With the summer holiday season almost upon us, thousands of Brits will be crossing the channel and spending a couple of weeks on the continent. Helpfully, the RAC has provided a selection of tips on driving abroad, along with a run-down of the motoring laws you'll need to observe.
France
You must be 18 or over to drive.
You will need headlamp converters and you will need to carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must also be in the car with you, rather than in the boot.
The speed limit is 50kph in towns, 80-100kph on open roads and 110-130kph on motorways. Speeding can result in an on-the-spot fine.
Petrol, diesel and LPG are available along with a lead replacement petrol, Super Carburant.
As of 1st July, it will be obligatory to carry a single-use breathalyser with you in the car.The breathalyser must conform to French regulations and from November there will be an 11 Euro fine if you are caught without one.
Spain
You must be over 18 to drive.
You will need headlamp converters and a reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must also be in the car with you, rather than in the boot. Foreign-registered cars will need to carry a warning triangle and Spanish-registered cars will need to carry two.
If you wear glasses or contacts, you must carry a spare pair.
Speed limits vary across the country and if you're caught speeding, you can be given an on-the-spot fine.
Unleaded petrol, diesel and LPG are available but LRP is not.
The drink-drive limit in Spain is 50mg per 100ml of blood (less than the UK limit of 80mg) and only 10mg for new drivers.
Italy
You must be 18 or over to drive.
You will need headlamp converters and you will need to carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket. The reflective jacket must also be in the car with you, rather than in the boot.
Speed limits vary - be warned that police often monitor toll points to check for speeding.
Unleaded, LRP, diesel and LPG are available.
You'll need a pass to enter some Italian cities. These zones are marked by signs marked 'ZTL'. You will be fined if you disobey this.
Germany
You must be 18 or over to drive.
You must have headlamp converters, a warning triangle and a first aid kit.
If you're involved in an accident, it is illegal to leave the scene without offering assistance.
The speed limit in towns is 50kph but some motorways have no official speed limit. You are recommended not to exceed 130kph.
Petrol, diesel and LPG are available. LRP is not but you will be able to buy a lead additive substitute.
If you're under 21 or have held your licence for less than two years, you may not drive after drinking any amount of booze.
Some cities have so-called 'green zones'. You must buy a special badge before you can drive in them.
