Little-known European driving law could cost holidaymakers £21,000

British motorists heading to Europe this spring and summer could face a hefty £21,000 fine for breaking a simple little-known driving rule. Dash cams record the entirety of motorists' journeys, providing footage of any incidents or collisions if they are needed.

The tools have become considered important safety tools with previous data suggesting around a quarter of the UK's 32.7million drivers have a dash cam fitted. However, installing the technology could backfire abroad with some countries viewing the tools as a major breach of privacy. In fact, road users found having one installed could be slapped with five-figure bills with thousands of pounds at risk.

Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint identified three countries where road users could be most at risk.

Tim explained: “When driving in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria, it's not permitted to operate a dashcam as they’re deemed as an invasion of privacy and carry hefty fines.

“Dashcams are popular among UK drivers as they can save you thousands of pounds in insurance claims, however, they could set you back an eye-watering €25,000 (£21,300) fine for repeat offenders in Austria.”

Motoring experts at the RAC have previously warned dash cam use is “completely banned” in some areas across Europe.

They urged road users to take precautions and do their research before setting off to avoid being caught out.

The RAC said: “And in a few countries – such as Austria and Portugal – dash cam use is completely banned.

“Repeat offenders in Austria face eye-watering five-figure fines.

“The message therefore is to make sure you obey the law on dash cam use in whichever country you’re driving in.”

However, top car manufacturer Skoda has suggested that the popular holiday destination of Portugal has the “strictest” rules.

They said: “Portugal has the strictest approach: you’re not even allowed to own a dashcam! So you can expect the police to give you a hard time even if they find a dashcam on a seat in your car, in the glove compartment or in the boot.

“What drivers are supposed to do if the only route into the country goes through Spain, where the use of cameras is unrestricted, is anybody’s guess.”