Holidaymakers taking a trip to Spain this summer could find themselves faced with a hefty fine for going even one km per hour above the speed limit. New motoring laws in Spain mean drivers could be fined up to £488 for speeding. Plus there is the added risk that British motorists could have penalty points added to their UK licence for driving offences committed in Europe, following a new EU directive.
Make sure you do your homework before arriving at your destination so that you remember the trip for all the right reasons.
Ken McCall, Managing Director of Europcar UK Group said: "We advise drivers to familiarise themselves with the driving laws of any countries they are visiting if they're planning to drive either their own car or a hire car. For instance, in France it is a requirement for drivers to carry a breathalyser kit in their vehicle; in other countries there's a zero alcohol limit.
“Whichever country you are visiting, don't get caught out by assuming that foreigners will be exempt from the law. Make sure you do your homework before arriving at your destination so that you remember the trip for all the right reasons."
Research undertaken by Travelsupermarket earlier this year showed that 75 per cent of women have never driven abroad and half wouldn’t ever bother. It also revealed that men are more likely to break the law while driving abroad.
However McCall suggests the tighter driving laws should give less reason to worry: "The greater focus on speeding and dangerous driving in Spain and France should reassure British motorists that other drivers will be keeping to the speed limits. And that should help to boost confidence when driving on foreign roads.”
Picture: Fotolia – Hieronymus Ukkel
