VFrom shark teeth in Denmark to naked drivers in Germany, we offer an overview of amazing regulations drivers in European countries should be aware of:
Denmark: The penalty is based on merit
A special feature of Danish traffic are the so-called shark teeth (“Hajtænde”). If drivers see small white triangles on the road at an intersection, the person who has them in their lane must give way to other road users.
Anyone caught drinking and driving in Denmark is punished based on personal merit. For the calculation, the monthly net income is multiplied by the measured blood alcohol level. From two per thousand, the driver pays a full month’s salary and also receives a sentence of 20 days imprisonment on probation.
France: Drivers need a breathalyser device
In France, drivers are generally obliged to carry an alcohol test device that bears the French test mark “NF” (Norme Français). The devices are available in pharmacies, drugstores and petrol stations. If you don’t have one with you, you don’t have to pay a fine.
Drivers looking for a parking space in France should familiarize themselves with the rules in advance: White lines indicate paid parking spaces, while yellow lines indicate a no-parking zone. Anyone who parks incorrectly and receives a ticket then needs tokens, which are available in tobacconists.
Great Britain: The ticket is invalid without a hat
The good news for motorists comes from the British Isles: inspectors there must wear a proper uniform when issuing a ticket. If the cap is missing, the ticket is invalid.
Properly Dressed: In the English county of North Yorkshire, a police officer stops a car for inspection
Quelle: picture alliance/dpa/PA Wire/Danny Lawson
Italy: Foreclosure of the car possible
In Italy, drivers with more than 1.5 per thousand alcohol expect extremely high penalties and even confiscation and subsequent foreclosure of the car. Alternatively, there is a risk of a fine of several thousand euros or imprisonment.
Anyone traveling by car on their honeymoon in Italy should refrain from expressing their love when passing through the town of Eboli. There is a fine of up to 500 euros for tenderness and kisses in the car.
Netherlands: The vehicle owner pays the fine
In the Netherlands, unlike in Germany, keeper liability applies. This means that fines must be paid by the vehicle owner and not the driver. Accordingly, it is sufficient for the Dutch authorities to identify the license plate when flashing.
Austria: The blue light tax can be avoided
In Austria, it is not absolutely necessary to call the police if you have caused damage to another car while parking. If everyone involved is on site and exchanges the necessary data with each other, the accident reporting fee, the so-called blue light tax of 36 euros, can be avoided.
Speeders have been punished more severely in the Alpine Republic for several months. Fines now cost twice as much as before and the vehicle can even be confiscated in the event of extreme violations of the speed limit.
Sweden: Beware of a moose on the road
If you see the sign with the moose while driving in Sweden, you should step on the brakes. Because if a moose is on the road, you have to dodge it. Most drivers also flash lights to oncoming traffic when a large animal is near the road.
Switzerland: Hard penalties for speed offenders
The Confederates show no mercy when it comes to speed offenders: Anyone driving 70 kilometers per hour or generally more than 80 km/h too fast in a 30 zone can expect a prison sentence of at least one year.
Slovenia: No rules for the rescue lane
In Slovenia creating a rescue lane is voluntary, no one is obliged to do so.
Spain: hands off the navigation system
Drivers in Spain are not allowed to operate their navigation systems while driving. Anyone who does not comply must pay a fine of up to 500 euros.
Germany: Naked in the car – but only there
There are also bizarre things in the German catalog of fines: driving naked is okay, provided you don’t get out of the car and nobody feels bothered – then between five and 1000 euros are due.
Discounts for quick payers
In some countries it makes a significant difference when you pay the fine. Slovenia, for example, grants a 50 percent discount if you pay within eight days. In Greece it is ten, in Great Britain 14 for some violations and in Spain even 20 days. In Italy there is a 30 percent discount on the fine if it is paid within five days of delivery, in Turkey it is 25 percent and France offers different discounts depending on the type of violation.
