If you’ve ever been on a road trip to somewhere new, you’ll agree that there’s something special about experiencing a place “on the ground”, or in the streets. From encountering hidden gems and planning your own routes to having the freedom of making your own schedule, exploring a new destination on the road is an amazing way to travel with full control!
However, sometimes a new place can be so different from your starting destination that navigating the roads, sticking to the rules, and being polite the local way can become a bit tricky. Expat Explore is here to help! Since we operate coach tours around the world, we know a thing or two about hitting the streets in far-off destinations. And as experts in Europe, we thought, why not break down the ins and outs of driving etiquette, road manners and traffic rules to take note of when driving in Europe?
Take a look at some of the most important European traffic rules:
Driving on the right side of the road is alright, right?
Most countries in Europe drive on the right side of the road, which can feel very wrong if you’re used to the left. You’re likely to get used to it quite quickly but be sure to pay close attention when merging back onto roads after stops or when turning into different streets. The only countries which drive on the left side are Ireland, Cyprus, Malta and the UK.
Pass with confidence and allow passes with courtesy
European drivers, for the most part, are very calm, polite and skilled drivers. This can take some adjustment if driving back home is a bit aggressive or even hesitant. Take a deep breath, follow the rules of the road, drive confidently and you should be just fine!
Related: Learn how to become more mindful while you travel.
Don’t let the roundabouts spin your head right round
When driving around the UK especially, you will need to know your way around a roundabout, literally. The rule of thumb is that the traffic flow around the circle moves clockwise. Remember that any vehicle inside the roundabout gets right of way, while those entering it must yield.
Don’t speed, even if you think you’re getting away with it
Many countries have very visible and obvious speed restriction measures, such as roadblocks or speed traps on the side of the road. Sure, you’ll encounter these in Europe as well. But for the most part, speeding is regulated with overhead cameras taking photographs at various intervals on your route that essentially calculate whether you got to the next checkpoint too quickly. You won’t even know you’ve gotten a ticket until you receive it in your email inbox!
Take DUI laws as seriously as the Europeans do
Everyone likes to let loose differently on vacation. A very common way is by indulging in local alcoholic beverages. You should never get behind the wheel after a few drinks anywhere but Europe is incredibly strict when it comes to driving under the influence. Legal blood alcohol limits are very low and punishments are harsh, ranging from steep fines to incarceration. Some countries, like France, even demand that each car on the road is fitted with a working breathalyser!
Related: Rather book a ride to explore the top wine-making regions in France.
Plan your route appropriately, considering toll roads
One of the most incredible parts about road-tripping in Europe is how close you are to some of the world’s top countries to visit! However, that also means that you can end up driving a lot more than you bargained for.
To optimise your time (as well as spending), plan out a few route options beforehand based on where you’ll stay, where you want to visit, and whether or not you want to avoid tolled roads. In some cases, there are physical cubicles where you pay toll fees with a credit card. In others, tolls are deducted using overhead cameras and a mandatory transponder in your rental car.
Related: You’ll be spoiled for choice with bucket-list experiences in Europe!
Budget enough for pricier petrol, longer drives and tolls
Fuel prices everywhere have seen exorbitant increases in recent years. But prices in Europe might be the worst of all! Consider this when planning long drives for excursions as you’ll spend a lot more on petrol than you think.
Also, consider toll fees that might apply to many of the main roads that lead to your bucket-list cities and attractions. Prepare to either have an international credit card ready or rent a car with the necessary transponder to charge tolls to your rental car bill.
Related: Here are a few tips to stay on budget while you travel.
Plan for walking (even if you rent a car) due to tiny roads
Having the luxury of a rental car while on vacation in Europe certainly makes a lot of your journeys and driving days easier. But always remember that many European cities are old, as in ancient, so the streets are barely wide enough to accommodate today’s cars.
Be prepared that, even if you have a rental car, you might have to park outside of certain cities and discover them on foot. There are also green cities and eco spaces that prohibit cars from entering, so be sure to take that into account!
Related: Discover Europe’s green cities that promote sustainability and eco-tourism.
Account for the weather and choose a vehicle appropriately
While weather might be somewhat unpredictable on a good day, it’s best to check the general weather conditions of your desired destination and plan your trip accordingly, especially when renting a car. Always be mindful that certain areas in Europe get heavy snow or rainfall during the winter, so roads will be affected. In fact, countries like Germany, Italy and France will deny visitors entry to certain areas if their cars aren’t equipped with the appropriate winter tyres.
Related: Decide when to visit which place based on our guide to European weather.
Keep your valid driving documentation at hand
While not all travellers to Europe require a special licence to drive around, when in doubt, rather be safe than sorry. With so many laws and requirements unique to various countries and continents, deciding whether you need an International Driving License (IDL) can become a headache.
Since it’s such an affordable, hassle-free and relatively fast process, why not apply for an International Driving License before your trip just to be safe? Be sure to communicate all of your travel plans with your car rental company, as special number plates or transponders may be necessary in certain countries on your itinerary.
Related: Apart from travel documents, here’s what to pack when travelling.
Beyond the rules of the road, observe these road manners for driving in Europe:
Signals communicate more than you think
Since driving around Europe can sometimes be challenging due to the tiny roads and strict rules, European drivers have developed an unspoken “language”; a way of communicating with each other on the road using signals.
For example, when on a narrow road and wanting to pass a slower driver in front of you, they might use their indicator to tell you when it’s safe to do so. Vice versa, if you’re the slow driver someone wants to pass, they might flash their headlights behind you. And when it comes to honking, perhaps reserve that for the Italian roundabouts where your honk will simply add to the existing symphony. Although, it is customary in Italy to send out a single honk when approaching a bend in a narrow, winding road in case of any oncoming traffic.
Related: Learn a smidge more Italian with our useful travel phrases in Italy.
Leave your road rage at home
Just because European roads can sometimes be a bit more tricky to navigate doesn’t mean you should take it out on other drivers. In general, European drivers are very polite and quite skilled on the road. This means, they have no reason to get angry on the roads, as everyone follows the rules and unspoken understandings.
Think about it this way: if you were on your way to your local beach back home and a tourist cut you off and honked at you about it, you probably wouldn’t be very happy or accommodating, would you?
Related: Pay a visit to some of Europe’s best-hidden beaches!
Try not to be that person who hogs a lane
As you still learn the laws and unspoken rules of European traffic, you might want to escape to the corner of the road so everyone else can just pass you. Sure, that’s not illegal and in fact, European drivers won’t even think twice to overtake you.
But try to remember that this could place yourself and other drivers in danger if too many cars need to pass you. Plus, if you drive confidently, you’re much more likely to have an easier time on the road as you’ll simply fall into the impressive flow of traffic.
Related: Discover some of the top scenic drives around the world.
There you have it; some of the most important traffic rules and road manners when driving in Europe. Yes, it’s a lot to remember, but just like you did back home, you’ll quickly adjustd to it and take to the road like a local!
However, if all of this sounds like way more of a hassle than it’s worth, you can take the stress out of your vacation by leaving the planning, scheduling and driving off your plate. Book a tour with Expat Explore, where all you have to do is secure your seats and arrive ready to tour!