A guide to driving guides whether you are taking your own car or renting one.

1. Driving in Europe
A guide to driving across Europe

2. Essentials you need to take
There are a couple of essentials you need to take with you when
driving abroad either in your own car or a rented one:
• A valid UK driving licence; the photo card AND paper
counterpart
• GB sticker to the back of your car, or European registration
plates
• A copy of your motor insurance certificate (also give it a good
read to see what you are insured for when driving abroad).
• A warning triangle to use if you break down or need to pull
over; this is a legal requirement in many European countries.
• Headlamp converters (these are stickers to put over your
headlights, so your lights don't dazzle motorists)

3. General Advice
• To drive abroad, you need to be 18 or over.
• Across Europe it is illegal to carry radar detection equipment
(whether it is switched on or not).
• You also should get the number of the local authorities in case
of an accident as in many European countries it is a serious
offence not to report and accident.
• You should carry:
• Fire Extinguisher
• First Aid Kit
• Green Card (a back up to your insurance to prove you have the
minimum legal cover)
• Reflective yellow jacket in case you breakdown and need to get
out of the car.

4. France
• Speed limits: Towns- 50kph, Open Roads- 80-100kph &
Motorways- 110-130kph
• It is now illegal to drive in France without a NF-approved
(Norme Française) breathalyser in your vehicle. Failure to
comply results with a spot fine.
• There are a number of automatic barriers to pass through, so
carry change.
• If you want the car in front to give way, you need to flash your
headlights.
• The final car in a slow-moving queue has to use their hazard
lights as a warning.

5. Germany
• Speed limits: Towns- 50kph, Open Roads- 100kph &
Motorways- No limit, recommended max of 130kph.
• If your GPS shows you speed cameras, you have to disable this
function.
• Blinking yellow lights at junctions mean you need to stop.
• You can’t overtake a school bus if it’s slowing down and
getting ready to stop.
• If you approach a ‘green zone’ you need a special badge to
drive in them which can get at repair centres & dealerships.

6. Italy
• Speed limits: Vary between across the country so look out for
signage
• On toll roads, the time taken to cover the area between the
tolls is often monitored by police to ensure you aren’t
speeding.
• If you are caught committing a driving offence, you will be
fined on the spot which are usually between €150 – €250.
• DON’T use your horn in built up areas, unless it is an
emergency. However DO use your horn elsewhere to let them
know you want to pass them.
• Be careful at service stations as thieves often operate here.
Also be wary of anyone looking to help you with your flat tyre.

7. Spain
• Speed limits: vary between across Spain so look out for
signage.
• Give way to cars on the left, especially on roundabouts.
• You can’t have any screens in the front of the car, aside from a
SatNav.
• Do not cross an unbroken white line on the road- whether you
are on a dual carriageway or on a motorway slip road.
• Use your indicators when overtaking; both when pulling out
and puling back in.
• You can’t get leaded petrol in Spain so make sure you check
with your car rental spain which fuel your rented car needs!