Brits getting ready to hit the road and explore Europe this summer could face eye-watering fines of up to £21,000 due to a little-known driving law in several countries, it has been warned. Dash cams have become popular safety tools across the UK as they record the entirety of motorists’ journeys, providing crucial evidence of any incidents or collisions if needed.
According to data, a quarter of the UK’s 32.7 million drivers now have a device installed in their vehicles. However, installing the devices could backfire when abroad in Europe, with some countries viewing the cameras as a major breach of privacy. In fact, road users found that having one installed could result in five-figure bills, which would certainly put a huge dampener on your holiday.
Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint, identified three countries where road users could be most at risk.
“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,” Mr Rodie explained.
“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, meanwhile, have previously warned that 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 getting caught out.
“Repeat offenders in Austria face eye-watering five-figure fines,” they warned.
“The message therefore is to make sure you obey the law on dash cam use in whichever country you’re driving in.”
The stunning country of Portugal, which welcomed almost 2.5 million Brits in 2024, is said to have the “strictest” rules in Europe when it comes to dash cams.
According to car manufacturer Skoda, you are not even allowed to own a device: ” 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”.