CRIME CORNER

 Hello ladies and gents this is the Viking telling you that today we are talking about 

3 unusual overseas laws which could trip you up on your summer holiday

Knowing local laws and customs can prove more than valuable when heading overseas

We've rounded up some of the seemingly strange rules and regulations from some of the top tourist destinations for British holidaymakers - and the hefty punishments you can receive for flouting them.

Driving without a breathalyser

It's illegal in France not to carry a breathalyser in the car 

Motorists in France are required by law to carry a portable breathalyser in their vehicle.  If they are caught without one, there's an on-the-spot fine of €11. Tourists aren't exempt.

Concealing your face

Concealing the face in public places in France is illegal. This includes balaclavas, full veils or any other garment or mask that is used to conceal the face.

This is punishable by a maximum fine of €150 and, under this law, forcing someone to hide their face is also a crime and is punishable by a year’s imprisonment and a fine of up to €30,000.

If the person forced to hide their face is a minor, the sentence is doubled. The law does not provide any exemption for tourists.

Loose swim shorts are banned in many pools in France

While you won't be fined, many French pools won't allow men in unless they're wearing Speedo-style trunks (commonly known here as budgie-smugglers). It's worth checking before you visit a pool, but you can often buy them once you're there from special vending machines.

The rule seems particularly prevalent in public pools, eg, the Joséphine Baker Pool in Paris says "only panties and swim boxers" are allowed , but campsite firms Go Camp France and Eurocamp also warn that many park pools may have the rule too.

and as always have a chilled day from the Viking