Driving through Europe can be a great way to see the scenery and set your own itinerary. But make sure you know the local driving laws before you hit the road.
Traveling through Europe by car can be an exciting and adventurous way of seeing the countryside, and of taking a trip as unique and personalized as you choose to make it. The freedom of a car allows travelers to choose their own route and to stay in a location as long as they want. Cars are also a faster travel option than buses, and can be more comfortable and pleasant along the way.
If you do choose to use car transportation when you are in Europe, be sure to know the laws and rules in the country you are in, to avoid tickets or unnecessary hassle. Often a simple understanding of the rules can be enough to avoid a ticket or problem with the police. So check out this handy guide to driving in Europe, and be sure you follow the rules when cruising on the continent!
Renting A Car: If you decide to rent a car in Europe, there are a few things you need to know before you start. Most car rental places require a renter to be over 24 years old, and a valid license and passport are always necessary. Most car rentals come with basic auto insurance, which can be very helpful in case of emergency or accident in a foreign country.
License: For most European countries, a valid United States drivers license is acceptable for driving. Because it is a foreign license, officials may ask to see a copy of your passport or other valid means of identification as well, to make sure that they correspond.
Registered auto: Whether you rent a car or choose to drive your own, make sure you have the proper papers and registration to prove that you either own or have rented the automobile. All rental companies should include registration papers and proof of sale with the car. If you are using your own automobile, make sure the registration is up to date and that it has your name as owner.
Driving rules By Country:
Each country in the European Union has its own set of driving rules and standards, so be sure to check up on the specifics before you start driving. To help you out, here are some of the major differences between the countries, and the most important things to know before hitting the road.
England - Of course, the main difference between England and the rest of Europe is that the English drive on the left hand side of the road. To newcomers, this can be a challenge, especially when turning or going through intersections, so it is recommended that foreign drivers not drive in England unless absolutely necessary. If you do decide to drive, take a few hours to get comfortable with the situation before embarking on a difficult or urban drive. The speed limit for most highways is 60 or 70 kilometers.
Germany - Germany can seem like a driver's paradise, with the well-kept autobahn system and no upper speed limit on the highways. But driver's unaccustomed to high speeds should be careful before flooring it. On three-lane roads, the left-most lane is reserved for passing or very high speed cars, so drivers should stay out of it unless they can match speeds with very fast cars.
Sweden - Sweden is another country where people drive fast, with an upper limit on highways of 115 kilometers per hour. In some places, near cities mainly, this drops to 90 kilometers. An addition to drinking and driving laws was recently passed requiring a 0.00% blood alcohol level. Police checkpoints are sometimes encountered with mandatory BAL testing, and fines are severe.
France - With a high rate of motor vehicle accidents, especially relating to drinking and driving, France is also attempting to crack down on drunk drivers. With a BAL limit of 0.05%, drivers who are caught above the limit face heavy fines and possible impounding of the vehicle or even imprisonment. Foreign drivers can have their licenses suspended for breaking French driving laws. Most highways have tolls and the speed limit is 130 kilometers.
Spain - One of the more relaxed countries for driving regulations, Spanish drivers are fairly fast and ruthless on the road. Most of the large highways have tolls, and the top speed is 120 kilometers. Parking in major cities can be very difficult and expensive.
