British holidaymakers heading to Europe could be slapped with hefty fines of more than £600 with “new procedures” for documents in place for 2024.
Experts at car finance group MotorMatch stress drivers must have the correct documentation on them before travelling onto the continent.
Missing vital forms could backfire with Britons likely to be slapped with hefty financial punishments for breaking the driving law later down the line.
Being caught out would likely be a massive blow to holiday plans and start a summer trip in the worst possible way.
MotorMatch explained: “Every driver should double-check their paperwork before heading overseas.
“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, the specialists have pointed out road users are at higher risk in 2024 with changes made to International Driving Permits (IDPs).
Some form of IDP is required for longer visits to some countries around Europe such as Cyprus, Poland and Romania.
It could be a particular issue for British drivers who have a paper driving licence or a licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
Up until this year IDP forms could be secured in the Post Office but their deal to run the service came to an end in 2024.
MotorMatch commented: “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, whether a driver will require an IDP will depend on which country they are visiting and how long a trip is scheduled to last.
Journeys of less than 90 days are unlikely to require an IDP but those travelling for more than three months may be caught out without the form in place.
There are also three types of IDP forms with various countries accepting different forms which could be an issue for unprepared road users.
MotorMatch added: “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.”
