A car and motorcycle at a crosswalk ()
Navigating the roads in Europe can be an exhilarating experience or harrowing escape, depending on where and when you choose to travel. However, no matter what country you drive through or how far you go, you must understand the rules of the road to be a successful and safe European traveler. Here is a current breakdown of many regulations in Europe.
CELLPHONE USE WHILE DRIVING
Most EU countries prohibit talking on cellphones while driving without hands-free devices. Pull off the roadway, park and shut off your vehicle before picking up and using your cellphone.
COMPULSORY SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Most European countries require that your auto or motorcycle carry an EC regulation warning triangle, reflective vest/jacket and first-aid kit, that includes medical masks. Some countries also require that you have two vests or enough for all passengers. Carrying a fire extinguisher, tow rope and other equipment is mandated by law in select member countries. If you rent a vehicle, it is your responsibility to ensure the car has all necessary equipment.
CONGESTION AND EMISSION CHARGES
Major cities may regulate road usage to limit noise, emissions and traffic. Control methods include time-of-day restrictions, congestion charges and allowance in areas for only those vehicles with low-emission stickers. Learn more at www.urbanaccessregulations.eu.
DAMAGED VEHICLES
Hit-and-run crimes and other vandalism in some countries may cause border authorities to verify/certify any visible damage to a vehicle entering the country. If damage occurs while visiting, a police report must be obtained at the scene. Autos with visible flaws not recorded on entry may not be permitted to leave without evidence of a police report. Be sure to have any dents to your personal vehicle or rental verified on entry.
DRIVING WHILE IMPAIRED
For many EU countries, a blood alcohol level of 0.05 is over the limit and against the law. Some countries in Europe, however, have either a zero rating, meaning no alcohol whatsoever should be in your bloodstream while you drive, or very low limits, such as below 0.02. Officials in many EU countries can demand on-the-spot saliva tests.
FINES
Authorities may ask for driving offense fines to be paid (either the total amount or a percentage of the total owed) on the spot. Non-compliance may result in higher fines and a court date. Always carry a little extra cash in the local currency when traveling, and always ask for a receipt and copy of the citation if you are stopped.
HIGHWAYS
Activate your hazard lights if traffic comes to an abrupt stop to alert vehicles behind you. Maintain a distance of at least two seconds or half of your speed in meters (i.e. a distance of 50 meters if driving at 100 kilometers per hour). If you have car trouble or are involved in an accident, pull over to a designated stop-off area; do not stop on the highway.
HORNS
Usage of horns in urban areas is often prohibited, except when danger is imminent.
LIGHTS
Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is poor. In some countries, headlights must be on, regardless of the weather or time of day. High beams (or “brights”) and fog lights should only be used when there is no oncoming traffic.
PASSING
On multi-lane highways, slower traffic should keep right, and the left lane is for passing only; this law is taken seriously in Europe. On two-lane highways, only pass where it is permitted (watch for road markings and signs) and when it is safe to do so.
PEDESTRIANS
Pedestrians have the right of way and may step or dart out in front of your car, even if there is not a designated crossing zone.
RAILROAD CROSSINGS
Do not enter a railroad crossing when lights are on/flashing or barriers are down. Unguarded crossings are more common in Europe, so always use extra caution when approaching railroad tracks.
RIGHT OF WAY
Generally, vehicles coming from the right have right of way. Priority road, yield and other special signs can supersede this general rule. Vehicles within roundabouts have right of way, regardless of whether merging traffic has yield signs.
RIGHT ON RED
Unless otherwise indicated, turning right on red (left in the U.K., Ireland and Malta) is not permitted.
SEATBELTS
All countries require seatbelts for all vehicle occupants. See the separate article regarding child safety seats.
SPEED LIMITS
European countries adhere to standard legal limits for highways and urban areas. Traffic cameras regulate speed, and violators will receive tickets by mail. If you’re speeding and cause an accident, you could face criminal charges and jail time.
TOLLS
Many highways are maintained by toll systems. Cameras monitor for violators, and steep fines can be imposed. Some countries have pay-as-you-go booths, while others rely on toll tags or stickers (vignettes), which must be purchased in advance and remain visibly displayed on your vehicle’s windshield during your visit.
TUNNELS
Europe has many long tunnels, particularly in mountainous regions and Scandinavian countries. Remove sunglasses and turn on your vehicles headlights before entering tunnels. Follow posted speed limits, do not pass on two-lane routes, increase the distance between you and the next vehicle, and note the location of emergency exits. If stuck in traffic, turn off your vehicle’s engine.
WINTER TIRES
Winter-rated tires (indicated by a snowflake or M+S for “mud and snow” on the tire) are obligatory during winter months in much of Europe. If you rent a car, ensure it meets the requirements in the countries where you’ll be driving. On mountain passes and in certain areas, snow chains may also be compulsory, as indicated by authorities or signs.
IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS
The European Union (EU) is composed of 27 sovereign, or member, states. Although most of the countries in the EU adopted an open border policy, some countries check documentation at crossings.
• U.S.-military-issued overseas driver’s license
• Valid stateside driver’s license
• International Driving Permit (IDP) *
• Original vehicle registration document
• Vehicle insurance certificate **
• Passports
Ensure that you have these documents when traveling, even if staying within the EU. Without them, you and your party could be turned around at the border, receive fines or have your car impounded for illegally crossing borders.
SPECIAL DOCUMENTS
* More on IDP: An IDP is a translation of your license for international travel that is accepted in as many as 150 countries worldwide. It is a supplemental permit that should always be carried with your stateside and overseas military-issued licenses. The IDP is not accepted in the U.S. or in the European country where you are stationed; however, it is highly recommended to have an IDP when driving your personal vehicle or a rental in other European countries. In some countries, it is legally required. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) issues IDP’s both in-store stateside or via the mail. Visit cluballiance.aaa.com/travel/ idp for more information.
** Insurance: Most countries require you to carry third-party liability coverage, which covers you should you injure or cause property/vehicle damage to a third party. First-party insurance, usually optional, covers you if you are injured while driving, as well as damage or theft of your vehicle. There are not currently EU-wide regulations on additional insurance, so check local laws for each country you plan to visit. Talk to your insurance provider about time and distance limitations for coverage if you travel beyond the country where your vehicle is registered. Also ask about rental car coverage and requirements for trailers.
Sources: Europa.eu and Europe automobile clubs, including AA, ACF, ACI and ADAC.
