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Daily Record
Daily Record
Lifestyle
Nicola Roy & Nick Wood

Warning for drivers in Europe as motorists caught out by laws across borders

If you're a driver, you probably already know about most of the laws that apply on UK roads.

But different countries in Europe have their own rules that you should be aware of if you're planning on driving a vehicle over there.

It's important to know about these laws, in order to keep yourself and your passengers safe while driving a car or caravanning abroad.

Here's a round-up of some popular European destinations and their motoring laws, as reported by Wales Online.

France

In France, you need to be over 18 to drive compared to 17 here in the UK.

While you don’t need an International Driving Permit, you do need the valid UK driving licence and insurance. You also need to display a valid GB sticker on the left-hand side of the registration plate of your vehicle. This law came into force in September 2021.

On motorways, the maximum speed limit is 80mph in good weather, and 60mph during bad conditions. Sat navs that alert drivers of nearby speed limits are also illegal, and you can be fined €1,500 if you're caught with one.

Germany

Same as France, the legal driving age is 18.

In order to stay on the right side of the law, the following documents should always be carried while travelling: full, valid UK driving licence; proof of ID (passport); motor insurance certificate, and V5 registration document.

Spain

Visitors must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Spain.

Motorcycle riders up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over, and vehicles from the UK can be temporarily imported into Spain for up to six months in any period of 12 months.

Italy

You must be over 18 and hold a full, valid driving licence to be able to drive in Italy.

Riders of motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 16 or over, while moped (not exceeding 50cc) riders must be aged 14 or over.

Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted, and International Driving Permits are recognised but you do not need one.

Greece

Drivers in Greece must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence.

Riders of motorcycles up to 125cc must be aged 18 or over, while moped (not exceeding 50cc) riders must be aged 16 or over. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted.

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