Vehicle parts
Austria
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle, reflective vests, headlamp converters and first-aid kit are compulsory. Spare bulbs are also recommended. All vehicles using Austrian motorways must display a motorway tax sticker (vignette) available at petrol stations, the boarder, post offices or ÖAMTC offices
Speed Limits:
Motorways 81mph (130kph)
Major roads outside towns 62mph (100kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Towns 18mph (30kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Euro emergency number for all services is 112
Fire: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted. Minimum driving age is 18 (16 for mopeds)
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory. Children under 14 and 1.5m must use an approved booster seat
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood. If it’s more than 0.8 they can take your licence away
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt
Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours
Insurance: Third party cover is compulsory and it’s recommended you tell your insurer before driving abroad
Tyres: Your car must have winter tyres between November 1 and April 15. You can be fined if it doesn’t
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd. accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Belgium
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle, headlamp converters and reflective jacket are compulsory. A fire extinguisher and first-aid kit are recommended
Speed Limits:
Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 56mph (90kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Towns 18mph (30kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Euro emergency number for all services is 112
Fire and Ambulance 100
Police 101
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted (Minimum driving age is 18).
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory. Children under 18 and 1.35m must use an approved booster seat whether in the front or rear
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt
Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours
Insurance: Third party compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Denmark
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle and headlamp converters are compulsory as are running lights, whatever the time of day or conditions. Fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and reflective jacket are recommended
Speed Limits:
Motorways 68mph (110kph). Sometimes 80mph (130kph)
Major roads outside towns 50mph (80kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Centre of Copenhagen 24mph (40kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers: Fire, Police and Ambulance 112
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted (Minimum driving age is 17)
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory. Children must travel in child safety seats or on booster seats if over three years and under 1.35m tall
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt
Parking: Parking meters operate in most towns. Street parking is usually restricted to one hour. A parking disc system operates in major towns where the disc is displayed in the windscreen. These are available from petrol stations, tourist offices and tobacconists
Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours
Insurance: Third party insurance is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
France
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle, headlamp converters and reflective jacket are compulsory as are snow tyres if in a mountainous area with the relevant sign posts. Cars must also carry at least one working breathalyser bearing ‘NF’ approval. Radar detectors are banned and sat navs must have that function disabled
Speed Limits:
Motorways 81mph (130kph), 68mph (110kph) when wet
Dual carriageways 68mph (110kph), 62mph (100kph) when wet
Major roads outside Towns 56mph (90kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Town centres 18mph (30kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Euro emergency number for all services is 112
Fire 18
Police 17
Ambulance 15
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted (Minimum driving age is 18, 16 for motorcycles up to 80cc)
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory. Children under 10 years must be in the rear of the car using an approved booster cushion or seat
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt
Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours. Riders must wear approved reflective vests
Insurance: Third party insurance is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Germany
Vehicle Requirements: Headlamp converters are compulsory and a warning triangle and first-aid kit are recommended. Speed camera detection devices and functionality on sat navs should be disabled
Speed Limits:
Motorways 81mph (130kph)
Major roads outside towns 62mph (100kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Fire and ambulance 112
Police 110
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence. Minimum driving age is 18
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in back. Children under 12 years or 1.5m must use an approved booster cushion or seat
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt
Motorcycles: Helmets compulsory and headlights to be used 24 hours
Insurance: Third party cover is compulsory
Tyres: It’s prohibited to use a car that isn’t fitted with winter tyres in winter weather
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Greece
Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle, first-aid kit, headlamp converters and fire extinguisher are compulsory
Speed Limits:
Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 68mph (110kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Euro emergency number for all services is 112
Police 100
Ambulance 199
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted (minimum driving age of 18, and 16 for under 125cc motorcycles). Also note that category P licences that are valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc are both valid in Greece
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children between 3 and 11 years and less than 1.35m tall must use an approved booster cushion or seat
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences have to be paid within 10 days or court proceedings will begin
Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory
Insurance: Third party is cover is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Ireland
Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle and first-aid kit are recommended
