Foreign Office warns holidaymakers to carry 6 specific documents to avoid fines

The Foreign Office is advising travellers to carry six essential documents when driving abroad to avoid unexpected fines. According to guidance on the GOV.UK website, this advice is particularly relevant for those planning to drive, outlined under the ‘transport risks’ section. The site highlights that road traffic laws in Luxembourg are strictly enforced, with fines possible even for minor infractions.

It further explains: "You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Luxembourg for one year. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well."

They highlight that the minimum age for driving a car is 18 and if you are set to hire a car, you need to be aware that these type of car companies "often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP."

In addition to this, you must carry these five documents in the vehicle or face a fine:

1. driving licence
2. vehicle registration document
3. car insurance certificate
4. road tax
5. MOT certificate

You should also always have your passport to and whether in a car or not. The government body notes this is "because it’s easy to cross into neighbouring countries without realising it."

If you're taking to the road but you are not the one driving, you still need to remain cautious. If you need a taxi, it is worth remembering that it's always "safer to use official taxis at clearly marked taxi stands. Official taxis display a price list. Check the rate per kilometre before you get into a taxi – some may charge highly inflated prices."

They conclude by revealing that you may be charged more by some taxis on certain days. "Drivers are allowed to charge extra in the evenings and on Sunday", they confirm.

As stated by RAC Drive: "From 28th September 2021, the distinguishing mark (or national identifier) displayed on vehicles registered in the United Kingdom that are driven abroad will change from GB to UK.

This means that vehicles registered in the UK must display the letters “UK” when driven in Luxembourg. The identifier can be incorporated in vehicle number plates (along with the Union Flag) or as a separate sticker. Note that vehicles featuring the letters GB together with the Council of Europe golden stars are no longer valid for driving abroad."

According to GOV.UK, officials urged drivers to always "display the UK identifier when driving a UK-registered vehicle abroad" - and this is a "must". They note: "If your number plate includes the UK identifier with the Union flag (also known as the Union Jack), you do not need a UK sticker."

"If you’re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta, you must display a UK sticker no matter what is on your number plate", they conclude. However, you need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of your vehicle if your number plate has any of the following:

• a GB identifier with the Union flag
• a Euro symbol
• a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales
• numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier