Whether it’s a summer holiday or a business trip, millions of Brits will rent a car overseas this year — but small legal differences between countries are leaving drivers with unexpected fines, invalid insurance, and even refused rentals.
That’s the warning from Sarah Jenkins, road safety specialist at My Car Reg Check, who has compiled the most common “global gotchas” that catch UK drivers out when hiring a vehicle abroad.
“Most rental car problems are avoidable,” says Jenkins. “It’s usually a simple case of not knowing a local law, not having the right paperwork, or ignoring small-print fees. Ten minutes of prep before you travel can save you hundreds.”
The 12 Biggest Car Hire Traps Around the World
| Country / Region | Key Rule or Risk | Potential Cost / Fine |
| France | Speed-camera detectors (including sat nav warnings) are illegal. | Up to €1,500 fine and confiscation of device. |
| Italy | ZTL (restricted traffic) zones in city centres – cameras fine rental cars automatically. | €80–€300 fine plus rental admin fee. |
| Portugal | Electronic tolls (Via Verde) – billed later with rental admin charges. | Tolls + €15–€25 admin fee. |
| Switzerland | Mandatory motorway vignette – not always included on foreign rentals. | CHF 120 fine plus vignette purchase. |
| USA | Under-25 “young driver” surcharge. | $25–$50 per day. |
| Canada | Some provinces allow rentals from 21+, others from 18+ with high surcharges. | $15–$40 per day. |
| Mexico | Third-party liability insurance is mandatory and often not covered by credit cards. | £10–£20 per day if added at desk. |
| UAE | Visitors need a licence from a recognised country or an IDP. Residents must have a UAE licence. | Refused rental if documentation is wrong. |
| Australia | Most rentals have e-tag toll devices with admin fees; manual payment requires setup. | Tolls + AU$3–AU$5 per trip fee. |
| EU / EEA | UK paper licences may require an International Driving Permit (IDP). | Refused rental without correct IDP (£5.50). |
| General | Not matching booking name to driver’s licence/credit card. | Refused rental + full cost of booking. |
| General | Failing to check excess and insurance cover for theft/damage. | Thousands in potential charges. |
Sarah Jenkins’ Top 5 Tips Before You Book
- Check local laws for your destination — camera bans, tolls, and low-emission zones can differ wildly.
- Confirm insurance cover — don’t rely solely on your credit card or UK policy.
- Match your booking details exactly to your driving licence and payment card.
- Ask about toll handling — e-tags, passes, and admin fees add up.
- Renew your photocard licence before travel if it’s near expiry.