• Austria
• Belgium
• Denmark
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Italy
• Ireland
• Netherlands
• Portugal
• Spain
• Switzerland

Austria

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle and first-aid kit. Spare bulbs are also recommended. All vehicles using Austrian motorways must display a motorway tax sticker (vignette) available at petrol stations, the Frontier, post offices or ÖAMTC offices.

Speed Limits:

Motorways 81mph (130kph)
Major roads outside towns 62mph (100kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire 122
Police 133
Ambulance 144

Driving Licence: UK photocard licence or paper licence with passport is required. Minimum driving age is 18 (16 for mopeds).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in a fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine.

Parking: Limited parking zones (blue zones) with a maximum parking time of 11/2 or 3 hours are marked. In Vienna, Graz, Linz, Klagenfurt, Innsbruck and a few other cities there is a charge for parking. Parking vouchers must be displayed in the windscreen. These can be obtained from banks, petrol stations and tobacconists.

Caravans and trailers: Do not park caravans within 500 metres of a lake. Caravan/car weight ratios may be checked at boarder crossings.

Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours.

Insurance: Third party cover is compulsory and a green card is recommended.

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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Belgium

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle and fire extinguisher. First-aid kit and spare bulbs are also recommended.

Speed Limits:

Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 56mph (90kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire and Ambulance 100
Police 101 (from a mobile phone dial 112 for all services)

Driving Licence: EC Licence (Minimum driving age is 18).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 years are not allowed in the front unless in an approved seat/harness.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory. Failure to display one may result in a fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine.

Parking: A blue zone system operates in major towns. Discs are available from police, garages and tobacconists.

Caravans and trailers: Look out for different speed limits for vehicles towing trailers or caravans.

Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights 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.

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Denmark

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit and spare bulbs are recommended.

Speed Limits:

Motorways 68mph (110kph)
Major roads outside towns 50mph (80kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers: Fire, Police and Ambulance 112

Driving Licence: EC licence (minimum driving age is 17).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children must travel in child safety seats (or on booster cushions if over three years).

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in a fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine. An official receipt should be received. Non-payment can result in the vehicle being impounded.

Parking: Parking meters operate in most towns. Street parking is usually restricted to one hour. Illegally parked vehicles are likely to be impounded. A parking disk system operates in major towns. Disks are available from petrol stations, tourist offices and tobacconists.

Caravans and trailers: make sure you have suitable mirrors each side of your vehicle. Look out for different speed limits when towing.

Motorcycles: Helmets with straps are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours.

Insurance: Third party insurance is compulsory.

Motorways: They are mainly two lanes in either direction. There are no toll roads in Denmark.

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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France

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle compulsory if car not fitted with hazard lights or when towing a trailer or over 3,500 kgs. Spare bulbs are recommended.

Speed Limits:

Motorways 81mph (130kph)
Dual carriageways 68mph (110kph)
Major roads outside Towns 56mph (90kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)
Car and caravan/trailer combinations with a gross weight less than 3.5 tonnes have the same speed restrictions as a solo vehicle.

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire 18
Police 17
Ambulance 15

Driving Licence: EC licence accepted. Minimum driving age is 18 years (16 for light motorcycles).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in back. Children under ten years must be in the rear of the car using an approved seat or harness. Children up to nine months can be in an approved rear-facing seat in the front.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in an on the spot fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine (and an official receipt should be issued).

Parking: Blue zones operate in major towns. Disks are available from police, tourist offices and tobacconists. Parking meters and pay and display systems also operate. Illegally parked cars run the risk of being clamped or impounded, especially in Paris.

Caravans and trailers: French police are familiar with vehicle over-loading. There is an additional cost for caravans on motorways.

Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours.

Insurance Third party insurance is compulsory.

Motorways: Most motorways are toll routes. You take a ticket on entering and produce it later for payment - there will however be a time on your ticket so speeding can be detected once you produce your ticket at the other end. Payment can be made via credit card or cash. Rest areas are frequent (parking, toilets and picnic areas) and emergency phones are every 2km.

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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Germany

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle and first-aid kit. Spare set of bulbs and fire extinguisher recommended.

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 licence acceptable. Minimum driving age is 18 (but for mopeds ages range from 16-20 years depending on the cc of the motorcycle).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front and rear.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in a fine.

Fines: Fines for motoring can be charged on the spot or have a seven-day allowance in which to make the payment.

Parking: A parking disk system operates in major towns. Disks are available from police, tourist offices and tobacconists. Parking meters operate in certain towns.

Caravans and trailers: Different speed limits for vehicles towing trailers and caravans.

Motorcycles: Helmets compulsory and headlights to be used 24 hours.

Insurance: Third party 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.

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Greece

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. Spare set of bulbs recommended.

Speed Limits:

Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 68mph (110kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire 199
Police 100
Ambulance 166

Driving Licence: Full UK Licence acceptable (minimum driving age of 17, and 16 for low cc motorcycles). Also note that category P licences that are valid in the UK for driving mopeds up to 50cc are both valid in Greece.

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under ten are not permitted in the front seats.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in an on the spot fine.

Fines: Motoring offences can attract a fine payable within ten days.

Parking: Meters operate in Athens. Parking is limited in Athens, but visiting tourists are exempt from some regulations. A red rear light must be displayed if parked on a public road at night.

Caravans and trailers: Observe different speed limits.

Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory.

Motorways: Are known as Ethniki Odos. Toll charges apply on all motorways and must be paid in cash.

Insurance: Third party is cover is compulsory while a green card is recommended.

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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Italy

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle, set of spare bulbs and a reflective safety vest (in case of a breakdown). A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher are also recommended.

