If you’re planning to drive in Europe, you’ll need to be aware that driving laws and regulations differ. Below are the top facts on driving in the most popular European destinations, as well as a worldwide guide for the disabled traveller.

France

French flagFrom 1 July this year all drivers and motorcyclists (excluding mopeds) travelling in France need to carry a breathalyser kit. For more information on this and other information on driving in France check out the following links:

Breathalysers

From 1 July 2015 this year all drivers and motorcyclists (excluding mopeds) travelling in France need to carry a breathalyser kit, with two disposable breathalysers.

  • The legal limit in France is 50 mg per 100 ml of blood
  • The breathalyser must meet the NF standards (similar to the BSI here in the UK) and carry the NF certification
  • AlcoSense is one provider of these breathalysers. A pack of two costs £4.99.

Essential equipment

Having a radar detector in your vehicle is illegal in France, whether you use it or not.

  • Warning triangle
  • Reflective jacket
  • Spare light bulbs
  • Breathalyser kit

Traffic regulations

  • Minimum driving age – 18
  • Drive on the right
  • Drink drive limit – 50mg alcohol per 100ml of blood
  • Child in front seat – minimum 10 years (except babies up to 9 months in a rear-facing child seat)
  • Motorcyclists must wear a crash helmet and use headlamp at all times.

Parking restrictions

In Paris, don’t park or stop on red routes and do not leave a car parked in the same place for more than 24 hours.

  • Parking restrictions are indicated by signs and yellow markings on the kerb
  • Dotted road markings indicate parking spaces
  • At those marked ‘payant’ you are required to pay for parking
  • Spaces outlined in yellow are reserved for utility vehicles or card holders
  • Where there are dotted yellow  lines on the edge of the pavement, you may stop briefly for dropping off passengers.

Germany

German flagThe only essential equipment you must have for driving in Germany is a warning triangle.

Motorways

Germany Autobahnens (motorways) are famous for being free of speed restrictions, but this only applies to parts of the network. Where speed limits are posted they are strictly enforced.

Traffic regulations

  • Minimum driving age – 17 years
  • Drive on the right
  • Drink drive limit – 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
  • Child in front seat – Minimum 12years/1.5m unless using a child restraint
  • Motorcycles – must wear a crash helmet and use headlamp at all times

Parking restrictions

To park in Germany you need to buy a blue parking disc (Parkscheibe) available from newsagents and service stations, although parking vouchers (Parkschein) and parking meters are also common.

Italy

Italian flagEssential equipment

  • Warning triangle
  • Reflective jacket
  • Headlights: It is mandatory to use dipped headlamps at all times outside built up areas
  • In the Italian Alps it is compulsory to carry snow chains from October 15th to April 30th.

Traffic regulations

  • Minimum driving age – 18 years
  • Drive on the right
  • Drink drive limit – 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
  • Child in front seat – minimum 12 years unless using a child restraint
  • Motorcycles – must wear a crash helmet and use headlamp at all times.

Fuel

  • Unleaded petrol, diesel (Gasolio), and LPG are available
  • No leaded petrol (lead substitute additive available)
  • Petrol in a can permitted
  • Credit cards accepted at most filling stations.

Spain

Spanish flagEssential equipment

  • Two warning triangles – they should be placed in front of and behind the car in the event of a breakdown or accident
  • Spare bulbs
  • Spare tyre, or tyre-repair kit
  • Reflective jacket – must be worn in the event of a motorway breakdown
  • Only fully hands-free mobile phones (without earpiece or headphones) are permitted
  • If a driver wears glasses, there must be a spare pair in the car.

Traffic regulations

Illegally parked vehicles can be towed away. Wheel clamps are also in use.

  • Minimum driving age – 18 years
  • Drive on the right
  • Drink drive limit – 50mg alcohol per 100ml blood
  • Child in front seat – minimum 12 years unless using a child restraint
  • Motorcycles – must wear a crash helmet and use headlamp at all times
  • On-the-spot fines. An official receipt should be obtained.

Parking restrictions

Do not park on main roads with continuous white lines along the edge. The police will impose on-the-spot fines.

  • Parking in many towns is controlled by blue zones (zonas azul) where a disc must be displayed.