For British tourists, driving abroad has never been easier. Sixt let you book transportation well in advance, our rental cars can be driven from the airport as soon as you have landed. However, many Britons do not research the different rules and behaviours of driving in foreign countries.

Driving in the European Union can be different from the roads in the UK, and failure to abide with laws and regulations can cause legal problems, as well as serious accidents.

Driving License

A full UK driving license is accepted in most EU countries, but the minimum age for drivers differs. In Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Malta, Norway, Sweden and Turkey, the minimum age for UK drivers is 18. In Greece, Portugal, Denmark and Ireland, the minimum age is 17. Those travelling to Sweden and Turkey must be advised that licenses that do not have a photograph must produce a valid passport in Sweden and an International Driving Permit in Turkey. 

Rules On The Road

The speed limits in EU countries are mostly the same: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside of built-up areas, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h (in USA its MPH) on motorways. Always check in the country you are driving, however, as there can be some variations. Sweden is unique as there are no set limits and speed is determined by the quality and safety of the road. Tourists are advised to be cautious and always check speed signs, as the speed limit can change several times on different parts of the same road. In Portugal, Germany, France and Italy, reduced speed limits are imposed for newer drivers (drivers under 21 years of age or drivers who have been had their license for less than three years).

Germany and Sweden have emission zones where motorists are charged a levy for driving through busy cities and towns (similar to London's congestions charges). These don't apply to foreign visitors in Sweden, though. In bicycle-heavy Denmark, motorists must yield to cyclists and in Norway trams have right of way.

Police and Corruption

The police can be much more vigilant in some EU countries, and some officials do not look kindly on foreign motorists. In Greece, police can confiscate the number plates of illegally parked vehicles and, although they are supposed to only do this to vehicles that have been registered in Greece, they will do it to tourists. In Portugal, foreign drivers under the age of 18 may encounter problems with the police even though the minimum driving age is 17. Also, Portegeuse police carry ATM-like technology in their cars for on-the-spot fines. If a toursit refuses to pay the fine or a deposit, the police can confiscate their driving license, registration documents and even vehicle.

Regulations

Most EU countries look down on speeding and drink driving. Italy has very heavy fines for speeding, and the charges are increased by a third if drivers are caught between the hours of 2200 and 0700. In France, extreme speeding can result in on the spot license confiscation and arrest.

In Norway and Sweden, random breathalyser tests are carried out on drivers and the blood alcohol level is a low 0.02 per cent. In Portugal and Turkey the level is 0.05, but if you are towing a trailer or caravan it is nil per cent. In Germany, Greece and Ireland, the blood alcohol level is also 0.05, but for drivers under the age of 21 or drivers who have had their license for less than 2 years it is nil per cent. Tourists driving in France should be advised that from 1st July 2012, all drivers and motorcyclists have to carry a certified, sealed breathalyser. Failure to carry one will result in a 11 Euro fine.

Radar and speed camera detectors, even in GPS systems, are prohibited in Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden and Ireland. Some EU countries require vehicles to carry equipment in case of a breakdown. Italy advises drivers to carry a warning triangle and first aid kit, but in Greece and Turkey it is compulsory to carry these items as well as a fire extinguisher. In Denmark, Norway and Ireland it also compulsory to carry a warning triangle when driving, and in Portugal it is compulsory to carry photographic proof of identity at all times, as well as a reflective jacket.