Driving Laws by Country

Driving laws and regulations vary country to country, and it can be difficult to know what laws apply where. These are some of the top travel destinations for UK tourists, and the driving laws you’ll need to be aware of for each.

For the most detailed and up-to-date guidance, contact the local authorities of the country you’re visiting.

Driving in Belgium

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Belgium: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Belgium?

Residential areas: 20km/h
Urban areas: 50km/h max (30km/h around schools and on streets with cycle paths)
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h (70km/h in the Flemish region)
Motorways: 120km/h

What documents do I need to drive in Belgium?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

In the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, you won’t need an IDP if you have a photocard driving license issued in the UK. You may need one if you have a paper driving licence, or your license was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Find out more here.

What do I need in my car in Belgium?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
A warning triangle – Required if you’re driving a vehicle with four or more tyres
First aid kit and fire extinguisher – These are compulsory for vehicles registered in Belgium but advised for all vehicles.
Reflective jackets – You must wear one if you’re involved in an accident, break down, or exit your vehicle on a road where stopping or parking is prohibited
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers

The Halfords Motoring Abroad kit contains everything you need to drive in most European countries, in one handy pack. It contains universal headlamp adaptors, a warning triangle, reflective vests, a UK sticker, and a first-aid kit, all in a handy storage bag with Velcro boot-fixing tabs.

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Belgium?

You must be at least 19 to hire a car in Belgium
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
The minimum term you need to have held your license for can vary by rental company, so check before you travel

Belgian road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Belgium:

Motorcyclists must wear protective clothing at all times, including gloves, a long-sleeved jacket, and boots that protect your ankles
Foreign disabled permits can be used in Belgium
Motorways in Belgium are toll-free, except for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes

Driving in Croatia

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Croatia:

Drivers under 25: 0%
Drivers over 25: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Croatia?

Motorways: 130km/h
In built-up areas: 50km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h – 110km/h depending on local signage

If you’re under 25, you’ll need to drive slower:

Motorways: 120km/h
In built-up areas: 50km/h
Outside built-up areas: 80km/h – 100km/h depending on local signage

If you’re towing a caravan, the speed limits are different (regardless of age):

Motorways: 90km/h
In built-up areas: 50km/h
Outside built-up areas: 80km/h

What documents do I need to drive in Croatia?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

In the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein, you won’t need an IDP if you have a photocard driving license issued in the UK. You may need one if you have a paper driving licence, or your license was issued in Gibraltar, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man. Find out more here.

What do I need in my car in Croatia?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
A warning triangle – If you break down, you’ll need to place it 50 feet from the back of your car
First aid kit – First aid provisions are a legal requirement in all vehicles
One reflective jacket for each occupant – You must carry them in your vehicle at all times and wear one if you get out of the vehicle during an emergency or a breakdown
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers
Spare bulbs – you’ll need to have a spare set of headlight bulbs in case one or both stop working (Xenon, neon and LED lights are exempt)

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Croatia?

You must be at least 21 to hire a car in Croatia
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You’ll need to have held your license for over a year

Croatian road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Crossroads – give way to the right

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

Recommended speed

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Croatia:

If you’re visiting between November and April, you’ll need to fit winter tyres and use your lights during the day.
To get 10% off toll prices and skip the bigger queues, you can sign up to the Electronic Toll Collection scheme and pre-pay money onto a contactless device fitted to your car.
If you’re towing a caravan, you’ll need two warning triangles.

Driving in France

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in France:

New drivers (less than three years’ experience): 0.02%
Experienced drivers: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in France?

Normal conditions:

Motorways: 130 km/h (minimum speed of 80 km/h in the outside lane)
Priority roads and dual carriageways: 110 km/h
Other roads: 80 km/h
Built-up areas: 50 km/h

Poor weather:

Motorways: 110 km/h
Priority roads and dual carriageways: 100 km/h
Other roads: 70 km/h
Built-up areas: 50 km/h

The speed limits will change if you’re towing a caravan or trailer and vary based on the total weight. You can find the full list of speed limits here.

What documents do I need to drive in France?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in France?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
A warning triangle – Required if you’re driving a vehicle with four or more tyres
One reflective jacket for each occupant – You must keep them within easy reach at all times and wear one if you get out of the vehicle during an emergency or a breakdown
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers
Spare bulbs – you’ll need to have a spare set of headlight bulbs in case one or both stop working (Xenon, neon and LED lights are exempt)
Breathalyser – while you’re no longer legally required to carry a breathalyser kit in France, it is still strongly advised. The French legal alcohol limit is lower than the UK’s, and it’s best to be safe.

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in France?

