Almost 6.5 million Brits are expected to take their cars abroad over the next 12 months yet many risk breaking foreign laws.

New research has found that 30% of motorists will not carry proof of ownership in their car despite it being compulsory in many countries, including Austria, Belgium and Italy, while spectacle-wearing motorists need to carry a spare pair of glasses in Spain, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

France is the most popular country for Brits planning to drive their cars abroad, with 4.3 million planning to cross the Channel. However, 32% won’t carry a reflective jacket in their car, 15% won’t carry a warning triangle, and 2% will use a speed trap warning radar detector; all illegal acts in France.

In total, one in 20 drivers planning to take their car abroad will illegally try to detect speed traps with their radar detectors; merely having one of these devices in your car is illegal in several other European countries such as Belgium, Switzerland and Austria.

“Drivers who take their cars abroad need to prepare, not just because they’ll be driving on the other side of the road, but because laws differ from country to country. For example, in Spain, drivers must carry a spare wheel, a full set of spare bulbs plus the tools to change them. If you use a radar detecting device in France, your car and device could be seized and you could be fined, even if the device is switched off,” warned Sainsbury’s Car Insurance Manager, Ben Tyte.

To avoid legal pitfalls when cruising foreign highways, it is essential that motorists check the country’s motoring laws. If you are going to be driving in several countries across Europe make a note of the different rules that apply in each country.

Motorists should also double check their insurance is up to date as more than 1.5 million are expected to have an accident abroad this year.

Fosters Crime and Defence solicitor, Debbie Reynolds, advises motorists to take extra care when planning to drive abroad, as having no knowledge of the law will not provide a defence to an offence. Financial penalties can be severe, and dealing with authorities can be a daunting experience.