European driving regulations

Number of passengers in the car

Your car’s registration certificate indicates the maximum authorized number of passengers. Respect this number to be in compliance with your insurance and civil responsibility. No matter the age of a child, they occupy 1 place in the vehicle.

International Driving Permit

European countries require an International Driving Permit (IDP). Be sure to get one before your departure. This acts as a legal identification document where your information is translated into 11 foreign languages. It must be presented in conjunction with your valid driver's license issued by your province/country of residence. In Canada, you can obtain an International Driving Permit from a CAA agency. For residents outside Canada, please contact the authorities responsible for issuing this document.

Children under 10 years of age

You are required to use an adapted safety system for children under 10 years of age according to their height and weight: approved car seats for children up to 7 years of age and a booster for children 7-10 years of age.

Highway code

Before leaving, be informed on the highway code regulations, from road signs, to driving habits and other particularities for the countries you will be visiting. This could help you avoid unpleasant surprises and even fines.

Examples:

• France: Speed limits up to 130 km/h are reduced to 110 km/h when it’s raining (on some highways);
• United Kingdom, Ireland, Cyprus & Malta: Drive on left side;
• Bosnia: Intoxicated individuals are prohibited from sitting in the front passenger seat;
• Portugal: Prohibited to put a bicycle on the back of a vehicle;
• Portugal & Belgium: Prohibited to park less than 20 metres from a traffic light;
• Belgium: Mandatory to carry a fire extinguisher in the car;
• Switzerland: Prohibited to park less than 10 metres from a crosswalk (5 metres in most other countries);
• Germany: Running out of fuel on the highway is subject to fines;
• Croatia and the Czech Republic: Intoxication is not tolerated at any time.

The use of seatbelts is required for all countries within the European Union.
 

Limited traffic zone or Environmental zone

In some countries, large cities have ZTLs (Zone Traffic limited).  These are restricted-access zones designed to limit automobile traffic and improve residents' quality of life. These zones are generally located in historic city centers or densely populated neighborhoods. Unauthorized cars entering these zones risk heavy fines. Signs at ZTL entrances clearly indicate activation times, traffic restrictions and exceptions. Surveillance cameras are often used to monitor vehicle entrances and exits.

Limited traffic zones can be found in several European countries. Here are a few examples of European countries that have set up ZTLs or environmental zones:

1. France: Limited traffic zones exist in several French cities, including Paris, Lyon, Nice and other major towns. In 15 French cities, you need a Crit'air sticker (air quality certificate). This is compulsory for driving either during pollution peaks, or in certain defined zones. Find out more on the website of the French Ministère de la transition écologique et solidaire. The sticker indicates your car's pollution level. 
2. Italy: Some Italian cities have set up limited traffic zones ("Zona Traffico Limitato") to prohibit cars from entering historic city centers. These zones are generally located in the historic centers or densely populated areas of Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, Pisa, etc. 
3. Spain: The following cities have one or more low-emission zones, and Distintivo-Ambiental is partly compulsory in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville, Valladolid and Valencia. 
4. Germany: Some German cities, such as Munich and Berlin, have limited traffic zones, often used to restrict access to diesel vehicles due to environmental concerns about air pollution. To drive in certain German cities, it is compulsory to have an environmental sticker ("Umweltplakette") on your windscreen.
5. Portugal: Lisbon has a low-emission zone (ZER = Zona de Emissoes Reduzidas) in place, divided into Zone 1 and Zone 2 with different Euro standards.
6. Belgium: Belgium has 3 environmental zones (Low Emission Zones (LEZ): Brussels, Antwerp and Ghent. If your vehicle does not meet the criteria, authorization may be granted (up to 8 times a year), for a daily pass.

It's essential to pay attention to signs when driving in urban areas in Italy or other European countries, as violating traffic restrictions in a limited traffic zone can result in considerable fines. If you're not sure about the rules in force in a specific area, it's advisable to check with the local authorities or choose another route to avoid restricted traffic zones.We recommend that you find out all you can before planning your trips to major European cities, to avoid unnecessary hassle and expense.

Essential elements of European driving regulations

These specifics are given for information purpose only and do not engage the responsibility of Europ Auto, whether contractual or tortious. They are not intended to replace legal documents which you should refer to in any case.

Source: European road prevention

Before leaving, be sure to learn about travel insurance, car insurance and roadside assistance. Though we hope it doesn’t happen, you might need it.