Almost two-thirds of drivers are at risk of being slapped with huge fines when driving in the European Union as experts warn Britons ahead of the summer months.
More than six in 10 British drivers were unaware that speeding offences in Europe can follow them home and cause even more annoyance for motorists.
Driving offences committed abroad don't automatically lead to further issues when someone returns to England, Scotland or Wales, but in some instances, it can.
Nations that are part of the EU can request mutual assistance from the UK Government to enforce penalties, including speeding offences.
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Drivers could be fined £631 for speeding in France
GETTYIn Europe, maximum fines on offer to drivers could rise to as much as €2,500 (£2,101) - or a percentage of their daily salary in Finland.
These fines also have no expirable time limit, according to experts from Ripe Caravan Insurance, who warn motorists of the consequences they could face.
If someone has been speeding abroad, they may think they have "got away" with further punishments, although EU countries could still take measures to collect the fine.
In some cases, an EU nation could send a debt collector to the UK address of someone found to be speeding abroad if the fine has not been settled.
John Woosey, Founder of Ripe Caravan Insurance, said: “Going over the speed limit while driving abroad is a situation that many people have found themselves in.
"Tricky-to-navigate roads, different highway laws, an unfamiliar hire car and driving on the other side of the road can all lead to confusion and a higher likelihood of making a mistake."
"However, our research shows a misconception amongst British motorists that speeding abroad will somehow get lost in the system, and that you won’t have to face the consequences when you return home after your break."
The expert described this as being "untrue", with the fine coming as a consequence of a dangerous habit which can lead to serious injuries or even deaths on the road.
Research also found that a further 21 per cent of holidaymakers admitted they have likely gone over a foreign speed limit in the past, either accidentally or otherwise.
Popular tourist destinations could see drivers hammered with maximum fines if they are caught speeding including Portugal (£2,101), Norway (£1,155) and Denmark (£902).
In Finland, drivers can be fined half their daily salary for speeding or base the penalty on the level of their disposable income.
Woosey concluded, saying: "We would urge holidaymakers to stay vigilant when driving abroad and not relax into any false sense of security.
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The expert pointed out how speeding fines abroad could follow them home
PA"If not, they could have a real shock when a fine lands on their doorstep long after the trip has ended."
