Expert warns Brits of three new driving laws that they should be aware of when travelling abroad

An Expert has warned Brits about three new driving laws that they should be aware of when travelling abroad.

Many Brits are set to get behind the wheel on their travels abroad, with driving being a flexible and cost-effective way to explore what different destinations have to offer. However, just this year, a number of new driving laws and regulations have been put in place across the globe that could land Brits with a hefty fine if not adhered to.

To help Brits avoid encountering any unexpected fines or accidents when driving abroad, Michael Hagan from Fletchers Group has highlighted three new driving laws introduced this year to be aware of before setting off on your travels.

“Just as you would be expected to keep up with any changes to driving laws here in the UK, it’s essential that you do the same when travelling abroad. Driving etiquette and regulations can differ greatly from country to country compared to what you are accustomed to at home and be a lot to wrap your head around, but it’s also important to bear in mind that laws can be updated or changed each year.”

“Staying informed on the driving regulations of the country you are travelling to will prevent you from confronting any nasty fines or charges, as well as any accidents when out on the road.”

Carpool lanes in Switzerland
“After being the first country in Europe to introduce an international carpool lane in 2018, Switzerland has extended this initiative to the rest of the country.”

“Switzerland’s first carpool lane runs along the Thônex-Vallard border which crosses into France, but now authorities have granted permission for other Swiss regions to implement these lanes throughout roads and motorways. This is in an effort to speed up traffic flow and reduce the number of drivers out on the road.”

“These lanes are reserved only for vehicles with two, three, four or more occupants. Those who do not comply with this rule could risk being fined, with any vehicles crossing into France on the Thônex-Vallard border liable for a fine of up to €22 (or £18.84) should you be caught without a second passenger on the carpool lane.”

Low Emission Zones in France
“Low Emission Zones continue to expand across Europe, and in France, 43 cities are set to introduce these zones (referred to as ZFEs) between 2023 and 2025. In order to regulate what vehicles are or aren’t permitted to enter these ZFEs, France introduced a sticker system back in 2017 to help identify a vehicle’s emission levels.”

“These are called Crit’Air stickers and are a legal requirement for all eligible vehicles. Each sticker is ranked from 0/E to 5 based on the vehicle’s European emissions standard, with 0/E being the greenest and 5 being the most polluting. As of January 2023, all vehicles with a Crit’Air 5 ranking are outright banned from entering any ZFEs.”

“Allowances for each zone are determined by the local authorities, but Paris has some of the strictest rules in the nation. Since June 2023, only vehicles displaying Crit’Air E, 1 or 2 stickers are allowed to enter the Central Paris ZCR (one of the city’s two low emission zones) between 8 am and 8 pm every Monday to Friday.”

“Rental vehicles or vehicles owned by tourists driving in France are also legally required to display these stickers, with Brits facing a maximum fine of €68 (or £59) if they fail to do so.”

New points system in Thailand
“Driving in Thailand is notoriously dangerous, however, a new points system was introduced this year to encourage safer and more responsible driving in the region. Under this system, any driver caught committing a traffic offence could face legal prosecution or have points deducted from their driving license, with the number of points deducted increasing depending on the severity of the offence.”

“Minor offences, such as speeding, using your phone or driving without a license plate could see one point being deducted from your license. Running a red light, driving against traffic, or being caught driving with a suspended license could all cost you two points. Three points could be deducted from your license for illegal racing, whereas the most severe offences, such as drunk driving, will see you lose four points from your license.”

“All drivers start off with twelve points on their license and deducted points will be earned back after one year. Drivers with critically low points may be required to face a 90-day license suspension and undertake driving safety courses.”

Fletchers Group have released these comments to inform Brits of the new driving laws that have been enforced abroad in 2023.