Traffic Fines in Europe: Which Little-Known Violations Can Cost You Up to €15,000?

Traffic rules in European countries can vary significantly, and ignorance of local laws often leads to hefty fines. Find out which little-known violations can cost drivers up to €15,000 and how to prepare for a road trip abroad

Get an electronic vignette for travel in Europe online

BUY

Traveling by car through European countries remains a popular form of recreation and tourism. At the same time, drivers should keep in mind that traffic laws can vary significantly from country to country, and ignorance of local laws does not exempt you from liability. Some violations that may seem minor can result in fines of thousands of euros.

As reported by Express, citing experts from the insurance company Footman James, drivers are advised to familiarize themselves with the specifics of local traffic rules before traveling abroad, as well as to verify the validity and terms of their insurance coverage.

Read also: The Best Countries for Road Trips in 2026 — Zutobi’s New Ranking.

What rules might surprise drivers in France?

In France, there is a strict stance on the use of navigation devices that display the exact locations of speed cameras.

For violating this requirement, a driver may face a fine of up to 1,500 euros. In addition, law enforcement officers have the right to confiscate the device, and in some cases even the vehicle.

That is why it is worth checking your navigation settings before the trip and disabling alerts for specific speed cameras.

Why can’t you run out of fuel on the autobahn in Germany?

A rather unusual rule applies on German autobahns. If a car stops due to an empty fuel tank, this situation may be considered a violation.

Local authorities believe that the driver is obligated to monitor the fuel level in advance and not endanger other road users. The fine for such a violation can range from 30 to 70 euros.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

What can get you a fine of up to 15,000 euros in Portugal?

Some of the strictest rules are in place in Portugal. Here, drivers are prohibited from carrying spare gas cans in their vehicles. Significant fines are imposed for having fuel in a vehicle—ranging from 1,500 to 15,000 euros depending on the circumstances and the regulatory authorities’ assessment of the violation.

Special Requirements for Drivers in Finland and Switzerland

In Finland, drivers must always use low beams regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. This requirement applies even during the day.

Additionally, local drivers use brief headlight flashes not to warn of police patrols, but to signal an accident, an obstacle on the road, or the presence of wildlife.

In Switzerland, there are additional requirements for drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses. They must carry a spare pair of corrective eyewear. Additionally, a sticker indicating the vehicle’s country of registration must be displayed on the car.

When planning a road trip through several European countries, it’s worth checking in advance whether an electronic road vignette is required for your route. In many countries, not having one is considered a violation of toll road regulations and results in significant fines. You can purchase a vignette online in just a few minutes on Visit Ukraine.

What kind of footwear can get you fined in Spain?

In Spain, law enforcement officers can fine a driver for driving barefoot or in flip-flops. Although there is no direct ban in the law, police have the right to fine a driver if they believe that the footwear—or lack thereof—interferes with safe driving. The fine can be as high as 200 euros.

Experts at Footman James emphasize that even experienced drivers can face unexpected requirements abroad. That is why it is recommended to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules, check your car insurance coverage, and prepare the necessary documents before departure.

As Samantha Smith, Head of Specialized Leisure at Footman James, noted, the time spent on preparation can be a decisive factor for a comfortable and safe trip through Europe.

We remind you! Are you afraid to get behind the wheel in a neighboring country because of scary rumors about mass deportations? We’ve looked into whether Polish authorities really revoke visas for the slightest traffic violations, or if this is just an internet scare story. Read about exactly which traffic offenses actually put Ukrainians at risk of deportation.

Photo: jcomp / Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.