Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

British motorists reveal shocking lack of knowledge about driving abroad

Sunday 30 May 2010 00:00 BST
Comments

Taking your car abroad this year? Insurer AXA is warning British motorists driving overseas to swot up on local road rules or face fines, arrests or accidents. A third of motorists admitted that they don't know whether a GB sticker is a legal requirement.

Nearly half, 49 per cent, were unsure whether their car insurance covered them for driving abroad, with 23 per cent making the potentially disastrous assumption that it does. Bizarrely, 40 per cent of motorists think that it is legal to jump a red light in Italy, while 37 per cent think its right to overtake on both sides on Portuguese motorways. Meanwhile, just over one in five, 22 per cent, wrongly stated there was no need to carry a reflective jacket and red triangle in your car in France, while 48 per cent incorrectly believe that you must carry a petrol can in Spain.

Craig Staniland, AXA Insurance director, said: "While some of the misconceptions we have about driving abroad are amusing, there are some serious misunderstandings that could lead to breaking the law or a serious accident."

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in