Guides6 min read
Driving in Europe: what every visitor should know
Tolls, low-emission zones, which side of the road, and the kit your car legally needs. A practical primer before you hit the road.
Driving across Europe is one of travel’s great freedoms — but each country has its own rules. A few minutes here saves you a fine, or worse, at the roadside.
Before you drive
- Most of mainland Europe drives on the right; Ireland, Malta and Cyprus on the left.
- Carry your licence, the rental agreement and proof of insurance at all times.
- Many countries require a warning triangle, hi-vis vest and sometimes spare bulbs — good agencies supply these.
Tolls and city zones
- France, Italy, Spain and Portugal use motorway tolls — keep a card handy or ask about an electronic tag.
- Low-emission zones (ZTL in Italy, Umweltzone in Germany, ZFE in France) restrict or fine non-compliant cars in city centres.
- Ask your agency whether the car carries the right sticker or registration for the cities on your route.
On the road
Speed limits change at borders and in the rain; alcohol limits are lower than many visitors expect and near-zero for new drivers in several countries. When in doubt, slower and sober is always right.
Pick your car up from a local DRIVO agency and you can simply ask them — they know their region’s quirks better than any global call centre.