All UK drivers must have the correct documentation in place before they travel to Europe – with some road users at risk of much higher fines and penalties this summer
British holidaymakers planning a European road trip could face fines exceeding £600 due to “new procedures” for documentation set to be implemented this year.
Car finance experts at MotorMatch have emphasised the importance of having all necessary paperwork before setting off for the continent. Failure to do so could result in substantial financial penalties for violating driving laws. Such an oversight could severely disrupt holiday plans and start a summer getaway on a sour note.
MotorMatch advises: “Every driver should double-check their paperwork before heading overseas.” It adds that: “A valid driving licence, car insurance details, and vehicle registration documents are needed at all times. Missing any of these could significantly disrupt your plans and result in fines up to €750 (£634). It’s better to be over-prepared than to face any delays.”
However, they also warn that changes to International Driving Permits (IDPs) in 2024 could put road users at greater risk. IDPs are required for extended stays in certain European countries like Cyprus, Poland, and Romania, reports the Express. This could pose a particular problem for British drivers with a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Until this year, IDP forms were available at the Post Office, but their contract to provide the service ended in 2024.
MotorMatch has advised: “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.” According to GOV.UK, it will depend on your destination and duration of stay whether you’ll require an IDP.
For less than 90 days trip, you may not need an IDP, but on travels lasting more than three months, you might get caught unprepared without one. Moreover, there are three variants of IDP forms and each country accepts different types which could potentially pose problems for ill-prepared travellers.
MotorMatch emphasised: “Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but for over 140 countries that do, including key destinations like Turkey, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, being prepared with the correct type of IDP is crucial for lawful and hassle-free driving.”
