Foreign driving rules can bring heavy fines for Austrian motorists

Drivers travelling abroad by car should check country-specific equipment requirements before setting off, ORF reported. Popular destinations such as Croatia, Italy and Slovenia have rules that differ significantly from those in Austria, with fines of several hundred euros possible.

In Croatia, vehicles towing a trailer or caravan must carry two warning triangles. Croatia and Slovenia also require a spare-bulb kit, except when a vehicle is equipped exclusively with xenon, neon or LED lights, according to ÖAMTC travel expert Yvette Polasek.

Drivers also frequently forget that Slovenia requires a vignette, the motoring organisation said. Polasek advised travellers to check the rules before departure to avoid penalties.

In Italy, restricted-traffic zones known as zona a traffico limitato in historic city centres can result in fines of up to 335 euros. Hotel guests must register in advance and obtain permission to enter, as booking a hotel does not automatically allow them to drive into the zone.

Rental cars require particular attention. In Spain, drivers must now carry a warning lamp instead of a warning triangle. Travellers should check that rental vehicles contain all required equipment before accepting them and request any missing items. Fines resulting from inadequate equipment must be paid by the renter.