Road Guides (Europe)
European Road Rules
A Motorhome rental holiday in Europe can be a fantastic way to travel. Driving through Europe will take some pre planning and research. Use our site to plan your trip and become familiar with your destinations and basic road rules to ensure you get everything you want out of your holiday.
There will be different traffic laws and regulations depending on the countries you will be visiting and the borders you will be crossing.
Here are some of the basic European road rules:
- Drive on the right hand side of the road - or in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, then drive on left.
- The left lane is the fast lane used only for overtaking.
- Maps, speedometers and road signs are all in Kilometres.
- Most highways have speed limits of 100 – 135 km/h, however these limits are rarely inforced.
- In town the limits are mostly either 50km/h or 60km/h.
- In most countries seatbelts are compulsory for front and rear passengers. Wearing them all the time for safety is the best recommendation.
Drivers Licence
While you must have a valid driving licence from your own country to rent a vehicle and drive in Europe, obtaining an International Driving Permit is also a very good idea. This is used in addition to your drivers licence. While some countries require the permit and others don’t, your vehicle rental company may require you to have one. It is also a handy document to have as your information comes in ten languages.
Driver Fatigue
Driver fatigue can be a very dangerous situation. Drivers must realise the potential hazards for accidents on the road due to lack of concentration and sleepiness.
You can make sure you stay alert by:
- Making sure you are refreshed and rested before a long drive.
- Every two hours take a break from driving.
- If possible, share the driving with someone else.
- Avoiding large meals and drinking plenty of fluid.
- If you begin to feel sleepy, try to nap for up to 40 minutes.
- If you’re feeling very tired - find a place to stay overnight.
