British drivers are being warned that if they are planning to take their cars out of the country when they go on holiday they need to be aware of more than simply what side of the road they are required to drive on. A recent Sainsbury’s Car Insurance survey suggests that many motorists are not fully aware of the differing driving laws which are in place in the countries they intend to visit.

Of those responding to the poll, 15 per cent were not planning to take a warning triangle with them to set up in the road in the event of a breakdown. Not carrying or erecting a warning triangle is illegal in the Netherlands, Spain and France.

A third of Britons also admitted that they intended to drive on French roads without having a reflective jacket with them. This is also breaking French road laws which state that all drivers must wear one in the event of a breakdown.

Sainsbury’s Car Insurance also found that many motorists were not aware that using electronic devices to detect the radar emitted by speed traps was illegal in a number of European countries including Switzerland and Belgium.

Manager of car insurance at Sainsbury’s, Ben Tyte, said it was extremely important that drivers taking their vehicles overseas brush up on local driving laws. He said that it was especially important for those crossing borders whilst in Europe because the laws changed from country to country. Carrying the correct insurance policy is another top tip.