The Highway Code explains the rules of the road for drivers in the United Kingdom. But how about motoring laws in other parts of Europe? If you plan to drive abroad this summer, read on…
Many European road rules are straightforward and predictable. Speed limits, wearing a seatbelt, not using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel, and so on. Driving on the right is a given, too. Or is it? Do so in Cyprus, Ireland or Malta and you’ll be on the wrong side of the road.
For UK motorists, there have also been rule-changes since Britain left the European Union. For instance, you may need an international driving permit if you have a driving licence issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man.
Also, you must display a ‘UK’ sticker – not one of the older ‘GB’ stickers – if your car’s number plates don’t have a UK identifier or a Union Jack symbol.
It’s also worth downloading the European Union’s ‘Going Abroad’ smartphone app, which details the important road safety rules in the different countries.
Alternatively, you could use the interactive map, which includes EU member states and other European nations. Click on the relevant country for info on speed limits, permitted blood-alcohol levels, traffic light operation and more.
You can also find a brief guide to driving in the EU on the UK Government’s official Gov.uk website.
Lesser known Euro driving rules
Now let’s reveal a dozen of the more unusual European road rules. Bear these in mind if you’re planning to cross the English Channel this summer.
Remove your headphones – France and Spain. You’re not permitted to drive while wearing headphones, regardless of whether they’re connected to music or for making phone calls.
Mind your manners – Cyprus and Germany. Rude or offensive hand gestures could result in a steep fine.
Carry spare glasses – Portugal, Spain and Switzerland. If you require glasses to drive a car, you must carry a spare pair on the Iberian Peninsula or in Switzerland.
Reversing with hazard lights – Slovenia. You must use hazard warning lights when reversing in Slovenia.
Get a permit – Italy. You require a special permit to drive through some historical areas in Italy.
Steer clear of snacks – Cyprus. You must not eat or drink behind the wheel in Cyprus.
Watch your fuel – Germany and Portugal. It’s illegal to run out of fuel on a German autobahn. Meanwhile, carrying cans of petrol is banned in Portugal.
No off-road driving – Iceland. It is illegal to venture beyond the boundary of a road in Iceland unless there’s a specific parking area.
No smoking – Greece. You can be fined €1,500 for smoking behind the wheel in Greece, or €3,000 if there are children in the car.
Carry a rope – Serbia. You must carry a tow bar and three metres of rope when driving in Serbia.
Engine off by the railway – Germany. Drivers must switch off their engines when queuing at a level crossing in Germany. Not an issue in modern cars equipped with stop-start technology, of course.
