Please note that the penalties for drivers involved in accidents can also be severe. Especially if an accident results in injury or death, when the penalty can be imprisonment from six months up to eight years.

If you use the expressways listed above, you just pay the usual tolls, though if you are displaying a disc, you're entitled to a 15 percent discount, so it's probably worth working out your route carefully. At present, ten day at 7.60 euros, two month at 21.80 euros, and yearly discs at 72.60 euros are available. (prices correct at time of writing - 21st Nov 2005).

PLEASE NOTE: The penalty for not displaying a disc is 220 euros (that's over 150 UK pounds!) for cars. You can find them at border crossings, post offices and petrol stations. Pleading ignorance of the rule does not work.

ALSO Drivers are now required to carry a security (I assume this means a Hi-Viz dayglo) vest in their car at all times. This new regulation is required by law and is subject to heavy fines. It also applies to Italy and Spain. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!!!

If you're caught driving with over 0.05 per cent, you could face anything from a severe fine, withdrawal of your licence, up to imprisonment.

On the spot fines are issued, so you don't have any 'days of grace'. And don't forget to ensure an you get an official receipt from the officer collecting the fine.

You'll also need to be wearing front and rear seat belts at all times.

Also speed limits are implemented rigorously with frequent Radar traps.

When travelling on motorways, indicate before overtaking AND before you pull back to the nearside lane. Apparently this rule is strictly enforced.

When you enter a motorway from the slip road, do not cross the solid white line, but wait until the line is broken.

Speed limits: Motorway 120 km/h
Open Road: 90-100 km/h
Town: 50 km/h

Unless a lower speed limit is indicated.

Always carry your driving licence, vehicle registration document (V5), and certificate of motor insurance. If your licence doesn't incorporate a photograph of yourself, ensure you carry your passport to validate the licence - or get an International driving licence before you leave the UK. Remember, if the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a signed letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive.

UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates no longer need a GB sticker when driving in EU countries.

If you wear spectacles, you must carry a spare pair in the car at all times.

Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility.

Minimum age for driving is 18 (provided you hold a full UK driving licence.

It is compulsory to carry a replacement bulb set in the vehicle, as is a reflective triangle.

Hi-viz (Day-glo) vests are now compulsory in Austria, Italy and Spain (and likely to become compulsory throughout the EU) if you need to walk on a motorway. Apparently, all occupants of the vehicle need to have one, so make sure you carry enough in the vehicle.