Bizarre EU road rules revealed

THE AA has unearthed a collection of bizarre European driving rules that could catch unwary drivers out this summer.

Believe it or not, you're not allowed to drive a dirty car in Belarus, Romania and even parts of Russia.

In Portugal it's illegal to carry bicycles on the back of a car, and for some unknown reason it's forbidden in Estonia to overtake a tram that has stopped to pick up passengers.

Slovenian law states that drivers must not indicate when entering a roundabout, but must signal when leaving it.

But the cream of the crazy crop comes from Spain, where on one-way streets in some areas, cars must be parked on the side of the road with odd numbers on odd-numbered days of the month, and on the 'evens' side of the street on the rest. Who knows what happens when a house owner goes on holiday.

Rosie Sanderson, Head of AA International Motoring Services, says: “Whether touring Turkey, riding round Romania or going on a fly-drive to France, it’s important to familiarise yourself with local traffic rules and compulsory equipment.

“Motoring penalties in Europe can be severe with large on-the-spot fines, the risk of having your car impounded or worse. Traffic police on the continent aren’t known for their leniency, so even minor breaches can be punished, but it helps adopting a courteous and conciliatory approach.

“Don’t give them the opportunity, though, so brush up on the rules and equipment, watch your speed and don’t drink and drive.”

By Press Association reporter