The European Traffic Police Network (TISPOL) is highlighting that the European Union Directive 2011/82/EU will come into effect by 7th November, from which date EU Member States will be able to exchange information on road safety related traffic offences. However, the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark have opted out of the EU directive.

There are eight offences included in the text of the EU Directive:

• Speeding
• Not using a seatbelt
• Not stopping at a red traffic light or other mandatory stop signal
• Drink driving
• Driving under the influence of drugs
• Not wearing a helmet (for motorcyclists)
• Using a forbidden lane (such as the forbidden use of an emergency lane, a lane reserved for public transport, or a lane closed down for road works)
• Illegally using a mobile phone, or any other communications device, while driving

TISPOL president Koen Ricour stated: ‘We want motorists to comply with the rules of the road, wherever in Europe they may be driving. Those who do will have nothing to fear from the new legislation. Those who choose to flout the laws when away from their home country can now be dealt with, and will no longer be able to drive away from justice.

‘We support the directive as it provides police officers with an effective and much-needed tool. It also improves co-operation between police forces across the EU.’

A guide to driving in each European country is included on the TISPOL website. Each guide contains up-to-date details of speed limits, specific rules on drink-driving enforcement and other important information.