Things Brits always forget before driving in Europe

Driving around Europe isn’t just about remembering to stay on the right. These simple checks could help you avoid fines, stay safe and enjoy a hassle-free trip this summer.

With the summer holidays fast approaching, thousands of Brits will be packing up the car and heading to Europe. While most drivers remember they’ll need to drive on the right-hand side of the road, it’s often the less obvious rules that catch people out.

Just as you wouldn’t board a flight without checking if you’ve got your passport, you shouldn’t set off on a European road trip without making sure you know the local driving laws. From carrying the correct documents to understanding country-specific rules, a little preparation before you leave could save you from hefty fines and unnecessary stress.

Here’s what every British driver should check before heading abroad this summer.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Don’t leave home without these documents

Before setting off, make sure you’ve packed the essential paperwork.

You’ll need your full UK photocard driving licence, your V5C vehicle log book (or a VE103B form if you’re driving a leased or hired vehicle) and proof of insurance. It’s also worth checking with your insurer whether you’ll need a Green Card and confirming that your breakdown cover extends across Europe.

Your car should also display a UK sticker unless your number plate already includes the Union flag and UK identifier.

Make sure your car is road-trip ready

Many European countries require drivers to carry certain safety items in their vehicle, and failing to do so could lead to an on-the-spot fine

Before you travel, make sure you’ve packed:

• Headlamp beam deflectors to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic
• A high-visibility jacket
• At least one warning triangle
• A UK sticker, where required

Some countries also have some additional requirements.

If you’re driving into certain French cities such as Paris, Lyon and Marseille, you’ll need a Crit’Air emissions sticker. In Spain, motorists are expected to carry two warning triangles, while drivers who wear prescription glasses in countries including Spain and Switzerland should also carry a spare pair.

The penalties can quickly add up. In Spain, failing to carry the required warning triangles or a reflective jacket can result in fines of up to €200 (around £170). In France, you can face fines ranging from €45 (around £38) for missing compulsory documents to €135 (around £118) for certain equipment-related offences.

In the most serious cases, some European countries can impose on-the-spot penalties of up to €1,500 (around £1,270) for major safety or compliance breaches.

Driving on the right? These are the habits you’ll need to change

Switching sides of the road takes concentration, but it’s often the little habits that could catch you out.

Before you set off, adjust your mirrors carefully, as sitting on the opposite side of the car changes your blind spots.

Roundabouts also work differently from the UK. In most European countries, you’ll give way to traffic coming from the left before travelling around the roundabout anti-clockwise.

If you’re driving in France, be aware of the priorité à droite rule. At some junctions, vehicles joining from the right have priority unless road signs say otherwise.

On motorways, remember that the right-hand lane is the normal driving lane in most of Europe. The left lane is for overtaking only, and you should move back across as soon as it’s safe.

Overtaking on the right is illegal in many European countries and can be costly. In France, the offence carries a €135 (£118) fine, while Spain imposes fines starting at €200 (around £170), rising to €500 (around £426) for more serious offences, including dangerous overtaking in tunnels. Drivers who undertake on the Autobahn in Germany can also face fines of around €100 to €150 (around £85 to £127), depending on the circumstances.

Don’t get caught out by local driving laws

Driving rules can vary significantly between countries, so it’s worth checking local regulations before you travel. Failing to do so could become expensive.

Many European cities now operate Low Emission Zones, meaning you’ll need an emissions permit before entering. France uses the Crit’Air sticker, while Germany requires an Umweltplakette.

These stickers should be ordered well in advance. A Crit’Air sticker costs €3.11 (£2.65), including international postage of around £4 when ordered from the UK. Meanwhile, an Umweltplakette costs between €5.95 and €19.90, depending on whether you buy it in the UK or Germany.

Drivers caught entering restricted zones without the correct permit can face fines of around €68 (around £58) in France and up to €100 (around £85) in Germany.

Speed limits can also differ from what UK drivers are used to. In France, limits can be reduced in wet weather, while countries including Germany and Spain have extensive speed camera networks. Depending on the offence, speeding fines can range from around €20 (£17) to more than €800 (around £680), with serious cases potentially leading to driving bans.

If your journey includes toll roads, check payment requirements before you travel. France uses péage toll booths, while Switzerland and Austria require a mandatory prepaid toll pass or sticker for many major roads. Driving on Austrian motorways without one can result in an on-the-spot penalty of around €120 (around £102), while unpaid tolls in France can lead to additional fines.

Drink-driving laws are also stricter in many European countries than in England. France, Germany and Spain all enforce lower limits and tough penalties, which can include large fines, licence suspensions and, in serious cases, imprisonment.

A few minutes of preparation can save a costly mistake

Driving can be one of the best ways to explore Europe, giving you the freedom to travel at your own pace. But spending a little time checking the rules before you leave could make all the difference.

If you take into account all the things we’ve discussed above, you’ll avoid unnecessary fines and let you focus on enjoying the journey instead.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

Click here to follow us on WhatsApp, where you can keep up-to-date with all the latest news, reviews, advice guides and videos.