A common sight on motorways across Europe are those drivers that stick to the left lane without overtaking. While it may seem harmless to some, it’s not only frustrating for other drivers, but also dangerous.
For those Brits heading to Croatia for their holidays and planning to explore the country via the road, this mistake is actually punishable by law, even when the right lane is free. If caught misusing the left lane, tourists could face a hefty fine and a driving record penalty.
According to Croatia’s Road Traffic Safety Act, vehicles on the motorway must use the far-right lane unless it is blocked by traffic. The left lane should only be used for overtaking, Hrvatski autoklub (HAK) said.
After the manoeuvre is complete, drivers must return to the right lane.
The law also strictly prohibits dangerous behaviours, including weaving between lanes, overtaking via the emergency lane, flashing headlights and honking to pressure other drivers.
Maintaining a safe distance is also incredibly important so you can stop safely if needed.
Failure to follow these rules could become very costly for tourists, especially for those wanting to keep costs low by providing their own transport. Drivers caught misusing the left lane face a fine of 260 euros (£219) and one penalty point on their driving record.
This lane discipline rule is also in place in the UK. Lane hogging and tailgating both fall under the offence of careless driving with police officers having the power to hand out on-the-spot fines of £100 and three penalty points.
This Croatian law is one of the many key driving laws across Europe that Brits should be aware of as we approach the tourist season.
Last year, Motor Match warned that for those planning a road trip, « UK drivers abroad need to ensure they are fully prepared with the required equipment when driving in Europe. Items such as a warning triangle, a high-visibility jacket, and a first aid kit are essentials. »
Brits will also need to display a UK sticker clearly on their vehicle if their number plate has a GB identifier with the Union Flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales or numbers and letters only. The experts warned: « In Europe, If Brits drive without the correct sticker, they will be given a €140 or £120 fine while on the continent.
« 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. It’s better to be over-prepared than to face any delays. »
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