Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 70 km/h
• Freeway : 90 km/h
• Motorway : 120 km/h
After this sign you're allowed to drive max. 50km/h.
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum.
• 0,2 promille maximum for young drivers.
• Driving under influence of drugs is prohibited.
Remarks :
Belgium is known for having the most and best beers in the world, but you can only drink one, if you want to drive legal!
Some beers are 12% or 13%, so strong that even if you only drink one, you'll have too much alcohol in your blood to drive.
To check how much ml you can drink, use the alcohol calculator
Hint: BOB-campaigns: during these campaigns, policemen check your alcohol promille, it's legal to ask a police officer to wait 15 minutes before they do the test, you have to ask this, BEFORE they check you!
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• GPS devices or smartphones may be installed with all options and all data.• You may use a Dashcam, but remember that a lawyer decides whether or not the footage may be used in your case. Always respect the privacy-rules, eg.never keep footage longer than necessary and only for private use, don't put anything on social media.
Read more information about the privacy here.
Rules for the environment:
• Belgium has LEZ-Zones! (LEZ=Low Emmission Zones),• This is the sign that you'll see when you enter a LEZ-zone.
WARNING! Belgium is THE ONLY COUNTRY in Europe, probably in the world, where you have to register your vehicule before entering a LEZ-zone!
So before you visit Belgium, register your license plate here
4carparts.be warned you, fines from 150 to 350 if you don't register!
CCTV camera's are guaranteed when you enter a LEZ-zone!
Different fines:
If you want to know how much you have to pay for different fines in Belgium, visit this siteExamples of different fines:
Entering a LEZ zone with a non registered vehicle: 150 euro for the first time, 250 the second time and 350 euro for the third(or more) time.
Special rules for the winter:
• You have a free choice whether or not you use Winter Tires.• You are NOT allowed to use snow chains in a tunnel or if you drive over a road where the snow is melting, if you drive with snow chains, you are not allowed to drive more than 50 km/h.
Other specific country rules:
• Legal holidays in the summer: July 21, August 15, these days there's (even) more traffic than normal.• We can't repeat it enough, a foreigner needs to know about the LEZ-zones, before she/he comes to Belgium.
Required items in your car:
• First Aid Kit• Danger Triangle.
• A Safety vest is required to use for the driver, in case of emergency!
• A Safety vest is required to have in the car at all time.
• We advise you to buy safety vests for every passenger.
• Everybody has to wear a safety vest when you leave the car in case of an accident.
• Fire extinguisher.
Find more information:
More info about the finesMore info about the Belgian LEZ-Zones
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.
Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 70 km/h
• Freeway : 80 km/h (Routes Nationales! from 1st July 2019)
• Motorway : 130 km/h (110 km/h max for young people or during bad weather)
After this sign you're allowed to drive max.50 km/h.
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum:
France is known for having a lot of wine, but if you want to drive,
drivers can only have 0.5 promille alcohol in their blood.
To check how much ml you can drink, use the alcohol calculator
Warning:
Warning: in 2018 and 2019 the french government planned to make a lot of money from tourists who are driving in or through france!
In 2018 they succeeded to make huge amounts of money!
Warning:
By changing the speed limit from 90 to 80 km/h, it is even more possible that you get a speed ticket. (Make sure you don't trust your GPS-device when it says 90km/h is allowed!).
Only 1km/h over the speed limit and you get a fine, so you'll pay!
French policemen are very active during vacation and they can ask your money immediately!
France is known for high fines, if you drink, speed, call (not hands free), .. you'll pay!
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• Radar detection devices are prohibited by law!Also Delete all 'special info' from your GPS-device, don't just disable it, delete it!
eg. It's illegal to have devices with data of speed camera's, even trajectory control warnings are illegal, ..
Warning: fines of 1500 euro!
• You may use a Dashcam, but remember that a lawyer decides whether or not the footage may be used in your case. Make sure the camera does not stand in view of the driver, or you can get a fine for that. Always respect the privacy-rules, eg.never keep footage longer than necessary and only for private use, don't put anything on social media.
Rules for the environment:
• 'Ciculation Restreinte'-zone, you need a sticker to enter this zone.
You can buy it here
Fines from 45 euro up to 450 euro if you don't have the correct sticker on your car.
