{"id":59348,"date":"2025-06-11T09:33:10","date_gmt":"2025-06-11T07:33:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.nl\/blog\/?post_type=listing&#038;p=59348"},"modified":"2025-06-11T09:35:15","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T07:35:15","slug":"driving-in-europe-everything-you-should-know","status":"publish","type":"listing","link":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/listing\/driving-in-europe-everything-you-should-know\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving in Europe: everything you should know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Driving in Europe can be daunting if you\u2019ve never done it before, from required items and documents to the latest laws and regulations. With these handy tips and answers to frequently asked questions, you\u2019ll be well prepared to tackle those European roads!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#1\">Driving in Europe for the first time<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2\">Is a UK driving licence valid in Europe?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3\">Hiring a car in Eruope with a UK driving licence<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4\">What is a vignette for driving in Europe?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#5\">UK car sticker for France<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#6\">Do I need to adjust my headlights for driving in Europe?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#7\">What is the law for the &#8220;Angles morts&#8221; sticker?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#8\">In case of accidents or emergencies<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#9\">European driving: checklist and requirements<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<style type=\"text\/css\">html {<br \/>  scroll-behavior: smooth;<br \/>  \/*Smooth scrolling*\/<br \/>}<br \/><\/style>\n<h2 id=\"1\">Driving in Europe for the first time<\/h2>\n<p>Driving in Europe is fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it. You probably already know the general rules. Let dive into some specifics.<\/p>\n<h3>Drive on the right, give way to the left<\/h3>\n<p>First things first, and as you probably well know, most Europeans drive on the right, unless you\u2019re in Malta, Ireland, or Cyprus. This means you\u2019ll have to give way to vehicles on your left, and drive roundabouts anti-clockwise, instead of clockwise. In some countries, like the Netherlands, you will also have to look out for bikes and bike lanes. Do pay special attention on motorways, as the slow and fast lanes are reversed compared to the UK.<\/p>\n<p>Some people find a sticker on their steering wheel or dashboard helpful. Also keep in mind that, when overtaking (on the left!) in a right-hand drive car, your visibility of the road will be limited. Just take a moment, and drive mindfully. Adjust your mirrors if necessary.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_37833\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-image-37833 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_1431884141-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Driving on the right side of the road\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Driving on the right side of the road might be counterintuitive at first, but you&#8217;ll get the hang of it!<\/p><\/div>\n<h3>Toll roads<\/h3>\n<p>Toll roads are quite common in Europe, especially on motorways. You can either pull up to the automatic toll booths on these roads \u2013 many no longer accept cash \u2013 or purchase a toll badge online. This small device can be placed on your window, close to your rear view mirror. In other cases, you\u2019ll need a vignette. It\u2019s wise to check the rules that apply to the country or countries you will be visiting.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind that these roads are avoidable, but that this might mean that you will be travelling on smaller roads. This might increase your driving time, but often also takes you through places you would not have seen, if you had opted for the toll roads.<\/p>\n<h3>European tunnels<\/h3>\n<p>European road tunnels are quite long compared to those in the UK. For example, the longest one in Europe is a 15 miles long tunnel in Norway. The longest in the UK, the Queensway near Liverpool, is a mere 2.13 miles. These dark tunnels can feel a bit unsettling when you\u2019re not used to them. Just remember to turn your lights on, take your sunglasses off, and keep your distance.<\/p>\n<h3>Speed limits<\/h3>\n<p>Keep in mind that most speed limits are indicated in kilometres per hour, not miles per hour. As a quick reminder, 10 mph is approximately 16 km\/h. The limits also vary, depending on what country you\u2019re in. Make sure to check local limits and keep an eye out for signs.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_37833\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-image-37833 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_1489289705-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Speed limit signs\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pay attention to these signs when entering a country. They tell you important information about the speed limits.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"2\">Is a UK driving licence valid in Europe?<\/h2>\n<p>Yes, you can legally drive in European countries with your UK driving licence. You might need an additional international driving permit (IDP) if you have a paper driving licence, or a licence that was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. In this case, I would advise you to check the rules with the relevant embassy. An IDP costs \u00a35.50.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"3\">Hiring a car in Europe with a UK driving licence<\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s no problem to hire a car in Europe with a UK driving licence. Upon renting, you must be at least 18 years old, and your driving licence must be valid for at least the entire duration of your stay. Keep all rental documentation at hand during your trip, as these include all insurance details.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"4\">What is a vignette for driving in Europe?