Thousands breaking the law when driving abroad, study finds

Thousands of Britons are breaking the law when driving abroad, a study has found.

The most common misdemeanour is speeding, with almost a fifth (18%) of motorists admitting to driving too fast when overseas.

This is followed by driving on the wrong side of the road (15%) and failing to carry a breathalyser kit in the car (14%).

Some 1,800 drivers were surveyed for the report by law firm Slater and Gordon.

It follows a recent EU rule change which means British drivers can now be fined when they are caught by a speed camera in Europe.

Previously they could only be fined if they were stopped on the road or their details were available because they hired the vehicle.

More than half of respondents (52%) said they are more likely to break the law abroad because different rules apply.

Kieran Mitchell, a specialist travel lawyer at Slater and Gordon, said: "Getting behind the wheel on foreign roads without reading up on the relevant laws is a huge risk, particularly when you are driving with your family.

"It's really important you are aware of the speeding laws, check the child seatbelt laws and load your car up with the correct and necessary equipment before setting off.

"Being ignorant of the law is not only a danger to yourself but everyone else on the road.

"Within a matter of seconds a simple error could become a real danger."