The bizarre foreign driving laws you never knew about

UK holidaymakers are dying to travel abroad this summer, but make sure you know the rules of the road before you travel.

Around 34 million holiday trips are taken each year, with many hiring a car to get around – while over 11 million take their own car to Europe by ferry or Channel Tunnel.

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Nevertheless, a quarter likes to feel uncomfortable on the streets in holiday hotspots Spain and France.

A study by Euro Car Parts found that people are not aware of the speed limits on main roads or the rules governing them child seats.

And there’s plenty of that unusual rules that could get you in hot water – so familiarizing yourself with them is a good idea.

In Spain, for example, driving in heels, flip-flops and barefoot can be fined.

While blue-and-white curbs may snag people who don’t cramme about parking regulations — it means short stops are allowed, but no parking.

If you need glasses for driving, you must always have a spare pair of glasses in the car.

In France, the “To” prefix on road signs can get you some great holiday snaps as it signifies a scenic or rural route.

And if you’re unlucky enough to get hit by a rain shower, the speed limit on French motorways drops from 130km/h to 110km/h.

Also, it’s illegal to have radar detectors.

Other holiday hotspots like Greece and Portugal also have their own laws to be aware of.

In PortugalA yellow ’90’ disc must be installed in the car if you’ve had your license for less than a year – you can apply for this from the ACP (Automovel de Club Portugal), the Portuguese Automobile Club.

Who can’t honk their horn in cities and metropolitan areas in Greece – unless it’s the only way to avoid an accident.

However, although the Greek police have the right to impose fines for violating traffic rules, these cannot be collected by the police on the spot. Motorists must pay the fines within 10 days, otherwise a court case will be initiated.

This is unlike Italy, where police can fine the driver of a foreign-registered or EE-licensed vehicle and collect a quarter of the maximum fine locally – but make sure you get a receipt.

Euro Car Parts’ Martin Gray said: “Driving abroad doesn’t have to be scary.

“With the right preparation and due diligence, a road trip abroad can be an exciting and fun part of your vacation.”