Estimated British booze cruisers could be driving illegally this summer and will risk much more in fines than they save on acquiring cheaper alcohol.

Research conducted by esure car insurance shows that as many as three and a half million motorists are unfamiliar with foreign speed limits, including 84 per cent who are unaware that the speed limit on a motorway in France is 130km/h - 80mph.

On-the-spot fines of up to almost £1,500 could be dished out to drivers caught speeding on a French road, making a money-saving booze cruise rather expensive.

A third of those polled assumed that the rules and regulations in the UK are standardised throughout the European Union.

Consequently more than half of motorists risk driving illegally in Europe by not carrying a Warning Triangle in their car, which is one of several compulsory requirements when driving in France, Belgium and Germany together with having headlamp adjustments and displaying a GB sticker for non Euro-plates.

Many insurance policies offer only third party cover when driving abroad.

Mike Pickard, head of risk and underwriting at esure car insurance, says: 'It is important for motorists who are planning a booze cruise to make sure they read the different motoring rules and regulations beforehand to avoid being issued with unexpected fines across the Channel.

'When planning to take a car to Europe, it is also crucial for motorists to call their insurer and tell them that they want to extend their level of cover for driving abroad.'

The news come from www.bossgoo.com

Warning Triangle