September 2, 2024, 3:47 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
Other countries, different laws. This also applies to road traffic. Anyone traveling by car in other European countries should know the relevant laws. Otherwise, you could face drastic penalties. Here are the most important rules at a glance.
Having your own car or a rental car makes a vacation abroad particularly flexible. And many destinations in Europe can be easily reached within one or two days. However, very different traffic regulations and laws apply across borders. Here is what you need to know when planning a road trip in Europe.
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Road trip in Europe
Travelers are well advised to know the relevant laws in other European countries. The ADAC has compiled a list of important rules for drivers:
Austria: In the Alpine republic, a driver must pay an accident report fee of 36 euros if they call the police in the event of a collision, even though the parties involved could have exchanged their details with each other.
Croatia: Things are different in this country on the Adriatic: accidents in Croatia must always be reported to the police. Vehicles that are visibly damaged may only leave the country with a police damage certificate.
Italy: Wine tastes particularly good in this popular tourist destination. But if you drink too much, you will not only have to expect a heavy fine – you may also lose your car. From a blood alcohol level of 0.15%, the car can be expropriated and foreclosed if the driver is the owner. In addition, new drivers are only allowed to drive a maximum of 100 km/h (62 mph) on the highway for the first three years.
Denmark: confiscation and forced sale of the vehicle are also possible there. However, a holidaymaker has to drink quite a lot for this: the blood alcohol limit is 0.20%
France: If you drive too fast, you face an immediate driving ban. This is quite annoying: in this case, only a fellow traveler can take the wheel.
Slovenia: Fines in Slovenia must be paid immediately. Otherwise, the police can confiscate a foreigner’s identity documents and take the driver into custody. Also important: Drivers must stop at a yellow traffic light.
Hungary: When paying the highway toll, the license plate number is recorded. However, there are often transposed numbers. Holidaymakers should therefore check the receipt before they sign it. Subsequent complaints are expensive.