Driving in a foreign country cannot be assumed to be the same as the UK for many reasons, not the least of which is the side of the road you will drive on. Penalties for a driving offence can be much more severe, with heavy on-the-spot fines and the confiscation of your vehicle and driving licence being a possibility. Imprisonment is the penalty for some offences.

You are advised to check with the country you are driving to/in and with one of the UK driving organisations such as the RAC to establish all laws and recommendations relevant to the region before you depart. A speeding offence could be committed or a drink driving penalty could be easily suffered if you make assumptions without checking the details. Driving age limits vary from country to country.

• Documentation: Passport (and visa if necessary). UK driving licence – both parts. Vehicle documents. A letter of authorisation will be needed if you are driving a car that is not yours, e.g. company car or one you have borrowed. Your insurance details, and in some countries you will need an International driving Permit (IDP). You should check with your insurer on the policy conditions relating to travel overseas. You may also need a Carnet de Passage but only in a few countries such as Middle East, Far East, Australia and New Zealand. European Health Insurance card and travel/medical insurance documentation. A GB sticker may be required.
• Safety equipment: You may need to carry a warning triangle and a reflective jacket. In some countries it is mandatory to use winter tyres (marked on the sidewall) at certain times of the year or when conditions dictate. Snow chains may be recommended or compulsory. A first aid kit.
• Speed limits: Police radar detection devices are illegal in most European countries and may not be permitted in cars even if not in use. This applies to Satnav devices with fixed camera location as well. Limits are more vigorously enforced in many countries.
• Drink driving laws: These vary regarding the amount but it is safer to not drink at all if you are driving. Many European countries’ rules for drink driving are a lot stricter than the UK
• Headlights: The headlights or beam pattern should be adjusted or converted for driving on the right. In some countries it is compulsory to use your lights during daylight and in others when visibility is poor so you should check before you travel to avoid an unintended driving offence.
• Carbon emissions: Leaded petrol is no longer available in some countries. As in London there may be Low Emission Zones banning certain vehicles or charging above certain levels.
• Tolls: Check for toll roads on your planned route. In Portugal a meter is needed. In Italy you will be fined for entering some areas where there are access restrictions.

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