Your holiday on the Costa del Sol could go pear-shaped if you ignore the little-known rule.

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Driving without a top on is illegal in Spain – no matter how hot the weather.

If you are caught breaking the rule, you could face a fine of up to 200 euros (£171) and three points on your licence.

Spanish law also bans driving while barefoot or wearing flip-flops.

ClickMechanic’s Andrew Jervis said: “It’s fairly common to see motorists in the UK remove their shirts to cool down during hot weather.

“But we need to remember that laws in other countries are not always the same.

“I’d urge people to be aware of what’s legal and illegal when they get behind the wheel somewhere new.

“In Spain, traffic police consider driving shirtless to be a threat to your safety and your ability to move – which means it is against the law to strip off your top half.

“When travelling abroad it’s essential to respect the local rules and regulations, even if they seem very different to what we’re used to at home.”

In 2018 Spain’s tough Guardia Civil police force issued a stern warning to British tourists about the rule.

A spokesman said: “A fine for driving with flip flops? You’d better believe it.

“It can earn you a penalty as it impedes the freedom of movement of the driver or the control of the vehicle – putting everyone on the road in danger.”

It comes after tourists in France were warned about a little-known “custom” which saw a tourist reportedly chased down the road by a raging waiter.