Road safety: rules for driving in Europe
Verified 05 July 2022 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
You're going to a country of the European Union (EU) and you wonder what the rules are for driving? We tell you the main rules to know: driving left or right, speed limits, alcohol limit at the wheel, seat belt.
Warning
Since Brexit, the United Kingdom is no longer part of the the European Union, or The European Economic Area (EEA).
The minimum age for driving a car is 18 years in most European countries.
Visit diplomatie.gouv.fr for country information (Transport section).
Warning
the accompanied driving is only possible in France. The person who follows this mode of learning cannot therefore drive abroad.
Driving is done on the right in most European countries.
However, the driving is done left to Cyprus, in Ireland and to Malta.
Visit diplomatie.gouv.fr for country information (Transport section).
Most European countries use 8 types of panels :
- Hazard Warning (bend, fog, tunnel...)
- Priority (stop, give way...)
- Prohibition (forbidden direction, parking forbidden...)
- Obligation (go straight, path for pedestrians...)
- Special requirements (pedestrian area, hump...)
- Information, installation or service (bus stop, hospital...)
- Direction, staking or indication
They are almost identical apart from the design of the pictograms and the use of certain colors.
Speed limits vary depending on European countries and the type of track.
For example, speed limits will 80 to 140 km/h on motorway for a car.
See the online service to find out the rules in the country where you will be driving:
The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies according to the European countries.
In most countries, the limit shall be 0.5 grams of alcohol per liter of blood.
Some countries forbid the blood alcohol.
For example, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic.
See the online service to find out the rules in the country where you will be driving:
The drug driving is forbidden in Europe.
According to the States, the prohibition is global or relates to a list of drugs.
Certain States forbid also to drive after taking medicines which can impaired driving behavior.
See the online service to find out the rules in the country where you will be driving:
According to the European countries, daytime lighting is obligatory, recommended or optional.
See the online service to find out the rules in the country where you will be driving:
Seat belt
The use of seat belts, front and at the back of the vehicle, obligatory in Europe.
See the online service for exceptions in the country where you will be driving
Child seat
The use of child seat (or restraint system) is mandatory in Europe.
See the online service for exceptions in the country where you will be driving
Helmet
Helmet wear is obligatory in Europe for the driver of the motorcycle and for the short-lived.
See the online service for exceptions in the country where you will be driving
Required equipment or accessories on board the vehicle
Most European countries require equipment or accessories to be carried on board the vehicle.
Example :
Fluorescent safety vest, hazard warning triangle, emergency kit, fire extinguisher, winter tires.
See the online service to find out the rules in the country where you will be driving:
Hold a mobile phone at the wheel is forbidden in Europe.
Using the mobile phone with a hands-free kit is tolerated in most countries.
See the online service to find out the rules in the country where you will be driving:
Who can help me?
Find who can answer your questions in your region
- Foreigners Embassy or Consulate in France
Europe Direct
General information on the European Union (EU) and the bodies to be contacted.
Replies in all official EU languages.
By telephone
00 800 6 7 8 9 10 11 from any EU country.
Open on working days from 9am to 6pm.
Free call.
By E-mail
Access to contact form
Online service
FAQ
Service-Public.fr
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Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
European Consumer Center France
European Commission
Prime Minister