How To Avoid Hefty Fines When Driving Abroad

Holidaymakers have been urged to be appropriately prepared to avoid dangerous situations and hefty fines when driving abroad.

The holiday car rental experts at StressFreeCarRental.com have told drivers the nine most important things to consider before getting behind the wheel in another country.

Every country has a unique set of driving laws and regulations that visitors may be unaware of, from the equipment you should be carrying to how the car’s headlights work.

Holidaymakers must ensure that they have done their research and are prepared to provide the necessary documentation and have insurance that covers them abroad in case something goes wrong on the road.

A spokesperson for StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Driving abroad can be daunting, so a bit of preparation can go a long way toward providing peace of mind.

“People shouldn’t just jump behind the wheel without a basic understanding of the local traffic rules in the place they’re travelling to.

“Along with complying with the driving laws, you must also ensure that your vehicle is correctly equipped and check to see whether you need an international driving permit or emissions sticker.”

“If you can tick these boxes, then driving on holiday is a great option for sightseeing, as it’s budget-friendly and gives you more freedom.”

Here’s StressFreeCarRental.com’s Checklist for Getting Prepared To Drive Abroad:

1. Research Local Traffic Rules

Drivers should get familiar with international driving regulations to prevent unintentionally disobeying the law overseas.

In some countries, people can have a few drinks before getting behind the wheel, whereas some have zero tolerance for drinking and driving. Motorists may have to get ready to drive on the opposite side of the road or keep their headlights on. The speed limits also vary a lot from country to country.

2. Get insurance

It’s crucial to ensure that the vehicle, whether hired or your own, is covered by insurance in case you get into an accident on the road. A good breakdown cover guarantees a stress-free trip and ensures that car issues won’t ruin the trip.

Motorists can upgrade their existing cover, so it’s valid abroad, or it’s also possible to take out a short breakdown policy for just a single trip.

3. Check if You Need an International Driving Permit

You may need to apply for an international driving permit (IDP) to drive in some countries. IDP contains an authorised translation of your domestic licence. The document allows you to move to more than 140 non-EU countries, including the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan. 

4. Bring the Required Documents

Other documents that drivers should carry are a valid driving licence, passport, vehicle registration documents, car rental paperwork, motor and travel insurance documentation, and a visa if required.

5. Make Sure Your Car Is Correctly Equipped

In many European countries, it’s compulsory to have a safety equipment kit in the car. The kit generally contains a reflective vest, a safety triangle, a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.

It’s also important to check if you need specific tyres in the country that you’re travelling to. For example, during colder months, some countries legally require drivers to use winter tyres.

6. Check if You Need an Emissions Sticker

Some European countries have implemented an emissions sticker scheme to curb pollution by only allowing vehicles that pollute the environment at a minimum rate to enter larger cities. The stickers identify the car’s emission levels and, in their absence, drivers risk getting a hefty fine.

7. Get Headlight Converters

When using a personal car to travel to a country where people drive on the opposite side of the road, drivers must get headlight converters. They’re stickers that regulate the dipped beam of headlights and keep oncoming drivers from being dazzled.

8. Use a GPS

A satnav or map app comes in handy when driving in an unfamiliar place, and it enables people to focus on driving instead of finding their way around in a new environment.

9. Service Your Vehicle

When using their vehicle for a road trip, holidaymakers should ensure that it’s in decent condition before setting off. Drivers will have that extra peace of mind knowing that it’s implausible that the car will break down on the journey by having it serviced at the local garage before the trip.

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