Experts are warning motorists about the things they need to take with them when travelling abroad this summer or they could be hit with massive fines.
Millions of Britons are set to travel to Europe this summer to make the most of the sun and visit the Olympic Games in France and the European Championships taking place in Germany.
However, drivers face being left red-faced and with a hefty fine if they forget key documents before they make their trip.
Motorists are required to take a number of important details with them before heading abroad to ensure they comply with foreign road rules.
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An IDP is recommended for more than 140 countries
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With multiple events taking place across Europe this summer, experts are calling on motorists to make sure they are prepared before driving on the continent.
A spokesperson for Motor Match said: “Every driver should double-check their paperwork before heading overseas.
“A valid driving licence, car insurance details, and vehicle registration documents are needed at all times.”
They warned that forgetting some basic documents could significantly disrupt their plans and add extra strain to their journey.
​Drivers could be slapped with fines too, with chargers potentially reaching as much as €750 or £638, with experts telling drivers that it’s better to be overprepared.
They added: “As of April 1, 2024, the DVLA requires that anyone seeking an International Driving Permit must visit a participating PayPoint location, equipped with their full valid photo-card licence, a standard passport photograph, and possibly a valid passport if they have an older paper version licence.
“This new procedure is a departure from the past and underscores the need for drivers to be thoroughly prepared before heading to their PayPoint location.”
Following the launch of the new rules, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) frequently urged motorists on social media to ensure they are prepared.
While not all countries require Britons to have an IDP, they are used in more than 140 nations around the world, highlighting the need to check before travelling.
Popular tourist destinations including Australia, Canada, Mexico and Turkey require people to have an IDP if they plan on driving, with Britons able to check on the GOV.UK website.
While drivers will have to remember the bureaucratic side of the trip, they will be greeted in Europe with cheaper petrol and diesel prices at the pumps.
According to data from the RAC, the UK has the “dubious honour” of having the most expensive diesel in Europe, at an average cost per litre of £1.55 – 8p more expensive than Ireland and Italy in joint second place.
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Fuel is generally cheaper in Europe than the UK
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The popular tourist destination of Malta has the cheapest fuel in all of Europe by some distance. Petrol on the small Mediterranean island costs just 114p per litre, while diesel costs even less at 103p.