European driving laws can sometimes vary significantly when compared to those in the UK, so to help drivers navigate through foreign road regulations, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has launched a guide for driving in 20 destinations in Europe. 

The guide features an infographic highlighting quirky European road signs British drivers may not recognise.

The research also includes a table comparing the driving rules and regulations in 20 European countries, including the regional limits for both speed and drink driving, the minimum age to drive, toll road payment methods and any additional requirements for drivers.

Speed limits in Europe vary from 20km/h in some residential areas of Belgium and Poland, to the ‘suggested’ speed limit of 130km/h on rural sections of Germany’s famous Autobahn.

Drivers should keep in mind that bad weather conditions may result in lowered speed limits in four of the countries researched, including the poor weather speed limit of 110km/h, reduced from 130km/h, on French motorways.

The legal drink driving limit also varies, from a zero-tolerance policy for all drivers in the Czech Republic to 0.8mg/ml in Malta, the same as the UK. New drivers should keep in mind that eight of the countries researched, including Ireland and Spain, also impose lower drink driving limits for those who are under a certain age or have held a licence for less than five, three or two years.

Drivers also need to ensure their car is correctly equipped, with 19 countries legally requiring motorists to carry safety items such as warning triangles and reflective jackets in their vehicle, and 10 further stating that drivers should keep dipped headlights switched on at all times, even in daylight.

For drivers heading across the Channel to Paris, Grenoble and Lyon, anti-pollution Crit’Air stickers are now required for all British-registered vehicles. To help drivers stay in the know and avoid penalties from French police, Airport Parking and Hotels (APH) has also created an online comprehensive Crit’Air guide, which includes information on how to obtain the correct sticker prior to travel and how to display the sticker while in France.The guide can be accessed at www.aph.com/community/holidays/paris-anti-pollution-sticker-crit-air/.

Nick Caunter, managing director at Airport Parking and Hotels, says: “Many British travellers may feel apprehensive at the thought of driving abroad due to unfamiliar road signs and the possible uncertainty of local laws, such as speed limits and alcohol restrictions. Our guide therefore aims to help motorists plan ahead and understand the local rules and regulations before arriving in a destination, ensuring motorists feel more comfortable behind the wheel.”