Driving in Europe - European driving regulations

Driver's license

Most European countries require an international driver's license (IDL) which serves as legal ID with all pertinent information translated in 11 foreign languages. You must obtain this document prior to departure.

Number of passengers in vehicle

A vehicle's registration indicates the maximum number of authorized passengers. For insurance and civil liability reasons, you must comply. Children always count as passengers, no matter their age.

Driving regulations

Though regulations differ from one country to the next, you must always respect them. Prior to departure, do some research to understand foreign road signs, driving habits and other particularities of European driving regulations.

Here are a few examples:

• Left-side driving in the UK, Ireland, Cyprus and Malta;
• Prohibited to put a bicycle behind a vehicle in Portugal;
• Prohibited to park less than 10 metres (32.8') from a pedestrian crossing in Switzerland (5 metres in the majority of other countries);
• Prohibited to park less than 10 metres (65.6') from a traffic light in Portugal and Belgium;
• Required to have a fire extinguisher in the car in Belgium;
• Prohibited for intoxicated persons to sit on the front-passenger seat in Bosnia;
• Speed limit changes from 130 km/h to 110 km/h when raining in France (certain highways).

Violations leading to fines can become very costly.

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.

Children

For children under 10 years of age, it is required to use a safety seat adapted to their size and weight (seat approved up to age 7 and booster for ages 7-10).

Winter tires legislation in France

From November 1, 2021, winter tires become mandatory during the winter in certain mountainous areas in France. Indeed, to improve the safety of users on the road and limit traffic jams in mountain areas, the government published a decree no 2020-1264 of October 16, 2020 in the Official Journal of October 18, 2020.

Concretely, this means that if you are driving in a city affected by the decree between November 1 and March 31, you must equip your car (M1 category vehicle with a maximum of 8 seats):

• either metal snow chains on at least two driving wheels: they are recommended for frequent use because they are more effective, especially in heavy snow conditions, than textile chains;
• or textile chains, commonly called “snow socks” on two drive wheels: they are ideal for occasional use because they are very easy to install (but less effective than metal chains);
• or regulatory winter tires on your 4 wheels (more precisely on at least two wheels on each axle).

To learn more and to know the departments concerned click here

Essential elements of European driving regulations

Source : Prévention routière

The following information is for your personal information only. Renault Canada is in no way responsible contractually or otherwise and is not designed to replace legal texts which must always be consulted.

Prior to departure, learn about insurance and roadside assistance. Although we hope it does not happen, you just might need it.