Road-tripping is undoubtedly one of the most fun ways to experience the culture and charm of a foreign land, as it allows you to enjoy your journey just the way you like. So when holidays roll around, many travelers are eager to hit the road and explore new sights.
In the pre-holiday excitement, it’s easy to overlook the road traffic regulations across Europe, which vary widely—from speed limits to traffic signs to in-car equipment requirements. With this in mind, following France’s recent legal update that now mandates drivers to carry an alcohol tester in their vehicles, Avis Car Rental is also reminding travelers to familiarize themselves with local traffic rules before setting off.
Kitty Koehler, Partner Manager for Avis Car Rental in the Asia-Pacific region, explains: “Driving abroad is one of the best ways to get to know different countries. When visiting tourist spots, you’re not bound by rigid schedules—you can discover hidden gems and better understand the local culture. But driving your own car overseas can often be more complicated. Sometimes, you not only need to carry items like warning triangles, high-visibility safety jackets, and first aid kits, but you may also need to install headlight converters, additional mirrors, and consider whether you have the right insurance and collision coverage.
“With a rental car, those hassles are eliminated, because the vehicle comes equipped according to the specific requirements of the country. For example, all cars rented through Avis in France come with an alcohol tester. Rental station staff will also remind you about local speed limits and other regulations, and help arrange appropriate insurance based on your needs. That means we make sure drivers are aware of traffic signs and other rules. Because even the most experienced drivers can be baffled by unfamiliar regulations, so it’s very important to prepare in advance.”
To help drivers travel smoothly across Europe, Avis Car Rental has compiled a list of important traffic rules that everyone should know:
1. Whether children over the age of ten can sit in the front passenger seat depends on the country, so check the rules before letting them ride up front.
2. In Germany, it’s illegal to run out of fuel on the highway, so keep an eye on your fuel gauge.
3. Belgium does not allow U-turns at intersections.
4. Spanish law requires drivers who wear glasses or contact lenses to carry a spare pair in the car.
5. Many European countries require drivers to use dipped headlights at all times. For example, in Italy, drivers must use low beams during the day on highways, two-lane roads, and rural roads outside cities. In Hungary, using high beams at any time is against the law.
6. Currently, some countries consider satellite navigation systems that identify fixed speed camera locations to be illegal. If you use your own system, make sure this feature is turned off.
7. In the UK, vehicles displaying a green “P” plate mean they’ve been licensed for less than a year, so keep your distance to give those drivers extra space. In Spain, this is indicated by an “L” plate.
8. Speed limit signs vary by country. In some places, they indicate recommended maximum speeds, while in others they show actual minimum speeds. Download a traffic guide before your trip to familiarize yourself with the signage in the region.
9. Many toll roads in Europe don’t accept credit or debit cards, so have enough cash on hand. Avis Car Rental in Portugal offers an electronic toll payment service—all Avis vehicles can pay electronically, so you don’t need to worry about how, when, or where to pay.