<\/h2>\n<p>A vignette is basically a sticker that indicates that you have paid the taxes and fees to legally make use of the toll roads. Other vignettes indicate your vehicle\u2019s emissions. Either must be placed on your windshield, whether you\u2019re driving your own personal vehicle or a rental \u2013 in which case, you will need to let the rental company know that you\u2019re planning on taking the vehicle across the border.<\/p>\n<p>The vignettes differ per country, so it\u2019s possible that you need multiple for your trip. Don\u2019t worry, because the vignettes are available at any border crossing and are quite affordable. Countries that require a vignette for toll roads are <strong>Austria<\/strong>, <strong>Bulgaria<\/strong>, <strong>Czech Republic<\/strong>, <strong>Hungary<\/strong>, <strong>Romania<\/strong>, <strong>Slovakia<\/strong>, <strong>Slovenia<\/strong>, <strong>Switzerland<\/strong> and <strong>Turkey<\/strong>. In <strong>Germany<\/strong>, <strong>France<\/strong> (Paris, Lyon and Grenoble, among other regions) , <strong>Spain<\/strong> (Barcelona and Madrid) and <strong>Switzerland<\/strong> (Geneva), you\u2019ll need an emissions vignette.<\/p>\n<p>Some countries also accept e-vignettes (electronic vignettes), which you can purchase online. The vignettes are valid for a certain period of time \u2013 up to one year \u2013 so pay attention to that when purchasing. All are available online. Do be aware that the ordering process of a vignette can take up to six weeks, so make sure you plan accordingly.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_37833\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-image-37833 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2206760961-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Swiss vignettes\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Make sure you have the right vignettes for the countries that you&#8217;re visiting, and to put them in the right place.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"5\">UK car sticker for France<\/h2>\n<p>When driving your (UK-registered) vehicle in Europe, it will need the UK identifier. There are a few rules to this. If your number plate already has an UK-identifier which includes the Union Jack, you are good to go. Unless you\u2019re in Spain, Cyprus or Malta. Here, you\u2019ll need the sticker no matter what.<\/p>\n<p>In any other European country, if your number plate has a GB identifier with the Union flag, a Euro symbol, a national flag of England, Scotland or Wales or has numbers and letters only \u2013 without a flag or identifier \u2013 you do need the sticker.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"6\">Do I need to adjust my headlights for driving in Europe?<\/h2>\n<p>In Europe, it\u2019s illegal to dazzle oncoming traffic. As your headlights are fitted to drive on the left-hand side of the road, it\u2019s important to either adjust them for driving on the right side, or to get some headlamp converters. These widely available stickers can easily be placed onto your headlights.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s even simpler if you own a modern car with LED lights. Most of the time, you can adjust the beams via the car\u2019s settings menu. Just check your car\u2019s instruction manual to be sure.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"7\">What is the law for the \u201cAngles morts\u201d sticker?<\/h2>\n<p>Have you ever spotted the \u201cAngles morts\u201d stickers on large vehicles? You might think that these are meant only for lorries or busses, but they might also apply to your vehicle.<\/p>\n<p>As of 1 January , 2021, all vehicles weighing 3.5 tons or over are legally required to display \u201cAngles morts\u201d stickers in France. This is to warn fellow road users about your potential blind spots. \u201cAngles morts\u201d basically means \u201cblind spots\u201d in French. Even when using side mirrors, these spots remain invisible for the driver. This rule applies to all vehicles using French road, regardless of their country of registration.<\/p>\n<p>And yes, you still need them even if your vehicle has cameras fitted. You\u2019ll need three stickers: one on each side, within one metre of the front of your vehicle, and one of the right side of the rear. Make sure you place them in the correct spots. If your vehicle does not have these stickers, you can be fined up to \u20ac750. You can purchase them online or in petrol stations in France.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"8\">In case of accidents or emergencies<\/h2>\n<p>Call 112 in case of an emergency. It is the European phone number for the police, ambulance services and the fire brigade.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_37833\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-image-37833 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2625121971-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"112\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The emergency number for the police, ambulance and firedepartments is 112 throughout Europe.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"9\">European driving: checklists and requirements<\/h2>\n<p>Driving on the Continent can feel quite overwhelming if you don\u2019t know what you can expect. I\u2019ve listed important documents, required items and other (country-specific) tips, so you can get on the road well prepared.<\/p>\n<h3>Don\u2019t forget these important documents when driving to and in Europe<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li>Valid driving licence and national insurance number<\/li>\n<li>Proof of vehicle insurance<\/li>\n<li>Proof of ID (passport)<\/li>\n<li>V5C certificate \u2013 if you are taking your own car<\/li>\n<li>Travel insurance documents<\/li>\n<li>European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents<\/li>\n<li>Valid and up-to-date vehicle\u2019s tax and MOT<\/li>\n<li>Crit\u2019Air sticker \u2013 if you\u2019re travelling in France<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>These items are required<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reflective jackets<\/strong><br \/>\nMake sure you have a high-visibility reflective jacket for your entire travel party in the glove compartment of your vehicle.