Motorists have been warned over six European driving rules which could catch out tourists heading on holiday abroad this summer. Road experts at Vavoom Vehicle Management have identified six crucial laws which UK holidaymakers may not be aware of before heading over to the continent, with road users at risk of serious consequences.

By breaking some rules, road users could be slapped with a £150 (€180) bill in a major blow for tourists. Rules drivers must follow include number plate tweaks, low-emission zone stickers and stricter drink-drive rules, with all the updates broken down below.

Number plates

GOV.UK has previously warned that road users must display a UK identifier when driving a UK-registered vehicle outside of the country. This is a sticker that says the words ‘UK’ and is usually placed on the rear of a vehicle next to the number plate.

However, motorists will not require the extra sticker if their number plate already includes the Union Jack logo. Road users travelling to Spain, Cyprus or Malta must display a UK sticker no matter what identifiers are already on their number plate.

Low emission zones

Many international cities now run their own version of London’s Clean Air Zone scheme, with France’s Crit’Air stickers one of the best examples.

Vavoom Vehicle Management explained: “Cities including Paris, Lyon, Grenoble, Marseille and other cities require qualifying vehicles to display the correct emissions sticker, and failure to do so can result in an instant fine of up to €180 (£150). The permit needs to be ordered in advance and isn’t something motorists can simply buy at the border.”

Carry extra equipment

Several European countries will legally require road users to carry certain safety equipment inside the vehicle at all times. This usually includes safety features such as a high-visibility jacket, spare light bulbs or a first-aid kit.

Police officers can sometimes request to see these items during any roadside check, with road users at risk of penalties if they are missing a vital piece.

Documents for leased vehicles

Road users who do not officially own their car may have to register for extra documents ahead of any trip abroad.

Vavoom Vehicle Management said: “Many drivers assume taking their vehicle abroad simply means bringing the keys. However, if you’re driving a leased, financed or hired vehicle, you may also need permission from the registered keeper before leaving the UK.

“Drivers using leased vehicles often require a VE10 certificate proving they’re authorised to take the vehicle overseas, alongside the usual V5C or equivalent documentation.”

Stricter drink-drive limits

Motorists heading to some EU countries will need to follow stricter drink-drive limits when on the roads. In England and Wales, the limit is 80mg per 100ml of blood. This falls to just 50mg in France.

Finland has one of the strictest drink-drive rules, with motorists above the limit when the blood alcohol content is just 0.05%.

Local road restrictions

Finally, experts have urged road users to never solely rely on a sat nav when heading to a foreign country. Technology won’t always warn drivers when a route enters a restricted environmental zone or requires a local permit to access.

Drivers should try to make a note of restricted zones before heading off to prevent bulls through the door weeks after returning from that amazing trip.