Britons 'unclear of rules when driving abroad'

Date: 17/6/2011

With summer now here, many Britons may be planning a road trip in a European country or further afield as their annual getaway.

However, new research has revealed that although 51 per cent of UK drivers have got behind the wheel of a car while overseas at some point, several continue to be unclear about the rules they should abide by.

Confused.com notes that 53 per cent of motorists did not realise they had to carry a high-visibility jacket in some European countries, while 31 per cent were unaware they might need a warning triangle.

In addition, 23 per cent claimed ignorance over the need to display a GB sticker in certain nations, while 47 per cent did not know they might require an international driving permit.

Yet despite this, three-quarters of respondents did not rule out motoring abroad at some point in the future.

A recent study by moneysupermarket.com also found that 32 per cent of Britons think a fully comprehensive insurance policy will provide the same level of cover when using a vehicle in Europe as it does in the UK - but this is not always the case.

Gareth Kloet, Head of Car Insurance at confused.com, said: "Taking your car on holiday can be very liberating and if you're equipped for the trip then you'll feel more confident and avoid getting into trouble."

Posted by Sarah Bailey