The ferry operator DFDS has warned motorists who are thinking about taking their car abroad with them this summer should check for changes in local travel laws.
The company recently conducted a study of 500 Brits, finding that many were completely unaware of laws they may face whilst driving elsewhere in Europe that could land them expensive fines.
In particular, DFDS found that 40 percent of motorists taking part in the survey were unaware that they now need to fit their vehicle with a ‘UK’ identifier sticker when they travel abroad.
This replaced the traditional ‘GB’ sticker in September 2021 in order to better include Northern Ireland, which used to use ‘NI’ stickers.
Drivers who forget to add a ‘UK’ sticker to their vehicle whilst travelling abroad, or use an outdated alternative, could be liable for a fine of €120 (£100).
Another easy mistake that many drivers could make when driving their car in France is not fitting a Crit’Air sticker to the windscreen, which details the emission standards of the vehicle. Karen Baurboux, Channel Passenger Director for DFDS, reassured drivers that this sticker is easy to buy in the UK.
She advised: “The great news is that obtaining a Crit’Air sticker for Paris is a relatively simple and affordable process. UK drivers can visit the official website Certificat-air.gouv.fr to complete their application.
“However, caution is advised, as there are other websites that may attempt to overcharge unsuspecting users.”
DFDS also warned motorists taking their car abroad that they could face fines for not having their sat nav system adjusted correctly.
In France, drivers are not permitted to use a sat nav to identify the location of speed cameras, which could encourage them to exceed the speed limit on stretches of road where they are less likely to be caught.
Whilst 64 percent of drivers taking part in the survey were unaware of the rule, not turning this function off, which can often be done in the settings menu, could see drivers face fines of €1,500 (£1,260).
Finally, the company recommended that drivers using their own car or a rental vehicle do not listen to music via earphones when they are behind the wheel.
Whilst it is generally ill-advised, since it can prevent drivers from hearing surrounding road users, there is no current law that directly stops motorists from wearing earphones when on the move.
However, in European countries such as France and Germany, drivers are not allowed to wear any device that emits sound near their ears.
