Taking your car to the continent this year? It is an increasingly popular holiday option but it seems most motorists remain oblivious to differing motoring laws in the various EU countries.

Research by UK company, Gocompare.com Car Insurance has found that one in ten drivers wrongly believe motoring laws are common across all EU states, and only half will check appropriate national driving rules before they travel.

Few knew about some of the specifics of different countries, for example only 16% knew that they would need to carry a spare pair of glasses (if required for driving) when in Spain, and only 23% knew they would need a personal breathalyser when in France.

Matt Oliver, of Gocompare.com, commented, ‘Our research found that many holidaymakers could be putting themselves at risk by not preparing properly before driving abroad. Speed limits, traffic signals and priorities, local rules on alcohol limits, the use of mobile phones and safety requirements differ from one country to the next. Many people could find themselves facing on-the-spot fines because they fail to plan ahead.”

Gocompare.com has created an interactive European driving map to allow drivers to check the key motoring rules and requirements of European countries they are planning to visit. This allows drivers to print out the information they need to keep in their glove box. The Gocompare.com interactive European driving map can be found at; http://www.gocompare.com/motoring/driving-in-europe/