tickets to motorists in the UK on behalf of foreign countries. All European Union countries are legally committed to following up unpaid fines incurred by UK motorists when abroad. UK drivers who are convicted of serious driving offences while abroad may be subject to a complete ban. Motorists who use hire company vehicles will not escape as hire companies will pass on the motorist’s details if they have committed an offence abroad.

Research Driving Rules Abroad

Any motorist who is considering driving abroad should familiarise themselves with the rules of the road of the intended country. There are many websites available that will provide driving abroad information, rules and driving laws. Each country will have their own specific driving laws. The simple act of crossing country borders in Europe could mean a change in the driving laws. It is important to research all the rules of each country where driving abroad is intended.

Common Driving Offences Abroad

Parking and speeding are two of the most common driving offences abroad. Many countries will use on the spot fines for a range of motoring offences, and these fines can be hefty. Spain uses on the spot fines for parking and speeding offences, not wearing a seat belt and not having proper vehicle documentation. Non-residents who commit these offences in Spain can be hit with an on the spot fine of as much as 302 euros, that’s £257. Spanish residents are not subject to on the spot fines simply because non-residents have a tendency to leave the country without paying the fine.

Examples of Driving Laws Abroad

Driving abroad is not simply a case of remembering to drive on the right side of the road. Foreign countries have a number of different motoring rules that may seem strange to UK motorists. A small sample of driving laws abroad:

• Motorists who drive 25km above the speed limit in France can have their licence confiscated on the spot
• Overtaking a school bus letting children off in Germany can lead to prosecution
• Driving without dipped headlights is an offence in Austria
• Special permits are required to drive through low emission zones in Germany
• Driving through historic zones known as ZTLs in Italy even by mistake can mean multiple fines
• Dipped headlights when poor daytime visibility exists is compulsory in France
• Children under the age of 13 are not permitted to sit in front seats in Switzerland
• Headlamp converters are compulsory in Germany, France and Italy

Driving in foreign countries can be hazardous for drivers who have not taken the effort to research the rules of the road abroad. Five million UK motorists cross the channel every year and many come back to find driving fines waiting for them in the letterbox. It does not take much time to research the driving laws of other countries; the alternative could be hefty fines or worse.

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