Drivers planning to holiday abroad this summer are being urged to check the destination's road safety and traffic rules abroad before they leave.
Rules for driving differ in every country and you could get caught out if you don't do your research first, warns website StressFreeCarRental.com.
The car rental comparison site has identified 10 unusual road signs in Europe people might not be familiar with.
For example, unsafe passing of another vehicle, plus violating a road sign could lead to a €300 fine.
Meanwhile, you could be hit with a €135 penalty and even lose your licence if you ignore certain road signs in France.
Last year more than 20,000 people were killed on European roads, and the European Commission have announced plans to improve road safety across the EU.
This includes plans to be tougher on offences committed by foreign drivers, who can expect big fines sent to the countries they live in if they break road laws.
John Charnock, CEO of StressFreeCarRental.com said: “Holidaymakers who are planning to travel around Europe this summer must understand all the road signs to keep them safe and reduce accidents.
“The EU is on a mission to improve road safety and will be penalising foreign drivers for mistakes, so visitors must familiarise themselves with traffic laws and signs to avoid hefty fines and penalties."
Meanwhile, here in the UK, a number of new driving laws and rules came into place last month, with drivers told to brush up on their knowledge.
The new changes included alterations to the Highway Code, more clean air zones and parking fines for electric cars.
For example, it is now completely illegal for drivers on the roads to use their phones, or any other electronic device - such as a sat nav or tablet.
Motorists who run out of fuel while driving and obstruct traffic can also face £100 fine and points on their licence.
This penalty has been extended to electric car drivers. Owners are now also at risk of being caught out if their battery runs flat and they block a road.
Twelve councils in the UK have also been granted traffic powers which could come into force over the next few weeks.
Surrey Council is among them, with the council to be monitoring yellow box junctions and potentially dishing out up to £70 fines to offenders.
Unusual European road signs that may catch drivers out
No Vehicles carrying explosives (France)
This sign was designed to warn vehicles carrying dangerous loads not to enter, so steer clear or expect explosive consequences.
Migrating Amphibian warning (Germany)
To protect the frogs of Germany, reduce speed, keep an eye on the road, and consider alternative routes.
No use of car horns (Spain)
Put your trumpets back in the boot, this sign means no honking.
No vehicles carrying dangerous water pollutants (Italy)
If travelling around Italy, drivers may come across this strange sign. It means vehicles transporting water pollutants are prohibited, so motorists should take a note if this happens to apply to them.
Moose Warning (Norway)
Believe it or not, car and moose collisions are common in Norway and can be extremely serious because of the huge size of the mammals. These signs indicate where it is common for mooses to be, so drivers should proceed with caution.
Risk of fire (Slovenia)
The wildfire hazard is classified as high in Slovenia, so drivers should stay alert. If they come across this sign they should proceed with caution as it means there is a huge risk of fire.
No motor vehicles and animal-drawn vehicles (Serbia)
There’s a lot going on in this sign which could lead to confusion. It simply means no entry for driven vehicles or animal-drawn vehicles.
No hand carts/wheelbarrows (Czech Republic)
This sign means that no wheelbarrows or hand carts are allowed to pass, which is bad news for construction workers and gardeners.
Polar bears traverse or travel on ice (Norway)
We suggest you make a U-Turn if you come across this sign…
End of Snow Chains and Snow Chains mandatory (Slovenia)
Holidaymakers unfamiliar with cooler weather may be stumped by this one. Some countries have zones where snow chains are compulsory as they dig into frozen surfaces and prevent vehicles from skidding.
Priority Road Starts (Spain)
In most parts of Europe, if you’re travelling on a road and see this yellow diamond, it indicates the start of a priority road, and that you’ll have right of way over oncoming and crossing traffic.
