From the soaring spire of the Eiffel Tower to the charming cobblestone streets of Rome, Europe is home to some of the world’s most spectacular destinations and road trips. Visitors to these sensational locales are treated to some of the most incredible experiences on the planet. While it’s easy to get lost in the fairytale of a European vacation, it is vital to keep practical matters in mind when traveling abroad. Renting a car allows you to explore your destination in ways many visitors can’t, enriching your stay. We’re here to give you some useful driving tips for Europe, including rules and regulations that may be different from what you’re used to. Once you’re familiar with these, you can confidently make a booking through our Europe Car Rental page.
Speed limits
Generally, the speed limits in Europe are similar to what you may be used to in the USA, with some exceptions. Before we get into the numbers, though, it’s important to note that except for the UK, which still uses mph, most European countries post their speed limits in kilometers per hour (km/h).
As in the USA, the speed limit drops around urban areas. In residential areas, the speed limit is typically 20 to 30 mph (32 km/h to 48 km/h). On the urban roads around these areas, it’s usually 30 mph (48 km/h). On rural roads where populations are sparser, you can travel at up to 56 mph (90 km/h). On highways, the limit is usually 70 mph (113 km/h). It’s also worth noting that the weather conditions in colder countries lead to lower speed limits at certain times of the year.
There are some exceptions to these general limits, however. These are listed below:
UNITED KINGDOM
The UK has some of the lowest speed limits in Europe, with Wales even lower:
- Residential areas – 30 mph / Wales 20 mph
- Regional roads, national roads or highways – 60 mph
- Divided highways – 70 mph
IRELAND, SPAIN, PORTUGAL, AND BELGIUM
The exception in these countries is that on highways you can travel at up to 75 mph (120 km/h). In Portugal, on the other hand, the speed limit in urban areas drops to 19 mph (30 km/h).
FRANCE
In wet conditions in France, the highway speed limit drops to 68 mph (109 km/h).
GERMANY
Germany has the standard European speed limits, except on the Autobahn, which is famous for not having any limit at all in certain sections.
SCANDINAVIA
Here, the highway speed limit also rises to 75 mph (120 km/h), except for Denmark, which allows 80 mph (129 km/h). In Norway, the expressways have a limit of 75 mph (120 km/h), with country roads at 50 mph (80 km/h). In Sweden, you can drive at up to 40 mph (64 km/h) in urban areas and up to 75 mph (120 km/h) on peri-urban roads.
POLAND AND THE CZECH REPUBLIC
These two countries have some of the highest speed limits in Europe.
- Outside urban areas – 56 mph (90 km/h)
- Divided highways – 75 mph (120 km/h)
- Highways – 87 mph (140 km/h)
General driving rules
Now that you know the speed limits, let’s move on to some other driving trips for Europe.
SEAT BELTS
Every country in Europe requires passengers in the front and back seats to wear seat belts. All SIXT rental cars have fully functioning safety belts for all seats.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Aside from the UK and Ireland, nearly all European countries require the vehicle to be equipped with an emergency triangle to be used in the event of accidents and breakdowns. Take note that Spain, Cyprus, Estonia, and Bosnia require you to have two emergency triangles. Even if the country does not require an emergency triangle by law, it is still recommended to carry one.
The majority of European countries also require a reflective jacket or vest to be kept in the car either just for the driver or for every passenger. The notable exceptions to this rule are France, Germany, the Netherlands, and some Nordic and Eastern European countries.
A car first aid kit and a fire extinguisher are required by law in most Nordic, Eastern European, and Baltic countries. A vehicle first aid kit and a fire extinguisher are not legally required when driving in France, Spain, Italy, Germany, or other Central European countries, but having them is still recommended.
For driving in France, the Czech Republic, and some Central European countries, vehicles are required to carry spare light bulbs.
The infamous self-test car breathalyzer is required for driving in France only, although the penalty for not having a car breathalyzer in France is on hold indefinitely.
If you are renting a car with SIXT, we provide the key safety equipment required for driving in the country that you are visiting. This includes spare tires and first aid kits. Don’t forget, however, that as the driver it is your responsibility to ensure that you are aware of the driving regulations and that you fully comply with them. With that said, don’t remove any of these required safety items when you use your rental car. You can also rent useful optional extras like GPS units or child seats for your car rental.
| “Want to discover France by car? Discover the most beautiful villages in France or see our French Riviera itinerary“ |
MOBILE PHONES
All European countries prohibit the use of handheld mobile phones when driving, although the vast majority do allow mobile use with a hands-free kit, including France, Spain, Italy, and Germany.
Some SIXT rental cars have built-in hands-free kits for your mobile phone. Ask about adding this to your rental when booking.
ALCOHOL LIMIT
The permitted legal alcohol limit for driving for the vast majority of Europe is 0.05%. The UK and Ireland are the exceptions, where the limit is 0.08%, or 80mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. Portugal is the only mainland European country where the legal alcohol limit is 0.08%. Other countries have even lower limits. Estonia, Norway, Poland, and Sweden allow only 0.02%. Also be aware that some Central and Eastern European countries have zero tolerance – specifically Romania, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia.
CHILD SEAT MINIMUM AGE
This is another area of regulation to watch out for, as most European countries have an absolute minimum age for a child seat in the front. The regulations are based on a combination of the height and the age of the child. Older children or taller children can use a child seat in the front of the car. Some countries require that the seat face backwards. Younger children typically must sit in a child seat in the back. It’s always best to check the updated rules for the specific country you’re visiting, as they vary from country to country and can change over time. You can hire child seats from SIXT as an optional extra when you book your rental car.
DRIVING AGE
The legal driving age in the majority of European countries is 18. The UK and Ireland are relatively unusual in allowing 17-year-olds to drive, along with Hungary and Iceland. However, only in Germany, France and Portugal can an 18-year-old rent a car. The minimum age for car rental in other countries is 21. Certain classes of vehicles, like luxury models and sports cars, typically have higher age requirements. You must be at least 25 to rent vehicles from these categories.
VEHICLE AND ID DOCUMENTS
Most European countries require you to have an insurance or protection plan, which you can take out when you rent your vehicle. You must always carry the vehicle registration papers and keep your personal identification documents with you, including your passport and driver’s license. Find more information on what you need for your vehicle pick-up here.
Discover Europe with a rental car
SIXT car rentals in Europe open the door to a myriad of different activities and destinations. You may wish to consider some of the following driving tips for Europe after renting a vehicle:
Explore Italy: From the eternal city of Rome to the canals of Venice, the fashion capital of Milan and the famously beautiful region of Tuscany, Italy has plenty to offer. Before you book your next trip there, read our top driving tips for Italy.
Island Getaways: France’s Mont St. Michel, Greece’s Mykonos, and the Italian island of Sardinia are all easily accessible with a rental car.
Visit Sunny Spain: See the cultural treasures of Barcelona, visit the exciting capital of Madrid, and laze on the renowned beaches of the Costa del Sol.
Discover Portugal by Car: Journey through the streets of Lisbon, explore the historic charm of Porto, and unwind on the stunning beaches of the Algarve. Before you embark on your adventure, make sure to check out our essential driving tips for Portugal.
