Latest news with #InternationalDrivingPermit
Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Drivers could be fined £640 this summer over missing three documents in car
Motorists are being warned that they could be fined hundreds of pounds if they don't carry three essential documents in their glovebox this summer when driving abroad - and two of them are new Motorists are being warned that they could face fines of up to £640 this summer if their vehicles lack three essential documents. A holiday warning has been issued to drivers over the hefty fines they could incur while driving abroad in July. British drivers venturing overseas need to ensure they are fully equipped with the necessary items when motoring in Europe. Essentials such as a warning triangle, a high-visibility jacket, and a first aid kit should not be overlooked. Also, on the list is a magnetic UK sticker. Brits need to display a UK sticker clearly on their vehicle if the number plate has a GB identifier with the Union Flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales and numbers and letters only – no flag or identifier. Simple airport duty free trick to bag cheaper beauty and alcohol before arriving In Europe, if Brits drive without the correct sticker, they will be given a €140 or £120 fine while on the continent. And 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, which works out at £640. It's better to be over-prepared than to face any delays, they say. Experts BigWantsYourCar say: "As of April 1, 2024, the DVLA requires that anyone seeking an International Driving Permit must visit a participating PayPoint location, equipped with their full valid photo-card licence, a standard passport photograph, and possibly a valid passport if they have an older paper version licence. "This new procedure is a departure from the past and underscores the need for drivers to be thoroughly prepared before heading to their PayPoint location. "Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but for over 140 countries that do, including key destinations like Turkey, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, being prepared with the correct type of IDP is crucial for lawful and hassle-free driving." And while using sat-navs, drivers must be aware of restrictions. In countries like France and Cyprus, sat-navs are prohibited and can lead to fines as high as €1,500 as they make drivers aware of speed cameras. It may be worth looking into whether you can turn the speed camera detection feature off, too, motorists have been told. Remember, speed limits can differ significantly across European countries and are strictly enforced, too. Understanding and adhering to these limits is vital. The penalties for speeding can be severe, so it's important to research and respect the speed regulations of each country you visit.
Wales Online
14-06-2025
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Drivers without three documents in their glovebox this summer face £640 fine
Drivers without three documents in their glovebox this summer face £640 fine A new holiday warning has been issued to motorists over the massive fines you could get while driving abroad A holiday warning has been issued to road users and motorists over massive fines you could get while driving abroad this summer (Image: Getty ) Motorists are being cautioned that they could face fines of up to £640 this summer if their vehicles lack three essential documents. A holiday warning has been issued to drivers over the hefty fines they could incur while driving abroad. British drivers venturing overseas need to ensure they are fully equipped with the necessary items when motoring in Europe. Essentials such as a warning triangle, a high-visibility jacket, and a first aid kit should not be overlooked. Also included on the checklist is a magnetic UK sticker. Brits must clearly display a UK sticker on their vehicle if the number plate features a GB identifier with the Union Flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales, or simply numbers and letters – without any flag or identifier. In Europe, Brits who fail to display the correct sticker could face a fine of €140 or £120 whilst on the continent. It's crucial for every driver to thoroughly check their paperwork before setting off overseas. A valid driving licence, car insurance details, and vehicle registration documents must be carried at all times. Failing to have any of these could significantly disrupt your travel plans and result in fines up to €750, which equates to around £640. Motorists are being urged to ensure they're fully prepared to avoid any setbacks, with vehicle experts BigWantsYourCar stating: "As of April 1, 2024, the DVLA requires that anyone seeking an International Driving Permit must visit a participating PayPoint location, equipped with their full valid photo-card licence, a standard passport photograph, and possibly a valid passport if they have an older paper version licence. Article continues below "This new procedure is a departure from the past and underscores the need for drivers to be thoroughly prepared before heading to their PayPoint location. "Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but for over 140 countries that do, including key destinations like Turkey, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, being prepared with the correct type of IDP is crucial for lawful and hassle-free driving." Moreover, when using sat-navs abroad, drivers should be aware of local restrictions. For instance, in France and Cyprus, the use of sat-navs that alert drivers to speed cameras is illegal and can result in fines up to €1,500, reports Birmingham Live. Drivers are advised to check if they can disable the speed camera detection feature on their devices. It's also essential to note that speed limits vary widely across European nations and are rigorously enforced. Article continues below Being knowledgeable about and compliant with these speed limits is critical, as penalties for speeding can be quite severe. It's important for drivers to do their homework and adhere to the traffic laws of each country they drive in.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Drivers warned over 3 documents they must have in glovebox or face £640 fine
