DRIVING BY THE RULES

The Highway Code outlines the rules of the road for motorists in England, Scotland and Wales. But what about the rules for driving in other parts of Europe?

There’s an app for that. The European Union’s ‘Going Abroad’ smartphone app details the important road safety rules in the different European countries. Alternatively, you could use the interactive map, which includes EU member states and other European nations.

Many of the European road rules are straightforward and predictable. Speed limits, seatbelts, the use of a mobile phone at the wheel, and so on. Driving on the right is a given. Or is it? Do so in Cyprus, Ireland and Malta and you’ll be on the wrong side of the road.

Here, we reveal a dozen of the more unusual European road rules. Things to bear in mind if you’re fortunate enough to be sailing across the English Channel this summer.

SOME POINTERS TO KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW

Remove your headphones – France and Spain

You’re not permitted to drive while wearing headphones, regardless of whether they’re connected to music or for making phone calls.

Mind your manners – Cyprus and Germany

Rude or offensive gestures could result in a steep fine.

Carry spare glasses – Portugal, Spain and Switzerland

If you require glasses to drive a car, you must carry a spare pair on the Iberian Peninsula or in Switzerland.

Reversing with hazard lights – Slovenia

You must use hazard warning lights when reversing in Slovenia.

Get a permit – Italy

You require a special permit to drive through some historical areas in Italy.

Steer clear of snacks – Cyprus

You must not eat or drink behind the wheel in Cyprus.

Watch your fuel – Germany and Portugal

It’s illegal to run out of fuel on a German autobahn. Meanwhile, carrying cans of petrol is banned in Portugal.

No off-road driving – Iceland

It is illegal to venture beyond the boundary of a road in Iceland unless there’s a specific parking area.

No smoking – Greece

You can be fined up to €3,000 for smoking behind the wheel in Greece.

Carry rope – Serbia

You must carry a tow bar and three metres of rope when driving in Serbia.

Carry a breathalyser – France

You must carry a breathalyser in France. If you’re sailing across the Channel this summer, make sure the breathalyser is in-date.

Engines off by the railway – Germany

Drivers must switch off their engines when queuing at a level crossing in Germany.

Please let us know of those we have missed so we can add them to the list.

Source: motoringresearch.com

Gavin Braithwaite-Smith

July 2020