• For Grenoble, you need a sticker during some periods of the year, when the air is polluted.
• In Paris there's a permenant need to buy an ECOVIGNET.
• In other french cities (Lyon, Lille, Strasbourg, Toulouse, Rennes, .. you'll also need a sticker.
Different fines:
• You can have a fine for doing anything else than driving in your car, it's even illegal to smoke (with kids that are under the age of 18 as a passenger), when the police catches you smoking, you'll pay.• Rule of thumb: Drive. (read Drive period!)
• Keep your hands on the steering-wheel, and don't drink(not even a bottle of water, there are case people received a fine for that), don't eat, don't work on your GPS device and of course, don't speed, and then, maybe you can get through france without a fine, good luck!
• You still have to pay the highway 'payages', so whatever you do, when you go to or through france, you'll pay!
• If you want to read more about :
You can find all the different fines in France, click here
Special rules for the winter:
• The use of Winter tires is not required, it's adviced when there's snow or ice on the roads.• Sometimes snow chains are required, or when you see a sign like this
• Winter tires are allowed, instead of snow chains.
• Snow chains are required! when you see a sign like this.
• Always check your destination, because some places or roads are closed on special dates.
Other specific country rules:
• Payage is another method of making money of tourists in France, make sure you have enough coins or small money with you.Go to autoroutes.fr to know more about all the different payages during your route.
• Also: tourists have to keep their car locked and never leave electronic, devices or wallets, .. behind in your car.
• Also be aware of pick pockets.
• Make sure no phone or mobile devices are in range of view while driving, you can get a fine for that !
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle.• A safety vest needs to be in your car all the time (not in the trunk!)
• A Safety vest is required to use for the driver, in case of emergency!
• We advise you to buy safety vests for every passenger.
• Everybody has to wear a safety vest when they leave the car in case of an accident.
• Alcohol test.
Find more information:
France Tourism112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.
Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 100 km/h
• Freeway : 130 km/h (roads with at least 4 or separated strokes)
• Motorway : 130 km/h
• After this sign, there's no speed limit! Be aware that you never drive faster than what other signs show you, because the 'no-speed-limit zone' is interupted often.
• After this sign you're only allowed to drive max.50km/h.
• When visibility is less than 50m, it's max. 50km/h.
Driving under influence :
• Germany is known for having a lot of beers, but as a young driver (under 21), you cannot drink. You also need to have your license for more then 2 years.
• Other drivers can only have 0.5 promille alcohol.
To check how much ml you can drink, use the alcohol calculator
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• Radar detection devices are prohibited by law!• Also Delete all 'special info' from your GPS-device, don't just disable it, delete it! It's illegal to have devices with data about speed camera's, even data about trajectory control is illegal, ...
• You may use a Dashcam, a lawyer uses the footage in case of an accident.
• Make sure the camera does not stand in view of the driver.
• Always respect the privacy-rules, eg.never show license plates when you show the footage.
Rules for the environment:
• In a lot of cities, you can't drive with Diesel cars anymore!
• Umwelt zones: in a lot of cities, you have to buy a green or yellow sticker for the environment, ALL cars need to buy such a sticker, even the electric cars if you want to enter a city with an 'Umwelt-zone'.
• A sticker for the environment can only be bought in a TUV/Dekra station, luckily online too, eg. here
Warning: if you drive through an Umwelt-zone without a sticker, you'll receive fine of 105 euro (at least).
Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• In the Winter always drive with: anti-freeze and windscreen wiper fluid, you'll receive a fine if you don't.• Also buy Winter tires.. (so, you need to have these signs on the tires:
Snow chains are only allowed when there's enough snow on the road.
Other specific country rules:
• Never fix your car (you cannot even change your tires) on the side of the road.• Never drive on the left lane if you drive with a caravan.
• A car with a caravan needs special rearview mirrors on both sites!
• Drive Halber Tacho, what is that? eg. if you drive 120, keep 60 meters in front of you and the next car.
• In the mountains: uphil drivers have priority over downhill drivers.
• Traffic signs are legal in week-ends too! eg. no parking there.
