Car rental in United Kingdom

To find out about the fines imposed for different offences, see the table below with the most common ones.

As you can see, fines for violating traffic regulations in Britain are very high. In addition, foreign visitors who commit offences must pay the full amount of the fine on the spot, or £300, because of the risk that the fine will not be paid later.

The following speed limits apply to cars in the country:

• built-up areas – 48 km/h
• outside built-up areas – 96 km/h
• motorways – 112 km/h

These limits apply unless otherwise indicated by road signs. Pay close attention to the signs, as there are many roads with specific speed limits in Great Britain.

You should park only in designated places, as fines for illegal parking are very high. Most car parks are paid when you leave, according to the time you have stayed. There are also car parks where you buy a ticket for a specific period and place it under the windscreen. Double red and yellow lines indicate a parking ban at all times.

In this respect Great Britain is more lenient than many other European countries. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.8 ‰. However, if you exceed this level, you will receive a much higher fine than in many other countries. This can be up to £5,000. In addition, your driving licence may be confiscated and you may even be arrested. Police officers have the right to carry out roadside tests for drug intoxication.

Dipped headlights must be used at night (from sunset to sunrise), regardless of street lighting. Fog lights may be used to improve visibility. Headlights on left-hand-drive vehicles must be masked so as not to dazzle drivers coming in the opposite direction.

Children under 3 years old may travel in a car only if a suitable child seat is available.

All passengers in the car must wear their own seat belts.

It is prohibited to use hand-held mobile phones while driving.

RON95 and RON98 petrol and diesel fuel are available at British filling stations. Here are the average fuel prices in Britain:

• RON95 petrol – 1.56 EUR
• RON98 petrol – 1.65 EUR
• Diesel fuel – 1.63 EUR

As you can see, the price of diesel does not differ much from petrol, so the choice of a rental car in Britain will not be determined by the type of engine.

Some sections of roads, bridges and tunnels are subject to tolls. There is only one motorway in the country that is a toll road. The cost depends on the vehicle class. The average cost for cars is £4.5. The vehicle class is identified automatically. You can pay by credit card, cash or prepaid electronic card.