Regulations still vary wildly from country to country, even in the European Union. Here is a small selection of rules you may not have heard of:
- belgium
On certain stretches of road, it is legal to overtake on both sides.
- finland
Winter tyres are compulsory between December & February.
- france
Watch out for locals enjoying their right to priority from the right, even when joining fairly major roads.
- germany
It is an offence to make derogatory signs or use abusive language to other drivers.
- greece
Children under 10 are not allowed in the front seat.
- portugal
Photographic ID of some form is required by law.
- spain
Pre-1991 (green) UK driving licences need to replaced by pink ones or used with an international driving permit (IDP).
"at a glance" table of driving speed limits
country |
built-up areas |
outside built-up areas |
motorways |
spain |
31mph
(50kph) |
55mph
(90kph) |
74mph
(120kph) |
france |
31mph
(50kph) |
55mph
(90kph) |
80mph
(130kph) |
germany |
31mph
(50kph) |
62mph
(100kph) |
80mph
(130kph) |
portugal |
31mph
(50kph) |
55mph
(90kph) |
74mph
(120kph) |
greece |
31mph
(50kph) |
68mph
(110kph) |
74mph
(120kph) |
italy |
31mph
(50kph) |
55mph
(90kph) |
80mph
(130kph) |
For a more detailed rundown of individual country driving 'rules', visit our "destination information" section.
|