Europe-Road Safety

 country-specific rules

• Seat belts must be worn in all vehicles including tourist coaches and minibuses in all EU countries;
• Children must have appropriate child restraints in cars/lorries and, where possible in other vehicles;
• Using a mobile phone without a hands-free set while driving is forbidden in most EU countries;
• The maximum permitted blood alcohol level varies: some countries do not allow any alcohol in the blood while driving;
• Different speed limits apply to different types of roads and vehicles;
• Different safety equipment is required both in cars and for cyclists;
• In some countries, the use of daytime running lights and/or winter tyres is mandatory;
• Remember to drive on the left side of the road in Cyprus, Ireland, Malta and the United Kingdom.

The EU has taken measures to improve road safety including clamping down on traffic offences committed in another EU country (except in Denmark, the United Kingdom and Ireland where the rules do not yet apply). This means that if you commit a driving offence when in another country, you could find yourself receiving the fine by post at home!
Download the "Going Abroad" app and get important road safety information for all EU countries wherever you are.
Make sure that you have valid and adequate insurance cover which extends to travelling in other EU countries.
See also:

• driving licences
• hiring a car.