According to the latest research published by Post Office Travel Money, the cost of fuel has fallen by 25% making self-drive holidays a popular choice among UK holidaymakers. Road speed limits and driving regulations differ across Europe and therefore Airport Parking & Hotels (APH) has created a guide highlighting the different rules and regulations across the top 20 European holiday destinations.
The research compares the different laws drivers must abide by when driving in 20 European countries, including the maximum speed limit and fines imposed as well as compulsory equipment and paperwork that drivers must carry when driving abroad.
Speed limits across Europe are divided according to road-type including motorways, built-up areas and outside of built-up areas. The speed limit on European motorways was found to significantly vary, ranging from 62mph in Cyprus and Latvia to 80mph in Austria, France and Greece. Germany, on the other hand, currently imposes no legal speed limit on motorways although an 80mph top speed is ‘recommended’ on certain motorways. Denmark, Finland and Sweden all inflict varying speed limits on all roads and therefore drivers are recommended to pay particular attention to road signs.
With regards to fines, all 20 countries surveyed implemented an on-the-spot fine approach, with some countries such as Belgium, Italy and Poland, requiring drivers to make an immediate cash deposit towards their fine. In contrast, countries such as Cyprus, Greece and Sweden are not allowed to collect any money from on-the-spot fines and instead ask drivers to pay their fine at a later date. It is advised that drivers carry both cash and / or card when driving abroad, as some countries such as Portugal have portable ATM machines in traffic police vehicles for immediate payment of any driving infraction.
Travellers should also be aware that compulsory car equipment varies according to country and drivers should therefore check the specific equipment requirements prior to visiting. For example, nine out of the 20 countries researched require drivers to carry a reflective jacket in the car at all times, however, France is the only country in Europe that requires drivers to carry a breathalyser kit inside their vehicle.
