Driving Tips For Europe

Driving Tips and Road Rules for Europe by Rick Steves

Europe is a continent with a rich history and culture, and it’s a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. If you’re planning a trip to Europe, you may be considering renting a car. Driving in Europe can be a great way to see the sights and experience the local culture, but it’s important to be aware of the different driving rules and regulations in each country.

In this article, we’ll provide you with some general driving tips for Europe. We’ll cover everything from the basics of driving on the left side of the road to the different road signs and traffic laws you’ll need to know. We’ll also provide some tips for finding the best deals on car rentals and for avoiding common driving hazards.

Before you start planning your road trip, it’s important to do your research and learn about the specific driving rules and regulations in the countries you’ll be visiting. You can find this information online or by contacting the local tourist board.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Europe, keep in mind the following important points:

Drive on the left.
Be aware of different road signs and traffic laws.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your European road trip is a safe and enjoyable one.

Drive on the left.

One of the most important things to remember when driving in Europe is that you need to drive on the left side of the road. This can be a bit of an adjustment for drivers who are used to driving on the right, but it’s important to be aware of this rule and to follow it carefully.

Be aware of your surroundings.
When driving on the left, you need to be especially aware of your surroundings. This means paying attention to oncoming traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. You also need to be aware of the different road signs and traffic laws that apply in the country you’re driving in.
Use your mirrors.
Your mirrors are your best friends when driving on the left. Use them frequently to check for traffic behind you and to make sure that you’re not cutting anyone off. You should also use your mirrors to check for pedestrians and cyclists before you turn or change lanes.
Be patient.
It takes some time to get used to driving on the left. Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. Just remember to stay calm and focused, and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Practice makes perfect.
The best way to get used to driving on the left is to practice. If you can, try to find a quiet road where you can practice driving without having to worry about other traffic. Once you feel more comfortable, you can start driving in more populated areas.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Europe.

Be aware of different road signs and traffic laws.

In addition to driving on the left, there are a number of other road signs and traffic laws that you need to be aware of when driving in Europe. These can vary from country to country, so it’s important to do your research before you start your trip.

Speed limits.
Speed limits in Europe vary from country to country, and they can also vary depending on the type of road you’re on. Be sure to check the speed limit signs carefully and obey them at all times.
Roundabouts.
Roundabouts are very common in Europe, and they can be a bit confusing for drivers who aren’t used to them. The general rule is to yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Once you’re in the roundabout, you can signal and exit when you reach your desired exit.
Priority to the right.
In some countries in Europe, drivers have priority to the right. This means that you must yield to traffic coming from the right, even if you’re on a main road. Be sure to look both ways before proceeding through an intersection.
Parking.
Parking can be difficult to find in some European cities. Be sure to look for designated parking areas and pay attention to the parking signs. You may also need to purchase a parking permit or pay a parking fee.

By familiarizing yourself with the different road signs and traffic laws in Europe, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about driving in Europe:

Question 1: Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Europe?
Answer: In most European countries, you can drive with a valid driver’s license from your home country. However, some countries may require you to have an international driver’s license. It’s always a good idea to check the requirements for the country you’ll be visiting before you start your trip.

Question 2: What side of the road do they drive on in Europe?
Answer: In most European countries, they drive on the right side of the road. However, there are a few exceptions, such as the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Cyprus, where they drive on the left side of the road.

Question 3: What are the speed limits in Europe?
Answer: Speed limits in Europe vary from country to country. In general, the speed limit on motorways is 130 km/h (81 mph), on rural roads it is 90 km/h (56 mph), and in urban areas it is 50 km/h (31 mph). However, there can be variations to these limits, so it’s important to check the speed limit signs carefully.

Question 4: What are the most common road signs in Europe?
Answer: Some of the most common road signs in Europe include:

Stop signs: These are typically red octagonal signs with the word “STOP” written in white.
Yield signs: These are typically yellow triangular signs with the word “YIELD” written in black.
Speed limit signs: These are typically round signs with a white background and a black number indicating the speed limit.
Traffic lights: These are typically red, yellow, and green lights that control the flow of traffic at intersections.

Question 5: What are the most important traffic laws in Europe?
Answer: Some of the most important traffic laws in Europe include:

Obeying the speed limit.
Yielding to traffic at intersections.
Not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Wearing a seatbelt.
Using a hands-free device for your mobile phone.

Question 6: How can I avoid common driving hazards in Europe?
Answer: Some common driving hazards in Europe include:

Congestion: Traffic congestion can be a problem in many European cities. Be sure to allow extra time for your journey and avoid peak traffic times if possible.
Narrow roads: Some roads in Europe can be very narrow, especially in rural areas. Be careful when driving on these roads and be prepared to yield to oncoming traffic.
Roundabouts: Roundabouts are very common in Europe. Be sure to yield to traffic already in the roundabout before entering.
Pedestrians and cyclists: Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists when driving in Europe. They have the right of way at crosswalks and intersections.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Europe.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are a few additional tips for driving in Europe:

Tips

Here are a few additional tips for driving in Europe:

Tip 1: Plan your route in advance.
Before you start your trip, take some time to plan your route. This will help you avoid getting lost and will also help you to estimate how long your journey will take. There are many online resources available that can help you plan your route, such as Google Maps and Waze.

Tip 2: Be prepared for tolls.
Many motorways in Europe have tolls. Be sure to have some change or a credit card ready to pay the tolls. You can also purchase a toll pass, which will allow you to travel on toll roads without having to stop to pay each time.

Tip 3: Pack a first aid kit and a warning triangle.
It’s always a good idea to pack a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car, just in case of an emergency. These items are required by law in some European countries.

Tip 4: Be aware of local driving customs.
Driving customs can vary from country to country in Europe. For example, in some countries it is common to flash your headlights to thank another driver for letting you pass. In other countries, this is considered to be rude. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the local driving customs before you start your trip.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Europe.

Driving in Europe can be a great way to see the sights and experience the local culture. However, it’s important to be aware of the different driving rules and regulations in each country. By following the tips provided in this article, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

Conclusion

Here are some of the main points to remember when driving in Europe:

Drive on the left side of the road (except in the UK, Ireland, and Cyprus).
Be aware of different road signs and traffic laws.
Plan your route in advance and be prepared for tolls.
Pack a first aid kit and a warning triangle.
Be aware of local driving customs.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Europe. Remember to drive defensively, be patient, and obey the speed limit. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily navigate the roads of Europe and enjoy all that this beautiful continent has to offer.