Drivers have been warned they could be slapped with hefty fines this Summer for breaking major driving rules across Europe.

The warning follows reports that millions of drivers will set off for European holidays this year, with many driving abroad who may be unaware of the rules.

But experts have urged drivers to follow the road rules in place, which vary per destination, with failure to comply resulting in fines.

While many driving rules remain similar to the UK, there are certain differences which many motorists may be unaware of.

Drivers can be issued immediate penalties for breaking driving rules abroad

Tim Rodie, driving expert at Motorpoint, said: "When driving in the EU, you’ll be held to account if you break the rules of the road, just like at home in the UK.

"While many rules are the same, it’s important to make sure you’re familiar with the rules and road customs of the countries you’ll be driving in."

He explained that while cross-border enforcement of traffic fines between the UK and EU countries has ended for the most part, "some fines may still be issued under specific circumstances".

Rodie warned drivers that if they receive a fine, "make sure to pay it promptly, as they can increase significantly if ignored".

Across Scandinavia, drivers must keep headlights on at all times

To help motorists planning to drive abroad this Summer to avoid unwanted fines, experts have rounded up the most unusual driving laws across Europe.

Drivers could be slapped with a £500 fine for parking in Spain as the rules here prohibit the use of leaving vehicles on one-way streets.

To avoid a fine between €100 and €600 (£85 and £515), drivers should look out for blue and red signs marked one to 15, which can signify that it is legal to park there during the first half of the month.

Marking numbers between 16 and 31, however, signify that parking is permitted in the area in the second half of the month.

In some Spanish towns, access to non-residents is also forbidden, and parking regulations can change throughout the week from city to city.  

Meanwhile, for drivers heading to Scandinavia, they have been reminded to keep headlights switched on at all times in 12 countries.

This includes Finland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, due to fast-changing weather conditions. Drivers who fail to follow this rule could be issued "on-the-spot fines" starting at €100 (£85).

In Macedonia, it is illegal for anyone under the influence of alcohol to sit in the passenger seat of a vehicle, with drivers facing a fine of £38 if they allow someone under the influence to sit in the front.

In Germany, running out of petrol on any motorway can result in a €50 (£40) fine, which is a similar penalty to the one in place across the UK.

Drivers have been warned of rules in place across Spain which prohibit the use of parking on one-way roads

When driving in Portugal, Luxembourg and Austria, the rules here do not allow the use of dashcams, which are deemed an invasion of privacy and carry hefty fines.

Under European law, they could see motorists fined a whopping €25,000 (£21,300) for repeat offenders in Austria, experts have warned.

Elsewhere in many countries in Europe, it requires drivers to carry reflective jackets, warning triangles and replacement headlight bulbs in vehicles at all times.

But in countries including Bulgaria, Poland and Romania, it requires drivers to carry a fire extinguisher with penalties of £140 for failing to do so.