Drivers could be fined £640 this summer over missing three documents in glovebox

Motorists are being warned that they could face fines of up to £640 this summer if their vehicles lack three essential documents. A holiday warning has been issued to drivers over the hefty fines they could incur while driving abroad in July. British drivers venturing overseas need to ensure they are fully equipped with the necessary items when motoring in Europe.

Essentials such as a warning triangle, a high-visibility jacket, and a first aid kit should not be overlooked. Also, on the list is a magnetic UK sticker. Brits need to display a UK sticker clearly on their vehicle if the number plate has a GB identifier with the Union Flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales and numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier.

In Europe, if Brits drive without the correct sticker, they will be given a €140 or £120 fine while on the continent. And every driver should double-check their paperwork before heading overseas.

A valid driving licence, car insurance details and vehicle registration documents are needed at all times. Missing any of these could significantly disrupt your plans and result in fines up to €750, which works out at £640.

It's better to be over-prepared than to face any delays, they say. Experts BigWantsYourCar say: "As of April 1, 2024, the DVLA requires that anyone seeking an International Driving Permit must visit a participating PayPoint location, equipped with their full valid photo-card licence, a standard passport photograph, and possibly a valid passport if they have an older paper version licence.

"This new procedure is a departure from the past and underscores the need for drivers to be thoroughly prepared before heading to their PayPoint location.

"Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but for over 140 countries that do, including key destinations like Turkey, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, being prepared with the correct type of IDP is crucial for lawful and hassle-free driving."

And while using sat-navs, drivers must be aware of restrictions. In countries like France and Cyprus, sat-navs are prohibited and can lead to fines as high as €1,500 as they make drivers aware of speed cameras.

It may be worth looking into whether you can turn the speed camera detection feature off, too, motorists have been told. Remember, speed limits can differ significantly across European countries and are strictly enforced, too.

Understanding and adhering to these limits is vital. The penalties for speeding can be severe, so it's important to research and respect the speed regulations of each country you visit.