One million Britons risk breaking international driving laws and being slapped with £1,200 fines
53 per cent of motorists drive out of flexibility
GETTY
Nearly half of all drivers have almost had an accident while travelling abroad due to not knowing the local traffic laws, new research has found.
Due to the high figures, experts are now warning motorists to familiarise themselves with the driving rules before setting off abroad.
Shockingly, the data revealed that nearly one million drivers confessed to accidentally driving on the wrong side of the road.
Nearly a fifth (19 per cent) of drivers admitted to exceeding the speed limit while 12 per cent stated they hit the road before getting comfortable with local signs, rules and customs.
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Drivers caught speeding in France can be fined between £57 and £1200
GETTYIf a driver is caught speeding on French roads for example, whether by police, speed camera or another form of traffic enforcement, then will be registered by the French government for breaking the law.
If stopped by police, the driver can receive an immediate fine which can vary between £57 and £1,200 depending on the severity.
Drivers who are caught speeding in France by camera will receive a letter within 100 days of the violation.
But, the longer a driver waits to pay the fine, the more it will cost, although if paid within 15 days, the fine will be reduced.
Driving abroad has become more common in recent years with53 per cent of motorists choosing to do so out of flexibility and 43 per cent stating convenience as a reason.
Around one-fifth of young people also plan to rely on cars to travel overseas within the next 12 months. However, over a third (38 per cent) of drivers are worried that they will not understand the different road signs and rules.
Notably, a third of drivers worry they do not have the right type of car insurance to cover them while abroad.
Nick Ielpo, UK Country Manager at Prima, said: “For your safety and that of other road users, always familiarise yourself with local traffic laws before driving overseas.”
He explained that before a trip drivers should also double-check the cover provided by their current UK car insurance policy.
“Understanding local road rules can help to take away some of the anxiety about driving in a foreign country,” he added.
Drivers should also make sure that they are covered to drive in the specific country they are visiting.
Motorists may also need an international driving permit to be able to drive abroad, with different permits available depending on which country they visit.
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Motorists need an International Driving Permit in many popular tourist destinations
PAThe Government website details how over 140 other countries require IDPs including popular tourist destinations like Australia, Canada, Mexico and Turkey.
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