• If an accident occurs, make a 'Rettungsgasse', eg. on a road with 2 lanes, you have to drive in the left side of the left lane and the right side of the right lane, so the middle becomes an emergency-car lane, this is the 'Rettungsgasse'.
Required items in your car:
• First Aid Kit (*)• Danger Triangle (*)
• Safety vest for every passenger is required(*)
• Everybody has to wear a safety vest when they leave the car in case of an accident.
(*) not for foreign cars, you need it, if you rent a German car!
Find more information:
Call the Belgian-Embassy: +49 30 206.420 or mail bern@diplobel.fed.be112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.
Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 90 km/h
• Freeway : 110 km/h
• Motorway : 130 km/h
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum.
• If you have your driving license less than 3 years, its "ZERO" promille !
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• You may use a Dashcam, a lawyer decides if he uses the footage in case of an accident. Make sure you tell the other party that you used a dashcam! Make sure the camera does not stand in view of the driver. Footage is only for private use!• A radar detector is allowed in Italy.
Rules for the environment:
• Low emission zones are marked with a sign that says "Zona a traffico limitado".• Unlike in other countries, there are no stickers required in these zones.
• Temporary licenses are available and must be placed visible behind the windshield.
Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• Winter tires are obligated in most areas of Italy, unless snow chains are present in the car.• The areas are announced with a green or blue sign that says "Obbligo di pneumatici invernali o catene a bordo", the period runs from november 15 to april 15.
• Correct winter tires should have the symbols M+S.
Other specific country rules:
• Never drive in a Zona Traffico Limitato - zone !• It's prohibited to use or hold your phone while driving, only handsfree !
• Smoking in the presence of an underaged child or pregnant woman is prohibited !
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle.• The use of a Safety vest is required in case of emergency.
Find more information:
http://www.protezionecivile.gov.ithttp://cnt.rm.ingv.it
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.
Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 90 (80) km/h
• Freeway : 110 (100) km/h
• Motorway : 130 (120) km/h
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum.
• For drivers under the age of 24 an absolute zero tolerance applies !
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• The use of a Dashcam is allowed.• Radar indicators are tolerated.
Rules for the environment:
• There are no Low Emission Zones or stickers required in Croatia.Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• Winter tires are required in the period from 15 november to 15 april, regardless of the weather conditions. Unless there are snow chains present in the vehicle.• Your tires must be equipped with the M+S logo.
• The profile depth of your tires should be at least 4mm, this also applies for summer tires.
Other specific country rules:
• All motorways in Croatia are toll roads, apart from the motorway at Zagreb.• Make sure you also check the regulations of other countries you are driving trough like Germany, Austria and Slovenia !
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle.• Safety vest.
• First aid kit.
• Spare lamps (NOT if the car is equipped with xenon, LED or neon lights.
• Fire extinguisher (only required in commercial vehicles).
Find more information:
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 90 km/h
• Motorway : 130 km/h (110 km/h when the roads are wet)
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum.
• If you have your driving license less than 2 years, its only 0.2 promille.
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• Radar detection devices are prohibited by law!• You can have extra data in your GPS or smartphone device.
• Dashcams are not allowed! You probably get a fine when you use it, footage made with a dashcam is illegal!
Rules for the environment:
• No emmission zones (yet)Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• Winter tires are required when Winter circomstances occur.• Use tires with this logo.
• Snow chains are allowed when the roads are covered with snow.
• Means snow chains are required.
Other specific country rules:
• When you pass another car, always use your car blinker lights.• When you park, keep 1 meter between the other car and your car.
• If you get stuck in traffic, make a Retungsgasse (on the left lane, drive on the left, on the right lane, drive on the right, so in the middle an emergency lane is created), this emergency lane is the Retungsgasse!
• In a tunnel keep 5 meters distance between your car and the car in front of you.
• If you're involved in an accident, even if there's only material damage, you have to call the police when necessary and you have to give your address to other parties involved. .. in cause of physical damage, you have to help the victim.
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle.• A safety vest needs to be in your car, all the time.
• Everybody has to wear a safety vest when they leave the car in case of an accident.
• We advise you to buy safety vests for every passenger.
Find more information:
• Although Luxembourgh is known for lower taxes, you're only allowed to buy a limited amount of tabak, alcohol, .., here, you'll find all the limits and rules• If you let your dogs out, there are rules and doggy bags that you have to use.