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Warning triangle<\/strong><br \/>\nThese are compulsory in most European countries. In Spain, you\u2019re obliged to have two.<\/li>\n<li><strong>First aid kit<\/strong><br \/>\nYou\u2019re legally required to carry a first aid kit in your car in many European countries.<\/li>\n<li><strong>UK stickers<\/strong><br \/>\nIn Spain, Cyprus and Malta, your car needs to display a UK sticker at all times, if it is UK-registered. Unless your number plate contains a Union flag, you also need this sticker in other European countries. Unfortunately, a Euro symbol, GB identifier or a national flag does not count as UK identification.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Vignettes and emissions stickers<\/strong><br \/>\nSome countries require certain (e-)vignettes or emissions stickers. Check out our paragraph on them.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Headlight converter<\/strong><br \/>\nAre you driving a UK car? Chances are that you will need headlight converter stickers to adjust your lights.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Snow chains and winter tyres<\/strong><br \/>\nAre you going on a trip to Europe during the winter? Snow chains and\/or winter tyres are legally required in Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy and Andorra.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Spare pair of glasses<\/strong><br \/>\nIn some European countries, such as France and Spain, you are required to carry a spare pair of prescription glasses in the car \u2013 if you normally wear them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These items are not required, but they might be useful when you\u2019re travelling: a fire extinguisher, spare batteries, replacement bulbs, a spare fuel can, a torch, engine oil and water, copies of essential documents, some spare euros, and a European Health Insurance Card.<\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_37833\" style=\"width: 810px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-image-37833 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/shutterstock_2236345577-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Tools for on the road\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><p id=\"caption-attachment-37833\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Be sure to pack all required safety items when travelling.<\/p><\/div>\n<h2>Rules and regulations for specific countries<\/h2>\n<p>In <strong>Portugal<\/strong>, you will need a roof mount if you are travelling with bikes. Driving with them mounted on the back of the car is illegal. You will also need prepaid toll tickets to be able to drive on motorways.<\/p>\n<p>Pay close attention to speed limits in <strong>France<\/strong>, as they are subject to different weather conditions. Also make sure your car spots a Crit\u2019Air emissions sticker, to avoid a fine up to \u20ac 135, and always have a breathalyser in your car. Lastly, you can\u2019t hear headphones while you\u2019re driving, nor use speed-camera detection on your phone or navigation system.<\/p>\n<p>Visiting any big cities in <strong>Germany<\/strong>? You will need an Umweltplakette emission sticker, which you can order <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umwelt-plakette.de\/en\/products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Do not use your horn while driving in Vienna or around hospitals in <strong>Austria<\/strong>, as this is prohibited!<\/p>\n<p>Make sure to check the parking rules twice when you\u2019re in <strong>Spain<\/strong>. These are very specific in some areas. In some one-way streets, for example, cars must be parked on the side of the road that has houses with odd numbers on odd days, while you are expected to park on the opposite side of the road on even days. It is also compulsory to have a spare wheel and the relevant tools in your vehicle. And never wear flip flops when driving!<\/p>\n<p>Pull over whenever you\u2019re thirsty or hungry in <strong>Cyprus<\/strong>, because you will be fined if you\u2019re caught drinking or eating while driving.<\/p>\n<p>You are legally required to carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle when driving in <strong>Poland<\/strong>, <strong>Romania<\/strong>, and <strong>Russia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Although some European countries are renowned for their fine wines, the maximum alcohol limit for drivers is a lot lower in Europe than it is in the UK. The general limit is 0.05% or less, like in Sweden and Norway. But if you\u2019re new to driving, it\u2019s generally only 0.02% or less. You can check the alcohol limit per country <a href=\"https:\/\/etsc.eu\/issues\/drink-driving\/blood-alcohol-content-bac-drink-driving-limits-across-europe\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>What are your experiences?<\/h2>\n<p>Have you ever driven in Europe? Tell me more about your experiences on European roads, and let me know if you have any tips!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Driving in Europe can be daunting if you\u2019ve never done it before, from required items and documents to the latest laws and regulations. With these handy tips and answers to frequently asked questions, you\u2019ll be well prepared to tackle those European roads! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":132,"featured_media":59430,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"listing_type":[1403],"class_list":["post-59348","listing","type-listing","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","listing_type-on-the-road","listing_location-europe"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/59348","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/132"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=59348"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/59348\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":59437,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing\/59348\/revisions\/59437"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/59430"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=59348"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eurocampings.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/listing_type?post=59348"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}