You must be at least 21 to hire a car in France (some companies may charge extra if you’re under 25)
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You must have a credit card in your name
Some agencies require you to have held your license for over a year
Some agencies will require an IDP

French road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in France:

Between November and March, you’ll need winter tyres or snow chains to drive in mountainous areas such as the Alps, the Massif Central, the Jura Mountains, the Pyrenees and the Vosges.
French motorways (or autoroutes) are privately owned, meaning it’s against the law to call your own roadside assistance company to collect you if you break down. You’ll need to use the orange telephone boxes located along the autoroute to call the police or an official breakdown service.
Motorbikes must have dipped headlights on at all times, day or night.

Driving in Germany

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Germany:

New drivers (less than two years’ experience), and drivers under 21: 0%
Experienced drivers and drivers over 21: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Germany?

Motorways: Many parts of the Autobahn have no official speed limit, but the recommended maximum speed is 130 km/h (you may only drive on German motorways if your vehicle has a design speed of more than 60 km/h, or 37mph)
Dual carriageways: 130 km/h
Main roads: 100 km/h
Built-up areas: 50 km/h

What documents do I need to drive in Germany?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in Germany?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
First aid kit – First aid provisions are a legal requirement in all vehicles
A warning triangle – Required if you’re driving a vehicle with four or more tyres
One reflective jacket for each occupant – You must wear a reflective jacket if you get out of the vehicle during an emergency or a breakdown
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers
Winter tyres and snow chains – You must use winter tyres during winter weather conditions like snow and black ice, and snow chains are required in certain regions

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Germany?

You must be at least 18 to hire a car in Germany
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
Some agencies require you to have held your license for 1 to 3 years

German road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Germany:

UK-issued disabled parking permits are valid in Germany
Children under 12 or below 150cm tall cannot sit in the front seat of a car
You cannot park facing oncoming traffic

Driving in Greece

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Greece:

New drivers (less than two years’ experience): 0.02%
Experienced drivers: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Greece?

Built-up areas: 50km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h – 110km/h depending on local signage
Motorways: 130km/h

These speeds may vary by area, so check the local signage to be sure.

What documents do I need to drive in Greece?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in Greece?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
First aid kit – First aid provisions are a legal requirement in all vehicles
A warning triangle – Required if you’re driving a vehicle with four or more tyres
One reflective jacket for each occupant – You must wear a reflective jacket if you get out of the vehicle during an emergency or a breakdown
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers
Fire extinguisher – Compulsory in every vehicle in case of a fire

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Greece?

You must be at least 21 to hire a car in Greece
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You need to have held your license at least a year

Greek road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Greece:

In urban areas, sounding the horn is prohibited except in an emergency
All major road signs will be written in both Greek and English
Some toll booths will only take cash, so make sure you keep some change in your car

Driving in Ireland

Side of the road: Left
Emergency phone number: 999 or 112
Minimum legal driving age: 17

Blood alcohol level limit in Ireland:

New drivers (less than 2 years’ experience): 0.02%
Experienced drivers: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Ireland?

Motorways: 120 km/h
National roads: 100 km/h
Regional roads: 80 km/h
Urban areas: 50 km/h (30 km/h near schools)

What documents do I need to drive in Ireland?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in Ireland?

Ireland doesn’t require the same amount of motoring equipment as the rest of the EU, but we’d still recommend taking the following:

A warning triangle
Reflective jackets
A fire extinguisher
A first-aid kit
Spare bulbs
You do not need a GB or UK sticker to drive in Ireland

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Ireland?

You must be at least 23 to hire a car in Ireland
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You need to have held your license for at least 2 years

Irish road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Ireland:

You must not use your horn between 11:30pm and 7am
Children younger than 12 years old or below 135cm must sit in the back of the vehicle
Most Irish poll booths don’t take card, so you’ll need to keep some cash in the car

Driving in Italy

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Italy:

New drivers (less than three years’ experience): 0%
Experienced drivers: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Italy?

Motorways: 130 km/h (in poor weather conditions, this falls to 110 km/h)
Dual carriageways: 130 km/h
Main roads: 90km/h – 110 km/h depending on local signage
Built-up areas: 50 km/h

What documents do I need to drive in Italy?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in Italy?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
A warning triangle – Required in case of an accident or breakdown
One reflective jacket for each occupant – You must wear a reflective jacket if you get out of the vehicle at the roadside, in built-up areas, at night, or in conditions of poor visibility
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers
A spare tyre - You must carry both a spare tyre and the tools to change it in case you pick up a puncture

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Italy?

Many companies require drivers to be at least 23 hire a car in Italy, although some may rent to younger drivers
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You need to have held your license at least a year

Italian road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Italy:

Dipped headlights must be used during the day outside of built-up areas, in poor visibility, and in tunnels
Fines for serious offences committed between 10pm and 7am are increased by 30%
You must park on the right-hand side of the road, except if the route is one-way

Driving in the Netherlands

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in the Netherlands:

New drivers (less than five years’ experience): 0.02%
Experienced drivers: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in the Netherlands?