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.
Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 80 km/h
• Freeway : 100 km/h
• Motorway : 130 km/h
But be carefull! On some roads it's 130 km/h and some parts of the same road can be partly limited to only 100km/h!
Stripes on the road can limit your maximum speed too.
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum (In the Netherlands they have very bad beer, so chances that you drink to much in this country are very limited).
• If you have your driving license less than 5 years, you're only allowed to have 0.2 promille alcohol in your blood.
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• You can have all information on your GPS or smartphone device.• The rules of dashcams are not clear, always keep privacy in mind (eg. when you post the movieclip on youtube).
Rules for the environment:
• There are some cities where you're not allowed to drive diesel cars bought before 2005. (Arnhem, Utrecht and Rotterdam).Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• No Winter tires required, although it's advised to use them on temperatures below 7 degrees.Other specific country rules:
• Be prepared to get stuck in traffic, also a lot of traffic lights are responsible for extending your traffic-time longer than expected!• If the red-light flashes: stop!
• You can't sleep in you car on public roads or public parking places, sometimes it's allowed to sleep in a camper.
• Mobile phones are only allowed with a handsfree set.
• If you use a dashcam, be aware of the fact that you have to respect the privacy (eg. when you post a video on YouTube) never make pictures of a license plate.
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle is only required when hazard lights are not functioning.• The dutch government only advises you to use a Safety vest (not required!)
Find more information:
You can find all the different fines hereCheck this site for Traffic info
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.
Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 90 km/h
• Freeway : 100 km/h
• Motorway : 120 km/h
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum.
• If you have your driving license less than 3 years, 0.2 promille is tolerated.
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• The use of a Dashcam and/or radar detectors are prohibited !• However the use of a navigation device or smartphone (with radar signalisation) is allowed, for as far as we know.
Rules for the environment:
Only the city of Lisbon has a low emissions zone, there are two different zones:• Zone 1 : Euro 3
• Zone 2 : Euro 2
Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• The use of winter tires is not required, however in some mountainous areas snow chains are recommended.Other specific country rules:
• The use of a smartphone or mobile device while driving is forbidden, even for cyclists. Only Handsfree is allowed.• In Portugal there are several roads where tolls must be paid, even on some of which can only be paid electronically.
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle.• A safety vest needs to be in your car, all the time.
• You have to wear a safety vest when you leave the car in case of an accident.
• We advise you to buy safety vests for every passenger.
Find more information:
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 100 km/h
• Motorway : 130 km/h
Driving under influence :
• 0.49 promille maximum.
• If you have your driving license less than 2 years, it's 0.1 promille.
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• Even though the use of a Dashcam is forbidden, the images can be used in juridical procedures. But if you get caught filming, you will get fined.• Radar detectors are strictly prohibited.
Rules for the environment:
• At the moment there are no environmental regulations in Austria that apply to foreign tourists.Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• Winter tires are required when winter period occurs, starting from november 1 to april 15.• Your tires must be equipped with the M+S logo.
• The profile depth of your tires should be at least 4mm. If the depth of your profile is less, they will be considered summer tires.
• The use of snow chains is only required if specified with a sign.
• Studded tires are only allowed between the period from octobre 1 to may 31. A sign with the official symbol must be shown at the back of the car.
• Your car should be snow and ice free, even the roof !
Other specific country rules:
• A vignette is required in Austria, you can choose between a sticker or a digital version, both are available with a validity of 10 days, 2 months or 1 year.• The use of a smartphone or mobile device while driving is forbidden, even for cyclists. Only handsfree is allowed.
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle.• Safety vest.
• First aid kit.
Find more information:
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 90 km/h
• Freeway : 110 km/h
• Motorway : 130 km/h
Driving under influence :
• Max allowed alcohol percentage is 0.5 promille.
• For persons that are less than 2 years in the possession of a driving licence or are under the age of 21, there is an absolute alcohol ban.
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• The use of a dashcam is allowed, but publishing the images is prohibited.• The use of a radar detector is strictly prohibited, however notification devices (navigation and smartphones) are allowed.