Motorists must also have three crucial items in their car when driving abroad Drivers planning to head overseas this summer in their cars are being warned about three pieces of paperwork they must have in the car or face a heavy penalty. And they must also be prepared with three crucial items on board too. Anyone planning to cross the channel and drive in Europe should be aware of potentially heavy fines if they're caught unprepared as the rules are very different to driving in the UK. One thing all drivers need to have in their car is a warning triangle in case of a break down. They should also carry a high visibility jacket and a first aid kit with them at all times. Also, on the list is a magnetic UK sticker. Brits need to display a UK sticker clearly on their vehicle if the number plate has: 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 Experts at BigWantsYourCar said: 'In Europe, if Brits drive without the correct sticker, they will be given a €140 or £120 fine while on the continent.' But it's not just equipment motorists should ensure they have, they are also required to have three essential documents in the glovebox at all times. The expert said: "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 (£640). It's better to be over-prepared than to face any delays." Some motorists might require an International Driving Permit to drive in certain countries too. The expert explained: "As of April 1, 2024, the DVLA requires that anyone seeking an International Driving Permit must visit a participating PayPoint location, equipped with their full valid photo-card licence, a standard passport photograph, and possibly a valid passport if they have an older paper version licence. "This new procedure is a departure from the past and underscores the need for drivers to be thoroughly prepared before heading to their PayPoint location." 'Not every country requires an International Driving Permit, but for over 140 countries that do, including key destinations like Turkey, Mexico, Canada, and Australia, being prepared with the correct type of IDP is crucial for lawful and hassle-free driving." When driving in a foreign country sat navs are going to be helpful for helping holidaymakers get from A to B. But there are some places where they are illegal, drivers have been warned. BigWantsYourCar said: "While using sat navs, drivers must be aware of restrictions. In countries like France and Cyprus, sat navs are prohibited and can lead to fines as high as €1,500 as they make drivers aware of speed cameras. "It may be worth looking into whether you can turn the speed camera detection feature off.' Other tips for driving abroad include adjusting your headlights and understanding speed limits at your destination. The expert added: "UK vehicles are designed for left-hand traffic, so when driving in countries where you must drive on the right, adjusting your headlights is crucial to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic. 'Headlamp converters, which adjust your headlights for driving on the right side of the road, are readily available and can be easily installed. It's important to remove these converters once you return to the UK. "If you're caught driving in France without these adjustments, you could face an immediate €90 fine.' Speed limits can differ significantly across European countries and are strictly enforced. Understanding and adhering to these limits is vital. The penalties for speeding can be severe, so it's important to research and respect the speed regulations of each country you visit. Speed limits for some European countries on motorways France: 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain) Germany: No official limit, but a recommended speed of 130 km/h Portugal: 120 km/h Spain: 120 km/h
Local Italy
30-05-2025
- Automotive
- Local Italy
Five questions to ask before buying a second home in Italy
Whether it's a rustic cottage in a peaceful countryside village, or an elegant apartment in a major city like Rome, Florence or Milan, having a second home in Italy is a dream for many. But if you're planning to make that dream come true, there are some things to consider before you go house-hunting. Here are some questions we suggest you ask yourself before purchasing a seconda casa in Italy. What do you want to use it for? For some people, purchasing a home in Italy may just be a way to secure a place to spend the holidays in the country without resorting to a property rental or a hotel year in, year out. That said, it's far from uncommon for foreign nationals to buy an Italian property, use it as a holiday home for a while and then decide that they want it to become their main residence. This makes the process of moving to Italy a lot easier since you already have a place to stay and are familiar with the area. However, it also brings up a number of practical questions, including important legal considerations. If you're a non-EU national and intend to live in Italy full-time, you'll have to get a long-stay visa. Exactly which type you need will depend on your plans - namely, whether you want to work, study or retire to Italy. Securing a visa will only be the first part of the process, as you'll need to apply for a residency permit within eight days of arriving in the country. Besides your residency status, there are other factors to keep in mind if you plan to move to Italy full-time. If you plan to relocate while still of working age, are there good job opportunities nearby? And if you're thinking of your property as a place to retire to in the future, are there good health facilities locally? Will you need a car? While many major cities around Italy have robust public transport networks, services in rural regions are often very limited, with just the occasional bus. If you have your eye on a property in a small town or village in rural Italy, chances are you'll need a car to move around. Unfortunately, Italy's Highway Code places restrictions on who can buy a vehicle in the country. Under Article 134 of the Code, foreign nationals who are not Italian residents cannot purchase and register a car in Italy. This leaves few options for second-home owners. Foreign motorists who are not Italian residents can drive their foreign-registered cars or motorbikes for a maximum of one year in Italy. As a non-resident foreign national, you can also rent a car or drive a friend or relative's vehicle, though there are some important restrictions and rules to be aware of in the latter case. