Number of passengers in the car
Your car’s registration certificate indicates the maximum authorized number of passengers. Respect this number to be in compliance with your insurance and civil responsibility. No matter the age of a child, they occupy 1 place in the vehicle.
International Driving Permit
The majority of European countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Be sure to get one before your departure. This acts as a legal identification document where your information is translated into 11 foreign languages.
Children under 10 years of age
You are required to use an adapted safety system for children under 10 years of age according to their height and weight: approved car seats for children up to 7 years of age and a booster for children 7-10 years of age.
Highway code
Before leaving, be informed on the highway code regulations, from road signs, to driving habits and other particularities for the countries you will be visiting. This could help you avoid unpleasant surprises and even fines.
Examples:
- France: Speed limits up to 130 km/h are reduced to 110 km/h when it’s raining (on some highways);
- United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus & Malta: Drive on left side;
- Bosnia: Intoxicated individuals are prohibited from sitting in the front passenger seat;
- Portugal: Prohibited to put a bicycle on the back of a vehicle;
- Portugal & Belgium: Prohibited to park less than 20 metres from a traffic light;
- Belgium: Mandatory to carry a fire extinguisher in the car;
- Switzerland: Prohibited to park less than 10 metres from a crosswalk (5 metres in most other countries);
- Germany: Running out of fuel on the highway is subject to fines;
- Croatia and the Czech Republic: Intoxication is not tolerated at any time.
These specifics are given for information purpose only and do not engage the responsibility of Europ Auto, whether contractual or tortious. They are not intended to replace legal documents which you should refer to in any case.
The use of seatbelts is required for all countries within the European Union.
| Speed limit-km/h
(tourist car)
city/road/highway | Blood-alcohol levels tolerated
(g/l) | Mandatory items in vehicle | Required use of headlights in the daytime |
|---|
France | 50 / 90 / 130 | < 0.5 | | No |
|---|
Germany | 50 / 100 / no limit | < 0.5 | | No |
|---|
Austria | 50 / 100 / 130 | < 0.5
(0.2 for novice drivers) | | No |
|---|
Belgium | 50 / 90 / 120 | < 0.5 | | No |
|---|
Croatia | 50 / 90 / 130 | 0 tolerance | | Yes |
|---|
Spain | 50 / 90 / 120 | < 0.5
(0.3 for novice drivers) | - 2 triangles
- Vest
- Spare bulbs
| No |
|---|
Greece | 50 / 70 / 120 | < 0.5 | - Triangle
- Extinguisher
- 1st aid kit
| No
|
|---|
Ireland | 50 / 80 / 120 | < 0.8 | | No |
|---|
Italy | 50 / 90 / 130 | < 0.5 | | Yes, in fast lanes and on highways |
|---|
Netherlands | 50 / 80 / 120 | < 0.5 | | Yes |
|---|
Poland | 50 / 90 / 130 | < 0.2 | - Triangle
- Extinguisher
- 1st aid kit
| Yes, October-February |
|---|
Portugal | 50 / 90 / 120 | < 0.5 | | No, except on the IPS |
|---|
Czech Republic | 50 / 90 /130 | 0 tolerance | | Yes |
|---|
United Kingdom | 48 / 83 / 112
| < 0.8 | | No |
|---|
Switzerland | 50 / 80 / 120 | < 0.5 | | Yes |
|---|
Source: European road prevention
Before leaving, be sure to learn about travel insurance, car insurance and roadside assistance. Though we hope it doesn’t happen, you might need it.