Rules for the environment:
• To date, there are no known Low Emission Zones or stickers required in Croatia.Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• Winter tires are required in the period from 15 november to 15 march, or when winter circumstances occur. Unless there are well fitting snow chains present in the vehicle.• Your tires must be equipped with the M+S logo.
• The profile depth of your tires should be at least 3 mm.
Other specific country rules:
• A vignette is required, there are large fines charged, about 150€ when paid cash and 300€ when paid by bank transfer.• All highways and motorways are toll roads in Slovenia.
• The use of a smartphone, mobile device or headset while driving is forbidden. Only handsfree is allowed.
Required items in your car:
• Danger Triangle.• Safety vest.
• First aid kit.
• Spare lamps.
Find more information:
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.Always check the regulations from other countries you are driving trough !
As an example: Austria also requires a vignette.
Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 90 km/h
• Freeway : 100 km/h
• Motorway : 120 km/h (110 when wet)
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum.
• If you have your driving license less than 2 years, its only 0.3 promille.
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• Radar detection devices are prohibited by law!• You can have extra data on your GPS or smartphone device.
• You may use a Dashcam, a lawyer will use the footage in case of an accident. Make sure the camera does not stand in view of the driver. Footage is only for private use!
Rules for the environment:
• APR: Area de prioridad Residencial (If you book a room in Spain, always ask about the APR, limited to Barcelona, soon Madrid, other cities are likely to follow).• Here you need to buy a sticker for your car.
Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• Winter tires are not required.• If you see this sign, snow chains are required.
• Snow chains are only allowed if the roads are covered by ice and/or snow.
• The driving speed is limited to 50 km/h when you use snow chains.
Other specific country rules:
• You are required to have a fluorescent vest and a warning triangle IN your car.• You can have a fine if you drink, eat or smoke something while driving.
• Keep your hands on the steering wheel, don't try to find something in the glove box, don't touch a phone, tablet, dvd, .. and never look at a screen other than a GPS-screen .. while driving.
• Never touch your GPS while driving.
• Never leave objects in the car (danger in case of accidents), a 100 euro fine if you do.
• Use your horn when you drive in the mountains and can't see what's comming around a corner.
• You can acceed the speed limit by 20 percent if you want to pass another car.
• Always wear proper clothes, topless driving is not allowed, also wear proper shoes, barefood driving or using fliplops is not allowed. Wearing swimming clothes is not allowed neither.
• Passengers are not allowed to put their feet on the dashboard.
• Don't put your head outside the window.
• In case of an accident, you have to call the police when there's physical damage.
• Don't forget the Siësta between 2pm and 6pm.
Required items in your car:
• 2 Danger Triangles (when the car has a spannish license plate).• Safety vest required to have.
• Safety vest required to wear in case of an accident.
Find more information:
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.Speed and Alcohol Laws:
Speed limits :• Built-up area : 50 km/h
• Outside the built-up area : 80 km/h
• Freeway : 100 km/h
• Motorway : 120 km/h
Driving under influence :
• 0.5 promille maximum.
• If you have your driving license less than 3 years, its only 0.01 promille.
Radar / GPS Devices rules:
• The use of radar detectors is strictly forbidden, even the possession of it (also on phones, navigation, mobile devices, ... fines range from €185 to over €500).• The use of a dashcam is not recommended because of the law on privacy.
Rules for the environment:
• As to date, there are currently no environmental measures that apply for tourists.• In a few Swiss cities cars are not allowed : Braunwald, Bettmeralp, Mürren, Riederalp, Rigi, Saas-Fee, Stoos, Wengen and Zermatt.
Different fines:
You can find all the different fines hereSpecial rules for the winter:
• Although the use of winter tires is not required, it is strongly recommended. In some cases they can even give you a ticket for not having them.• The use of snow chains is required when announced with a sign.
• The use of studded tires is allowed from 1 november to 30 April but prohibited on most freeways and motorways.
Other specific country rules:
• When driving in or trough Swiss you need a vignette.• Extra toll wil be charged when driving trough the Big-Sint-Bernhardtunnel and de Munt-La-Sheratunnel.
Required items in your car:
• Danger triangle must be in the car and in reach of the driver, not in the trunk !Find more information:
112 is THE Emergency number, it works all over Europe, at last, one thing that all countries have in common.