Speed Limits:

Motorways 81mph (130kph)
Major roads outside towns 68mph (110kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire 115
Police 113
Ambulance 118

Driving Licence: Holders of the old style green UK licences should change them for the new photocard licence or obtain an International Driving Permit. (Minimum driving age is 18.)

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Child safety harnesses are compulsory for children of four years. Children between four and 12 cannot travel in the front unless using a suitable child restraint.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in a fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract on the spot fines.

Parking: Blue zones operate in major towns.

Caravans and trailers: Observe different speed limits. Toll charges increase when towing.

Motorcycles: Helmets are compulsory and headlights are to be used 24 hours.

Insurance: Third party is compulsory while Green Card is recommended.

Motorways: Known as Autostrades (signs are green). Most require the payment of a toll payable in cash or by "Viacard" which are available from tollbooths. Viacards can be used in automatic and manual booths and must be bought with cash.

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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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 accepted.

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 years must sit in rear unless using approved child seat.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is recommended.

Fines: Motoring offenders have 21 days to pay fines. On-the-spot fines are imposed for parking offences.

Parking: Meters are in use with a maximum time of two hours.

Caravans and trailers: motor caravans, caravans and trailers require a temporary importation permit. Note different speed limits for trailers and caravans.

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.

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Netherlands

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle, first-aid kit, spare set of bulbs and fire extinguisher are all recommended.

Speed Limits:

Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 50mph (80kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire, police and ambulance 112

Driving Licence: Full UK licence accepted. Minimum driving age is 18 (or 16 for mopeds).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 are not permitted in the front unless in an appropriate child seat/harness.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in an on the spot fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract on the spot fines. Speed cameras, speed traps and unmarked vehicles are widely used to monitor speeding.

Parking: Blue zone systems operate. Disks can be obtained from police stations. Vehicle parked more than 30 metres from a street light require parking lights. Illegally parked cars will be wheel-clamped.

Caravans and trailers: Observe different speed limits when towing.

Motorcycles: Helmets compulsory and dipped headlights strongly advised during the day.

Insurance: Third party is compulsory while a green card is recommended.

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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Portugal

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle, a spare set of bulbs and fire extinguisher are recommended. A reflective safety vest is also required (to walk to an emergency phone in the event of a breakdown).

Speed Limits:

Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 56mph (90kph)
Built-up-areas-31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire, police and ambulance 112

Driving Licence: Full UK licence accepted. Minimum driving age is 18 years (and 16 years for mopeds up to 50cc).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 are not allowed in the front unless in an approved harness, and babies under three years of age must use an approved baby-seat.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in a fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine. An official receipt should be issued.

Parking: park in the same direction as the traffic flow. Parking meters operate in most cities. Illegally parked cars will be wheel-clamped.

Caravans and trailers: Towing vehicles should display a sign (yellow triangle with blue background). Caravan contents should be listed and made available to the police when requested. Observe different speed limits when towing.

Motorcycles: Dipped headlights are compulsory 24 hours, and helmets are compulsory on machines over 125cc.

Insurance: Third party is compulsory while a green card is recommended.

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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Spain

Vehicle Requirements: Two warning triangles, a spare set of bulbs, a spare pair of spectacles (if needed for driving), a spare wheel and a reflective safety vest (to walk to an emergency phone in the event of a breakdown).

Speed Limits:

Motorways 74mph (120kph)
Major roads outside towns 62mph (100kph)
Built-up-areas 31mph (50kph)

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Fire 080
Police 091
Ambulance 061

Driving Licence: Holders of the old style green UK licences should change them for the new photocard licence or obtain an International Driving Permit. The minimum driving age is 18 years (and 16 years for mopeds up to 75cc).

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in a fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine. An official receipt should be issued.

Parking: The calendar is often used to allow parking on different dates. On even numbered dates parking is on the side of even-numbered houses. On odd numbered dates parking is on the side of odd-numbered houses. Blue disk parking zones are also common. Disks are available from hotels and travel agencies. Illegally parked cars can be towed away.

Caravans and trailers: Towing vehicles are required to have two external mirrors. Observe different speed limits when towing.

Motorcycles: Dipped headlights are compulsory during the day, and helmets are compulsory on machines over 125cc.

Insurance: Third party is compulsory while a green card is recommended.

Tolls: Most toll stations accept credit cards but it is advised to carry cash.

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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Switzerland

Vehicle Requirements: Warning triangle and a spare set of spectacles (if needed for driving). A first-aid kit, spare of set of bulbs and fire extinguisher are also recommended. All vehicles must drive with dipped headlights during the day

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 or 117

Driving Licence: Holders of the old style green UK licences should change them for the new photocard licence or obtain an International Driving Permit. The minimum driving age is 18 years and 14 years for mopeds up to 50cc.

Seat Belts: Compulsory in front, compulsory if fitted in rear. Children under 12 years are not allowed in front unless in an approved seat or harness.

Nationality: A nationality sticker is compulsory - failure to display one may result in an on the spot fine.

Fines: Motoring offences attract an on the spot fine and fines are imposed for using motorways without displaying a vignette.

Parking: Blue disk parking zones operate in most towns. Disks can be obtained from petrol station, garages, kiosks and police stations. Wheel clamps can be used on illegally parked cars and parking on the pavement is also prohibited.

Caravans and trailers: Caravans over 2.3 metres and up to 2.5 meters wide, which weigh over 3.5 tonnes, must be towed by a 4-wheel drive vehicle. Total length of the combination must not exceed 18 metres. Some roads are closed to caravans and some trailers. Note different speed limits when towing.

Motorcycles: Helmets and dipped headlights are compulsory.

Motorways: To use a motorway (autobahn) a "vignette" pass must e displayed in the windscreen (a vignette must also be purchased for any caravan or trailer that you may be towing). These can be purchased from the border or service stations before entering the country.

Insurance: Third party is compulsory while a green card is recommended.

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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