The recent EU Referendum has got some drivers hot under the collar at the prospect of driving in Europe this summer, but it’s hard to see why. Some drivers are worried that somehow things are already changing for us, but nothing has changed as Britain is still a member of the EU. Besides, even when (if?) there is a split, the chances are that very little, if anything, will change.

So if you’re trying to work out whether or not you should cross the Channel and soak up what Europe has to offer, we’d say go for it. While many European cities suffer from the same congestion problems as many British cities, escape the urban sprawl and you can often enjoy roads that are more lightly trafficked.

We’ve already brought you a blog that covers all of the basics about driving abroad , so this time round we’ll look at some of the key destinations for British drivers, and how you can come unstuck. What follows are the rules and regulations that you officially have to abide by when driving abroad – but whether or not these laws are enforced is another matter…

France
The most popular continental destination for British drivers, as it’s right next door, France offers empty roads and wonderful scenery. But to drive in France you have to be at least 18 and carry a full set of paperwork, which means an insurance certificate, V5C and MoT if your car is over three years old. Other items you must carry include:

• A high-vis top, kept within reach of the driver’s seat.
• A breathlyser, although French police aren’t enforcing this.
• If you wear specs you must carry a spare pair.
• A warning triangle.
• Headlamp converters along with a set of spare bulbs.

Whatever you do, don’t use a speed camera detector. Get caught doing so and your wallet could be up to €1500 lighter – and your detector, even if it’s just a sat-nav with built-in warnings, will be confiscated.

The emptiest roads of all in France are the péages, which are tolled motorways. If you need to get somewhere in a hurry they’re great – but you pay for the convenience so don’t rack up too many miles if you’re on a budget or in no hurry.

Netherlands
If you have an aversion to hills the Netherlands is the place for you, but don’t think its consistent topography means bland scenery. Take the time to explore and you’ll find stacks of wonderfully scenic areas to enjoy. Dutch drivers also tend to be very courteous and the roads are excellent too, which is why you might never want to return home after holidaying in the Netherlands. Sadly, while things are relaxed there are some rules, which include:

• Don’t use your horn as it’s illegal unless there’s an emergency.
• Buses have right of way when pulling out of bus stops in urban areas.
• You can’t cross a solid white line, even if you’re turning.
• Speed limits tend to be strictly enforced, especially on urban roads.

Italy
Italy’s towns and cities are generally fabulous, with incredible history and architecture. But escape to the country and it’s even better, with stunning scenery and generally free-flowing roads. Indeed, driving in the Italian countryside is generally a pleasant experience – but driving in the big cities tends to be the opposite. Part of the reason is that while Italy has its fair share of traffic laws, many drivers do their own thing, which doesn’t help. Those rules include:

• Use your headlights on dipped beam on main roads, even during daylight hours.
• Don’t use your horn unless it’s an emergency.
• Carry a high-his vest and warning triangle. Get out of your car on a main road and you must wear your high-vis top.

Italian drivers tend to be, er, ‘assertive’ behind the wheel, so you’ll need to keep your wits about you. Also stay sober as being over the 50mg limit can see your licence being confiscated. Speed limits can be enforced pretty rigidly too, with on-the-spot fines being the usual punishment.

Germany
Germany is vast, so whether you love exploring industrial architecture or you want to immerse yourself in Alpine scenery, there’s plenty to amuse. One of the reasons why some drivers are keen to have a Teutonic holiday is the spectre of speed limit-free autobahns, but beware. Large tracts of Germany’s motorway network have permanent limits, while roadworks mean temporary restrictions. The key rules include:

• You have to carry a warning triangle and first aid kit, and the latter must include a pair of disposable surgical gloves.
• You can’t overtake a school bus if it’s stopped to let off passengers.
• In town you can use your horn only in cases of extreme danger.

Driving further afield
While these are the countries closest to the UK, you could be more adventurous and go further afield then hire a car. Because every country has its own laws your best bet is to look at the AA website, which lists all of the key requirements, country by country.

Scour the site and you’ll discover that in Montenegro, anybody who is visibly drunk is barred from sitting in the front passenger seat of a moving car. Drive in Serbia and by law you have to carry a tow rope that’s at least three metres long, while if you want to travel in Belarus your car must be equipped with an electronic gadget that allows you to automatically pay the tolls when you use the country’s motorways.

Read some of these online pages and you could be forgiven for thinking that it’s far too easy to fall foul of the law and be dragged off to a prison cell to mend your ways. But the reality is that if you drive sensibly and do just a bit of basic research beforehand, you could enjoy some amazing experiences this summer. Because let’s face it, after the Referendum result it’s going to be chaos and bedlam in the UK for quite a while yet, so you might as well escape the madness if you can.

Richard Dredge
July 2016