These new French driving laws could ruin your holiday and leave you out of pocket

NEW French road laws could leave motorists out of pocket if they choose to drive while on holiday.

Brits heading over the Channel for a break need to be aware of local traffic regulations, with authorities in France tightening up road rules in a bid to reduce accidents.

But more than half of drivers are unaware of new laws introduced this year, according to a new study.

Conducted by RAC Europe, the survey found a whopping 78 per cent of motorists planning on driving in France this year had no idea about a speed limit reduction on some of the nation's major roads.

Restrictions on two-lane motorways, or "D" roads, were cut from 90kph (55mph) to 80kph (50mph) in March this year.

And drivers who don't stick to these new limits could face fines of up to £670.

Drivers can also be chased for fines if they break the law while on holiday, with regulations introduced in May last year giving EU countries access to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), allowing them to track down motorists guilty of incidents caught on camera.

Around 59 per cent of British drivers said they were unaware of a number of regulations which could see them fined in France.

Less than a quarter knew it was illegal to drive with headphones in, while over 70 per cent didn't know they had to switch their car's engine off before using their mobile phone, even if it was parked - putting them at risk of a £120 penalty.

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Rod Dennis, RAC European driving spokesperson, said: “France remains the most popular destination for British drivers, and some changes to driving regulations may come as a surprise to those that regularly cross the Channel by car.

“The French have witnessed a big increase in the number of fatalities on their departmental ‘D’ road network in recent years, and while the decision to cut the speed limit on these roads has been fiercely opposed by some, the law is the law.

"British drivers that have been driving to France for many years on the same roads should pay particular attention to speed limit signs, especially as new rules now mean any traffic offences committed while away follow UK motorists home again – so there really is no escaping them."

Earlier this month, we reported that as many as 7million permits would need to be issued by March next year to allow Brits to drive in Europe.

And last month, motorists were warned of £5,000 fines if they used speed camera detection devices in their car while driving abroad.