Speed Limits:
Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 50 mph (80kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Fire, police and ambulance 999
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence. Minimum driving age is 17
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 years and less than 1.5m tall must use an approved child booster seat or cushion
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker
Fines: Motoring offenders have 21 days to pay fines
Motorcycles: Helmets compulsory and dipped headlights strongly advised during the day
Insurance: Third party is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Italy
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle, headlamp converters and a reflective safety vest are compulsory. A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are also recommended. Speed camera detection devices and functionality on sat navs should be disabled
Speed Limits:
Motorways 81mph (130kph) 68 mph (110kph) when wet
Major roads outside towns 68mph (110kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Euro emergency number for all services is 112
Fire 115
Police 113
Ambulance 118
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence. Minimum driving age is 18
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory. Child or booster seats are compulsory for children up to four years. Children between four and 12 cannot travel in the front unless using an approved booster cushion or seat
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt. One of the most frequently broken laws by foreign drivers is the banning of cars from some town centres. Look out for signs reading Zona Traffico Limitato
Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours
Insurance: Third party is compulsory
Tyres: Snow chains are required in mountainous areas between October 15 and April 15
Netherlands
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle, headlamp converters and reflective jacket are compulsory. First-aid kit and fire extinguisher are recommended. Speed camera detection devices and functionality on sat navs should be disabled
Speed Limits:
Motorways 62-82mph (100-130kph)
Major roads outside towns 50-62mph (80-100kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers: Fire, police and ambulance 112
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence. Minimum driving age is 18
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 and 1.5m are not permitted in the front unless using an approved booster cushion or seat
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt
Insurance: Third party is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Portugal
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle, spare set of bulbs, headlamp converters and reflective safety vest are compulsory. A first-aid kit is recommended. Speed camera detection devices and functionality on sat navs should be disabled
Speed Limits:
Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 56-62mph (90-100kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Fire, police and ambulance 112
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted. Minimum driving age is 18 years (and 16 years for mopeds up to 50cc)
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 and 1.5m are not allowed in the front unless in an approved booster seat
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt
Parking: Cars must be parked in the same direction as the traffic flow
Motorcycles: Dipped headlights are compulsory 24 hours as are helmets
Insurance: Third party is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Spain
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangles, headlamp converters, a reflective safety vest and a spare pair of spectacles (if needed for driving) are compulsory. A first-aid kit is recommended
Speed Limits:
Motorways 74-82mph (120-130kph)
Major roads outside towns 56-62mph (90-100kph)
Built-up areas 31mph (50kph)
Towns 30kph (18mph). Some towns are having their limit reduced to 20kph (12mph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Euro emergency number for all services is 112
Fire 080
Police 091
Ambulance 061
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted. The minimum driving age is 18 years
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory. Children under 12 and 1.35m are not allowed to travel in either the front or back unless using an approved booster seat or cushion
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. If the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner, that’s fine. Otherwise you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt. The Spanish police will stop and fine drivers for exceeding the speed limit by just 1kph (0.6mph)
Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory
Insurance: Third party is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
Switzerland
Vehicle Requirements: A warning triangle, headlamp converters and a spare set of spectacles (if needed for driving) are compulsory. A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are also recommended. All vehicles must drive with dipped headlights during the day. To use the Swiss motorways, even if it’s just for a couple of miles, you need to have a sticker (vignette) in your windscreen. You can buy these online or from customs offices at the frontier and service stations and post offices. Speed camera detection devices and functionality on sat navs should be disabled
Speed Limits:
Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 50mph (80kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)
Emergency Phone Numbers:
Fire 118
Police 117
Ambulance 144
Driving Licence: Full UK driving licence accepted. The minimum driving age is 18 years and 16 for motorcycles under 125cc
Documents: Photo licence, motor insurance certificate plus V5C or permission to drive the car abroad
Seat Belts: Compulsory. All under 12s must use an approved booster seat or cushion
Drink Drive Limit: 0.5 micrograms of alcohol per millilitre of blood
Nationality: Showing your nationality is compulsory. Even if the car has Euro plates with the EU flag in the corner you need a GB sticker. Failure to comply can result in a fine
Fines: Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. Make sure you get an official receipt. You can be fined for not displaying a vignette on the motorway.
Motorcycles: Helmets and dipped headlights are compulsory.
Insurance: Third party is compulsory
The above is for information only and is believed to be accurate at the current date. Green Flag Ltd accepts no liability for any inaccuracies or omissions.
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