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a certified translation of your foreign-issued licence to drive in Italy. If you're a non-EU national and plan to move to Italy full-time in the future, remember that you'll need to get an Italian licence to drive in the country after one year of residency. This may involve taking an Italian driving test if your home country doesn't have a licence agreement with Italy. Can you fund upkeep and maintenance? The purchase cost is only the beginning, as you'll also need to pay for the upkeep of the property, as well as taxes including Italy's tax on second homes, IMU (Unified Municipal Tax). If your financial plan depends on your home partially paying for itself through holiday rentals, it's strongly advisable to familiarise yourself with both local and national rules, including a requirement for owners to hold a national identification code. Italy has strict regulations on renting out property on platforms like Airbnb and Booking. And there is growing disquiet about housing shortages caused by tourist rentals in major cities and holiday hotspots, which means that legislation could be further tightened in the years to come. If you intend to rent out your second home, you should also keep in mind that this will bring you within the scope of the Italian taxman. As a foreign resident generating rental income in Italy, you'll be required to declare and pay tax on that income by filing yearly tax returns (dichiarazioni dei redditi) with Italy's Revenue Agency (Agenzia delle Entrate). Rental income will be subject to Italy's income tax IRPEF, which ranges from 23 percent to 43 percent of your earnings. Can you bear the costs (and paperwork) of extensive renovation? Italians may have little interest in buying and fixing up Italy's many unwanted old houses, but foreign nationals are often swept away by their charm. And international interest in old Italian properties has only intensified in recent years, with dozens of idyllic villages advertising 'one-euro' homes and and other low-cost property offers aimed specifically at foreigners. Of course, these long-neglected buildings cost much more than one euro to actually buy and renovate. Besides the hefty taxes and fees involved in the purchase process, the cost of renovating an old property can quickly run into tens of thousands of euros, not least because old homes are unlikely to comply with current regulations when it comes to things like energy efficiency or earthquake safety. Securing the necessary construction permits for a renovation project can also be a significant challenge without professional help, especially if your property is classed as a building of historic importance or is protected by Italy's conservation rules. Failure to secure the correct permit can ultimately result in you being ordered to tear down any work you have done. As a final point, prospective buyers are also strongly advised to ensure that the property they have their eye on is not an illegal build (abuso edilizio) – this is usually done by commissioning a technical inspection by a surveyor, as well as a review of the property's cadastral records by a notary. Illegal housebuilding is a decades-old issue in Italy, and hundreds of cases are detected every year. Remember: barring some rare exceptions, if you buy a property with undeclared modifications or without the correct permissions, you'll be responsible for paying to regularise the property. What will your social life be like? It's not all tedious admin - having a second home is supposed to be fun, and that will probably involve making some local friends to share dinners and drinks with. Readers of The Local have previously told us that knowing at least some Italian is vital to integrating into your local community. Here are their top tips for learning or improving your italiano. Many of our readers have also told us that one of the best ways to get to know people and find friends is to join a local group, take a class or start a new sport. Some cities offer hobby-specific groups and courses through the comune or local associations. Another great place to look is Facebook, as it includes groups that often organise meet-ups, aperitivi and dinners.
Malay Mail
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
JPJ launches new Malaysian driving licence with 10-year durability, anti-tamper tech
JOHOR BARU, May 22 — The Road Transport Department (JPJ) has introduced a newly designed Malaysian Driving Licence (LMM) card, now equipped with enhanced security features. Its director-general, Datuk Aedy Fadly Ramli, said the latest version of the card, being distributed in phases nationwide starting yesterday, was currently limited to two categories of applicants — Malaysian citizens travelling abroad and non-citizens renewing their driving licences. He said ordinary applicants who renewed their licences would only receive the digital version of the licence. 'We are aware that not all countries accept the MyJPJ app — Singapore has accepted it, but some other countries still do not accept digital driving licences. 'Therefore, travellers need to bring their physical driving licence along with the International Driving Permit (IDP), which can be applied for at JPJ, since each country has its own regulations,' he told a press conference at IM Intensif Sdn Bhd Adda Height here yesterday. He said the newly designed LMM card was intended to prevent tampering and forgery of the card, and was built to withstand usage for up to 10 years. In terms of design, the latest LMM features a background image of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and an abstract wave motif on the front, while the back showcases the Istana Negara and a floral abstract motif. 'Printing of the LMM cards for the permitted categories is currently being conducted in phases at selected JPJ branches, allowing time for the transition from the previous version of the card to the latest one,' he said. In a related development, Aedy Fadly said JPJ was gradually enhancing three aspects of licensing and operations at 248 driving institutions nationwide. He said the move aimed to boost integrity, improve quality, and address recurring issues at the driving institutions. 'These three aspects include improvements to the guidelines for establishing new driving institutions, promoting the development of the eTesting system and the KPP01 Computer-Based Testing Centres at all driving institutions, and enhancing enforcement operations at IMs. He said the improved guidelines for setting up new driving institutions were aimed at ensuring sufficient service provision in highly populated areas and reducing the waiting time for candidates to complete their learning process. 'For instance, in Klang, Selangor, some candidates reportedly wait up to three months to complete their training, while at places like IM Intensif Sdn Bhd Adda Height here, the process only takes about a month. 'In today's Special Driving Institution Enforcement Operation (Okim) in Johor, two driving institutions were found to have committed 80 offences, such as instructors handling more students than allowed, students learning without supervision, instructors teaching without a Driving Instructor Certificate (SPIM), instructors smoking during lessons, and failing to submit teaching records (SM4), among many other violations,' he said. — Bernama
