Driving in Europe: Helfpul Tips for a Safe and Legal Journey

Being fully prepared for each journey is an important part of motoring, and this is especially true when driving in a different country. There's plenty to think about when it comes to planning your next trip by road in Europe, and we outline the most essential considerations below.

Know the laws first

Crossing borders means encountering changing road laws which you need to understand fully to ensure you don't break them. For example, be aware that alcohol limits differ across Europe — in France the blood-alcohol limit is 50mg per 100ml of blood, compared to 80mg per 100ml in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For drivers with less than three years' experience, the limit is reduced further to 20mg per 100ml. RAC Speed limits also differ between nations, and although they are usually displayed when entering a country there may not be reminders during your travels.

The AA provides helpful information on driving rules across the Continent, so be sure to read up on your destination before setting off.

Carry the right documents

Wherever you go you may be asked to produce your documents, which should be easy to access and organised to help you avoid disruption to your travels. Check you have the following before you leave and keep them in a separate folder.

• Valid full driving licence (photocard)
• An International Driving Permit where required
• The original vehicle registration document (V5C)
• Certificate of motor insurance
• Passport
• Travel insurance documents

You must also display a UK sticker (not GB) clearly on the rear of your vehicle. If your number plate already incorporates the UK identifier with the Union Flag, a separate sticker is not required — except in Spain, Cyprus and Malta, where a UK sticker is always needed regardless of your number plate. RAC

You do not need to carry a green card to drive in the EU (including Ireland), Andorra, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Serbia, or Switzerland. GOV.UK However, it is worth checking the level of cover your insurer provides abroad, as many UK policies only provide third-party cover outside the UK.

If you have a photocard driving licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will not be required for short visits to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. However, those who only have a paper licence should purchase an IDP, as should those with licences issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. RAC

Don't forget your Euros

Toll roads are more common across Europe when compared to the UK, and you may encounter them unexpectedly. Some European countries also require you to buy a vignette — a sticker that fixes to the windscreen — to drive on motorways and certain major roads. These are required in Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland, and can often be purchased online in advance or at border petrol stations. RAC Be sure to research toll and vignette requirements when planning your route, as costs can be higher than expected.

Remember tunnel safety

You may also encounter longer tunnels during your tour of Europe, and knowing how to drive in them properly — plus what to do in an emergency — will help you to stay safe. Most tunnels should include emergency telephones and exits for use in the event of an accident or fire, and you should prepare before entering one to reduce the chance of encountering either. For comprehensive guidance from the AA on safe motoring in a tunnel, please click here.

For more expert advice on motoring in Europe, get in touch with the knowledgeable team at Sturgess of Leicester.