With the recent clampdown on uk driving offences meaning an increase on the spot fines by some 50% it would be easy to assume that the UK has the most stringent driving laws, but you may be surprised to discover that elsewhere in the EU regulations are just as tough
When driving in France there are a number of regulations to remember, most notably, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. The limit for drink driving is far lower than the UK and it is compulsory for all motorists to carry a breathalyser in their car at all times. As well as this all cars must carry a visibility vest and warning triangle and have headlamp convertors fitted.
Whereas in Germany it is a little known fact that one third of the German Autobahn's have speed restrictions of between 50 and 80 mph. It is also worth remembering that any argument over a received penalty can result in your car being confiscated on the spot.
Any driving offences received in Italy between 10pm and 7 am will be subject to an extra one third in costs on the equivalent offence committed between the hours of 7am and 10pm. It is also important to note that the use of a car horn in built up areas is strictly prohibited.
PORTUGAL - If you ever decide you fancy a bike ride, be sure not to attach the bikes to the back of a passenger car or you will be prosecuted! Also bear in mind that whenever driving on Portuguese motorways you must carry a Temporary Electronic Toll Device pre-loaded with at least 10 euros.
SPAIN - It is illegal to so much as touch your GPS device whilst driving. Also, as of last year (2011) Spain changed many of its speed limits and this year plans to introduce 30km/h limits in all built up areas.
So there it is. A quick look across the channel shows that our neighbours have just as many random regulations as we do, many of which would, seemingly, be vehemently opposed were they ever considered for introduction over here.
So if you happen to be the recipient of one of the increased on the spot fines, before you scream blue murder take a minute to consider that such regulations have been introduced to help reduce driver error and that sometimes we all have to admit to ourselves that we were at fault, whether we like to admit it or not.
When driving in France there are a number of regulations to remember, most notably, DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. The limit for drink driving is far lower than the UK and it is compulsory for all motorists to carry a breathalyser in their car at all times. As well as this all cars must carry a visibility vest and warning triangle and have headlamp convertors fitted.
Whereas in Germany it is a little known fact that one third of the German Autobahn's have speed restrictions of between 50 and 80 mph. It is also worth remembering that any argument over a received penalty can result in your car being confiscated on the spot.
Any driving offences received in Italy between 10pm and 7 am will be subject to an extra one third in costs on the equivalent offence committed between the hours of 7am and 10pm. It is also important to note that the use of a car horn in built up areas is strictly prohibited.
PORTUGAL - If you ever decide you fancy a bike ride, be sure not to attach the bikes to the back of a passenger car or you will be prosecuted! Also bear in mind that whenever driving on Portuguese motorways you must carry a Temporary Electronic Toll Device pre-loaded with at least 10 euros.
SPAIN - It is illegal to so much as touch your GPS device whilst driving. Also, as of last year (2011) Spain changed many of its speed limits and this year plans to introduce 30km/h limits in all built up areas.
So there it is. A quick look across the channel shows that our neighbours have just as many random regulations as we do, many of which would, seemingly, be vehemently opposed were they ever considered for introduction over here.
So if you happen to be the recipient of one of the increased on the spot fines, before you scream blue murder take a minute to consider that such regulations have been introduced to help reduce driver error and that sometimes we all have to admit to ourselves that we were at fault, whether we like to admit it or not.
About the Author:
Xavier Blakeson regularly writes about driving regulations and laws putney driving lessons to find out more about driving schools in putney check out his website putney driving schools
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