If you're taking your car away with you this year, take time to research the motoring requirements of the place you're visiting and make sure you purchase the appropriate equipment.

You'll probably need headlamp converters if you're driving to the continent, along with a warning triangle and reflective vest. If you're using a satnav, be sure to deactivate the function which shows you where speed cameras are located, as in some countries, these are illegal.

In addition to the more obvious rules of the road, Halfords has uncovered five motoring laws from around the globe that could catch British drivers out:

1. In Australia it is illegal to leave keys in an unattended vehicle.

2. In San Salvador, drunk drivers can be punished by death before a firing squad.

3. In Utah, birds have right of way on any public highway.

4. In Thailand, it's illegal to drive a car if you're not wearing a shirt.

5. In Alabama, it is illegal for a driver to be blindfolded while driving a vehicle.

The latest research from car accessory store Halfords, shows hundreds of British motorists have been stopped and fined by French police for not carrying a high visibility jacket in their car.

The law is designed to protect drivers who break down and was introduced in October 2008. Even drivers who carried the jackets in the boot of their car were given an on-the-spot 90 euro fine because rules state that the jackets should be stowed in the passenger compartment.