Crucial advice for navigating summer road trips this season
When embarking on a driving adventure across Europe this summer, it's crucial to be well-informed about the safety rules and regulations that vary from country to country. Here are some key considerations to ensure both legal compliance and personal safety.
**1. Vehicle Safety and Inspections**
The European Union (EU) is prioritising road safety by implementing more stringent inspections, particularly for electric vehicles and advanced driver-assistance systems. Annual inspections are mandatory for older cars and vans to maintain roadworthiness and reduce emissions and noise pollution.
**2. Seat Belt Usage**
Wearing seat belts is compulsory for all passengers in both front and rear seats across every European country.
**3. Driving on Highways (e.g., German Autobahn)**
- Always overtake on the left; overtaking on the right is prohibited except in slow-moving traffic. - Slower traffic must remain in the right lane to allow faster vehicles to pass safely on the left. - Use indicators appropriately, especially at high speeds. - Observe and comply with posted speed limits, as around 30% of the German Autobahn network has speed restrictions.
**4. Driving on the Right**
Unlike some countries like the UK, most European countries require driving on the right-hand side of the road.
**5. Licensing and Alcohol Limits**
The EU Driving Licence Directive enforces a two-year novice period for new drivers and updated medical checks. Stricter rules on disqualifications and the use of alcohol interlock devices apply across EU countries to enhance safety.
**6. Speed and Road Safety**
Reducing speed is a major focus to meet Europe’s goal of halving road deaths and serious injuries by 2030. Awareness of local speed limits and safe driving practices is essential.
**7. Enhanced Regulatory Compliance**
From 2026, expect digital vehicle registration and periodic testing certificates, cross-border data sharing for road safety enforcement, and protection against odometer fraud.
In addition to these points, it is a legal requirement for vehicles to be fitted with winter tyres or all-season tyres in some countries during colder months. France and Spain are known for their excellent quality toll roads, but they can be expensive and may require a pre-loaded card.
Using a smartphone app for navigation purposes may incur roaming charges within the EU. Some countries prohibit the use of sat-nav systems that alert you to the presence of speed cameras.
Remember, driving in Europe requires awareness of different rules and safety precautions. Always check with your insurer before traveling, and consider arranging temporary comprehensive cover if required. In most European countries, you are expected to carry your car ownership document (V5C). It is mandatory to carry a spare pair of glasses in Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland if you need to wear them while driving.
When leaving a ferry or Channel Tunnel terminal, there is a danger of pulling out into the path of oncoming traffic. In Serbia, you are required to keep a rope in your car.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience across Europe.
- Electric vehicles, cars, and vans in the European Union may be subject to more stringent inspections and emissions tests to maintain roadworthiness.
- Seat belt usage is compulsory for all passengers in all European countries, regardless of their seating position.
- When driving on highways, such as the German Autobahn, it is important to overtake on the left, use indicators appropriately, and follow posted speed limits.
- While the UK drives on the left side of the road, most European countries require driving on the right-hand side.
- New drivers in the European Union may face a probationary period and stricter regulations on alcohol use and licensing, while existing drivers may be subject to alcohol interlock device use and enhanced safety measures.
- Reducing speed is a priority in Europe for improving road safety, and awareness of local speed limits and safe driving practices is essential.
- Beginning in 2026, digital vehicle registration, cross-border data sharing, and protection against odometer fraud will become obligatory across the European Union.
- In certain countries, winter tyres or all-season tyres may be required during colder months, and some nations may have toll roads that require a pre-loaded card.
- Navigation app use may incur roaming charges within the EU, and sat-nav systems that alert you to the presence of speed cameras may be prohibited in some countries.
- It is important to be aware of unique regulations in each European country, such as carrying a spare pair of glasses in Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland, and the potential danger of pulling out into oncoming traffic when leaving a ferry or Channel Tunnel terminal.
- Always check with your insurer and arrange for temporary comprehensive cover if necessary, as it is mandatory to carry a vehicle ownership document (V5C) in most European countries.
- In Serbia, a rope should be kept in the vehicle for safety reasons.
By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience while traveling through Europe and maintaining a mindful lifestyle on the roads.
