Guys & Girls,

Am trying to get to the bottom of whether if you are caught speeding in Europe you get points on your licence. I know all about the fines but I can’t find a definitive answer on points.

Thanks

Chris

 

Not yet AFAIK. Been caught several times with no UK points added. There was talk of doing this but not yet happened.

 

i could be wrong, but from what i know:
- they cannot touch your licence
- they can fine you. penalities are enforced via your pasport, so if you try to leave with unpaid fine, then customs will stop you.
- they can impound your car (i suspect you'll need to be doing silly speeds though).

 

Categorically no. This may change but it will need legislation.

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "penalties are enforced via your passport". In practice if you are stopped you pay on the spot. Dutch police have credit card machines for this purpose. French and Spanish police will take your passport and escort you to the nearest cash point and return your passport on receipt of the cash.

So with one exception that I can think of, you won't be leaving without an unpaid fine. Even if you did then the chances of customs stopping you are remote if not nil.

You are right they will impound your vehicle if (a) you don't have the money to pay the fine or (b) they have suspended your licence and there is no one with you with a valid licence to drive the car.

As for the exception it's dear old Ireland. If stopped for speeding they will issue you with a penalty notice just as over here. The Garda will tell you that the payment notice will be sent to your UK address, which it will be. I filed mine in the circular wickerwork filing cabinet below my desk and heard nothing more.