Unusual European driving rules you need to know this summer – and they could see you fined while on holiday
IF YOU'RE planning on getting behind the wheel while on holiday in Europe this summer, driving on the right could be the least of your worries.
The continent is home to some of the most bizarre road laws in the world - and they carry a hefty fine for unsuspecting visitors.
From keeping your passengers off the booze to stuffing your face with local treats, these are some of the more unusual driving laws carrying fines in the EU.
Keep calm and cruise (Cyprus and Germany)
Motorists who make a rude gesture towards another road user could be punished with a steep fine in both Cyprus and Germany.
But Brits should already be aware of this conduct on the road, as motorists in the UK can be fined up to £1,000 for the same offence.
Spare specs (Portugal, Spain and Switzerland)
Anyone planning to drive the Iberian Peninsula or in the Swiss Alps should make sure they always have a spare pair of glasses in the car, if they require glasses while driving.
Motorists in Switzerland can be hit with on-the-spot fines up to £240 for not having a spare pair of specs on them.
Sober passengers (North Macedonia)
While all EU countries impose strict drink-driving laws for those behind the wheel, some even extend rules to passengers.
Rules of the road in this former Yugoslav republic dictate that your front seat passenger must also be below the legal blood alcohol driving limit.
Reversing hazards (Slovenia)
When reversing on Slovenian roads, drivers are legally required to put their hazard warning lights on to keep the roads safe.
Ditch the snacks (Cyprus)
When driving in Cyprus, drivers are strictly prohibited from eating or drinking behind the wheel.
In fact, police can even fine you £75 if they catch you consuming anything at all.
Keep well fuelled (Portugal)
Unlike in Britain, it's illegal to carry cans of petrol or diesel while driving in Portugal, so make sure you fill up your motor before setting off.
First aiders (Albania)
It might sound over the top, but every vehicle must be manned with a complete first-aid kit when driving through Albania.
Watch where you park (Iceland)
In a bid to protect local wildlife and plants, Icelandic law prevents driving beyond the boundary of a road unless there’s a specific parking area.
EURO TRIP Can you work out what these bizarre European road signs mean?
Quit the habit (Greece)
Drivers planning on smoking while driving in Greece are urged to put out their cigarettes as it's illegal while behind the wheel.
And if there's a child in the car while you or another passenger is smoking, you can even be fined up to £1,300.
Carry rope (Serbia)
In case of a breakdown or emergency situation, tourists driving through Serbia must carry three metres of rope in their vehicle and have a tow bar.
Engines off by the railway (Germany)
When waiting at a level crossing for a train to pass, you must turn off your engine in Germany.
No hitchhiking (Russia and Switzerland)
Anyone planning on hitchhiking or picking up a hitchhiker can find themselves in trouble with police in Russia and Switzerland.
the road laws you need to know
Tim Alcock of LeaseCar.uk, said: "Operating a car is no different on the continent but some rules of the road certainly are, so holidaying motorists have to be careful.
"Most British travellers will be aware that you must drive on the other side of the road and check your speed in kilometres per hour when using the European road network.
"We’ve highlighted some of the more unusual motoring laws across Europe that UK drivers should keep an eye out for if they plan to rent a car on holiday or take their own vehicle.
"Sensible motorists who keep a careful eye on variations in regulations could avoid a completely unnecessary and potentially nasty penalty while abroad."
Earlier this year, we revealed some of the most bizarre traffic laws from all over the world.