Brits caught out by foreign driving laws
Hundreds of British motorists have been stopped and fined by French police for not carrying a high visibility jacket inside their cars.
Gendarmes admit to a crackdown this summer on drivers leaving the ferry port of Calais.
French police said they gave offenders a warning last year but this year they took a hardline approach, imposing an on-the-spot fine of 90 euros.
“Many claimed they did not realise they have to carry the jackets. The law was introduced in October 2008 and initially we were lenient, but this requirement has been in force for almost two years and people should know about it,” said a Calais Police spokesman.
“It is for safety. If people break down on the roads they need to be seen by other drivers.”
Many British motorists complained that they were carrying yellow reflective jackets but were still fined because they had stowed them in the boot. Law states they have to be carried inside the car.
Car accessories retailer Halfords said it had seen an increase in customers buying its “motoring abroad pack” - not only to travel abroad but also for use in the UK. Comprehensive advice about driving in another country can be also found on its website halfords.com.
Paul Fensome, Halfords Travel Solutions Product Manager said: “If you’re taking your car away with you this year, take time to research the motoring requirements of the place you’re visiting and make sure you purchase the appropriate equipment. We have some good information on the Halfords website.
“It’s likely you’ll need headlamp converters if you’re driving to the continent, along with a warning triangle and reflective vest. If you’re using a sat nav, be sure to deactivate the function which shows you where speed cameras are located, as in some countries, these are illegal.”
Around 4 per cent of motorists returning from a driving in France this summer claim to have been stopped by French police and had their vehicles examined, a random survey found*. Three in ten admitted not carrying a warning triangle.
Motoring blogs and websites warn the French police are enforcing the law more stringently than previously.
While the French law is concerned with road safety there are many others around the world that are more obscure and could catch UK drivers out.
Around one in three UK motorists are expected to drive overseas this summer and with tour operators reporting poor uptake on foreign package deals, and economical Brits looking to cut down on their spending, self-drive holidays are becoming an increasingly attractive option.
Halfords found some of the world’s oddest motoring laws to highlight the importance of preparation before driving abroad.
Top 10 motoring laws from around the world that could catch British drivers out:
1 Overtaking a school bus dropping off children is illegal in the United States and Canada, with offenders fined and their license endorsed. In Belgium and Germany drivers are only allowed to pass at "a very slow speed".
2 In Saudi Arabia, women are forbidden to drive.
3 In San Salvador, drunk drivers can be punished by death before a firing squad.
4 In the UK, a man who feels compelled to urinate in public can do so only if he aims for his rear wheel and keeps his right hand on his vehicle.
5 In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.
6 In Utah, birds have right of way on any public highway.
7 California law prohibits a woman from driving a car while dressed in a housecoat.
Police also stop any vehicle driving above 60 mph without a driver.
8 In Thailand, it's illegal to drive a car if you're not wearing a shirt.
9 In Switzerland cars must not be washed on a Sunday.
10 In Australia it is illegal to leave keys in an unattended vehicle.
And if you end up in court in Los Angeles for a violation, try to maintain your composure because it is illegal to cry on the witness stand and will only get you into more hot water.