In built-up areas: 50km/h
Outside built-up areas: 80km/h – 100km/h depending on local signage
Motorways: 130km/h

What documents do I need to drive in the Netherlands?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need to keep in my car in the Netherlands?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
A warning triangle – While it’s not compulsory to have a warning triangle in your car, a parked vehicle not sufficiently lit by streetlights or its own beams must use a warning triangle at night
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers
Reflective jackets – While not a legal requirement, it is highly recommended that you have hi-vis jackets in your car in case of an emergency

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in the Netherlands?

Many companies require drivers to be at least 21 hire a car in the Netherlands
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You need to have held your license for at least 1-2 years, depending on the rental company

Dutch road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in the Netherlands:

Trams have priority over motor vehicles, and you mustn’t overtake one if it stops to pick up passengers
If you have a sat nav with a speed camera detector, this function must be turned off
Foreign disability parking permits can be used in the Netherlands

Driving in Poland

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Poland: 0.02%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Poland?

Residential areas: 20km/h
Built-up areas: 50km/h between 5am and 11pm, 60km/h between 11pm and 5am
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h – 120km/h depending on local signage
Motorways: 140km/h

What documents do I need to drive in Poland?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in Poland?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
A warning triangle – Compulsory in vehicles with four or more wheels
Reflective jackets - While it’s not compulsory to have reflective jackets in your car, you could be fined for not wearing one at the roadside in poor conditions or at night so it’s best to have some to hand
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers
A fire extinguisher - Compulsory in every vehicle in case of a fire

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Poland?

You must be at least 21 to hire a car in Poland
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You need to have held your license for at least 1 year

Polish road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Poland:

Using your horn is prohibited in towns, except in emergencies
If you have a sat nav with a speed camera detector, this function must be turned off
All Polish motorways have tolls, which will vary in cost depending on the type of road, the distance you’ve travelled and the emissions category of your vehicle

Driving in Portugal

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Portugal:

New drivers (less than 3 years’ experience): 0.02%
Experienced drivers: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Portugal?

Built-up areas: 50km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90km/h – 100km/h depending on local signage
Motorways: 120km/h

What documents do I need to drive in Portugal?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in Portugal?

A UK sticker – If your vehicle does not have a UK identifier within the number plate, you’ll need to display a UK (not GB) sticker
A warning triangle – This is only compulsory for foreign-registered vehicles from countries where warning triangles are not compulsory
Reflective jackets – You must keep them in easy reach and wear one if you have to exit your vehicle at the roadside following a breakdown or an accident
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlights are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Portugal?

You must be at least 25 to hire a car in Portugal from most agencies, although some may rent to a younger driver for an extra charge
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You need to have held your license for at least 1 year

Portuguese road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Portugal:

If you have a sat nav with a speed camera detector, this function must be turned off
Children younger than 12 years old or below 135cm must sit in the back of the vehicle
Your disability parking permit should be recognised in Portugal

Driving in Spain

Side of the road: Right
Emergency phone number: 112
Minimum legal driving age: 18

Blood alcohol level limit in Spain:

New drivers (less than two years’ experience): 0.03%
Experienced drivers: 0.05%

For reference, the UK blood alcohol level limit is 0.08%.

What are the speed limits in Spain?

Motorways: 120 km/h
Urban and rural roads: 90 km/h
Built-up areas: 30 km/h

If you’re towing a caravan, the speed limits are different:

Motorways: 80 km/h
Single lane carriageways: 70 km/h

What documents do I need to drive in Spain?

Your full, valid UK driving licence
Proof of ID (such as your passport)
Motor insurance certificate
Original V5c registration document (not a copy)

What do I need in my car in Spain?

A UK sticker – Vehicles registered in the UK must display a ‘UK’ (not GB) sticker, regardless of what’s on your number plate
A warning triangle – If you break down, you’ll need to place it 50 feet from the back of your car
Tyre repair – You’ll need either a spare wheel, run flat tyres, or the tools to handle a puncture, like a puncture repair kit
One reflective jacket for each occupant – If you break down at the side of the road, you could be fined for not wearing a reflective jacket outside your vehicle
Headlamp beam deflectors – UK headlight are angled for driving on the left, so you’ll need to deflect your beans to avoid dazzling other drivers

Shop the Halfords Motoring Abroad Kit

Can I rent a car in Spain?

You must be at least 21 to hire a car in Spain
You’ll need a full, valid UK driving license, as well as a second form of ID such as your passport
You’ll need to have held your license for over a year

Spanish road signs:

Across the EU, road signs are typically standardised according to the Vienna Convention, in order to make it easier and safer for foreign visitors. However, there will be some design differences.

Priority

Give way

Warning

Series of curves

Prohibitory

Speed limit

Indication

No through road

Mandatory

Turn right

Other important information for driving in Spain:

Foreign disability parking permits can be used in Spain
Motorcycles must have their lights on at all times
Around a fifth of Spanish motorways will have toll booths

If you’re heading abroad, Halfords have a wide variety of travel accessories to keep your trip on track. Shop the full range at Halfords.com, or pop into your local Halfords store for some friendly advice from one of our experts.

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