If you are in need of driving tips for Estonia, look no further. We have put together a guide of general rules and regulations, speed limits, and other information you should know before getting behind the wheel of your rental car in Estonia. Let’s go!
Rules and Regulations
- Drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left.
- Every occupant of the vehicle should wear a seatbelt.
- A child younger than 12 and not yet tall enough to use an adult seat belt must use a child restraint or child seat adapted to their size.
- Don’t drink and drive, as the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is zero.
- The use of mobile phones while driving is illegal unless you use a hands-free system.
- Dipped headlights should be used at all times. You can be fined for not using your headlights.
- It is prohibited to overtake a tram that has stopped to let passengers on or off.
- Driving with a dirty license plate can result in a fine.
- If there are pedestrians waiting to cross at an unregulated intersection, you need to stop completely and give way to them.
Speed Limits
These are the standard legal speed limits for Estonia. Changes or variations will be signposted.
| Within city limits | 50 km/h (31 mph) |
| Outside city limits | 90 km/h (56 mph) |
| Motorways | 100 km/h (62 mph) |
What to Bring Along
- Passport
- An International Driver’s Permit is recommended.
- 2 warning triangles to be placed on the road in the event of your vehicle breaking down to warn other drivers.
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Additional Information
- Police can hand out on the spot fines even for the smallest speeding offenses.
- Winter tires are a legal requirement from December 1 to March 1 every year but these dates can vary depending on the weather. Speed limits will also vary in extreme winter conditions so take extra care if you are driving around this time.
- Motorists must pay a toll to enter the city of Tallin but there are no other toll roads in Estonia.
- Be careful when driving on intercity highways at night as there may be moose on the roads. There are road signs drawing your attention to this but they can be difficult to see when driving at night.
- Some roads in rural areas between villages are unpaved but the condition of roads is generally good.
- Most major towns and cities have designated parking areas with meters and car parks. Illegally parked cars will have a boot placed on the wheel.
- SIXT has multiple branches in the capital city of Tallinn including one at Tallinn Airport. We also have locations in Tartu and Pärnu.
