Driving in Europe can be different than in the U.S. (Roman Babakin - stock.adobe.com)
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The 2026-2027 Stars and Stripes “European Road Guide” includes country-specific driving laws, vehicle purchase information and other essential details for drivers while stationed in Europe.
Always drive with the following documents.
U.S.-military-issued overseas driver’s license
Valid U.S. driver’s license
Original vehicle registration document
Proof of insurance
Have passports for all individuals and any SOFA documentation available for the driver to present at any border. Some borders have random checks while others inspect every passport.
Country speed limits are posted on large signs at the border.
It is illegal to use hand-held devices while driving in Europe.
It is illegal to use hand-held devices while driving in Europe. (udo72 (123RF))
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Major cities regulate road usage to limit noise, emissions and traffic. Control methods include time-of-day restrictions, congestion charges and limitedaccess for cars without low emission stickers. Find details at www.urbanaccessregulations.eu.
Certain countries require documentation for visible damage on your car. If you are driving a vehicle with dents or flaws, get it documented when you enter a new country. If your car sustains damage while traveling, file a police report to document the occurrence. This will ensure you are not accused of hit-and-run or vandalism crimes.
Driving while intoxicated is a serious offense. Police can demand on-the-spot saliva tests. Blood alcohol level (BAL) limits are listed in country-specific sections of this publication, using U.S. measurements.
Note that in many European countries BAL is measured by milligrams per milliliter while the U.S. uses grams per 100 milliliters. This means that a 0.3% BAL in Europe equals a 0.03% BAL in the U.S.
Most European countries require your vehicle to have a warning triangle, reflective vest and first-aid kit with medical masks. These are typically sold together as a single standard emergency kit.
In some countries, minor driving offense fines may be requested to be paid in cash on-the-spot. Be sure to get documentation and a receipt. If you are unable to pay, you may face higher fees and possibly a court appearance.
Running out of fuel on highways is not allowed in Europe, and you can be fined. Not all gas stations are open 24/7.
It is helpful to be familiar with using GPS or mapping software like Google Maps for navigation in Europe. However, construction and small roads sometimes confuse the systems. Check the route ahead of time to ensure it makes sense.
Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is poor. In some countries, headlights must be on all the time.
High beams (or “brights”) and fog lights should only be used when conditions warrant and when there is no oncoming traffic.
Headlights must be used from sunset to sunrise and when visibility is poor. (Artem Varnitsin (Adobe Stock))
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If traffic comes to an abrupt stop, activate your hazard lights to alert vehicles behind you.
Keep a safe distance from the car in front of you of roughly half your speed in meters. At 100 kph stay 50m back.
The left lane is for passing only. Be sure to signal before and after passing. This law is taken seriously in Europe.
Do not stop on the highway. If you have car trouble, use designated pull off areas.
Most countries require third-party liability coverage, which covers you if you injure someone or damage their property or vehicle.
First-party insurance is usually optional and covers you if you are injured while driving, as well as damage or theft of your vehicle.
Check local laws for each country you plan to visit and talk to your insurance provider about time and distance limitations for coverage beyond the country where your vehicle is registered. Also ask about rental car coverage and requirements for trailers.
An IDP is a translation of your license that is accepted worldwide and it is highly recommended when driving outside the country where you are stationed.
An IDP is supplemental. You still must carry your stateside and overseas military-issued license for the European country where you are stationed.
Visit www.aaa.com/vacation/idpf.html to get an IDP.
Continental Europe posts speed limits in kilometers per hour (kph).
The U.K. posts speed limits in mph.
Fuel prices are per liter.
Tire pressure is sometimes measured in BAR, not PSI.
Use parking discs in lots; the number will indicate the parking time limit. Set the dial to the time you arrive and make sure it is visible in the windshield.
Paid parking will be labeled. Be sure to read the signs for regulations. There may be individual meters, or a machine to pay for parking in the area. Be sure to display your paid parking receipt in your windshield.
In cities, follow these signs to paid parking garages. Take your ticket with you and pay at the kiosk before returning to your car.
Use parking discs in lots; the number will indicate the parking time limit. (vitaliyukr (123RF))
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Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks and in many residential areas. In some countries, it is accepted for people to cross the street anywhere.
Most of Europe prohibits the use of radar detectors. Many countries have also banned the use of speed camera detection using GPS or phone apps.
Do not enter a railroad crossing when lights are on or when barriers are down. There may also be unguarded crossings on small roads, so approach tracks with caution.
Expect to pay with coins to use toilets at rest stops. They can be 50 cents to two euros. Some are paid via a vending machine at a turnstile. Others may simply have a tip plate for the custodian.
Unless otherwise indicated, turning right on red (left in the U.K., Ireland and Malta) is not permitted.
It can be beneficial to join a local automobile association for their 24-hour roadside assistance and travel-related services. These are similar to AAA in the U.S.
Belgium - TCB
Germany - ADAC
Italy - ACI
Netherlands - ANWB
Spain - RACE
United Kingdom – AA
Vehicles within a roundabout (traffic circle) have the right of way, regardless of whether merging traffic has yield signs.
All countries require seatbelts for all vehicle occupants.
Cameras are used to detect driving offenses. They can be permanent or temporary. You may not see the camera or a flash.
If your vehicle is caught speeding, running red lights or tailgating, a ticket will be mailed to you or your chain of command. It will have the date of the offense and a photo. You are required to pay the ticket, and you may have points assessed on your license.
Visit www.tolls.eu for specific country toll information.
Many highways or tunnels are maintained by toll payments. Cameras monitor for violators, and steep fines can be imposed.
Most tolls are charged at booths when you enter or exit the tolled roadway. A few places have barrier-free tolls which require payment online before or after the trip.
Europe has many long tunnels, particularly in mountainous regions and Scandinavian countries.
Remove sunglasses.
Use headlights.
Follow speed limits.
Do not pass.
Increase the distance between you and the next vehicle.
Note the emergency exits.
Turn of your engine in standstill traffic.
Some countries require a vignette to drive on certain roadways. These are pre-paid road tax stickers. They are typically available at the border and nearby gas stations. In some countries they can be purchased ahead of time online as an e-vignette.
Countries with vignettes:
Austria
Bulgaria
Czechia
Estonia (over 3.5t)
Hungary
Moldova
Romania
Slovakia
Slovenia
Switzerland
If your vehicle has a USAREUR license plate, then your guests or visitors may not drive your car on their own.
Guests may drive your car if yourself, or one of your family members who has a USAREUR drivers license, is a passenger in the car.
It is possible to get approval for a visitor to borrow your car and drive it on their own for up to 90 days. For details, visit your on-installation customs office.
Visitors may not use your ESSO fuel discount privileges.
Winter tires have a mountain and snowflake logo, while M+S is on all-season tires for “mud and snow.” You are required to use them if they match the conditions where you are driving.
Snow chains may also be required on mountain passes or unplowed roads.
Make sure windshield wipers are in excellent shape, and top up with windshield washing fluid that has an anti-freezing additive.
Keep an ice scraper and insulated gloves in your car so that you can remove snow and ice.
Driving without clearing your entire vehicle of snow is illegal in some countries.
Cover your windshield with an old bed sheet at night to prevent frost from forming.
Keep a flashlight, blanket, phone charger, snacks and bottled water in your car in case you are stranded.
Confirm that the engine’s anti-freeze level and strength are adequate. Diesel fuel is sensitive to cold and can gel or solidify. Many European countries set standards for fuel stations to switch to a blended “winter diesel” with additives to help slow the solidifying process, but during extremely cold conditions the fuel may still thicken. Block heaters can also be installed to help warm the engine in very cold areas.
